The morning Astorian. [volume] (Astoria, Oregon) 1899-1930, 1907-12-13

Edwards, open Doors for Mcthodism,
was the theme OF Rev, John OVAL, pas.
tor OF the First Swedish Methodist
Church OF Portland. The speaker said
that when Bishop Foss was in Sweden
he was so delighted with the clear cut
Christian character of the people that
he declared that ii Wesley were to re-
turn and make tour in search OF the
real type Of Methodism, pure and simple
he would find it in Sweden, The work
OF our church in relation TO the foreign.
born population OF Oregon was discussed
with vigor by Dr. Hollingshead and DIR.
RAIDER. An Important communication
vas received from the president OF the
laymen's association and the conference
took action thereon. Prayer was offered
for DIR. Ford, OF Sunnyside Church OF
Portland; very tender spirit OF
sympathy being manifested for DIR. Ford,
who is critically III. Prayer was also
offered for the trustees of Willamette
University. who meet in Salem today,
that great success may crown their
efforts in planning wisely for this great
institution.
A very interesting discussion on the
topic, "Why the Presiding Elderf" was
led by Rev. Asa Sleeth in most original
and striking address, the concensus OF
opinion being that the presiding elder Is
still an imperative necessity under our
plan OF work as It now exists. "The
Distributing OF the Bishops question
that will come before the general con
ference in May. was vigorously dis
cussed. some difference OF opinion being
manifested in regard to changing the
policy OF the church relating to this
work. The question OF conference evan
gelists and their relation to the work
Of the church came before the confer
encc.
The afternoon session was opened by
devotional service led by Brother Chap
man, and then briet report OF their
work was given by the preachers
present. DIR. d. A. Walters, conference
agent for the permanent fund Tor
superannuated ministers. made strong
appeal in behalf OF these honored men
and women. who have labored so faith
fully in Oregon.
DR.. RAIDER spoke on the literature o.
our church and Rev. +. Getlin read
paper on the "Word Of God"
At the evening service Rev. J. /
!sbbett, OF Central Church, Portland
conducted the opening ievotions, after
which the committee on resolutions pre-
sented its report. Rev. w. X. Jeffrey, IN.
reading the same, which was as follows
Resolved that we hereby express oni
appreciation Tor the cordial way IN
which this church has been opened fo'
holding sie sessions OF our District
r.. ,s,a.tsuu
Resolved, that we further express
our appreciation to the pastor and his
wife, and to the loyal people OF this
church, for the cordiality extended to us
as body in the delightful reception
given us in this church; and also for
the splendid entertainment given us as
individual preachers in the various
homes OF this good people.
"Resolyed, that we heartily extend a
vote OF thanks TO the press OF Astoria
for the kindly way in which they 'Iave
opened their columns for the report OF
our sessions"
The report was unanimously adopted
by the conference, brief address being
given by Rev. w. b. Hollingshead ap-
peciative Of the generous reception ac-
corded the conference, and OF the in
spiration in the conference session for
those who were present
DR.. RAIDER preached a sermon on the
theme, "Come Over Into Macedonia and
Help U.s." The mistakes Of the church
and its errors, its misconceptions Of tne
many precious truths taught by the
Savior, were clearly shown by tracing
the historical evidence concerning the
same. The conception, the purpose and
the final mission of the Christian relig.
ion was to make men like Jesus in
character, and to do this we must have
a. vision Of the purity and beauty OF
the Christ life. Certain kinds of reviyals
both ancient and modern were, in the
mind Of the speaker a detriment to
the progress of true religion. The old
heart Of the world is aching for love
and Christ-like persuasion. The sermon
was helpful, instructive and inspiring
and fitting close to a splendid con.
ference of our ministers and members.