Norwich bulletin., 1912-04-01
TWO DAYS DolNGS AT
 METHODIST CONFERENCE
Resolution Against Returning to the Time Limit in Appointing Ministers to Chargss-Encouraging Reports Heard-ordinstio Service.


 The Methodist Conference Saturday heard encouraging reports from sey- eral heads of missionary departments, and also from Dr. Edgar Blake. secre- tary of the board of Sunday schools who reported a gain of 650,0O0 in mem bership.
 A resolution was introduced to the effect that the sentiment of the South ern New England Conference was that the Methodist Episcopal church should not return to any time limit in the ap- pointoing Of ministers to their charges The resolution was sent to a commit tee. Two reserve delegates to the General Conference were also elected in the persons of Rev. J. r. Cooper of Brockton and Rev. w. l. Ward of Providence.
 President L. II. Murlin of Boston university was one of the leading speakers at the morning session, held in Trinity Union church and a large attendance was noted Dr. Murlin told of the successful work done by that university.
 That the university had the most successful year of its existence of the twelve months past was the statement made by pr. MuTlin- Tt is one of the best managed institutions in the coun- | try" he continued, and I want it un- derstOOd that unless 6 gift is ex- ] pressly designated, it goes into the general fund"
 The speaker referred to the corps of l business men who have the finances of the institution in charge and de- clared that during the past thirty years the university had advanced its finan- ! cial interests at the rate of $1 900 per week.
 1 The university represents the ideals 1 Of the Methodist Episcopal church l and glorious Is the record he contin- ued. In closing, he asked the pray CTS sympathy and contributions of the con 1 ference.
 Talks Upon Missions.
 Prior to the address by President | Murlin. Rev. s. O. Benton, D. D., ad- i dressed the conference in the interests ] of the Board of Foreign Missions, em- phasizing and explaining the emergen- ! cy presented by the indebtedness ol | Southern New England Conference is 1 the best conference in the denomina- 1 tion' brought applause.
 Dr. Edgar Blake. secretary of the board of Sunday schools, speaking in lbehalf of the board and it's work, de- c.ared the situation that confronted the board when it was organized iT 1908 was that flo of the Sunday schools were drifting away
 During the present yeaJ we have shown d gain of more than 650,000 fl our church and more than 600,000 con 1 verts" he said.
 The Sunday school is the thing thar makes for the perpetuity of tn, church" He urged the necessity o more Sunday school missionaries 1T the field, that the magnificent worB that had been accomplished thus fal might be continued and largely tn' creased. He closed by urging that thu board of Sunday schools should havt the first call on the Sunday school of ferings.
 Two Are Admitted
 Taking up the business of the con. ference at this point, Duncan F. bod, and J. Homer Sleutz were admittel On trial 10 the conference, and placed in the studies of the first year. on rec ommendation of the superintendent O their district and of the examining beard.
 On recommendation of the board O examiners, Rev. Charles A. Dawson was continued in supernumerary rela. tions. The following were also admit ted to deacons' orders: John J. Broad head, Constantine Eanunzio, Sumne L. Martin. Chas. N Gregg and Dun can F. Dodd. Harvey w. Harrington was admitted to elders orders.
 Rev. A. A. Wright of the BOstOl Correspondents school was introduced He declared his institution was en gagged in the work of making mel think and explained briefly this worl and announced the exhibit from tn school in the vestry.
 Miss Bertha N. Bowler, representing the WOman's Home Missionary societ of the church, spoke briefly of tn work of the organization. She declare it had a membership of more thai l70,000 and over $3000,000 worth e property, of which was invested | Ideaconess hoHles scattered all over tn country. The organization had grow to such a point that 1t had annual re ceiRts and disbursements of half million dollars. and for this rsaNUn sin . believed. 1t should be supported full and freely.
 Mrs. William H. Thurber spoke fo Ideaconess work at Fall River, explain ed the great strides made in this sor l i of endeavor. in that city, in AttlebOrC i, Providence and other places in tn [ conference. and declared that the dea } lconesses could do more than play an sing. She asked prayers of the con