Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-09-07
METHODISTS CONVENE
DISTRICT CONFERENCE, NJ. ]
CHURCH SOUTH, IN SESSION.

Special Correspondence of The Star.
HAMILTON, Va. September 6. 1905.
The thirty-eighth session of the Washing
ton district conference of the Baltimore an
nual conference. Methodist Episcopal
Church South, opened last night at the
handsome Methodist Church here.
Rev. ]. 8. Hutchinson. who was appointed
presiding elder Of the Washington district
at the last session of the Baltimore confer
ence, which met in March at Winchester,
Va, is chairman OF the meeting which
will likely last until Thursday night.
Bishop Wallace w. Duncan of Spartans-
burg, S. c., was expected to preside. but
has been Ill and unable to come.
A committee of the local church, led by
the pastor, Rev. Frank A. Strother. and by
George w. Laycock and James b. Pugh,
met the incoming trains and. assigned the
of the conference to their homes.
At the session last night but little business
was transacted. After prayer by Rev. o. f.
Burgess of Sterling, Va, the opening SER
mon was preached by Rev Charles Lynch,
formerly associate editor of the Baltimore
Southern Methodist, and now stationed at
crowded house from I Corinthians, 1918:
For the preaching Of the cross Is to them
that perish foolishness; but unto us which
are saved 1t is the power OF God
As an Institution.
The speaker declared that preaching as
an institution; was peculiar to Christianity.
and was an invention of Jesus Christ him
self. 1t was not known even among the
Jews. Noah's preaching was in the nature
of warning, as Of father to his children.
and although he preached for 100 years, 1t
is not known that single soul needed The
prophets simply made announcements. The
work of the priesthood was but to offer
sacrifices typical of the great sacrifice that
by our Lord, who told that the kingdom
was at hand. and he spoke as never man
spoke What he said never characterized
the talking of any other man, for he spoke
as Of one having authority.
Mr.. Lynch said that preaching Is a per-
manent institution of Christianity. The
time has not come when 1t Is to cease, and
1t still retains its power. The old command
to go out and preach will hold good as
long as there Is world. In the estima-
ton Of men, Jesus is greater than ever be-
fore. Sometimes reflections are cast upon
the church. but seldom upon Jesus Christ.
There Is nothing in the world that has
swayed the hearts of mankind as has the
blessed old gospel, said Mr.. Lynch. 1t is
foolish for people to stand by and not ac-
cept the gospel. 1t has attracted the BRAIN
lest people as well as the lowly. and has
satisfied all conditions of mankind.
Following the delivery of the sermon the
roll was called by L. Pierce Boteler of Ep-
worth Church, Washington. who was elect
ed secretary Of the conference.
Appointment Of Committees.
The presiding elder Rev J. II. Hutchin-
son. occupied the chair today and conduct
ed the opening devotional services. After
the approval OF the minutes OF last nights
session. as rendered by Secretary L. p.
Boteler. the following appointment OF COM
mittees was announced:
On license to prsach-Rsvs. J. P. Stump.
w. H. Woolf, o. F. Burgess.
On orders-Revs. J. H. Light. D. L. Blake
more. J. L. Kibler.
On quarterly conference records-Revs. J.
NJ. Hawley. w. T. Cover and w. r. Myers.
On resolutions-Revs. w. L. Dolly. 8. V.
Hildebrand, J. W. Smith, A b. Pugh anu
H. X. Fields.
The conference agreed to meet at 8 O'Clock
for the morning session and at 2:3O O'CLOCK
for the afternoon. and the bar Of the con-
ference. reserving space for the members
was flxed at line from the fourth bench
from the front OF the church.
The matter Of the election of lay delegates
and also Of the selection of the place OF
holding the next conference were made q
special order of business for Thursday at
ternoon.
Reports Submitted.
Rev. o. F. Burgess OF Sterling. Va. acted
as chairman during the temporary absence
OF the presiding elder and a call was made
for reports from the appointments. Rev. D..
l.. Blakemore of Epworth Church. Capitol
Hill, reported pleasant year and that the
organization is in good shape. The Sunday
school Is we'll organized and every year
raises almost the entire benevolent asses
ment. The Epworth League hopes to fur
nish Bishop Gambler $1O0 for work In Cuba.
He further reported the finances in good
kt.4A tSo. bod hnAr n
to the pastors salary s. w. Goodson re-
ported the prayer meetings of Epworth are
especially well attended.
Rev. P. w. Jeffries of st. Paul, corner I'd
and 8 streets northwest, Washington. stat
ed his church would celebrate Its first ami
versary the 18th instant. He detailed how
the city church extension board an organi-
zation Of all the local city congregations.
had secured the present site and presented
It to the newly organized st. Paul congre-
CATION, which built the edifice that stands
on a portion of the lot. the opening service
being held the 14th day of last May. The
membership of his charge was stated to be
one hundred and thirty. with ninety-fve
Sunday school members and thirty-three in
the Epworth League. Mr.. Jeffries expressed
a feeling OF great gratitude and hope illness
about the work at St. Paul. Edgar F..
Nelson reported that st. Paurs Epworth
League Is the youngest in the district ana
that 1t is hoped to make 1t great help to
the pastor in his work.
otauoiu Chcuie was iepoiteo oy tNcS: "
NJ. Sarver as being in a fairly good spirit
ual condition. Five conversions had oc-
curI ed in a recent protracted meeting, and
family religion is very good in many of the
homes.
Mt. Vernon Place Church.
A. B. Pugh stated that at Mt. Vernon
Place Church. Washington. there is plenty
OF work for pastor and that the incum-
bent In doing splendidly. The Sunday school
and Epworth League are well organised.
and spirit Of willingness predominates
the membership. A mems society of nearly
sixty members meets once month In a
spiritual and social meeting and Is the
place where the men learn to know and
love each other. He said the work of the
City Church Extension Society has been
the means OF forward movement ct