Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1904-03-30
Baltimore Conference.

The Baltimore Annual Conference OF
the Methodist Episcopal, Church South
began, this morning, its 12Oth session at
the house of worship of that denomina'
ton Of Christians on Washington street,
in this city.
The opening sermon before the Con-
ference was delivered last night by Rev.
John A. Anderson, of Central Church,
Baltimore. A large congregation was
present.
The Baltimore Conference held a ses-
sion in Alexandria in 1892; and since
that time, at intervals Of less or greater
number OF years it has been held here,
originally by the ministers of the NJ. Z.
Church but later by those of the NJ. E.
Church South.
The Baltimore Conference has men,
bership OF SO, $50, who worship in 500
churches, valued at 81, S74, $50. There
are $50 Sunday-schools, with 5, 443 Of
icers and Al, $50 members.
The conference, today represents the
Southern Methodist Churches in Virginia
Maryland and the District of Columbia.
The rolls show over three hundred men,
bers, and over two hundred of these
have already arrived.
Bishop Alpheus w. Wilson, L. l.. d.,
presided and the conference was opened
with devotional exercises.
Bishop Wilson was promptly in his
seat and after hymn 21S, 'How happy
these who hear the joyful sound" was
sung,-the Bishop offered prayer and
read a selection from the scriptures-the
last prayer ofthe Redeemer. The confer
ence was somewhat slow in filling up,
but the business of the day was opened
at the hour appointed
The hymn, "Jesus the prisoners fetter
breaks" was then sung, and Rev. James
L. Alexander subsequently offered
feryent prayer. The Secretary of the last
conference then called the conference
roll and from time to time announced the
passing from this life of members OF the
conference, who had died since the last
session of the conference, as "dead in
glory" Over two hundred answered
10 tnelr names.
Rev. James E. Armstrong was reflect
ed Secretary of the conference.
Rev. L. V. REGISTER, G. t. Tyler, j.
P. Stump, H. S. Col, w. W. Waters,
II. w. Burruss and Chas D. Bulla were
chosen statistical secretaries.
]. l.. Kible was appointed, but was
excused from service. The conference
hours were fixed to meet at a. m. and
adjourn at II a. m. The bar of the con-
ference was fixed at the third window OF
the church.
The members of the conference then
came within the bar. The nominations
of the standing committee we're then
made by the presiding elders and sccept-
ed by the conference.
Revs. DR.. Stump was appointed in
place of Rev. DR.. Ferguson on the board
of missions.
Rev. J. L. KILLER and ]. B. Henry
were appointed to fill vacancies on the
board of education.
Rev. H. G. Feebry was appointed to
take charge of the mail as postmaster of
the conference.
The publishing committee of the Book
House, at Nashville, submitted its report
showing an increase in sales and profits
The net gains was $50, 96l.O2. The re-
port was received.
The report of the church extension
board. showing an increase, was read and
received; $50 churches were aided. The
value ofthe church property has increased
more than two millions,
The 10th question and the subsequent
ones, relating to supernumeraries and
superannuated ministers were then asked,
and the names of those desired to be
continued in the same relation we're re-
ferred to the committee on relations.
The reports of the presiding elders were
then called for.
Rev. w. II. Harper, 2. E., of the
Baltimore district, made most favorable
report of the churches in his district,
showing debts paid new churches and
reviyals with great promise.
Rev. B. w. Bond, p. E of East Bal
timore district, made report showing
that there has been 372 conversions and
an increase in Sunday schools and Ep-
worth League work. The fire had in
iured the work and the failure of the
oyster trade had diminished the receipts
in some of the seaboard churches.
Rev. DIR. Lamar, agent of the Book
Concern, Rev. A. 7. Watkins, of super
anuated fund, and Rev. DR.. De Voss, Of
the Epworth League work, were intro
duced to the conference and received by
rising vote.
The reports of presiding elders were
then resumed.
Rev. J. w, Dufey, P. f., of the
Washington district, reported excellent
work and eulogized especially the gen.
erosity of the church at Fredericksburg,
which had given abundant support,
to its disabled pastor and also provided
for the stated preaching.
Rev. II. P. Hamill, P. E., of the
Winchester district, reported several
deaths of ministers but no intermission
ia the work Of the ministry. A site for
new church at Front Royal had been
bought.
Rev. David Bush, P. E., Of the Rock
ingham district, reported most favora-
BILE year. The work in all the charges
was full of interest. Many souls had
been received on confession of faith.
Some charges had overpaid their pastors
salaries and conference assessment. One
new parsonage had been built, and there