The free lance. (Fredericksburg, Va.) 1885-1926, 1899-07-25
THE METHODIST DISTRICT CON-
FERENCE.
A Successful Session at King George
C.


held at King George Court House last
week was called to order Wednesday
morning at 10 O'Clock by Bishop a w
Wilson. of Baltimore, who presided
over the sessions. Mr.. John w q.
Davis. Of Westmoreand, was secretary
and Rev. w. &. Burch, of Richmond
county. assistant secretary ffesidlhR
Elder j. Ii. Amiss WAS present ana
was untiring in overseeing the all airs
of the district. The Bishop called the
roll of the circuits in the district ana
when the name Of one was reached the
pastor in charge arose and gave yef
bal report, stating the number 81
churches. Sunday schools, missionary
societies. Epworth Leagues, &c ON
his charge, and describing the conu'-
ton Of the church property, whether VI
not his circuit was in debt. his mode
of raising the money assessed Tor the
various boards. &c As pastor Gtter
pastor concluded his report, each was
questioned by chairmen of the various
committees in regard to the spirltu'l
condition Of the churches, the activity
of the members, the growth in grace oil
the young converts, whether or not the
church members had family worship
in their homes. and various other points
relative to the spiritual welfare Of the
Methodists in the Rappahaunock dis
trict.
The reports showed rapid progress
made by some Of the circuits Pastor
Williams, Of Spotsylyania, said he was
serving his fourth year His report
showed his circuit to be in most
prosperous condition.
The conference suspended business Ut
If 80 A. Nj. each day, and gave place
to religious worship. The opening ser
mon on Wednesday, the first day WAS
preached by Rev W. b Jett, Of Essex
Circuit, a native Of King George and a
son Of Dr.. William n Jett OF Port
Conway. a large audience listened
very attentiyely to the young divine
and hosts Of King Georgians gave him
most cordial greeting after the ser
vice was concluded.
On Wednesday afternoon Rev John
T. Deshazo. of Mathews. preached an
impressive sermon.
Thursday at II 80 A. NJ. Bishop Nll-
son preached a sermon OF rare ability
before an immense audience. which
represented the different sections OF the
surrounding country.
DR.. w. W. Smith of Randolph Macon
College, participated in the sessions %
Thursday and Friday.
one of the prominent figures on the
floor Of the conferences was Rev. Dr. W.
A. Croker, Of Northumberland county
Rev. T. J. Wray, pastor in charge Of
the King George Circuit, worked hard
for weeks prior to and during the CON
ference to provide comfortable homes
and ample dinners for the ministers
and delegates, and for the hundreds OF
visitors Baptists and Episcop'lians
Joined with the Methodists in throwing
omen their doors to the visitors. Good
things" were daily provided IN pro
fusion. and the pastor and his commit
tee saw to it that no one went away
without a good dinner.
Mission work was one Of the leading
subjects considered, and It was very
interestingly discussed by Presiding
Elder Amiss DIR. W. A. Crocker, Rev
O. r. James, Rev Mr.. Anderson, Mr. '
W. Mcdonald Lee. Rev. John l.. De-
shazo. Mr.. John W. O. Davis, and
others. and the report Of the Commit
tee of Missionary Work was an able
paper
White Stone, in Lancaster county
was selected as the place for holding
the District Conference in 1900.
While Bishop Wilson was preaching
in Trinity Methodist Church Thursday
the overflow congregation listened to
fine sermon by Rev James Cannon, Of
Blac ksburg Female Institute, IN 81
Johns Episcopal Church.
The conference closed Friday after
noon, after a very successful and satis-
factory meeting. The King George
people were gratifed at having the
pleasure of entertaining so pleasant and
distinguished body.