Arkansas State press., 1953-02-06


the call of the RI. Rev. William
Reid Wilkes the presiding bishop.
marked the close of one of the
most colorful and successful years
IN the history of the Twelfth Epis-
copal District, comprising the
states of Oklahoma and Arkansas.
The Council was composed of
the presiding elders of the Dis
trlct, trustees of Shorter College,
pastors, missionary and lay work
ers of the laymen's league, and
the District department of Christ
ian education.
According to testimony of old
timers, the Council was more
largely attended than any of the
Councils in the history of the
District General enthusiasm was
high and hitherto inexperienced
religious fervor prevailed through
out the meeting.
All previous presidents were
shattered when the records reveal
ed that more than ITO pastors
made one-hundred percent reports
in the series of conferences. Each
of them was presented an honor
certificate in recognition of lofty
achievement.
Four presiding elders, namely,
DR., J. B. Miller of the Lawton
District in the Oklahoma Confer
ence, DIR, c. w. Ellison of the Tul-
sa District, in the Northeast Okla
homa Conference; DR.. V. M.
Townsend of the Little Rock Dis
trict, and DR.. F. D. Gipson of
the Fort Smith District, in the
Arkansas Conference, received
one hundred per cent certifi-
Gates for having brought into their
respective conferences their en-
tire Districts with every pastor
thereon one hundred per cent
In addition to receiving certificate
awards, each of these presiding
elders received a humbourg hat
as a gift from Bishop Wilkes and
DR.. T. D. Alexander, president of
Shorter College
One-thousand and two-hundred
and seventy dollars 81 ,27000 was
issued during the meeting to pas
tors of mission charges of the two
states. In round figures. seven
thousand dollars ($7,00000) has
been distributed to under paid
ministers since Bishop Wilkes has
been the heroic and dynamic
leader of the District.
In addition to the afore-men-
toned achievements under the
leadership Of Bishop Wilkes, the
Episcopal District accountants re-
port reveals an increase in the
1852 series of conference financial
reports. Education money for
Shorter College totaled more than
fourteen thousand dollars (S14,-
000). Scholarship money for wor-
thy students in round figures tot
aled eight-hundred dollars $4,000
0O. All correctional monies were
round and above previous reports,
According to the Treasurer Of
the Minute Fund. Minutes for the
nine Annual Conferences were
printed and distributed leaving a
substantial balance in treasury.
This, as observed by brethren who
boast of knowing the record, was
unprecedented
Through a District Development
Fund, set up by Bishop Wilkes,
Churches have been aided in re-
pairing, renovating. and redeco-
rating buildings and relieving
hardships caused by Indebtedness
to the sum Of two-thousand seven
dollars and forty-two cents 49,
007, 42) Moreover. a fund for the
promotion Of Leadership Educa-
ton Institutes totaling one-thous-
and four-hundred five dollars and
fifty-eight cents tS140558) has
been set UP under the leadership
Of Bishop Wilkes.
The whole story cannot be told
at this writing. Many, many, TN
selfish. unheard of developments
have been initiated by the beloved
leader OF the Twelfth Episcopal
District. Through his deep con-
secration, sterling character rug
ged honesty and radiant personal
ity, presiding elders. pastors, and
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