The Montgomery advertiser., 1904-12-10
NEGRO METHODISTS.
Conference Opened at wetumpka D
 Bishop Clinton.

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 Conference Opened at wetumpka by
 Bishop Clinton.
 wetumpka, Dec. S.-(Special. 1.-The conference of the A. M. E. Zion Church. convened at wetumpka on Wednesday morning, Bishop George w. Clinton, D. D., of Charlotte, N. C., presiding.
 After the singing of the familiar con- ference hymn, And are we yet Alive, :" the Bishop read as Scripture lessons the 1st Psalm and the 4th chapter of Philippians. In his comment upon the same he emphasized right-thinking and Cody action as the characteristics which should distinguish Christian ministers and as essential qualifications to make them good leaders.
 Prayer was offered by Presiding Elder J. T. McMillion, who is also Secretary of the Christian Endeavor de- partment of the A. M. E. Zion Church.
 The conference was organized as fol- lows: Rev. J. Gomez. chief secretary; Revs. F. M. Brooks, w. F. Madison and Professor B. Ivey. assistant secretaries; Rev. c. c. Alleyne. private secretary to the bishop.
 At 12:3O p. m., Rev. J. c. Laramore, Presiding Elder of the Union Springs District preached the sermon prepara- tory to the administration of the Lords supper. using as a text St. John xix, IT and as a theme, the place. of Christ. The sermon was full of thought and impressively delivered.
 The bishop assisted by Dr. George L. Blackwell. of Philadelphia! and Dr. John F. Mordans of Charlotte, N. C., corresponding secretory of mission and general manager of the publication house of the A. M. F. Zion Church, respectively. administered the Lord Supper to about no ministers and dele gates.
 The afternoon was devoted to the collection of general claims. Drs. Black well and Morland and Rev. J. T. Mc- Milan represented their departments in stirring addresses and made good collections.
 Already marked increase in the col lection of general claims as well as an increase in church membership through revivals, are evident from the few reports thus far given in. At the evening session Elder Joseph Gomez. Presiding Elder of the Opelika District preached the annual sermon.
 This mornings services were opened with devotional exercises. The Script ure lesson was read by Dr. G. L. Black well. Aomans 18th chapter was the
 
 a lucid explanation of each verse: em- phasizing the equality of every member of Christ's Church and the importance of thinking of ones self in proportion to the gifts possessed. Rev. S. W. Jackson offered a fervent and inspir- ing prayer.
 The remaining hours of the morning session were spent in collecting con- nectional claims. The brethren pre- sented very favorable reports.
 During the afternoon session the bishop delivered his Episcopal address. It was full of thought, Illuminating and instructive. Among other things he said: q am glad to note the sub stantial progress which is being made in our church work, along both spiritual and temporal lives. I am equally pleased to see that our min isters are striving to better equip them selves for intelligent and successful work. am yet more pleased to sec that they are endeavoring to live in harmony with the dignity of their high and holy calling. In proportion as our ministers become efficient work men, men of virtue and integrity, ex- amples in industry and frugality, in that same proportion will they be able to impress these needed lessons upon the people they serve, the communities in which they live and thereby elevate our people and make them substantial and respected citizens of the commu- nifty.
 Nothing gave me greater delight than to observe the steady progress of our people in those sections through which I was permitted to travel in my visits among the churches in this con- ference. This progress is more evi- dent in the rural regions especially along the line of acquiring property than elsewhere.
 At the evening service the missiona- ry sermon was preached by Rev. B. M. Gudger, P. E.. of the Wetumpka dis trlct and an address on missions de- livered by Dr. G. l.. Blackwell of Phila- delphia, Pa, corresponding secretary of missions. and special collection lifted to be devoted to the missionary cause.
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