The Washington herald., 1916-04-01
WILSON HONORS
BISHOP ASBURY
President Joins Baltimore
Conference of Methodists
in Eulogizing Leader.
HE QUOTES WASHINGTON
Early Union of All Branches of
Methodism Is Theme of Ad-
dresse-Daniels Speaks.

President Wilson, in a memorial ad-
dress before the Baltimore Conference
OF the Methodist Episcopal Church last
night at Foundry Church, eulogized the
life work Of Bishop Francis Asbury
whose centennial was celebrated yester-
day.
Occasionally" he said, there arises
figure like that Of Francis Asbury, a
knight Grant in the interest of rescuing
the soul from this absorption in its
physical environment and bringing 1t out
where 1t can breathe the pure air OF the
uplands where the spirit of God moves
upon u.s."
In the address of introduction, Bishop
Earl Cranston, presiding officer on the
conference, paid a glowing tribute to
President Wilson. He offered the Presi-
dent the congratulation of the conference
and asserted the members were proud of
the signal proof he has given of his kind
ness for mankind.
Quotes George Washington.
President Wilson, in reply, read the re-
ply OF George Washington in an address
which the first President made before the
original Baltimore Conference, concIud-
ing with the words: II shall always
strive to prove a faithful and impartial
patron of genuine vital religion. l take
In the kindest part the promise you
make Of presenting your prayers at the
throne Of grace for me and l likewise
implore the divine benediction on your
selves and your religious community"
Bishop Theodore S. Henderson opened
the service with an address entitled "On
the Trail of Asbury''
Secretary of the Navy Daniels closed
the services with a short address in which
he also eulogized the life of Bishop
Asbury.
Hope of an early union of all branches
or Methodism with the support of Bishop
Earl CranstOn was expressed at the day
sessions. Bishop Cranston, who will be
retired at an early date, made The
Unity of Methodism" the theme of
prophecy in an address Tuesday The
speakers yesterday lauded Bishop Grams
ton as the leader in the eventual unity of
the church, north and south.
FOLLOWING an address by Rev. F. J.
Prettyman. delegate OF the Methodist
Church. South. in which he asserted the
sister conference was eager for an early
union. the conference voted to send
reciprocal greetings to the next confer
ence of the Methodist Church, South. ex-
pressing a desire for a united service.
By vote of the conference and with the
admonitiOn of Bishop Cranston against
imitation Of Billy Sunday. and to be
natural manly, and to stand by your
own character" ten candidates were ad-
mitted into full connection with the con-
ference.
Bishop Cranston lauded Billy Sun
day for consistency in preaching the
Bible and adapting himself to his
audiences. in admonishing the success
full candidates.
Sunday is an example of one kind
of preaching" he said. He gratifes
and wins them. You must win them
after your own fashion"
The candidates will be ordained to-
morrow.
A report from the board of confer
ence claimants urging increased sup
port for retired preachers was sub
mitted by Rev. J. B. Hingeley. Rev.
L. T. Wilderman. agent of the Bible
Society and secretary-treasurer of the
educational fund, submitted the re-
port of that body.
II. s. Omohundro Honored
H. S. Omohundro yesterday was
chosen president of the laymen's con-
ference of the Baltimore Conference
for the Washington District. Other Of
fcers elected were David Abercrombie.
Baltimore district; R. E. Aronstein,
East Baltimore district; L. NJ. Bender,
Frederick district; F. W. Bolgisno,
Washington district, and George J.
Smith, West Baltimore district. vice
presidents; William Nilsson, jr., H. N
Kern and r. c. Beall, secretaries; L.
L. Derrick. treasurer. Members of
the executive committee: J. s. Raw
lings, Baltimore district; L. NJ Bacon,
East Baltimore; Judge A. Taylor,
Washington; Edward Dixon. Frederick,
and DR.. George c. Shannon, West
Baltimore district.
Bishop Cranston made a strong plea for
the unity of the three branches of Meth
odism. He related the history of the
severance of the two conferences, but
predicted they would be reunited within
four years. He also urged the appoint
ment of colored bishops to preside over
the colored conference.
The lay electoral college session yes