Evening journal., 1911-03-18


labor. have been away from my work
less than one week. and have given my
time. my brain and my heart TO IT, l
have received from tho Churches and
pastors sympathy and cooperation
there is no exception.
I'VE were met when we entered
upon our duties with receptions and
kindly words in a large number of
churches. and were made TO feel at
home among a generous Methodist
public and loyal hardworking pastors.
We were given Godspeed in the heart
lest manner.
1T Is only proper that We should
state upon what theory we have tried
to administer this great office. We have
endeavored to follow the broad policy
of aggressive conservatism, TO keep an
open mind. to advance the Kingdom OF
God and make Methodism livinf
force for righteousness. We have
--<cemed it wise to be more positive
tlan negative. more practical thar
critical more optimistio than pessims.
tie. more constructive than destructive
Upon these broad lines we have
wrought this year. The wisdom OF this
policy viii be vindicated by the re-
suits secured.
I'VE have not followed IN the foot
steps OF our predecessors in holding
four Quarterly Conferences IN each
pastoral charge, but have taken advan-
tage Of the statue in the discipline
which provides for holding the second
and third Quarterly Conferences joint
ly. All the charges with but two excep-
tions approved the change, and the
two charges referred to pay their pas
tors quarterly and. OF course, the pas
tors wanted to have the District Super
intendent come four times, and we did
not blame them.
Churches Increase Salaries.
I'VE found a number of charges
ready to increase the salaries OF their
pastors; We gave tho fullest encour-
sgement to them I'm this very laudable
purpose. The following charges have
Increased their salaries: Rising Sun
Elkton. ST. John, Mt Pleasant and Ep-
worth. each 500; ST. Georges and
Trinity each $50 Some Of our breth,
ren are doing great service for ths
Church upon hard fields with small
pay. Salaries should be increased IN
many other charges at least % pei
cent
Welcome to DIR. Craig.
There has been but one change II
pastors during the year; IN October
last, the brotherly and affable Dr. H.W
Kellog. Of Grace Church was trans
ferred to the Ohio Conference. We fol
low him with our prayers. He was sue
ceeded by the courtly and schoIarl,
Dr. A r. Craig, TO whom We give TIT
glad hand of Christian fellowship. an,
bid him welcome to our ranks as
worthy successor Of the distinguished
men who have filled the pulpit O
Grace Church.
I'VE have recognized the great nee
OF deeper spirituality In our churches
and used our best efforts to promot
II. We have given emphasis to it Il
Quarterly Conferences and In ser
mons. and have done our utmost 81
private and IN public 10 create an IN
terest in it.
Great EFangelistic Campaign.
We secured the services of Bishop
Berry and Anderson Of the Commits
sion Of Aggressive Evangelism, to
with US on December 18th, 1910. w
sent out a call to all our pastors an
people, telling them that a day take
from business and spent in praye
would pay large spiritual dividendl
We append a copy Of the circular lette
which was issued and sent to ou
churches.
Nethodism has been called Chris
tianity IN earnest. That is a brie
and yet true definition OF that forn
OF the Christian faith which unde
God has accomplished SO much for tn
eyangelization Of the world during tn
past hundred years.
Methodism has a large followinl
ana occupies a prominent place anon,
the evangelical forces IN this countr-
and IN lands beyond the seas. In tn,
rapid growth of the work money hal
been needed, and our people have re
sponded In a way which deserves al
praise. During this year our brancl
OF the Methodist family of churche
has raised $40 1000. 900 TO pay our paa
tors and to carry forward our enter
prises.
But rs large as this great sum {
money Is. there Is greater danger Z
placing the emphasis where il doc
not properly belong.
Methodism Is more than anythir
else a soul-saying agency by the graz
of God. The pastor is not a me
ipu gathered to bring to conferen'