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     Minutes read and approved.

     Roll of absentees was called, and the following brethren answered;

     On motion, the roll of absentees was called for their statistics and collections.

     The Twentieth Question was called.

     The Hastings District was taken up.

     The name of C. L. Brockway, P. E., was called.

     The secretary read a letter from him withdrawing from the ministry and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

     A motion instructing the Secretary to enter opposite his name, "Withdrawn from the ministry and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church," prevailed.

     S. H. Henderson was called, his character passed, and he represented Hastings District.

     E. Wilkinson, H. A. Ewell, C. A. Lewis, and G. A. Hobson were called, their characters passed, and they reported their collections.

     T. B. Lemon, P. C. Johnson, Samuel Wood of the Mission were called, and their characters passed.

     F. B. Donisthorpe was called, and the P. E. stated that there were papers in his case. On motion, they were referred to a committee on trial, the committee to be appointed by the Chair.

     The Bishop presented a recommendation in due form from the Montana Mission, asking this Conference to elect Wm. W. Van Orsdel to Local Elders' orders, and the request was granted.

     Also, the recommendation in due form the same Mission, asking this Conference to elect Frank G. Boylan to Deacon's Orders under the missionary rule, which was granted.

     Also, recommendations in due form from the Montana Mission, asking that Wm. W. Van Orsdel and Frank G. Boylan be admitted on trial into the traveling connection, which were granted.

     The election of delegates to General Conference was made the order of to-morrow at 10 o'clock.

     The following visiting brethern were introduced: Rev. Mr. Kershaw, of the Iowa Conference; Rev. Dr. Ninde, President of Garrett

Biblical Institute; Rev. Mr. Beebe, of North Indiana Conference; Rev. Mr. Hull, of the Des Moines Conference; Rev. Mr. Horn, P. E. German M. E. Church; and the pastors of the Lutheran, Universalist, and Swedish Lutheran Churches.

     The Third Question--Who remain on trial?--was taken up.

     T. A. Hull, F. A. Campbell were called, their characters passed, and they reported their collections. A motion to rescind the order of reporting the examinations in detail was made. It was laid on the table.

     C. B. Lenfest, H. M. Campbell, W. F. Maltbie, and A. J. Marsh were called, their characters passed, and they reported their collections. The committee on examination reported, and the P. E. represented them. F. A. Campbell was continued on trial in the first year.

     H. M. Campbell was conditioned on Christian Perfection and Rhetoric, and A. J. Marsh on History.

     L. L. Luse was discontinued.

     Chas. E. Dudleigh, Jos. Buckley, A. J. Calvert, F. F. Thomas, Isaac S. Carr, and Chas. A. Hale, of the mission, were called, and their characters were passed. P. C. Johnson reported their examinations, and T. B. Lemon, Superintendent, represented them.

     A. J. Calvert and F. F. Thomas were continued on trial in the first year.

     T. A. Hull, C. B. Lenfest, H. M. Campbell, W. F. Maltbie, A. J. Marsh, Chas. E. Dudleigh, Jos. Buckley, Isaac Carr, and Chas. A. Hale were advanced to the second year.

     The Bishop called the class of the second year and addressed them.

     The Fifth Question--Who are admitted into full connection?--was taken up.

     Edwin L. Wells and G. W. Hawley were called, their characters passed, and they reported their collections.

     Wesley Wilson, G. S. Miner, Leslie Stevens, were admitted into full connection.

     Jas. H. Worley was admitted into full connection.

      Marcellus Storer was continued in the class of second year.

      The Bishop appointed the following committee on trial in the case of F. B. Donisthorpe: W. K. Beans, J. Marsh, S. D. Roberts, E. J. Bird, P. C. Johnson, J. W. Dobbs, G. H. Wehn, P. Van Fleet, R. G.

     Adams, J. C. H. Hobbs, A. Brigham; T. B. Lemon, Chairman, and Leslie Stevens, Secretary.

      J. G. Miller was appointed as counsel to represent the church and A. C. Crosthwaite. J. M. Zielie was appointed to assist the defense.

      The Sixth Question--Who are re-admitted?--was taken up.

      Geo. W. Martin, of the Central Illinois Conference, was introduced, and upon recommendation of the P. E., was readmitted.

      The Seventh Question--Who are received on credentials from other churches?--was taken up.

      Andrew L. Beggs, an elder of the Methodist Church, was introduced.

      The P. E. represented him, and after answering the usual questions was received upon his credentials.

      W. J. Barger was substituted on the statistical committee in the place of P. Van Fleet.

      Samuel Wood was appointed to conduct the devotional exercises to-morrow morning.

      The announcements were made, and the Conference adjourned with the benediction by Dr. Ninde.

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THIRD DAY.

      Conference met at 9 A.M., Bishop Wiley in the chair. Samuel Wood conducted the devotional exercises. Minutes were read and approved.

      Bishop Wiley introduced Bishop Hurst.

     The Fifth Question-Who are admitted into full connection?--was was taken up.

     The following brethren were called, their characters passed, and those present reported their collections: George W. Hawley, Elias J. Randall, Geo. M. Jones, Amos M. Ogburn, Harvey F; Tyler, Green W. Selby, and Jacob L. Vincent were admitted.

     Edwin S. Wells, John W. Swan, H. W. Warner, Chas. M. Hollopeter, were continued on trial.

     Geo. M. Jones, Amos M. Ogburn, Harvey F. Tyler were elected Deacons.

      The Bishop called Jacob L. Vincent of the mission, and asked him the disciplinary questions.

      The following resolution was presented by J. G. Miller:

      Resolved, That we hereby instruct our delegates to the coming General Conference to use all their influence to secure the boundaries of our Conference as originally agreed upon when our Conference was divided.

      A call for the yeas and nays prevailed.

      A motion to lay the resolution on the table was lost.

      T. B. Lemon moved as an amendment that the delegates be instructed to procure such an adjustment of lines between the several conferences as will best serve the interests of the entire work in the state. Amendment was laid on the table.

      The resolution prevailed by the following vote:

     Total--55 ayes and 14 nays.

      Brothers R. Cooley, W. R. Jones, and H. Burch were elected a committee on memoirs.

      The following resolution was presented:

      Resolved, That we are opposed to any change of the time limit. And we hereby instruct our delegates to oppose any alteration of the discipline on this subject.

      Resolution adopted by standing vote--63 ayes and 5 nays.

      The order of the day was taken up, and the following rules were adopted:

      1. Blank votes shall not be counted.
      2. A ballot containing more than two names--the first two shall be counted.
      3. A ballot containing only one vote shall be called valid.
      4. If more than three persons receive a majority of the entire vote, the two receiving the highest number of votes shall be declared elected.
      5. A majority of the whole vote shall elect.

      The Bishop appointed as tellers, H. Burch, S. D. Roberts, J. A. Chapin, and P. VanFleet.

      It was decided to count the vote in open Conference.
  

FIRST BALLOT.

      Whole number of votes cast, 72. Necessary to a choice, 37.

      W. G. Miller received 12; L. F. Britt, 28; E. Thomson, 37; W. R. Jones, 8; S. H. Henderson, 12; A. G. White, 11; T. B. Lemon, 9. Balance scattering. E. Thomson having received the requisite number was declared elected.
  

SECOND BALLOT.

      Whole number of votes east, 73. Necessary to a choice, 37.

      L. F. Britt received 39 votes, and was declared elected.

      Conference proceeded to elect two reserve delegates.

      Whole number of votes east, 71. Necessary to a choice 36.

      W. G. Miller received 39 votes, and was declared elected. S. H. Henderson, having received the next highest number of votes, 24, was elected as second reserve.

      Credentials of M. A. Fairchild, a local elder, were returned by W. G. Miller, he having withdrawn from the church.

      Bishop Hurst was called to the chair.

      The Fourteenth Question--What traveling deacons are elected to elders' orders?--was taken up.

      The names of W. K. Loofbourrow, Alvin Madole, Geo. G. Senser,

Jos. A. Nichols, and Chas. A. Mastin were called, their characters passed, and those present reported their collections.

      The Committee on Examination reported. The Presiding Elders represented them, and they were elected to Elders' Orders.

      Announcements were made.

      Geo. W. Hawley was excused from further attendance upon Conference.

      C. L. Smith was appointed to conduct religious services to-morrow morning.

      Benediction pronounced by Bishop Hurst, D.D., LL.D.

---

      Conference met at 9 A.M. Bishop Wiley in the chair. The minutes were read and approved.

      The Thirteenth Question--Who are the deacons of the second class ?-was taken up.

      Thos. Aikman, A. H. Summers, and Alfred G. Blackwell were called, their characters passed, and they were continued deacons of the first class.

      John G. Walker, Wm. Esplin, David Fetz, and Geo. S. Miner were called, their characters passed, and, after the report of the Committee on Examinations and the representation of the Presiding Elders, they were advanced.

      The transfer of Harry C. Harmon to the Upper Iowa Conference was announced.

      The Tenth Question-What Local Preachers are elected to Local Deacons' orders?--was taken up.

      George W. Southwell, Lewis D. Willard, James A. Badcon, and Geo. W. Hummel were recommended in due form, and elected to Local Deacons' orders.

      The Second Question-Who are received on trial?--was taken up.

     John M. Gortner, Thos. H. Thurber, Martin B. Pierce, Wm. H. Davies, and J. A. Kleeberger were recommended in due form, their examinations reported, and they were admitted on trial.

      Martin B. Pierce, John M. Gortner, and J. A. Kleeberger were elected to Deacons' orders under the Missionary Rules.

      The Sixteenth Question--What Local Deacons have been elected Elders?--was taken up.

      Thos. H. Thurber was recommended in due form, and elected to Local Elders' form.

      The following brethren were introduced: Dr. Fry, of the Central Christian Advocate; Dr. Hunt, of the Cor. Secretary of the American Bible Society; Rev. Winder, of the Troy Conference; J. K. Maxfield, of the Illinois Conference; Rev. Jackson, of the Northwest Indiana Conference; F. F. Teeter, of the Wisconsin Conference; David Marquet, of the North Nebraska Conference; Rev. Bailiff, of the Kansas Conference; and Rev. Hicks, of this city.

      The Eighteenth Question--Who are the Supernumerary Preachers?-- was taken up.

      J. Marsh was made effective. G. B. Crippen, D. C. Brannon, E. J. Hancock, J. H. Presson, J. L. Fort, R. C. Johnson, O. P. Sheldon, W. E. Davis, S. H. Manley, J. G. Miller, and C. Reilly were called, their characters passed, and were continued in same relation.

      The transfer of J. A. Dixon to the W. Va. Conference was announced.

      A motion requesting E. J. Hancock to locate prevailed.

      The Nineteenth question--Who are the superannuated preachers?--was taken up.

      L. W. Smith, Z. B. Turman, C. G. Lathrop, W. D. Gage, were called, their characters passed, and they were continued in the same relation.

      The decease of J. T. Cannon was announced.

      A. Brigham was called, his character passed, and he was made effective.

      A collection of $50 was taken up for W. D. Gage.

      Dr. Hunt, of the American Bible Society, addressed the Conference.

      Dr. J. C. Hartzell was introduced, and addressed the Conference with regard to the work of the Freedman's Aid Society.

      Bishop Wiley spoke briefly upon the same subject.

      A motion to extend the time prevailed.

      The Report of the Court of trial in the case of the M. E. Church vs. F. B. Donisthorpe was presented and adopted, and the matter was referred to the P. E. of Beatrice District.

      Dr. Vincent and Dr. Stowe were introduced.

      Announcements made.

      Adjourned with benediction.

---

      Conference met at 9 A.M., Bishop Wiley in the chair. T. B. Lemon conducted devotional exercises. Minutes read and approved.

      Bishop Wiley presented the following certificate of ordination:

      This certifies that the following persons were by me ordained Deacons in the Methodist Episcopal Church: George M. Jones, Amos M. Ogburn, Harvey F. Tyler, George W. Southwell, Lewis D. Willard, James A. Badcon, George W. Hummell, Martin R. Peirce
      And assisted by several elders, the following were ordained elders: William K. Loofbourrow, Joseph A. Nichols, Alvin Madole, Charles A. Mastin, and Thomas A. Thurber.

ISAAC W. WILEY.

     Done at LINCOLN, NEB., SEPTEMBER 9, 1883.

      T. B. Lemon presented a request from West Nebraska Mission for the restoration of the parchments of Joseph Gray. They were restored.

      Bishop Wiley presented the appeal of Benj. Allen, of the Bennet Charge, vs. the Methodist Episcopal Church, and read his rulings in the case, which were received and placed on file.

      Dr. Stowe was introduced, read an excerpt from the Lincoln Daily Journal, respecting a resolution of the Lay Electoral Conference, arraigning the management of the Book Concern funds, and made corrections.

      Dr. Fry, of the Central Christian Advocate, was introduced, and addressed the Conference.

      A motion to fix the place of holding the next session of the Conference prevailed.

      The following places were nominated: Tecumseh, Seward, Pawnee City, and Falls City. After representations, Tecumseh was chosen.

      The Stewards made their report, which was adopted. (See report.)

      Rev. Pronty, of the Michigan Conference, and Rev. Hawkins, of this city, were introduced.

      The Educational Committee presented their report and all the recommendations therein were adopted. See report.

      The Visiting Committee to York Seminary read a report which was approved. See report.

      Bishop Wiley spoke of the importance of making every possible arrangement to observe the Centenary of Methodism.

      Bishop Wiley appointed the following brethren a committee on Preachers' Aid Society: D. F. Rodabaugh, W. R. Jones, John Gallagher, P. S. Mather, H. T. Davis.

      E. Thomson presented the following paper, which was adopted.

      WHEREAS, the Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church is carrying forward a missionary work of great importance among the poor and needy in our own land, especially in the South and West;
      Resolved, That as a Conference we heartily approve the work and methods of this society, and commend its president, Mrs. Rutherford B. Hayes, and its corresponding secretary, Mrs. Dr. R. S. Rust, and their associates in this great work.
      Resolved, that this Conference feels that the work of this society in Utah and in all our western missions should receive special attention and encouragement, and that we are glad to learn that Mrs. Newman, of this city, is making special efforts, under the direction of the Society, and that we will co-operate in this work as far as possible.

 S. H. HENDERSON,
EDWARD THOMSON.

      Bishop Wiley spoke of the need of the Woman's Home Missionary Society.

      The Bishop called Mrs. Angie Newman, who spoke upon the same subject, especially concerning Utah, and said that Mrs. Spurlock, of Plattsmouth, had offered her services as a missionary in Utah free of charge. A collection was taken up to defray her expenses. J. G. Miller offered, if the collection amounted to $50, to add another $50 to it. The collection amounted to $68.14, which with the additional $50 made the entire amount $118.14.

      A. G. White asked for a change of relation to supernumerary. [I]t was granted.

      The report of the committee on Church Extension was read and adopted:. (See report.)

      P. C. Johnson presented the following resolution, which was adopted:

      WHEREAS, There is much confusion in the minds of the ministers and membership of our church in these western conferences and missions concerning the status of persons coming within their boundaries, holding certificates of membership of said church, and the duties of these ministers towards such persons not being clearly defined by disciplinary provision, be it therefore
      Resolved, That we instruct our delegates to the next session of the General Conference at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to use their best endeavors to have the same General Conference definitely define the relations of the persons above described to the church, and the duties of pastors in the Methodist Episcopal towards such persons. Also to have the same General Conference pass a law limiting the time in which a certificate shall be effective for the purposes for which it may be given.

P. C. JOHNSON.

      Brother Folden was excused from further attendance.

      Report of committee on Freedmen's Aid Society was presented amended, and adopted. See report.

      The report of the auditing committee of Presiding Elders' Accounts were received and filed. See report.

      The report of the committee on Temperance was read and adopted. See report.

      The report of the committee on W. F. M. S. was presented, and adopted. See report.

      The following resolution was presented and adopted:

      Resolved, That the thanks of the Nebraska Conference be tendered the B. & M. railroad for the free transportation of the large Geological and Mineralogical Bowers' Cabinet from Falls City to York, for the York College.

J. C. H. HOBBS,    
L. F. BRITT,       
D. F. RODABAUGH.
J. GALLAGHER.    

      H. Burch and G. S. Alexander were granted a supernumerary relation.

      The report of the treasurer of the board of stewards was adopted. See report.

      The moneys were delivered as follows:

      A. J. Combs' children to Amos Ogburn; Sister Goss to Geo. M. Jones; Sister Pritchard to T. B. Lemon; Sister Roberts to J. G. Miller; Sister Hart to H. Burch; Z. B. Turman to E. J. Randall; W. D. Gage to self; C. G. Lathrop to self.

      It was moved that we adjourn to meet at 2 P.M.

      J. G. Miller was appointed by the Bishop to preside during his absence.

      Adjourned, with the benediction by S. H. Henderson.

---

      Conference met at 2 P.M. J. G. Miller in the chair. Devotional exercises conducted by E. Wilkinson. Minutes read and approved.

      B. H. Badley, returned missionary from India, was introduced.

      The report of Tract committee was adopted. See report.

      The following resolution was offered and adopted:

      WHEREAS, Ministers of the M. E. Church have no legal claim to any salary for their support; therefore

      Resolved, That in the sense of this Conference the moral obligation resting upon the church to meet such obligation is doubly enhanced.

A. BRIGHAM.

      Committee on Memoirs read brief memoirs on J. T. Cannon, and Sister Sarah Chapin. Brothers Lemon and Cooley made touching remarks concerning Father Cannon, and Dr. Miller referred to Sister Chapin. (See memoirs.)

      The following resolution' was offered and carried:

      WHEREAS, The great Head of the Church, in His wise providence, has taken from our church by death one of our chief pastors, Bishop J. T. Peck; therefore
      Resolved, That while as a church we feel we have sustained an irreparable loss, we bow in humble resignation to the Divine will.
      Resolved, That we extend to the surviving members of his family our heartfelt sympathy and condolence.

C. G. LATHROP.
H. BURCH.    

 

      Bishop Wiley made some touching remarks concerning the life of Bishop Peck.

      The Second Question-Who are Admitted on Trial? was taken up.

     Edward F: Marcellus, Wm. R. Pierce, Nebraska City district; Geo. Shuman and James Mailey, Lincoln district; Melville J. Goodrich, Beatrice district; and Geo. M. Couffer, York district, were admitted on trial, and Geo. M. Couffer was excused from the first, second, and third years' course of study. John H. Carmichael and John W. Smith were admitted, and Charles E. Campbell was elected to Deacons' Orders under the missionary rule. Geo. Wilson, from the Mission, was admitted.

      The following resolution was adopted:

      WHEREAS, The York College has secured a most valuable cabinet of Geological and Mineralogical collection of specimens known as the "Bowers Collection," through the generous and persistent efforts of Doctor J. C. H. Hobbs; therefore
      Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference be extended to the Doctor for his generous and praiseworthy services, and that he be welcomed to the charges in our Conference as the educational agent of the Conference. Also that thanks be extended to Dr. Bowers for very liberal terms upon which the cabinet was purchased, and for donation of seventy volumes of scientific works.

      The following resolution was adopted:

      Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference be and are hereby tendered to the pastor, the presiding elder, and the church at Lincoln for the royal manner in which it has been entertained at this session; to Bishop Wiley for his genial and efficient supervision of the conference; to Bishop Hurst and the general conference secretaries for their able assistance; and to the railroad companies for favors extended to the members and visitors in attendance. That we specially desire to express our gratitude to Almighty God for his overruling providence and upholding mercies in

the support of our beloved Bishop Wiley in his feebleness, and hereby extend to him our warmest sympathies and prayers.

G. S. ALEXANDER.
W. PECK.        
T. B. LEMON.    
EDWARD THOMSON.

      The roll was called, and subscriptions were taken for publishing the minutes.

      The statistical report was read. (See tables.)

      The Bishop announced the following transfers to this Conference: R. N. McKaig of the N. W. Indiana Conference, W. C. Smith of the Blue Ridge Conference, M. W. Smith of the Central Illinois Conference, Andrew Kershaw of the Iowa Conference.

      From this Conference: A. H. Summers to the California Conference, H. C. Harmon to the N. W. Iowa Conference, J. A. Dixon to the West Virginia Conference, S. P. Wilson to the Columbia River Conference.

      After the reading of the minutes of the afternoon session, the Bishop announced the Triers of Appeals and Conference Board of Church Extension. (See lists.)

      The 816th hymn was sung. Dr. Fry led in prayer. The Bishop read the appointments, and the Conference adjourned.

ISAAC W. WILEY,
President.

JOHN GALLAGHER,
                Secretary.

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     NOTE.--The proceedings of the LAY ELECTORAL CONFERENCE were to have been .published with the minutes but the secretary failed to send copy.

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