Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1899-05-31
JULIUS SY(LE B SON,
(rny 31.tt)
WEST DISTRICT CONFERENCE.
This BODY I'm Session mt Centenary
Churcli-Sermon Last Night.

| The district conference for the Wes'
| Richmond District opened yesterday al
| Centenary church. and will continue
through to-day and tomorrow. The dis
trict is composed OF Richmond west OF
Ninth street and the counties of Chester
field. Caroline, Hanover, Goochand, and
King William.
The conference opened at $3.50 yesterday
morning, and was presided over by Rev
DR.. J. Powell Garland presiding elder OF
the district. The following hours were
adopted; Morning session, $50 to +. NJ.
afternoon session, meets at $3.50 and ad-
journs at WILL
The roll OF pastoral charges was called
and the reports of the pastors read. These
reports were, as whole, very encour-
aging. and a great many additions were
reported. The financial reports were good.
Several churches reported debts lifted du-
ring the year. Centenary, Richmond. and
Duncan Memorial, Ashland, reported ex-
tensive interior improvements.
Some Of the country charges advised the
conference that Mormon elders were
growing troublesome in their vicinity.
having In few instances secured mem
bers of their churches.
The conference adjourned at 1 O'Clock,
was no afternoon session.
The opening sermon of the conference
was preached at SI5 last night by Rev.
NJ. L. Wiliambs, Of South Chesterfield
Circuit. His text was Now, when
Daniel knew that the writing was signed
he went into his house, and, his windows
being open in his chamber toward JeTusa-
lem. he kneeled upon his knees three
times "A day and prayed and gave thanks
before his God. as he did aforetIme."
The character of Daniel, the speaker
said. was certainly worthy Of our admira-
ton. Even his enemies coull i1d no
fault In him. Although mis- piety was Sc
verely tested in more ways than one. he
did not become unmndful OF his people.
Mr. Williams went on to show the splen-
did integrity OF Daniels character, and
said: "If more would follow him, how
Christs kingdom would extend He gave
an account Of the election of Daniel to
high place by Darius who those him sim
ply for his great worth. and depicted the
rage and jealousy OF the princes. lie then
spoke feelingly of hatred and jealousy,
and showed their evil effects on mankind.
He said: There are some men who lad
rather see you go down hill than uphill,
and with their insinuations will help you
on your downward career IL possible. All,
my friends" said Mr.. Williams, 'le. us
try to injure no one by making light OF
their good worksr'
He followed out the life OF Daniel show
ing the remorse OF Darius when he
thought Daniel dead and his delight over
finding him alive. and closed his sermon
with beautiful invocation that the con-
gregation might live more ana more like
this man of God.
NOTES OF THE CONFERENCE.
At the close of the services DR.. Garland
made a short speech, outlining the morn
ing's work. and cordially inviting all
Methodists, and especially the members of
Centenary church, 10 be iresent at the
meetings of the conference.
Rev. DIR. Tudor, who provided homes for
all the delegates OF the conference, which
is the guest of Centenary church, offered
the parlors of the church for the use of
the committees at any time.
Thursday night there will be n Sunday
school mass-meeting addressed by DR.. II.
T.. Johnson, of Norfolk.
Bishop ]. c. CRANBERRY will address the
conference at its meeting to-day on the
twentieth Century Methodist Move
ment." Rev. w. ii. Atwell will speak to-
night on missions.
Mr.. l.. G.. Crutchfeld, of the Clay-Street
Methodist church. is applying to the con-
ference for license to preach.
Among the visitors outside the members
OF the conference are Chancellor w. w.
Smith. of the Randolph Schools;
Rev. T. II. Campbell. presiding elder of
the Petersburg District, and Rev. S. C.
of Norfolk.