Virginia citizen. (Irvington, Va.) 1891-1921, 1902-11-21
METHoDlsr CONFERENCE.
Closes Wednesday After Splendid
SeseiOu-The Amendments.

Nlrglnl2S "A n n a i conference
closed On Wednesday night Rich
mond was crowded with delegates
and visitors, not a few Of the latter
being from the Northern Neck.
Charlottesville was selected as the
site FOX next years session.
Every charge from the Northern
Neck had a good report aud it is
with great regret that laws stern
necessity removed some of the pas
tors from this field.
This, the Rappahannock District,
is the banner Rosebud district dur
ing the year, and Bethany the banner
society.
In calling for reports the mimi
table DIR. John Harmon injected
some life into the prosaic proceed
ings at this time.
John HaDnon," called the bish-
op. "Amen" was the reply, and the
tall, gaunt form of the Richmond
minister rose. "Bishop, Union Sta
ton is all right. It's religious au-
tomobile, and it hasn't got any
rubber tires on it, either. You can
hear 1T rumble all over Church Hill.
It's a dream in brick. There are
no old ladies of both sexes over
there who get frightened at vigorous
gospel. Sometimes, bishop, you can
smell birthstone in Union Station"
dangerous place." said the bish.
OPP. 81 want to come over there and
see you ALL"
eyes, sir. We have wanted you
for long time, but the Philistines
have prevailed against US. There are
no frills on Union Station, but the
plug hat and gold cane of Epworth,
Court Street, Broad Street and Gen.
tenary are not in it with u.s."
There is no way to depict the
way in which Brother Harmon said
these things. One must hear him
to understand. He switches from
the most commonplace SMILES to
those that were fragrant with the
choicest diction.
"Did you have to make all that
speech for Union Station?" said
Bishop Duncan.
".Yes. sir. It's big OCCASION"
Gall right. Well pass your char
acter in spite of the speech"
"Bishop, there's big cyclone of
opinion moving along in Union Sta
ton, with its storm centre in nv
heart, that says we don't want a
change"
Every humorous expression and
catchy phrase set the audience
laughing. But beneath the light
vein of humor there was the solid
bedrock OF religious fervor, when
DIR. Harmon gave thanks to God for
the prosperity of his church.
AN AFFECTING SCENE.
There was sunshine and shadow
during the proceedings that day.
DIR. lannon's humor brought smiles,
but when Rev. Richard Ferguson, of
the Mlddlesex circuit, arose to make
his report there was evidenced the
strong bonds of sympathy and af-
lection that hold together in frater-
nal ties the members of this Con-
ference.
Rev. Mr.. Ferguson is one of the
most honored members of the BODY.
He has served the Methodist cause
in Virginia with the same devotion
that he followed the Confederate
dag during the war between the
States. Several months ago his son.
Richard Ferguson, Jr., prominent
physician in Columbia, S. c., was
found dead in his room, and last
week Rev. Mr.. Ferguson lost his de-
voted wife. His afflictions were
known to his brethren in the Con-
ference. When he arose to make
his report, filled with emotion, he
was unable to proceed, and was ex.
cused by Bishop Duncan. Out in
the audience a minister raised the
old familiar tune to Chow Firm a
Foundation, Ye Saints of the Lord"
In an instant the entire Conference
and audience joined in the song. 1t
was a grand expression of sponta-
neous sympathy that came direct |
from the heart of the Conference,
and left its consolation upon the |
soul of the bereayed minister.
N. ii. Robertson, of Prince Ed
ward, was not present on account
of ill-health, but his character was
passed. Referred for superannuated
relations and an appeal made by
DIR. Whitehead for aid for Mr.. Rob.
ertson by the ministers of the Con-
ference. DIR. Whitehead said the
health of the minister is seriously
impaired, and that though he may
ultimately recover, the chances are
against him. In early life he ex-
hausted all his property in fitting
himself for the ministry, and now
he has reached a point where he
needs the assistance of his brethren.
lie has an interesting family, which
is utterly without resources. The
appeal by DR.. Whitehead struck
chord of sympathy in the Confer
ence and collection was taken.
Many generous contributions were
made.
SOME APPOINTMENTS.
j. L. Whitley, Presiding Elder
for Rappahannock District.
White Stone-J. M. Anderson.
Lancaster-R. E. Bentley.
Whealton-R. o. Payne.
Bethany. S. Wallace.
Richmond--N. A. Page.
Heathsville-E. f. Garner.
Westmoreland-W. J. Williams.
Montross-J. K. Holman. L
Essex-Leroy Banks.
Middlesex-R. Ferguson.
DEPARTING MINISTERS.
Rev. j. II. Amiss is made Presid-
ng Elder of Danville District. .