Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-05-21
REPORTS RECEIVED
CoLoRED METHoDISTS HEAR
FROM PRESIDING ELDERS.
Welcoming Address Last Evening by
Commissioner Northumberland
of Local Churches.

Upon reconvening at 10 o'clock this MORN
ing the Philadelphia and Baltimore con-
ference of the African Methodist Episcopal
Zion Church. now in seventy-sixth annual
session at Union Wesley Church on 90
street began the consideration of all mat
tiers pertaining to the collection of the con-
nectional and conference claims. This, i'll
fact held the attention of the delegates
through the entire morning session and had
not been acted upon at the time the report
of The Star closed for the day. These
claims are brought in from all pastorates
over which the conference has jurisdiction,
and much time is consumed in their proper
consideration.
Preceding the morning session devotional
services were held. under the leadership
of Rev. A. c. Washington of Baltimore, Md.
During this afternoons session the reports
of the presiding elders will be submitted
to the body. Rev. Drs. w. II. Gaines, w.
B. Johnson, N. c. Gleaves, w. M. Wharf
of this city and Rev. DR.. w. H. Coffey of
Philadelphia, church extension secretary,
were introduced during this mornings ses-
sion visiting clergymen.
Commissioner Henry B. F. mcfarland at
tended the session Of the conference last
evening and in behalf Of the District govern
ment extended to the $50 delegates a cordial
welcome, expressing sympathy with them
in the hardships which the race is com
PEELED to endure. He declared that right liv-
ing is essential to further advancement and
the basis Of true citizenship.
Mr.. J. C.. Dancy. recorder of deeds of
this city. In behalf Of the colored people
and more especially the assembled dele
gates. responding to Mr.. Macfarland's
greeting. assured the Commissioner that he
had proved a true friend of all classes and
ever willing to hear all versions of stories
in which any person is concerned The
speaker pointed out the phenomenal prog
ress of the colored race and spoke of the
founding of the Zion branch Of the A. M. E.
Church in New York city. Rev. w. H.
Brooks, Mr.. J. P. Scott. Mrs Mary ]. An
derson and Rev. Mary ]. Small also made
addresses.
At the session of the conference yester-
day afternoon. after the close Of The
Stars report, 1t was unanimously agreed
that a committee of three, one member
from each presiding elders district, should
be appointed to draft a petition requesting
the general conference of the church, which
is to meet in quadrennial session at st.
Louis, In May, 1904, to return Bishop G.
w. Clinton for another term of four years.
Revs. w. H. Snowden of this city. w. H.
Marshall of Harrisburg. Pa. and G. L.
Blackwell were named as the committee.
The Local Churches.
In his annual report, read before the con-
ference late yesterday afternoon. Bishop
Clinton referred briefly to the conditions
of the four Zion churches in this city He
said. in part: "Since we met last DR..
Snowden. who has completed successfully
his fourth year, has rearranged the mort
gage on our Metropolitan Church in south
Washington, so that the rate of interest is
much lower than formerly. My two visits
to that church were greeted by good con-
gregations. The church seemed spiritually
alive and in hearty and happy accord with
the pastor" All indications observed by
the bishop led. him to believe that DR..
Snowden enjoys the confidence and esteem
of his people.
Union Wesley the beautiful church in
which our sessions are being held" he
added, has enjoyed another year of mark
ed prosperity and success. Despite the en-
church Is scarcely able to accommodate
the congregations which flock to hear the
Gospel preached by, one Of the most
thoughtful and practical preachers of the
race The spiritual enthusiasm Of this
splendid congregation adds no little to the
popularity which the church now enjoys.
AS to what Union Wesley Is as church,
and as to the quality of Christianity that
thrives here you can be the better judges
as you come in contact with the peO-
pie. and their progressive and Wtde-awake
pastor. AS to their financial condition l
need only say that they always do their
whole duty; and this year will simply add
a new chapter to their history along this
line.
Nearly Half Century.
"At John Wesley Church, which has
stood on Connecticut avenue for we'll nigh
a half century, a most marvellous change
has taken place. The valuable property on
Connecticut avenue, which was involved
In about SIT 900 debt. has been sold. a new
and IDLY located site has been secured
and one of the most beautiful churches in
the city owned by our people has been re-
modelled and completed on the newly pur-
complished under the leadership of Rev.
B. ]. Bolding, DID. The history OF John
Wesley prior to DR.. Bolding's administra-
ton Is we'll known to the members Of this
conferences: therefore ! need not comment
upon the significance Of this achievement.
1t may be said, however, that no man has
done more to push his connection TO the
front and gain for 1t a commanding posi-
ton among the religious forces of the CAPT.
tai city than has Dr. Bolding. In accom-
plishing this great work due credit must be
given Mr.. William Johnson. chairman of
the trustee board, his associate officers and
the loyal members of that splendid church.
Galbraith Church gave the bishop and
all the members of the conference as well
as the members of that church unusual
concern at our last session. After prayer
full elaboration and consultation with
friends. the bishop decided to send DIR.
COrothers. who has won fame as a pastor
and builder in the western New York con-
ference, to this important, but heavily bur-
dened charge. The congregation welcomed
his coming and Joined heartily with him in
the great campaign to reduce that long
standing debt. and make secure to Zion
that valuable and favorably located prop
erty.
The Results.
LAS to the outcome Of this appointment
and the efforts of the appointee have been,
l need only state that at Galbraith Zion
has largely increased membership re-
sulting from a successful revival, and
one Of the largest and most select congre-
cations in the city. The debt has been re-
duced by about $1,000. and the congrega-
ton, which twelve months ago was filled
with anxiety that bordered on despond-
ency. is now one of the most contented,
hopeful and happy memberships In Zion
connection. In accomplishing this great
work. DR.. Corothers has been heartily sup
ported and substantially aided by John C.
Dancey, the prince Of laymen; Mr.. George
c. Scurlock and his official board. faithful
members and many friends whom he has
won. Some Of the noble women and the
clubs which have helped so materially de-
serve special mention. and hope they will
receive such mention at the hands of those
who are familiar with all the particulars
as we'll as with all the persons who have
contributed to the marvellous success. Dr.
Daniels, the presiding elder, has heartily
co-operated with his men in all their ef-
forts. and enjoys the confidence Of pastors