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Smitlwn Christian
M YOON, GEORGIA. DECEMBER 27.1871
Last Words.
With the present number, my long and
pleasant connection with the Southern Chris
tian Ailment* ceases; and it is with no ordi
nary emotion that I address these few final
words to those with whom I have been, for
so many years, holding weekly communion.
Seventeen years make up a pretty large sec
tion in one’s active life; and the work of
those years ought to have borne fruit.
Whether or not my labors have been profit
able to my readers, is for others to decide.
Os one thing lam snro. Mine has been an
honest labor of love—love for the cause of
God, for the Church which I have served,
for the readers for whom that service has
been specially rendered. Regretfnlly I lay
down my pen; regretfally I cease my weekly
catering to their mental and moral needs.
Did time permit, it would be interesting
to review briefly the changes which these
years have wrought—to note how many
fierce wars I have chronicled —to take count
of the changes in empires, kingdoms and
republics, which have resulted from them.
The old world and the new have alike
passed under baptisms of fire and blood,
such as it were well no future chronicler of
passing events need ever to have to record,
in these days of Christian light. But “let
the dead bury their dead;” my thoughts are
on the Church, for which my labors have
been expended.
These few years have been pregnant years
in the history of our Church. It has gained
and it has lost. By the faithful labors of
its ministers, under the blessing of God,
every year has added to the numbers with
in its pale; and but for war and its results,
those would probably bo now double what
they were near two decades back. But all
know what wo liavo lost, by th© breaking
up of our missions, by the dissensions fol
lowing a terrific war, and by tlio disease
and slaughter of the war itself. Why re
peat the mournful story? Or why dwell
upon what they have lost, who have been
diligently taught to treat as a foe, that
Church of Christ, whoso missionary work
had achieved greater triumphs, than had
been wrought elsewhero in the world, since
apostolic days. “That day” will reveal
the crimes perpetrated in the namo of re
ligion, and wo shall not enlarge upon them
here.
The Clmrcli has been spoiled of its sub
stance, and has for these few years past
been achieving its victories, amid poverty
and tears. Depressed --almost overborne by
the favorites of power—brought down by
extreme poverty—it had for a season a se
rious struggle for life. None but those who
stood, in 1865, where the outlook was wide,
Can ever know the paralysis that from sheer
despair was creeping upon the South —the
Church included. But Zion rallied. Her
ministers remained faithful; and hungry,
destitute, almost naked, they still went
with tho gospel of hope to the people, and
they rallied. And these last few years have
been hopeful and healthful years. The
economy of tho Church was modified—the
laiety brought into position, and their zeal
and energy levied on, in many new ways;
and soon the solid phalanx was moving on
to ever new triumphs. If some of the forms
for conserving what is gained or for gain
ing more, are changed, nevertheless, tho
old spirit of life has gono into tho now
forms, and tho vitality of the Church has
not been impaired. The Holy Ghost is
still witli us, oftentimes and in many
places in great power; and every year wit
nesses a healthy and encouraging growth,
in every department of tho Church. It is
the opinion of many of those longest expe
rience, who, in recent years have had tho
most favorable opportunities for wide obser
vation in our branch of tho Church, that at
no period of its history has its promise been
more hopeful. Its struggle with adversity
has developed its powers. And whoever has
helped to contribute to this result may feel
that God has put great honor upon him.
My own labors have been in this direction;
and if I have cheered one fainting soul, or
inspired zeal in any good work, I thank
God for tho privilege and opportunity—only
wishing that I could have done abundantly
more than I have accomplished.
But much remains to be done. The les
sons of tho past should not bo lost. God
gave this Methodist people great wealth.
They wero unfaithful in their stewardship.
He stripped them of their possessions. Had
they, in tho years of their prosperity, lent
their money to the Lord, instead of feeding
their covetousness, and living in luxury, and
pampering pride, they would have had their
own with interest. They did not —they lost
well nigh all; but God is blessing them
agaiu. As my last official warning and ex
hortation to the prosperous men of the
Church, let mo say, “ beware of the errorJof
the past.” “Lay up treasure in heaven.’’
Use your money to push the triumphs of
Christianity. Build her houses of worship
—support her pastors—educate her young
- —build up and endow her Institutions of
earning—work, work for God and his
cause. Thus shall the rains of heaven fall
upon your own souls, and you shall be
“ liko a tree plauted by the rivers of waters. ”
But the time has cbme to cease this hor
tatory strain. The vocation which has
thus far allowed it, I must now delegate it
to another. He will not love the readers of
the Advocate less than the writer does—more
he cannot love them. He will not bo less
faithful to them—less diligent in their ser
vice, or mindful of their profit. Receive
him as a brother beloved in the Lord; and
may his labors for those I now part with
reluctantly, be a hundred fold more fruitful
than mine have been.
My work in this long continued relation
to the Church is done, and it is committed
to the world for its judgment. Some will
j udge hardly of me and of it; but it is
pleasant to believe that very mauy will judge
kindly, leniently. I know I have had faults
—have failed in much; but I can say, with
clear conscience, that I have never done one
an intentional wrong, never been influenced
by prejudice or enmity, in dealing with sub
scribers or correspondents; —and it is a
source of deep thankfulness, that, so far as
I know, J leave no enemies to rejoice over
my disconnection with the paper. If I do,
I hope they will pray God to forgive me, as j
forgive them—as they forgive me. To that
one Master have I sought to stand—though
I should fall to all others.
I cannot say the parting word without an
offering of gratitude to my contemporaries—
the Church editors—for the expressions of
kindly feeling and confidence with which
they noted nay resignation of the editor
ship. lam happy to know, that a sharp
word has never been interchanged with any
■one of them—that we part as friends and
brot&ers. It is an honor to tie fellow-labor
er with sueli men—a reward to have their
confidence. May heaven make them all,
for many years more and more, a blessing i
to the Church.
And now, trusting in the good Providence
which has guided me through all my years, t
Hay down my pen, and offer an ardent'
prayer for the prosperity of the Southern
Christian Advocate, and for gracious favor
upon its new editor and on every one of its
readers. E. H, Mseks.
South Carolina Conference.
The eighty-fourth session of the South
Carolina Conference was opened in the
Methodist Church at 9:30 o’clock, Wed
nesday, December 13, 1871, Bishop Robert
Paine in the Chair.
The Conference was opened with relig
ious services, conducted by the Bishop.
The Secretary of the last session called
the roll, and 85 clerical and 19 lay members
answered to their names.
F, Milton Kennedy was elected Secretary,
andW. C. Power, O. A. Darby, A. J. Staf
ford and L. B. Austin, Assistants.
9:30 o’clock a. m. and 1:30 [o’clock r. m.
were adopted as the hours for meeting and
adjournment.
The Presiding Elder of the District and
the Preacher stationed in Spartanburg, to
gether with Simpson Bobo, Esq., were con
stituted a Committee on Pnblic Worship.
The sixth tier of pews from the front
across the church was fixed upon as the bar
of the Conference.
The Bishop presented a communication
from Rev. J. B. McFerrin, Secretary of the
Board of Missions Methodist Episcopal
Church, South, which was read and referred
to Conference Mission Board.
A paper relating to educational interest
was presented by Dr. A. M. Shipp, and re
ferred, without reading, to Committee on
Education.
The accounts from Publishing House were
presented, and by order of the Conference,
placed in the hands of tlio Committee on
Books and Periodicals.
The report of Publishing Committee of
Southern Christian Advocate was presented
by Dr. Shipp, read, and on motion, referred
to Committee on Books and Periodicals.
On motion, the Presiding Elders, with S.
A. Weber in place of F. M. Kennedy, were
appointed a Committee to nominate the va
rious committees required by the Confer
ence; who, after consultation, presented the
following nominations, which were con
firmed by the Conference, viz:
On Hooks and Periodicals —Hi Wood, J M
Boyd, .T B Tray wick, R II Yeargin and S M
Rice.
On Bille Cause —R It Pegnes, C Senu, J
W Murray, T J Clyde and P M Hamer.
On Minnies — J T Kilgo, M BrowD, J
R Little, G H Kirkland, J F Carraway.
Sunday-School Board —G H Wells, Presi
dent; G F Round, Ist Vice-President; J H
Zimmerman, 2d Vice-President; S J Hill,
3d Vice-President; Aug. W Walker, 4th
Vice-President; A J Stafford, Secretary.
The accounts of the Southern Christian
Advocate were, on motion of F. M. Kennedy,
referred to a special committee, consisting
of G H Wells, F Atild and W W Mood.
Rev. Mr. Law, of the Presbyterian
Church, and Rev. Mr. Bolles, Agent of the
American Bible Society for South Car
olina, were introduced by the Bishop,
and invited to seats within the bur.
Question ll—Who remain on trial ? was
called by the Bishop, and J. Sidney Bease
ley, George M. Boyd, E. Tolnnd Hodges,
Robert N. Wells, Wm. D. Kirkland, Geo.
W. Gatlin and Richard D. Smart, having
passed an approved examination before the
Conference of the first year, were passed and
continued on trial.
William D. Kirkland and Richard D.
Smart, having also passed an approved ex
amination before the Committee of the sec
ond year, were elected to Deacon's orders.
On motion of J. W. Kelly, it was ordered
that the transaction of all financial business
during tho daily sessions of the Conference
be discontinued.
Question XX—Are all the preachers
blameless in their life and official adminis
tration ? was called; and A M Chrietzberg,
J M Carlisle, E T Wannamaker, J T
Wightman, L C Loyal, B G Jones, W Hutto,
W Carson, J C Stoil, .T W Crider, J E Wat
son, F M Kennedy, T Raysor, ltß Tarrant,
J W Mcßoy, J E Penny, R R Dagnall, J
C Miller, F Auld, D J Simmons, C Wil
son, W T A Clarke, J B Campbell, J R Co
burn, were called, ami their characters ex
amined and passed.
L. C. Loyal was required to stand an ex
amination at the next session of the Confer
ence upon those studies which ho had failed
to prepare for thojpresent examination.
On motion, R. B. Tarraut was continued
as supernumerary.
The following resolutions were presented
by Manning Brown, viz:
Resolved, 1. That it is the sense of this body
that a minister of Christ should lie a man of one
work.
Resolved, 2. That it is the sense of this body
that no traveling preacher in charge of work,
shall engage personally in any secular work.
Pending the discussion of which the
hour of adjournment having arrived, tho
usual notices wero announced, and tho Con
ference adjourned with tho benediction by
the Bishop.
Second Day —Thursday, December 14,1871.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment,
Bishop Paine in the Chair. Opened with
religious services conducted by W. Martin.
The minutes of yesterday’s session were
read and approved.
Twelve additional members appeared aud
took their seats.
On motion, it was ordered that tho fur
ther calling of the roll be dispensed with.
H. M. Mood presented a paper concern
ing Cokesbury School, which was referred,
without reading, to the Committee on Ed
ucation.
Question Yll—Who are tho Deacons of
one year ? was called; and the Committee
of the Third Year having reported upon
T. E. Wannamaker, L. C. Loyal and W.
Thomas, their characters were passed, and
they were continued to the class of the
fourth year.
T. E. Wannamaker was requested to ap
pear before the same committee the next
year, upon one of tho studies upon which
he had not been examined.
Manning Brown, the mover of the reso
lutions upon which the Conference adjourn
ed on yesterday, was permitted to withdraw
Question XX—Are all the preachers
blameless iu their life and official adminis
tration ? was taken hp; and J G Griffiths,
S H Browne, Manniug Brown, W W Mood,
E J Meynardie, J L Shuford, J II Zim
mermau, .T W Humbert, iVm Martin, W H
Fleming, H A C Walker, S J Hill, J L
Sifloy, L M Little, A Ervin, S A Weber, A
MeCorquodale, were called, and tlieir char
acters examined and passed.
Allan MeCorquodale was on motiou con
tinued in a supermamerary relation.
The name of P. G. Bowman was called,
and bis presiding elder stated that charges
had been preferred against him, and that by
the action of a Committee of Investigation
he had been suspended from the functions
of the ministry; whereupon, the case was
referred with all accompanying documents,
to the following committee appointed by
the Bishop, viz: W. Smith, J. H. Zimmer
man, I). J. Simmons, J. T. Wightman,
Chas. Betts, J. L. Shuford, Thos. Mitchell,
J. R. Coburn, S. B. Jones, J. Finger and J.
A. Porter.
J B Platt, J E Little, S Jones, AJ Stokes,
J W Kelly, R R Pogues, W W Jones, W C
Power, J A Porter, T Mitclioll, W L Pogues,
A J Stafford, W T Capers, G H Wells, A
W Walker, A Nettles, J) W Seale, T W
Munnerlyn, C Betts, T G Herbert, C H
Pritchard, J B Carpenter, R C Oliver, N K
Melton, wero called and their characters ex
amined and passed.
Chas Betts was on motion granted the re
lation of a superannuate.
J D Carpenter was located at bis own re
quest.
Bishop Paine presented certain documents
from the Laurens circuit, in relation to the
division of property, which, on motion, were
referred to the Committee on the case of P
G Bowman.
After the usual announcement, Confer
ence adjourned with the benediction by the
Bishop.
Thikd Day—Friday, December 15th.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment,
Bishop Paine in the chair. Opened with
religious services conducted by T. Mitchell.
The minutes of yesterday were read and
approved.
Question XX — Was resumed and C Thom
ason, TG Clyde, J B Massebeau, L A John
son, M Abernetliy, J C Crisp, J B Jones, S
Lander, A M Shipp, W Smith, A H Lester
and W P Mouzou were called and their
characters examined and passed.
L A Johnson, and S B Jones were on mo
tion, granted a supernumerary relation.
R P Franks, O A Darby, J Attaway, J A
Wood, J Watts, D J McMillan, F M Mor
gan, It L Harper, D D Byrrs, W A Hodges,
J B Traywick, were called and their charac
ters examined and passed.
J A Wood, F M Morgan, and W A Hodges,
were on motion, made supernumerary.
On motion of L. Wood, Chairman of Com
mittee on Books and Periodicals, S J Hill
and J B Campbell, were added to the Com
mittee.
Question XX—Was resumed, H M Mood,
L Wood, J W Murray, G F Round, J J
Workman, A J Canthen, P F Kistler, W W
Lawton, T S Daniel, J T Kilgo, W Bow
man, J Finger, J A Mood, N P Avant and
G W M Creighton, were called and their
characters examined and passed.
W II Lawton was made supernumerary,
and T S Daniel was located at his own re
quest.
Question XYIII—Who ore superannu
ated? was called, and Nicholas Talley, J W
Townsend, W C Patterson, D Derrick, M
L Banks, A L Smith, E J Pennington, and
A B Stephens were called and tlieir charac
ters examined and passed.
M L Banks was returned to the effective
list, and A B Stephens,* was on motion,
made supernumerary.
At this stage of the proceedings, Rev L
Wood called attent ion to the fact that during
the past year, no death had occnrred among
the members of this body, and suggested that
this stage in the proceedings —the close of
the examination of character —presented a
suitable time, at which to unite in devout
thanksgiving to God for his mercy toward
us; whereupon, H. A. C. Walker was called
upon to lead the devotions, in which the
Conference joined. After the religious ser
vices, Bishop Paine vacated the chair, to
allow a session of the Incorporated Confer
ence. Bishop Paine resumed the chair.
The Committee on Nominations, present
ed the following additional members for the
Sunday-school Board of the Conference,
who were elected, viz: J T Wightmau, C V
Dibble, F Auld, H G Sheridan, M Brown,
J A Elkins, S A Weber, A A Gilbert, W C
Power, J F Carraway, C Thomason, S Bobo,
L Wood, T J Parks, D J McMillan, and
Hugh Prince.
On motion, it was resolved that when we
adjourn, we adjourn, to meet at o’clock,
p. m., in private session.
The Bishop vacated the chair to allow a
meeting of the Conference Tithe Society.
The Bishop resumed tho chair, the usual
notices were announced, and tho Conference
adjourned with the benediction by the Bish
op.
Friday Afternoon — Dec. 15th, 3%, r. m.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment.
Bishop Paine in the chair. Opened with
religious services conducted by F. M. Ken
nedy.
Tho Minutes of the morning's session
wero read and approved.
Tho Committee on Bible Cause, presented
their report, which was read, and after some
instructive remarks by Rev. E. A Bolles,
Agent American Bible Society for South
Carolina, was adopted.
Question XVIII—Who are superannua
ted? was resumed, and L. Scarboro was
called, his character passed, aud on motion,
his relation was continued.
Conference then adjourned with the ben
ediction by the Bishop.
Fourth Day—Saturday, December 10th.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment,
Bishop Paine in the chair. Religious ser
vices conducted by A. R. Danner.
Minutes wero read and approved.
Question IV—Who arc admitted into full
connection? was called, and Jesse A Clif
ton, George T Harmon, J Marion Boyd,
Joseph F England, A Gamewell Gantt,
Christian V Barnes, were called, and the
Committee of Examination having reported
favorably, and they having answered the
usual disciplinary questions propounded by
the Bishop, they were admitted into full
connection, and under
Question VIII—J A Clifton, G T Har
mon, Joseph F England, A G Gantt, and C
V Barnes, were elected to deacon’s orders.
Thomas A. Griffiths, applying from the
Baptized Christian Church, and being elig
ible to ministerial orders as held by this
Commuuion, was admitted into full connec
tion, and under questions Bth and 12tb, re
spectively, was elected to Deacons aud Elders
Orders.
Question X—What Local Preachers
are elected Deacons ? was called, and J.
Sidney Beasely from Upper Orango circuit,
Neil McNair Smith from Bennettsville cir
cuit, J. H. Gault, Fairforest circuit and Ma
bry Manlden from Pickensville circuit, hav
ing been duly recommended by the quarter
ly Conference to which they belong, were
after close examination as to their gifts and
usefulness, elected to Deacon’s Orders.
Questions Xll—What traveling preachers
are elected to Elder’s Orders, was taken up,
and Reuben L. Duffie, Silas P. H. Elwell,
were called aud the Committee of Exami
nation having reported favorably they were
elected to Elder’s Orders.
Question XlV—What local preachers : re
elected elders ? was taken up, and Conrad
Senn, from Lexington circuit, being duly
recommended, and having subscribed to the
doctriues and discipline of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, South, was, after due ex
amination as to his gifts, grace and useful
ness, elected to the office of an elder in the
church.
J. J. Reynolds, a Local Elder in the
Methodist Protestant Church, having certi
fied his subscription to .the doctrines and
discipline of the Methodist Episcopal
Chqrch, South, was on motion recognized
as an Elder, in the Local Miuistry of said
Church.
Ou motion of f'. sl. Kennedy, it
was resolved, that when we adjourn, we ad
journ to meet again at 3* , t o’clock p. V-
Whitefoord Smith, Chairman Committee,
iu the case of P. G. Bowman, presented their
report which will be published with the
Conference documents.
In connection with the disposition of this
case, W. H. Fleming, Presiding Elder, pre
sented a certificate from Rev. P. G. Bowman
that his credentials had been destroyed sev
eral years since, which certificate was filed
with the records of the Conference.
Question XXlX— what amount has been
contributed for missions ? $2,830 09.
Dr. Smith, Chairman of same Committee,
to whom had been referred certain papers
from theJLaurens and Tumbling Shoals oir-
SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE.
cuits, presented a report pending the con
sideration of which, the hour of adjourn
ment arrived, and after the usual notices,
Conference adjourned with the benediction
by the Bishop.
Saturday Afternoon, Dec. 16th, 3}.i r. m.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment,
Bishop Paine in the chair. Religions servi
ces conducted by J. R. Coburn.
Minutes of the morning session werewyd
and approved. G. H. Wells,
Sunday School Board presented a report
J. T. Kilgo, Chairman of Committee on
Minutes, presented a report, which after
amendment was adopted.
L. Wood, Chairman Committee on Books
and Periodicals, presented report which was
unanimously adopted.
A resolution, requesting tho publication of
missionary address delivered by Prof. J. 11.
Carlisle, was presented by J. A. Porter, and
unanimously adopted.
Question I—Who are admitted on trial ?
was taken up and A. R. Danner from
Cypress circuit, Daniel D. DantzLer from
Providence circuit, Dove Tiller from Bish
opville circuit, Thomas W. Smith from
Spartanburg circuit, J. Leo Dixon from
Pacolet circuit, John Kelly McCain from
Dorn’s Mine circuit, Hugh Walker Whitaker
from Anderson circuit, C. C. Fishburue
from Bamberg circuit, Olin L. Durant
from Blackville circuit, and John B. Wilson
from Bennettsville circuit, being duly re
commended, and the Committee of Exami
nation having reported favorably, weiWad
mitted on trial.
On motion of R. P. Franks, John B.
Griffin was left in the hands of the Presiding
Elder of the Greenville district for work.
Question V—Who are readmitted? was
called and 11. O. McKinney, recommeudeil
by the Quarterly Conference of Marion
street Station, Columbia, was readmitted.
On motion, W. L. DePass, J. C. Carra
way and J. T. Parks were granted leave of
absence after to day’s session.
Notices were announced aud Conference
adjourned with tho benediction by the
Bishop.
Fifth Day—Monday, December 18th, 1871.
Conference met at the usual hour, Bishop
Paine in the chair. Religious services con
ducted by L M. Little. Minutes read and
approved.
Bishop Paine announced that he had or
dained the following Deacons and Elders in
the Methodist Church, at the dose of the
morning service on yesterday, viz. under
Question IX. What traveling preachers are
ordained Deacons ? Jesse A Cliftonj Geo.
T Harmon, Joseph F England, Albert Gam
well Gantt, Christian V Barnes, Thomas A
Griffiths, Welbourn D Kirkland and Richard
D Smart.
Question Xl—What local preachers are
ordained Deacons ? G. Sidney Beasely,
Games H. Oanlt, Mabrey Manlden.
Question Xlll—What traveling preachers
are ordained Eiders ? Reuben L Dnffie,
Silas P H Elwell, Thomas A Griffiths.
Question XV—What Local Preachers are
ordained Elders ? Conrad Senn.
A valedictory letter from Rev. E. n.
Myers, D. D., Editor Southern Christian Ad
vocate, was read by the Secretary and listened
to with profound interest by the Confcr
oenc.
Bishop Paine announced that he had trans
ferred Robt. B. Allston to the Little Rock
Conference, and in answer to Question VI,
stated that Marcus A. M. Kibbe had been
transferred from South Georgia Conference
by Bishop Wightman.
Bishop Paine stated that he hair received
letters from Building Committee ind Com
mittee of Finance of Washington stfcifet, Co
lumbia, asking the services of an agent for the
ensuing year, and, on motion, it wawesolved,
that tho Bishop be requested to appoint
such Agent.
A. M. Chrietzberg presented the following
resolutions which were adopted, viz:
1. That the preachers stationed at Orangeburg,
Columbia, Sumter, Camden, Cheraw, Darlington,
Georgetown, Spartanburg, Greenville, be request
ed to procure as many unobjectionable advertise
ments as they can to aid in publishing the minutes
of this Conference.
2. In the event a sufficient number cannot be
secured to publish them gratuitiously, the Com
mittee of Publication be instructed to secure the
printing of a sufficient number of copies to be sold"
by the preachers at not less than 10 nor more than
15 cents per copy, payment to be made on receipt
of packages, or as soon thereafter as possible.
The Secretary presented as below, the an
swers to the following question, viz:
XXI. What is the number of local preach
ers and members in the several circuits, sta
tions and missious of the Conference ? (See
Minutes of Conference.)
XXII. How many infants have been bap
tized during the year ?
Answer —1,690.
XXIII. How many adults have been bap
tized during tho year ?
Answer —1,732.
XXIV. What is the number of Sunday
Schools ?
Answer—427.
XXV. What is tho number of Sunday
School Teachers ?
Answer—2,723.
XXVI. What is tho number of Sunday
School Scholars ?
Answer—l7,Bl2.
The following resolution offered by F. M.
Kennedy was unanimously adopted:
Resolved, That on the adjournment or this Con
ference, Bev. W. C. Power he authorized to take
charge of the Conference trunk and its contents,
and that he be requested to prepare the material
for the minutes of the Conference and the General
Minutes.
The report of Committee in case of re
quest from Laurens and Tumbling Shoals
circuits, upon which the Conference adjourn
ed on Saturday morning, was called up and
was so amended as to embrace only the fol
lowing resolutions, viz:
1. That It is the sense of this Conference that
when a circuit is divided each partis entitled to an
equitable share of the common parsonage property.
2. That whenever the division of a circuit is
contemplated and agreed upon by k quarterly
Conference before the session of the annual Con
ference, an arrangement for the equitable division
of the parsonage property should be agreed upon
at the time, and whenever the division is made by
the Bishop at the annual Conference without pre
vious agreement of the quarterly Conference such
division of the property shall be made within one
year after the division of the circuit.
3. That this adjustment should be based upon
the amount subscribed by the respective churches
(if those amounts can be ascertained) increased or
diminished, as the property atthclime of division
is more or less valuable than when it was purchas
ed. But if this cannot be ascertained or approxi
mated, then the whole question should be submit
ted to the arbitration of disinterested brethren,
two (2) arbitrators to be selected by each of the
quarterly Conferences interested in the property,
and they to select one additional arbiter.
4. That the same principles should be applied
to the division of parsonage property on Districts
Stations and Missions.
On motion of Whitefoord Smith it was or
dered that these resolutions be published in
the forthcoming minntes.
Manning Brown, Chairman, presented a
report on the subject of temperance, which
was adopted.
Report of Committee on Education was
readby H. A. C. Walker, Chairman. Various
amendments were presented and discussed,
and the report as amended was adopted.
The Joint Board of Finance presented a
report etpbodying the answers to Question
XXVII. Whaf; amount is necessary for su
perannuated preachers aijd the widows and
orphans of preachers ? Answer : $7,000;
and Question XXVIII. What has been col
lected on foregoing account; and how has
it been applied ? Answer : $4,149 71 col
lected and disbursed according to provision
of the Discipline, among tho claimants.
On motion, it was resolved that when wa
adjonrn, we adjourn to meet at 3:30 o’clock.
The assessment for Conference collections
and Bishop’s fnnd, were, on motion, left to
the Presiding Elders of the several dis
tricts.
On motion of H. A. C. Walker, Dennis
J. Simmons and John W. Kelly were con
firmed as Trustees of the Belin estate.
Notices were announced and the Confer
ence adjourned with the benediction by O.
A. Darby.
Monday Afternoon —December ISth.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment,
Bishop Paine in the Chair. Religions ser
vices conducted by J. R. Little.
The minutes of the morning session were
read and approved.
Qnestion XX. was resumed, and J. S.
Conjjor was called, his character passed,
and, under Question XVII., he was made
supernumerary.
L. Wood presented the following resolu
tion, which was adopted, viz:
Resolved, That the week preceding and includ
ing the first Sunday in August next, be observed
by solemn prayer throughout the bounds of the
South Carolina Conference for the prosperity of
the Church ; especially for the conversion of sin
ners, and the sanctification of believers.
Question XXX.—Where shall the next
session of the Conference be held ? was
taken up; and Anderson, South Carolina,
was selected as the place.
The following resolutions, presented by
R. C. Oliver, were adopted:
Resolved, 1. That it is the sense of this Confer
ence that steps should now be taken to inaugu
rate a plan for the establishment of a Home for
destitute orphans within the bounds of this Con
ference.
Resolved, 2. That the Bishop be requested to ap
point an agent to take the initiatory steps looking
to this end, and that a committee of three he ap
pointed to co-operate with him.
The Conference then, by vote, requested
that R. C. Oliver be appointed agent; and
that tho Presiding Elder of Spartanburg
District, A. M. Shipp and S. Bobo, be ap
pointed said committee; and they were so
appointed.
Charles Betts, by appointment of the
Bishop, took the Chair.
Whitefoord Smith presented a resolution
on the subject of finances, which, after pro
tracted discussion, was withdrawn, aud the
Conference adjourned with the benediction,
to meet again at 8 o’clock, P. m.
Monday Night, December 18th.
Conference mat pursuant to adjournment,
Bishop Paine in the Chair. Religions ser
vices by Wm. Martin.
The following were announced as the as
sesment upon the several Districts for Con
ference collections and Bishop’s support:
Cons. Cotl. Ilkhop's Support.
Charleston SI,OOO $lB5
Orangeburg 850 100
Columbia 700 85
Cokesbury 950 115
Greenville 600 90
Spartanburg 700 95
Bumter 000 100
Lancaster 450 65
The following resolution, presented by
H. A. C. Walker aud John A. Porter, was
unanimously adopted by a rising vote, viz:
Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference
are eminently due and are hereby affectionately
tendered to Rev. F. Milton Kennedy, the efficient
Secretary of this Conference for the last three
years, for the ability and urbanity with which he
has discharged the aborious duties of the office.
Resolutions complimentary to the citi
zens of Spartanburg for their elegant hos
pitality, to the pastors and officers of the
Presbyterian and Baptist churches for the
use of their pulpits; to the various railroad
companies for reduced fare; and especially
to the President of the Spartanburg and
Union Railroad for providing an extra train
for the accommodation of the members of
the Conference returning to their homes,
were presented by S. A. Weber and W. L.
DePass, and unanimously adopted by a
rising vote, and ordered to be published in
the papers of the town.
George H. Wells was nominated and
elected to preach the annnal sermon before
the undergraduates, on the first night of
the next session of the Conference.
The Bishop announced tho following ai
the Joint Board of Finance for the ensuing
year, viz:
Charleston District.— J T Wightman, G
W Williams.
Orangeburg District.—F Auld, H G Sheri
dan.
Columbia District.—J L Shuford, T J
Lamotte.
Marion District. —T Mitchell, J E Dusin
berry.
Snmter District.—S A Weber, J F Carra
way.
Cokesbury District. L Wood, n T
Wright.
Greenville District.—D J McMillan, L’B
Austin.
Lancaster District.—J R Little, D J Car
ter.
Spartanburg District.—C Tbomaton, S
Bobo.
The Minutes were read and approved, and
the Bishop, after an address to tho Confer
ence, followed by singing and prayer, pro
ceeded to give formal answer to
Question XXXl.—Where are the preach
ers stationed this year?
Charleston District. —W P Mouzon, P. E.
Charleston, ( Trinity and Cumberland,VVhitcfoord
< Smith.
( City Mission, R D Smart.
Bethel, A M Chrietzberg.
Spring Street, J T Wightman.
j Beikeley ct., A Gamewell Gantt.
| Cooper River mis., to be supplied.
Cypress ct., P P Kistler. ,
St. Paul’s mis., to be supplied.
Lower St. George’s ct., A K Danner.
Bamberg cb, T Raysor, C C Fishburn.
Walterboro ct., B G Jones, one to besupplied.
Colleton ct., C Wilson.
Allendale ct., T E Wannamaker.
j Black Swamp ct., J J Workman,
j Hardeeville mis., J B Coburn.
Oranqeburo District.— ll AC Walker, P. E.
Orangeburg st., F Auld.
Eastern Orange ct., W Carson.
Branchville ct., D J Simmons.
Providence ct., J 11 Zimmerman.
St. Matthews ct., J W Crider.
St. George’s ct., W A Clarke.
Edisto ct., D. W. Seale, R B Taunt, £iq u’y.
Graham’s ct., J W Mcßoy.
Aiken mis., G J Griffiths.
Graniteville mis., J C Miller.
Barnwell ct., R R Dagnall.
Columbia District.— S H Brown, PE.
Columbia, j Washington Street st, M. BrowD.
j City mis., to be supplied.
Marion Street st., W D Kirkland.
Richland Fork ct., J K McCain.
Columbia ct., J A Clifton.
Winnshoro ct., J H C McKinney, .1 S Connor sup.
Fairfield ct., J L Shuford, T A Griffiths.
Lexington ct., L C Loyal.
Lexington mis., to he supplied.
Leesville ct., G W Gatlin.
East Chester ct, G M Boyd.
Chester ct, J TKilgo. .
Upper Orange ct., J S Beaseley.
Upper St. Matthew’s ct, J W Humbert.
Agent Washington Street Church, W Martin.
Sumter District, W H Fleming, P E.
Sumter st, J M Carlisle.
Sumter ct, 8 J Hill, one to be sup.
( Santee ct., J L Bifley.
j Manchester mis., to lie supplied.
Lynchburg ct. L M Little, Dove Tiller.
Manning ct, A Erwiu.
Kingstree ct, A Nettles.
Camden st., A J Stokes.
Jobnsonvilie ct., M L Banks.
Timmonsville ct., Geo H Wells.
I Liberty Chapel ct, A J Stafford.
| Lynch’s Creek ct., S P H Elwell.
Bishopville ct, 8 A Weber.
Marion District.— J W Kelly, PE.
Marion st., R R Pegues.
Marion ct, W W Jones.
Buck Swamp ct., T Mitchell.
Little Rock ct, J C Stoll, E T Hodges.
Bennettsville ct., J A Porter, J F England.
North Marlboro ct, W L Pegues.
Darlington ct., J B Campbell, J 11 Wilson.
Georgetown, W C Power.
Bucksville and Couwayboro, W Thomas.
Conwayboro ct. and miss., M A Connolly,
j Waccamaw ct. and miss , R L Duffey.
j Waccamaw miss., to be supplied.
Lancaster District— O A Darby, PE.
Lancaster station, J R Little.
Hanging Rock ct, T W Munncriyu.
Chesterfield ct., J B Piatt
f Cheraw st., W W Mood.
Westfield Creek miss., to be supplied by A J
} Wilson. ,
Harris Crock miss., to he supplied by J W Cow
ard.
Zoarct. and Bynehe’s Creek miss., to be supplied
' by C A Plyler.
Yprkyifie st., A W Walkejr.
York ct., L A Johnson, sup.
flock Bill et., J E'Watspn.
SpAUTANjjDifo District— T Q Hefberf, PE.
Spartanburg st., C B Pritchard.
Bpartanburg et, and miss., to bp Bpppjicd.
Rich Hill ct., N K Melton.
Pacolet ct., J L Dixon.
Fair Forest ct., to be supplied.
Unionviile and Sardis, C Thomasor.
Goshen Hill ct.. T J Clyde.
Belmont ct., J B Massebeau.
Gowansvllle ct., J C Crisp.
Laurens ct., M A McKibben, R N Wells. .
Clinton et., W Bowman.
Cane Creek ct., T W Smith.
R C Oliver, Agent Orphans’ Home.
S B Jones, President Spartanburg Female College.
A M Shipp, President Wofford College.
A H Lester, Professor Wofford College.
F Milton Kennedy, Editor Southern Christian Ad
vocate.
Greenville District— R P Franks, PE.
Greenville st., E .1 Meynardie.
Greenville ct., C V Barnes.
Buena Vista and Batesville et., J Attaway.
Reidviile ct., J Watts.
Walhalla et., D J McMillan, F M Morgan, sup.
Pickensvllle ct, G T Harmon.
Williamston ct., S Lander, J A Wood, sup.
Seneca ct., Olin L Durant.
Brushy Creek ct., A B Stephens, snp.
Anderson st., R L Harper.
Anderson et, D D Byarc!, W A Hodges, sup.
Pendleton ct., J B Traywick.
Cokesbury District—H M Mood, PE.
Cokesbury st., L Wood.
Cokesbury ct, J W Murray, D D Dantzler.
Abbeville st, W T Capers.
Abbeville ct, J E Penny.
Lowndesville st., AJ Cautlicn.
Greenwood ct, W Hutto, W II Lawton, snp.
Dorn’s Mine, et., G M Boyd.
Newberry st., J A Mood.
Newberry et, A P Avant, II W Whitaker.
Little Saluda et, G IV M Creighton.
Edgefield et, S Jones.
Tumbling Shoals ct., Johu Finger.
Rector Cokesbury School, G F Round.
R B Alston, transferred to Little Rock Confer
ence aud appointed Junior Preacher on the
Princeton circuit.
After the doxology, the Bishop pronounced
the benediction and adjourned the Confer
ence sine die.
►<♦■►<
Soulln'rn Farm and Home.
We are in receipt of the December num
ber of this capital agricultural monthly, and
regret that wo caunot this week, for want
of room, give it an extended notice, as wo
intended, and as its varied contents deserve.
For this time we must be content to copy
the announcements made to subscribers by
the present aud tho former publishers of tho
magazine, as follows:
Since the last issue of the farm and Home, I
have become its sole proprietor, and in conse
quence of a very large audition to the subscription
list, and other business arrangements of an advan
tageous character, have removed the place of pub
lication from Macon, Go., to Memphis, Tenn.,
where the Magazine will henceforth he regularly
issued on the first of every month.
In the future as in tlio past, I will employ every
means within my power to make it worthy of pub
lic patronage, anil render it acceptable to that
large aud influential class for whose benefit and
instruction the agricultural press is intended. Du
ring the two years of the existence of the Farm
and Home, I have received many gratifying evi
dences of popular approbation of my labors, and
of good wishes for the success of my enterprise.
It shall be my constant aim to merit a continu
ance of this generous coutideqce, by publishing a
paper which in all its departments shall contain
matter calculated to instruct, encourage, im
prove and entertain my readers; and make them
satisfied that in sustaining a purely Southern en
terprise they have received full value for their
yearly subscription. The mechanical part of the
w ork which has hitherto been so admirably per
formed by my excellent friends, J. W. Burke &
Cos., whose skill, taste and accuracy as printers can
ouly be equalled by tlieir integrity-, fidelity to ob
ligation and social prominence, will be executed
by Messrs. Boyle A Chapman in such a manner as
to maintain fully the high standard of typographi
cal excellence for which the harm and Home lias
been distinguished, and which won for it at the
lust State fair in Georgia the medal awarded
to “the best printed agricultural magazine.” It
is sufficient to say that Boyle ifc Chapman will
do the work, to convey the assurance that it will
be done in the best style.
From the many valued friends in Georgia aud
the other Southern States who have honored me
by tlieir support, encouraged me by tlieir co-op
eration, and cheered me by tlieir approval, 1 caru
iestly soliet a continuance of tlieir favor. 1
promise them that tlie Farm and Home publish
ed at Memphis shall be quite as worthy of tlieir
acceptance as the Farm and Home published at
Maeou. The increased subscription list, yielding
increased means, will enable me to increase the
value and usefulness of the publication, and I can
only promise that 1 will avail myself of the oppor
tunity.
1 subjoin a notice to the subscribers to the
Farm and Home, written by the late publishers, J.
W. Burke & Cos., which th“y request me to pub
lish. William M. Browne.
Gen. Wm. M. Browne, the editor of tlio South
ern Farm and Home, having formed a business
connection which will oblige him to reside in
Memphis, Tenn., we have sold the Farm amt Home
to him, with the engagement that the magazine
shall bo published in Memphis, and that lie will
fulfill all unexpired contracts to subscribers aud
advertisers.
We heartily recommend the Farm and Home,
under the new arrangement, to the patronage ami
support of our friends and the public generally’
Under General Browne’s able management it has
taken a place in the front rank of agricultural
publications, and from a knowlege of the arrange
ments which he lias made, we can give the assu
rance that, with a largely-extended circulation
and increased patronage, lie will fully maintain
the high position which the magazine has occu
pied in public esteem.
Wc will continuejto receive subscriptions and
advertisements for the Farm and Home. The
same club rates with the Southern Christian Advo
cate and the Macon Telegraph and Messenger will
be continued. J. W. Burke A Cos.
Macon, Ua., Nov. 15,1871.
Post-offices Wanted.— Preachers whose
post-office address is changed this year, will
please inform us of tlieir present post-office,
that wo may send the Southern Christian
Advocate to their new address.
No Paper Next Week. —According to
custom, we intermit publication one week,
dnring the holidays. The next issue of the
Southern Christian Advocate will be that of
January 10th, 1872.
so. 6a. (Conference Jocnmcnk
Iteport on Ministerial Support.
ORDERED TO BE PUBLISHED IN THE! SOUTHERN
CHRISTIAN ADVOCATE AND READ BEFORE BOARDS
OF STEWARDS AND QUARTEItI.V CONFERENCES.
The committee of lay mc.mbors on minis
terial support, beg leave to make the fol
lowing report:
It has long been asource of deep anxiety
and mortification that ( lie ministry of our
beloved cliurcli, those self-sacrificing and
devoted men, who, in obedience to their
high and heavenly calling aud to the Divine
Command “go ye into all the world and
preach the gospel to every creature,” should,
in many instances, be denied the small pit
tance, allowed for the support of themselves
and families. It would, indeed, be a source
of the most mortifying and humiliating re
flection, could wo believe that this state of
things is tho result of sordid penuriousness
on the part of those who thus withhold from
these holy and devoted men, their just and
honest dues ; not using this term in a strict
ly legal sense, for it is a source of gratitude
that, in this country of boasted free institu
tions, we have no established church, no
chnrch ty theing laws, no ecclesiastical tax col
lectors ; but wo use it in that higher and holier
sense of Christian moral obligation, which re ■
cognizes the fundamental moral law of the
Bible that “ they who preach the gospel
should live of the gospel. ” Charity would
prompt us, rather, to believo that this is
more the result of a want of due reflection,
on tho part, at least, of many, if -not the
greater portion of our chnrch membership,
on this most important.subject. Whilst all
are ready to admit that the ministers should
dfevotc themselves exclusively to tlieir high
and Heavenly calling, to the exclusion of all
secular business that would conflict with
the faithful and efficient discharge of their
ministerial duties, yet they seem to loose
sight of their individual personal obligations
to contribute, each one, “as God hath pros
pered them,” their respective proportions
for the accomplishment of this admitted
and important duty. There seems to be too
much generalizing and not a sufficiency of
individuality, in weighing their responsi
bility, in the premises ; thus merging the
individual responsibility of the man into
the general responsibility of the masses aud
verifying the trite maxim, that “ wliat is
every body’s business becomes nobody’s
business.” ,
Were we to seek for a solution of this
matter in the light of human philosophy,
we should be forced to a conclusion at vari
ence with onr premises. Bntin tho light of
that charity which “ bearetli all things, be
lieveth all things, hopeth all things, endur
cth all things, ” we are forced to the conclu
sion that there is something at fault in our
church polity and imago in regard to this
matter. In the first place it is to be feared
that, in the appointment of stewards, who
are the financial agents of tho ehnrch, suf
ficient caution and circumspection aro not,
.at all times, used. None should bo appoint
ed to this important trust whose piety and
Christian sense of duty would not impress
them with the weight of obligation they
thus assume, who, when perplexities and
crosses meet them in this relation, do not
•manifest that energy and perseverance which
they exhibit in the management of their
private, personal business. No one, who
ljas had qiuch experience as a {steward, but
will admit that tjiero are pecufiar trials and
perplexities attending tho office ; certainly
none such, in the light of human policy and
reasoning, would desire the office. Bat as,
in the diversified management of our various
church interests, some must be “ hewers of
wood and drawers of water," none, properly
imbued with a sense of Christian obligation,
would decline the responsibility or shun
the cross, when callod, by tho authority of
the church, to serve in this capacity.
Having thus placed “tho right men in the
right place ” let us seek to arrive at the best
mode of discharging their responsible du
-1 ies.
Assuming the promises that tho ministers
in charge of stations or circuits before leav
ing their work at the close of the conference
year, will see that their is a full board of
Stewards for each church, composed of such
men as liavo been designated, lot it be the
duty of the chairman of each board as soon
as the ministers take charge of their work
for the next conference year, to call a meet
ing of Iris board and proceed, at once, to
ascertain what will be necessary for the rea
sonable support of tho minister and family,
together with all the contingent expenses
of the church ; tho amount allowed the
Presiding Elder, together with a sufficient
sum to cover the various conference collec
tions aud contributions for the poor. Then
divide the membership of the church into
as many different classes as the board may
deem proper, and assess each class in pro
portion to their ability to pay. .Supposing
their should be fonr classes, let the first
class bo assessed five cents per week, the
second class ten cents per week, tlio third
class twenty-five cents per week, aud the
fourth class fifty cents per week, and in a
similar proportion fora greater or less num
ber of classes. We prefer the plan of week
ly to monthly, quarterly, semi-annually or
annual contributions for the reason that,
from observation and experience, wo are
pnrsunded that a given amount can be mure
easily and certainly realized by small week
ly contributions than otherwise.
As soon as these preliminaries arc arranged,
let the whole membership of the church
be devided among tho different Stewards
and each .Steward furnished with a regular
subscription list, with marginal columns
ruled on each list and headed Ist, 2d, 3d,
and -Ith classes, aud so on, as the case tuny
be. Let the Stewards, as soon as practica
ble, sec each member on his list and inform
them of the amounts assessed them and ask
them to ratify the.same by signing their
names to the subscription lists, and placing
the amounts that each will pay in tho ap
propriate columns on the lists. Let each
Steward bo furnished with fifty two church
envelopes for each member on his list with
their names, the date of each sabbath and
the amount of their weekly contributions
endorsed thereon. Lot each member to
whom these envelopes are delivered inclose
in them their weekly contributions, aud on
each Sabbath deliver them to the collecting
Stewards, as they take up their weekly col
lections. Let the amounts, thus collected,
be placed to tho credit of the several con
tributors. At each monthly church meet
ing, in the reports of the Stewards, let the
contributions of each member bo reported
accompanied with an address by the Chair
man of the board of Stewards as to the im
portance and necessity of promptly paying
their weekly church dues. At the fast
monthly church meeting for the year, let
there be a consolidated report of the contri
butions of each member aud also a report of
the names of members who have contribu
ted nothing.
In cases where there are more than one
in a family, who are members of the church
instead of the head of the family contribu
ting the whole amount for the family, let
each mtmber contribute for themselves.
Let it be impressed ou tho members that
none ai'e so poor as to be exempt from con
tributing something to the support of the
church, however small the amount, thus
creating an individuality of interest, feeling
and responsibility in the support of the
church. Thcte small contributions, which,
in tho aggregate, may amount to a consider
able sum, yet are not so much to be regard
ed and esteemed, iu simply a pecuniary as
in a spiritual point of view aud as a means
of enlisting the spiritual feelings in the in
terest of the church and in an increase of
personal grace and religious improvement.
For it is a well established fact both in spir
itual as well as temporal matters, well au
thenticated by Divine authority, that
“ where our treasure is there will our hearts
be also. ”
The reporting of tho names of those who
contribute nothing, at tho close of the year,
may be tho means of “ provoking them to
good works.” But, if not producing such
good results, it will be nothing but fair and
just that a line of distinction should bo
drawn between those who do their duty and
those who do it not. It would certainly bo
far better, for such delinquents, in a spirit
of Christian charity and love, that the lash
of conscience should be applied to them, in
this world, by such mild means, in the hope
of their reformation, than that tho losli of
Divine retributive justice should be meeted
to them at their linal reckoning.
Should it lie impracticable, in certain lo
calities, to carry out this plan, in all of its
details, wo recommend that it bo approxi
mated as nearly as practicable.
We have thus feebly but earnestly and
prayerfully discharged the duty assigned
us. We trust that wo have been guided in
our investigations and conclusions by the
spirit of Divine truth, grace and light,
which we havo most humbly and prayerfully
invoked in tho discharge of this delicate and
responsible duty. We trust, in the spirit of
Christian faith and assurauce, that it may
be “ as bread cast upon the waters to bo
gathered ” wo trust very soon, but if not,
“after many days.”
N. Bass, 11. L. Freeman, Ilobt. Hester,
E. W. Jones, Jno. T. Atkinson, G. N. Les
ter, H. Best, P. L. Little.
The report of tho Committee on Ministe
rial Support was taken up, whereupon 11.
J. Adams offered tho following additional
which with the rejiort, was then adopted, to
wit: Or whero those recommendations are
deemed impracticable by any Board of
Stewards, then, in that event, it is tho sense
of this Conference that the allowance for
tho preacher or preachers shall bo made by
such Board of Stewards as soon after the
adjournment of Conference as practicable;
every member of the church shall be imme
diately assessed, and collections shall be
made, covering at least onc-tliird of such
allowance and assessments, by or beforo tho
first quarterly conference.
On motion, the Conference resolved that
the presiding elders bo requested to bring
the report on ministerial support before the
quarterly conferences, aud the preachers in
charge bring it before their Boards of (Stew
ards ns soon after reaching the appoint
ments as practicable.
Report on Orphans’ Home.
TO THE NORTH OEORIiJA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
The Trustees of' tho Orphans’ Home
submit the following report:
The first public suggestion for tho estab
lishment of this institution was made by
Dr. Jesse Boring, through tho Southern
Christian Advocate, in October, 1860. This
Conference, at its annual session, held at
Homo in December thereafter, endorsed the
proposition and appointed a Board of Trus
tees to take the initiative in establishing tho
Home, either in conjunction with the South
Georgia Conference, or for this one alone.
"Bishop Doggett, presiding in said Confer
ence, under a resolution thereof requesting
it, appointed Dr. Boring agent for the
Home, charged with tho duty of “ solicit
ing aud receiving such funds or property
as might bo contributed for the enterprise. ”
The General Conference, held at Mem
phis in May, 1870, enacted a law making
“it the Uu/i/ of .each Annual Conference, us
soon as practicable, to establish one or more
Orphans 1 Home within its hounds,” defined its
objects and prescribed its officers.
Dr. Boring entered nt once actively and
successfully upon the dqties of his agency.
John Thrasher, Givens W. Arnold and
George Jarvis, Esqs., and Dr. Thomas Bor
ing and Messrs. McElroy and Lively, of
Gwinnett county, donated to the Trustees
six hundred and nineteen acres of land for
the Home, for which they gave seven thou
sand dollars. For this magnificent dona
tion they deserve the thanks of this Con
ference, and the grutitiule of every friend
of humanity.
It lies in Gwinnett county, one mile from
Norcross, on tho Atlanta and Richmond
Air Lino Railroad. Tho public road lead
ing from Norcross to Lawrencevillo, runs
through it. Upon this placo the Trustees,
after much consideration and mature reflec
tion, located the Home. Ou tho 26th day
of April, 1871, it was solemnly and publicly
consecrated in the presence of a large, in
telligent and appreciative audience, with
appropriate religious rites. Nineteen chil
dren had been admitted at the time of tho
consecration.
This movement commonccd without a
dollar, and chilled with a quasi friendship
that manifested itself iu oracular predic
tions of .failure, lias, under the blessing of
God, and with the aid of a noble and be
nevolent people, achieved a signal success
in the short period of eighteen months, and
now dispenses its benefactions to thirty
three hitherto homeless orphans.
The Trustees secured, about the last of
VOL. XXXIV. NO. 52.
March, the services of Dr. Thomas Boring
and his excellent wife, as superintendent
and matron for the balance of the year.
There is of this place about ninety acres
of good bottom land, most of which is
cleared and in cultivation. Something over
one hundred acres have been cleared and
are in cultivation; probably over one hun
dred acres have been cleared years ago and
cultivated and abandoned without being
exhausted. This is covered with pino
forest. It is valuable for the timber,
easily reclaimed, and finely adapted to
the production of cottou. The balance of
the land is in original woodlaud.
A freedmau hits a lease on fifteen acres of
the cleared land, to run one year. Two
other leases, held by freedmen, cover twen
ty-five ncres, to run for two years. These
incumbrances were upon tho land when it
was donated.
The dwelling house is a frame building,
painted, with eight rooms. There are two
other houses with two rooms each, and chim
ney in the center, and one small house with
one room. The out buildings aro few
aud inferior. The plaeo is well supplied
with water. Tho land lies well and is finely
adapted to the production of the cereals
and grasses, and especially cotton. Indeed,
we scarcely know a superior soil for cotton.
Tho farming operations for tho present
year were commenced late, the last of
March, and wore embarrassed by the unex
pired leases to which reference has been
made. Tlio season, as is well known, has
been an uupropitious one, yc-t, under the
admirable management of the superinten
dent, we have raised live hundred bushels
of corn, three thousand bundles of fodder,
between two and three tons of lmy, and
somothiug over two bales of cotton, with
fine potato and turnip crops,
Six hundred fruit trees of different vari
eties and choice selections have been plautod,
and two hundred anil fifty grapo cuttings
have been set out, nearly all of which lived
and grow finely. It is impracticable to re
ceive any more children into the Home
until the house-room is increased. About
one hundred applicants for admission have
been necessarily rejected—for this reason.
It is the settled policy of this Board to
contract no pecuniary obligations beyond
their ability to meet at once with the cash,
but to regulate our operations and im
provements by our pecuniary resources. To
moot tho increasing demands for admission
into the Home, and extend its hallowed
mgis over as many helpless little orphans as
possible, it is proposed to erect n number
of cheap, neat houses out of material on the
place, tit the earliest practicable day. We
hope by the 26th day of April next to le
able to accommodate one hundred children,
including the thirty-three already there.
Tho property of the Home, real anil per
sonal, exclusive of tho crop grown tho pres
ent year, is worth nine thousand dollars.
But few of the children knew the alpha
bet when they were received. Now they
can all spell and lead, i xcept two very
small ones. Many of them spell aud read
well. A class of ten iu number are study
ing English grammar, and malting satisfac
tory proficiency. Miss Sallie A. Crittenden
commenced their instruction about the mid
dle of May last, and continued it until
June, when Miss Eliza ,T. Gibson took
charge of this department, since which time
it has been mainly under her supervision.
Miss Crittenden instructs the girls in the
domestic department in cooking, cutting,
sewing, etc. These estimable young ladies
are serving the institution from convictions
of religious duty and devotion to this no
blest of Christian enterprises, a devotion
that should shame tin* lukewarmness <4
many of higher pretensions to zeal for the
Master’s work. They will constitute the
“ Grace Murrays,” with whose virtues the
future historian will embalm his pages in
immortality. They ask and receive a com
pensation that is merely nominal.
The names, ages and sex of the children
now in the Home, as well as tho places from
which they came, will appear in the exhibit
hereto attached; seventeen of these chil
dren, all girls, embraced religion in the
latter part, and were baptized aud received
into full connection in tho-church. This
revival commenced in family worship. The
children have regularly attended Sabbath
school, and have been faithfully leotured
and instructed by the superintendent, ma
tron and teachers.
The occasion on which this religious in
terest developed itself, was family prayer,
which is regularly kept up night and morn
ing. Five or six of them wero converted
shortly after the prayer closed. Tho others
subsequently. Tho conversions were
marked, decided, and though poor,
small, ignorant and orphan children, tlieir
aubsequent conduct shows that “ they walk
with Christ in white.”
The children havo a lodge of cold water
Templars organized, regularly officered,
with Worthy Chief, Chaplain, etc. Twen
ty-six of the children belong to this organi
zation.
The health of the children has been good.
Only two serious eases of sickness have oc
curred. These wore treated by the super
intendent and soon recovered. There is
probably not a more healthy place in the
State than that on which tho Homo is loca
ted. Indeed, t.liis whole movement to aid
the helpless, seoms from its inception, to
have been tho special object of Providen
tial interposition.
All tho children, with the exception of
two or three, yield unreluctantly to the
mandates of discipline. The government
is that of a well regulated family. The su
perintendent, matron and teachers, and
children, all eat at a common table, and all
kneel sos worship night and morning around
a common family altar. The attachment of
tho children to l)r. Boring, the superinten
dent, approaches tho romantic, and fur
nishes the best evidence of the fidelity with
which lie discharges tho delicato duties of
his sacred trust.
Tho location of the Home is fortunate
in its contiguity to a great thoroughfare of
travel and transportation, and its remote
ness from the contaminating corruptions of
densely populated communities. It is es
sentially wliat ns name imports, a Home,
The children are not imprisoned like felons
or lunatics within walls of forbidding brick
and mortar, or cold aud repulsive stone,
but exult iu freedom, in those innocent
sports so congenial to tho nature of child
hood, fluid so necessary to the full develop
ment of a vigorous moral, mental and phys
ical manhood and womanhood. They are
creatures of imitation. They receive their
impress from surroundings. Communion
with tho beauties of nature—the joyous
notes of tho song-bird—tho rippling water
fall —the balmy breeze —tho fragrant flower
and the tangled wildwood, develop “ the
softer green of the soul,” and leads to that
higher communion that allies their immor
tality to the skies. Add to these influences
the social and domestic joys found alono
in tho charmed circle of homo, all sanctified
by tho worship of a Christian altar, and
there can be but one result upon character
and destiny. Tho gleeful laugh, sparkling
eyes and sunny faces of these children, all
attest how much they enjoy such surround-
ings.
This Home, though humble iu its ap
pearanco and appendages, is nevertheless a
Mecca to which every miser and misan
thrope should make an annual pilgrimage.
Early in tho yoar tho Trustees requested,
by resolution, tho preachers throughout tho
Conference to organize in each congrega
tion within their respective charges, “ Or
phans’ Homo Aid Societies,” with tho view
of supplying the Home with such articles of
clothing, bedding, etc., us areindispensablo
in household-economy. In a very few in
stances the request was complied with, and
by this means, as well as iu response to tho
appeals of Dr. Boring, tho agent, previously
made, we have obtained valuable supplies
in this department. We believe if this
suggestion was generally adopted that it
would be a pleasure to our countrywomen
thus to identify themselves with this noblo
work, and that tho Homo could bo entirely
supplied in these particulars by this meaus.
We confidently indulge the hope that
with judicious management the Home will
be self-sustaining, so far as all its supplies
are concerned, in two or three years, leav
ing no tax upon its fiiends except what may
be necessary to pay the salaries of its offi
cers, teachers, etc.
We doubt gravely whether it is desirable
that the time should over come when it will
cease to have claims upon us for pecuniary
support. Wo rather incline to the opinion
that tho interest of the Church would be
subserved, and the glory of God promoted
by tho adoption of a legal provision re
quiring tho preachers to tako up nnuual
collections for the support of this institu
tion, as they aro now required to do for
other institutions of tho Church.
In conclusion, wo regret most profoundly
that we have not been able to confer' the
blessings of this Homo upon a larger num
ber of the homeless orphans in our midst,
whose wants and woes appeal so strongly
to our common humanity; yet, we thank
God most devoutly, that even thirty-three
are enjoying its benefaotions. And we re-