New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-05-05
DIR. KINGS APPOINTMENT.
SECRETARY OF THE CHURCH EXTEN-
SION SOCIETY BOARD.

The action Of Bishop Isaac w. Joyce. OF the
Methodist Episcopal Church at the session OF the
New-York Conference at Newbvrg y. Y, in chang
ing the presiding elders aroused great interest and
considerable criticism in Methodist circles -Four
years ago Bishop John p Newman. While presiding
over this same Conference, caused sensation by
making some radical changes among the presiding
elders He made two districts out OF the New
York district This added presiding elder. or
increased the number to five. Bishop Newmans
course was supported by powerful element among
the pastors and aymen. The argument In defence
OF his action was that the district was too large
for any one man to handle properly. On the other
hand there was another strong element especially
among certain laymen in this city. who were OPP
posed to any change that would increase the ex-
penses Of the district stewards OF the Conference
Bishop Newman's action added a presiding elder
for them to raise money TO support mis- move
was bitterly fought out at subsequent CONFER
ance The district was finally restored TO its for
mer condition.
The recent excitement over the radical changes
made by Bishop Joyce has exceeded all FORMER strs
| In the Conference. The report or the statsticai
| secretary Of the Conference for the last year
| proved disappointing in showing a slight falling
o1 IN numbers The Bishops usually hold the
presiding elders responsible for the condition OF
their districts and his decline. however small, did
| not please the Bishop. The New-York district and
one or two out-oftown districts were as result
stirred up by finding that they had lost their old
elders whose terms of service had not according
10 the time limit. expired. The appointment OF
presiding elder for the New-York district was the
one that created the greatest surprise The Kew.
DR. E. s. Osbon had served only two years In THIS
district He was removed and appointed pastor
OF the Park Avenue one OF the best cnurches IN
this city.
This removal left vacancy to be nlled leIe-
grams from every direction came flying at the
Bishop, protesting against DR.. Osoons removal
In fact, many members Of the Conference war;"
friends Of Dr. Osbon. signed an appeal 10 the
Bishop for his retention. The Bishop nnaiiy de-
termined 10 select one OF the elders OF the con-
ference for this place There are four ministers OF
This Conference that are Familiarity known within
their Methodist circle as the big four They are
Chancellor James R. Day OF Syracuse University:
Bishop Charles c. McCabe; the Rev Dr. James NJ
King and the Rev DR.. Abraham L. Palmer. Ihese
ministers were all delegates at the last General
Conference held in Cleveland in 1896 Their names
uare also all favorably mentioned by many triehos
as suitable candidates for the Episcopate. Ut
McCabe was elected at this Conference nshop'
and DR. Palmer was favored with the next oes'
appointment-that OF secretary OF the Mlssiohary
Society DR. Day was already provided Tor at
Syracuse Bishop Joyce had determined to appoint
tho other member OF the big four presiding
elder of the New-York district Dr. King was IN
stalled in the place.
A new and greater surprise 10 the friends OF Dr.
King was made known yesterday. Oh may =" s'
Roard OF Bishops Of the Methodist Episcopai
church. at Its semi-annual meeting. In Syracuse
elected DR.. King corresponding secretary OF the
BOARD Of the Church Extension Society OF the
Methodist Episcopal Church, 70 MI TIE une1Prhe,a a
term Of the late Rev. DR.. Alpha J; kynett- Ihis
20 considered one OF the best appointments niauo
hv the General Conference. DR. King omciany M
Termed o ssh9 p ' Sys his
home PhsdePhs tn the as presd
ing elder in the New-York district. ,.., man
IN The Wethodist Episcopal Church. He was porn
in 6iirard Penn. March IS lS3s he was g raap
ated with distinction from the wesleyan OnaVsh,a
sity in 1852 For six years subsequently ne h net Coe
nace OF professor of natural science III tne Soie
gate institute Fort Edward he entered , sSe
551inistrv "a a member OF Troy Conference IN Ieo
and during his connection with snsd ooay Tnes
arecting a large and costly church at tne iat.er
nIsce I'm ls73 he was transferred TO the New,iotk
Eonference and had successful pastorates IN Wasn-
ineton Square St James's, Eighteenth street fark
aSan,a and ST Andrews churches. IN THIS cry
He was delegate 10 the EcumencaI Ioht EI
a. Ia ondon in issi and TO the Centennial CONFER
ence in Baltimore IN 1854 He - rusi lee 81 tbe
civ to-day will appoint successor 20 Ut h ny
In The Network district. IL is intlmateo that III
Wilard will receive the appointment.