The morning journal-courier., 1908-03-31
METHODIST AFFAIRS Rev. J. E. Adams and Rev. Dr. Goodenough Prominently
 Mentioned.
FORMER NEW HAvENERS
They Are Mentioned as Possible Del egates to the General Con-
 ference.

This is the time of the year when Methodists are preparing for their yearly sectional conferences. In addl- | tion to them this year there is to be the general conference at which will be present representatives from all parts of the world. It will be held in Balti- more in May, Questions touching every phase of church work will be presented and policies for the future decided
 Amorg a few of the much talked of questions will be that of the length of pastorates. Eight years ago the dis tinctive mark of the Methodist preach CT was removed; up to that time it was impossible for him to remain in one church longer than five years. Then 1t was enacted that while the pastor was appointed to his church year by year, he could be returned as many years the appointing power should so decree. The removal of the time-lmit has not been received with universal favor it begins to look as though the question would again be presented, and there Is no telling as to just the out come. Here in Connecticut the removal of the e-linit has worked most ac- ceptabiy, and quite number of pas tors are now serving long terms; one is on his tenth year, and several are remaining in the same church beyond the former five-year limit But re- turn to the time-l limit will probably be urged by many of the delegates.
 There is another question that Is like ly to be debated. the reduction of the size of the General Conference itself We have now in our ruling body the same number of laymen as ministers; and since that has been the law, the Conference has been very large and un- wieldy. The present body will number nearly eight hundred. The delegates are elected according to the number of >-~inisters. one for every forty-five eff fective members of an annual confer ence. The cslrch press has gieen pub licity to plans from many legislators. There is one that appears feasible and looks as though 1t would work admir- ably it is to elect delegates on the basis of church membership. It pro- poses that the present General Confer ence settle the number to constitute the body in 1912 and then assign the rep resentation according to the member ship of the church. It is the same plan as that followed in electing members of Congress
 Of course the election of new bishops will be among the greatest matters to be considered and decided. The most conspicuous candidate in this region will probably be Rev David c. Downey D. D.. assistant secretary of the Sun day school publications of the church and formerly pastor of the North church of Hartford.
 Among the clergy and local churches the most discussed question is as tC the men who are 10 represent the an nual conferences in the General Con ference. In Connecticut there are twt conferences: The New York East ana the New England Southern. Thert are some men in both conferences prominently mentioned as possible del egates In the New York East, whiel meets next week. Rev. John E. Adams D. D. presiding elder of the New Yorl district and formerly of the New Ha ven district, is probably as favorabi, mentioned as any other of the presiding elders. He is a great preacher and wise and conscientious administrator.
 Among the pastors who are spokel of is Rev Arthur H. Goodenough O Bristol. He holts a conspicuous plac in his community and in the State. Dl