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OFFICIAL JOURNAL.

   OPENING. -- The Sixteenth Session of the North Nebraska Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church convened at the church in Schuyler, Nebraska, at 8:30 A. M., Sept. 29, 1897, Bishop W. X. Ninde presiding.

   SACRAMENTS -- The Sacrament of the Lord's supper was administered by the Bishop, assisted by the Presiding Elders, the Pastor of the local church and other Elders.

   ROLL -- The Secretary of the previous session, D. C. Winship, called the roll and eighty members and probationers responded, viz -- A. Barton, Allen Bishop, Thomas Bithel, J. M. Bothwell, J. H. Brooks, F. W. Bross, Lewis Campbell, G. M. Cauffer, J. B. Carns, W. H. Carter, Jabez Charles, C. P. Cheeseman, Clyde C. Cissell, F. M. Clark, R. J. Cocking, H. W. Conley, John Crews,

C. N. Dawson, L. R. DeWolf, E. W. Erickson, Win. Esplin, J. Q. A. Fleharty, J. R. Gearhart, E. T. George, Wm. Gorst, A. L. Gray, W. K. Gray, C. M. Griffith, C. F. Heywood, A. Hodgetts, J. W. Jennings. J. A. Johnson, A. L. Kellogg, J. T. Knuckey, C. 0. Larrison, G. A. Luce, G. H. Main, N. A. Martin, G. W. Martin, D. Marquette, J. B. Maxfield, L. K. McNeil, R. C. McReynolds, H. H. Millard, A. L. Mickel, J. E. Moore, D. T. Olcott, W. R. Phelps, H. L. Powers, W. R. Peters, J. A. Roades, J. W. Robinson, J. P. Roe, W. A. Rominger E. E. E. Rorick, E. E. Shafer, W. Shambaugh, J. W. Shank, F. M. Sisson, D. K. Tindall, Henry Trezona, W. H. Underwood, R. W. Wilcox, W. A. Wilson, D. C. Winship, J. P. Yost, E. T. Antrim, H. H. Burch, E. E. Day, J. E. Fowler, E. R. Leedom, R. F. Shacklock, W. D. Stambaugh, E. W. Wilcox, F. M. Wright, W. L. Elliott, H. G. Kemp, R. J. McKenzie, J. F. Poucher, R. D. Snyder, and J. B. Priest.

   TRANSFERS. -- The Bishop announced the transfer to his Conference of J. A. Johnson from the Central Illinois and of W. R. Peters from the Black Hills Conference and they were introduced.

   INTRODUCTIONS. -- The following visitors were introduced: Dr. W. V. Kelly, editor of the Methodist Review, Dr. H. C. Jennings of the Western Methodist Book Concern, Dr. E. A. Schell, General Secretary of the Epworth League, and S. H. Pye, Manager of the Book Depository at St. Louis.

   SECRETARIES. -- A Hodgetts placed D. C. Winship in nomination for Secretary, who declined re-election because of contemplated removal from the bounds of this Conference and he placed in nomination H. A. Barton. D. K. Tindall placed in nomination J. W. Jennings and on motion of J. B. Maxfield the nominations closed and the Conference proceeded to vote by ballot for Secretary. The Bishop appointed as tellers J. W. Robinson, J. B. Priest, J. R. Gearhart and F. M. Sisson who were permitted to retire and count the vote. C. M. Griffith was appointed to assist the tellers as secretary protem.

   STATISTICIAN. -- On motion of J. B. Maxfield, H. H. Millard was elected Statistical Secretary, and on his nomination W. K. Gray, E. T. George and J. P. Yost were elected assistants.

   TREASURER. -- On motion of D. Marquette, C. M. Griffith was elected Treasurer.

   STANDING COMMITTEES. -- The Presiding Elders nominated the standing committees and they were elected. (See list.)

   TELLERS. -- The tellers reported the result of ballot for Secretary as follows: Whole number of votes cast 67; necessary to a choice 34. J. W. Jennings received 36, H. A. Barton 28, C. N. Dawson 2, and N. A. Martin 1; whereupon the Bishop announced the election of J. W. Jennings, who by permission nominated as Assistant Secretaries H. A. Barton, N. A. Martin and C. N. Dawson, who on motion were elected. C. N. Dawson asked to be excused from serving as one of the assistants, which was granted, and A. L. Mickel was elected in his place.

   STATISTICAL SECRETARY AND TREASURER. C. M. Griffith declined the office of Treasurer, which was accepted, and on motion of J. B. Maxfield, H. H. Millard was excused from serving as Statistical Secretary and was elected Treasurer, and J. B. Priest was elected Statistical Secretary and on his nomination A. L. Kellogg was added to the list of Statistical Secretaries. W. A. Rominger, W. L. Elliott and F. M. Clark were elected Assistant Treasurers.

   PERIODICALS. -- F. M. Clark was appointed to take subscriptions for Gospel in All Lands, and J. M. Bothwell for Methodist Review.

   APPRECIATION OF SERVICES. -- D. C. Winship having completed ten years continuous services, a thank offering was deemed in order, and on motion of H. A. Barton, C. N. Dawson was appointed to solicit from the members of the Conference a substantial token of appreciation of his valuable services as Secretary and hand the same to him as a Conference thank offering.

   RESOLUTIONS. -- The following resolution was adopted by a unanimous rising vote:

   Resolved, That we learn with regret of the removal, at the close of this session, of our beloved and honored former Secretary, D. C. Winship, who has served us in that capacity for the past ten years, to another field of labor.
   Resolved, That we pledge him our earnest prayers and will accord to him a hearty welcome, should he ever return to our ranks.
        Signed: H. A. Barton, C. N. Dawson, N. A. Martin, J. W. Jennings.

   DRAFTS. -- The following drafts were ordered: $15.00 as the share of this Conference from the bequests of Attillia F. Christman and Caroline Clark made to the Methodist Episcopal Church for superannuated preachers, and $640.00 from the Book Concern and $22 from the Chartered Fund, all of which were ordered paid to the Conference Stewards for distribution.

   ADDRESSES. -- Dr. H. C. Jennings addressed the Conference in the interests of Our Publishing Houses as did also Dr. W. V. Kelly in the interests of Our Literature, and Dr. E. A. Schell in the interest of the Epworth League and its Reading Course, and J. W. Shank, of the Omaha Christian Advocate, in the interests of the Advocate's circulation.

   BOOK COMMITTEE. -- The Secretary read the annual report of the Book Committee, which was referred to the committee on Current Book Accounts.

   STATISTICAL SESSION. -- On motion of D. Marquette a statistical session was ordered to be held at 2 o'clock P. M., and the Bishop appointed D. Marquette to preside.

   CONFERENCE RELATIONS. -- On motion of J. B. Priest the supernumeraries and the superannuates were referred to the committee on Conference Relations.

   INTRODUCTIONS. -- Dr. A. B. Leonard, secretary of the Missionary Society and R. W. Estep, of the Kansas Conference, were introduced. On motion of J. W. Shank the time of convening morning sessions was fixed at 8:30; the first fifteen minutes to be used in devotional exercises, and the time of adjourning the morning sessions at 11:45, and the bar of the Conference was fixed. Announcements were then made, the Doxology was sung and the Conference adjourned with the benediction by Dr. Leonard.

   The Statistical Session convened with D. Marquette in the chair. W. R. Phelps conducted the devotional services after which the roll of charges was called and the pastors present reported their statistics and benevolent monies and vouchers, after which the Statistical Session adjourned with the benediction by J. B. Priest.

2: 30 P. M.

   CONFERENCE MISSIONARY SERMON. -- The devotional services were conducted by J. M. Bothwell, vice president of the Conference Missionary Society. Dr. John McQuoid preached the annual missionary sermon from the text in Mathew xxviii, 19-20. The meeting then adjourned with the benediction by E. W. Erickson.

   Thursday, Sept. .30, 8: 30 A. M. -- Conference convened. H. L. Powers conducted the devotional service. At 8: 45 the Bishop took the chair; the minutes of Wednesday's sessions were read, corrected and approved. The roll of absentees was called and the following named brethren were noted present: O. Eggleston, W. P. Murray, J. L. St. Clair, D. W. McGregor, J. H. Johnson, G. W. Shick, H. H. St. Louis and T. C. Webster. On motion of J. B. Maxfield the further calling of the roll was ordered dispensed with.

   DELINQUENTS. -- The Statistical Secretary and the Treasurer called the roll of delinquents in reports.

   CONFERENCE RELATION. -- On motion of J. B. Maxfield, J. P. Roe was added to the committee on Conference Relation.

   LOCAL PRESS. -- On motion of J. W. Jennings, R. F. Shacklock was appointed reporter for the local press.

   INTRODUCTION. -- The following named visitors were introduced: Dr. M. L. Hard, of the Church Extension Society; O. B. Whitmore, State Superintendent of the American Anti-Saloon League; A. J. Markley, Local Elder of Fremont; and O. L. Ramsey of the Northwest Nebraska Conference.

   VISITORS. -- On motion of J. W. Jennings, all visiting brethren from other Conferences and Associations were invited to take seats within the bar of the Conference.

   BOOK ACCOUNTS. -- On motion of H. A. Barton, J. Charles and O. Eggleston were added to the committee on book accounts and the committee was permitted to retire for consultation with the agent of the Book Concern.

   ADDRESS. -- Dr. A. B. Leonard addressed the Conference and

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solicited pledges for the payment of the Missionary Debt and secured twenty-eight $20 pledges and forty-seven pledges to raise as near $20 each as possible.

   QUESTION THIRTEEN. -- The thirteenth question was taken up and the character of D. K. Tindall, Presiding Elder of the Grand Island District was passed and he read his report. The characters of the following named Effective Elders were passed and they reported their collections: E. E. E. Rorick, J. A. Roades, F. W. Bross, J. B. Priest, R. C. McReynolds, N. A. Martin, J. B. Carns, A. L. Kellogg, C. F. Heywood, G. W. Martin, H. Trezona, C. C. Cissell, A. L. Mickel, and J. W. Jennings.

   REFERRED. -- On motion of D. K. Tindall the cases of H. C. Myers and T. C. Clendening were referred to the committee on Conference Relation.

   PROBATIONERS AND SUPPLIES. -- On motion of J. B. Priest all Probationers and Supplies were invited to take seats within the bar of the Conference.

   RESOLUTION. -- J. P. Roe introduced a resolution from the Omaha Preachers' Meeting concerning the use of tobacco, which on motion of A. Hodgetts was referred to committee on State of the Church.

   INTERDENOMINATION. -- A paper on interdenominational unity, presented by W. Gorst, was at his request, referred to the committee on State of the Church.

   SABBATH OBSERVANCE. -- C. N. Dawson presented a paper from the Omaha Ministerial Union concerning the closing of the gates of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition on Sunday, which at his request was referred to the committee on Sabbath Observance.

   T. P. DONNELLY. -- F. M. Sisson reported expenses of the funeral of T. P. Donnelly, showing a deficit of $40. On motion of D. K. Tindall a collection was ordered taken to raise this amount, which was immediately done. The whole amount was secured and paid to F. M. Sisson.

   MONUMENT. -- F. M. Sisson was authorized to solicit subscriptions to cover amount needed for balance to monument fund, in co-operation with Bishop McCabe, to place a suitable monument at the grave of Brother Donnelly.

   QUESTION THIRTEEN. -- The thirteenth question was resumed. The character of Wm. Gorst, of the Neligh District was passed, and he read his report.

   THANK OFFERING. -- C. N. Dawson reported $30.50 collected as a Thank Offering to D. C. Winship, retiring Secretary, which the Bishop, on behalf of the Conference, handed to Dr. Winship.

   CHURCH EXTENSION. Dr. M. L. Hard addressed the Conference in the interest of Church Extension.

   DELINQUENTS. -- The committee on Current Book Accounts recommended the reference of the cases of delinquents to the committee on Conference Relations, which was so ordered.

   EXCUSED. -- At the request of H. H. St. Louis he was excused from attendance at Friday's session.

   INTRODUCTIONS. -- The following named visitors were introduced: Chanceller C. M. Ellinwood, of the Nebraska Wesleyan University; Hanna L. Taylor, of the Omaha Deaconess' Home; and O. T. Moore, of the Northwest Nebraska Conference. The committees were called, announcements made and Conference adjourned with benediction by Dr. Hard.

   Friday Morning Session, Oct. 1, 8:30. Conference reconvened. The devotional services were conducted by Wm. Shambaugh. At 8:45 the Bishop took the chair. The minutes of Thursday's session were read and approved.

   DELINQUENTS. -- The Statistical Secretary called the roll of delinquents and on his motion it was ordered that all reports not in by the close of this morning's session be declared delinquent.

   DEACONESSES. -- A communication from the quarterly Conference of First Church, Omaha, recommending that Thyra L. Brandt and Jennie E. Jackson be licensed as Deaconesses, was presented by J. B. Maxfield, read by the Secretary, and on motion of C. N. Dawson, was referred to the Conference Board of Deaconesses.

   INTRODUCTIONS. -- The following named visitors were introduced. Rev. E. H. Scarff, of the Baptist Church; A. C. Crosthwaite, of the Nebraska Conference; C. A. Mastin, of the West

Nebraska Conference; E. W. Jeffries, of the Upper Iowa Conference; Lida M. Herrick, of the Omaha Deaconess Home; and J. F. Kemper, of the Nebraska Conference.

   QUESTION THIRTEEN. -- The thirteenth question was resumed and the characters of the following named Effective Elders were passed and they reported their collections: C. 0. Larrison, John Crews, W. A. Wilson, D. Marquette, W. Shambaugh, R. W. Wilcox, G. M. Cauffer, and L. K. McNeil. On motion of Wm. Gorst the Bishop was requested to leave E. E. Hosman and E. R. Adriance without appointment, to attend some one of our schools.

   CONFERENCE RELATIONS. -- On motion of J. R. Gearhart the Presiding Elders were authorized to refer any cases deemed necessary to committee on Conference Relations.

   ADVANCED. -- On motion Of W. Gorst the name of Richard N. Throckmorton was ordered placed on the list of Effective Elders, he having been previously ordained, and the Bishop was requested to leave him without appointment to attend some one of our schools. The character of A. Hodgetts was passed and he read his report as Presiding Elder of Norfolk District. The characters of the following named Effective Elders were passed, and they reported their collections: H. W. Conley, J. H. Johnson, W. Esplin, J. L. St. Clair, W. R. Phelps, T. C. Webster, G. H. Main, C. M. Griffith, J. B. Leedom, W. H. Carter, L. Campbell, J. T. Knuckey, H. H. Millard, D. Marquette. The character of D. W. McGregor was also passed.

   LEAVE OF ABSENCE. -- On motion of D. Marquette the committee on Conference Relations was given temporary leave of absence ad libitum and E. W. Erickson was elected special messenger for the committee.

   CONFERENCE EVANGELISTS. -- On motion of D. K. Tindall it was ordered that we have two Conference Evangelists and the Bishop was requested to appoint D. W. McGregor and H. L. Powers Conference Evangelists.

   QUESTION THIRTEEN. -- The thirteenth question was resumed. The character of J. B. Maxfield was passed and he submitted his report as Presiding Elder of Omaha district, which by permission was read by Mrs. Maxfield. The characters of the following

named Effective Elders were passed and their collections reported: H. A. Barton, F. M. Sisson, J. R. Gearhart, T. W. Matthews, John McQuoid, W. P. Murray, J. Q. A. Fleharty, W. H. Underwood, J. W. Robinson, G. A. Luce, C. N. Dawson, D. C. Winship, J. Charles, O. Eggleston, and J. W. Shank. The character of F. A. Sanderson was passed. The transfer of G. M. Brown to the Genesee Conference was announced by the Bishop. The character of J. J. Banbury was passed and the Bishop announced his return from the Central China Mission. The character of H. L. Powers was passed.

   BENEVOLENCES. -- In reply to the Bishop's question the Presiding Elders stated that the Disciplinary plan for raising the Benevolences had been carried out on all the charges, as far as practicable.

   QUESTION FIVE. -- The fifth question was taken up and Harry G. Kemp, Walter L. Elliott, Ronald J. McKenzie and John G. Shick reported their collections, their characters were passed, the Board of Examiners reported their grades and they were advanced to the studies of the Second year. The characters of Roddy D. Snyder, George W. Shick and John F. Poucher were passed, they reported their collections and were continued in the studies of the First year. On motion of Wm. Gorst the Bishop was requested to leave John G. Shick without appointment to attend some one of our schools.

   QUESTION NINE. -- The ninth question was taken up, the characters of Wm. A. Rominger, Elmer E. Shafer, Cyrus P. Cheeseman, Wm. K. Gray and Albert L. Gray were passed, they reported their collections, the Board of Examiners reported their grades and they were advanced to the studies of the Fourth year. The character of Emerson E. Hunt was passed and on motion of W. Gorst he was continued in the studies of the Third year and the Bishop was requested to leave him without appointment to attend some one of our schools.

   QUESTION TEN. -- The tenth question was taken up, the characters of Edward W. Erickson, Robert J. Cocking, Edward T. George, John P. Yost, Francis M. Clark and James M. Bothwell were passed, they reported their collections, the Board of Examiners reported their grades, they were passed in their studies, hav-

ing completed the Conference course, and were elected to Elders Orders. The character of Frank A. High was passed and on motion of D. K. Tindall the Bishop was requested to leave him without appointment to attend some one of our schools. The characters of Lotan R. DeWolf and Wiltschire R. Peters were passed, they reported their collections, the Board of Examiners reported their grades, and they were continued in the class of the Fourth year. On motion of A. Hodgetts the case of Richard J. Millard was referred to the committee on Conference Relations.

   INTRODUCTIONS AND ADDRESSES. -- O. B. Whitmore of the American Anti-Saloon League, and Burwell Spurlock of the Mothers' Jewels Home, were introduced and addressed the Conference. J. A. Chapin of the Nebraska Conference was also introduced.

   QUESTION TWENTY-TWO. -- The twenty-second question was taken up. The committee on Conference Relations presented charges against John W. Bovee and recommended a Select Number of nine to try the case. The recommendation was adopted and the Bishop appointed the following named as the Select Number: J. B. Carns, W. P. Murray, J. T. Knuckey, John McQuoid, John Crews, J. H. Johnson, T. C. Webster, C. M. Griffith and H. Trezona. The Bishop appointed C. N. Dawson to preside in the trial and the Secretary detailed A. L. Mickel to act as secretary at the trial. On motion of D. K. Tindall, C. F. Heywood and J. W. Robinson were appointed counsel for the Church, and on motion of C. M. Griffith, J. W. Shank and F. M. Sisson were appointed counsel for the defense.

   QUESTION TWENTY-THREE. -- The twenty-third question was taken up. David C. Worts was reported deceased. The characters of the following named were passed and they were continued in the superannuate relation: J. Adriance, D. T. Olcott, Charles Balson, C. H. Savidge, Wm. Stanner. The Secretary read a communication from C. H. Savidge. Announcements were made and the Conference adjourned with the benediction by J. W. Robinson.

FOURTH DAY.

   Saturday, October 2, 8:30 A. M. The Conference reconvened. D. C. Winship conducted the devotional exercises and at 8:45 the Bishop took the chair. The minutes of Friday's session were read, corrected and approved.

   REFERRED. -- On motion of D. K. Tindall the passing of John A. Roades' character was reconsidered and his case referred to the committee on on (sic) Conference Relations.

   SELECT NUMBER. -- The Select Number made announcement as follows, viz: In the case of John W. Bovee we find the defendant guilty as charged and fix his penalty at expulsion from the ministry and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church. (Signed, C. N. Dawson, Chairman; A. L. Mickel, Sec.)

   CONFERENCE TREASURER. -- H. H. Millard read his report as Conference Treasurer. (See report.) On motion of J. B. Priest $10.70 received from last year's treasurer was applied to the general Missionary Fund, and so amended the report was adopted.

   STATISTICS. -- J. B. Priest read his report as Statistical Secretary which was adopted. (See report.)

   REPORTS. -- On motion of J. W. Jennings all reports from committees were ordered in duplicate and written in ink.

   STEWARDS. -- The Conference Stewards announced the total claims against the Conference Claimant Fund amounting to $2,245.00, and total funds to meet these claims, $1,036.00, distributed as follows: Mrs. J. M. Adair $80, handed to G. A. Luce; Mrs. J. A. Fowler $25, handed to C. P. Cheeseman; Mrs. J. J. Fleharty $120, handed to J. Q. A. Fleharty; Mrs. W. H. H. Pillsbury $50, banded to J. W. Jennings; D. T. Olcott $120, paid to himself; Mrs. Z. S. Rhone $111, handed to D. C. Winship; Mrs. J. R. Gortner $120, handed to J. N. Gortner; W. Stanner $30, handed to W. Gorst; Mrs. T. B. Lemon $35, handed to J. B. Maxfield; Mrs. N. L. Guthrie $35, handed to J. W. Jennings; Mrs. T. Thompson $50, handed to C. O. Larrison; J. L. St. Clair $75, handed to J. E. Fowler; Mrs. J. T. Crooks $110, handed to C. N. Dawson; H. W. Conley $75, paid to himself.

   INTRODUCTION. -- Charles Cross of the Indiana Conference, and Erastus Smith or the West Nebraska Conference were introduced.

   QUESTION FOUR. -- The fourth question was taken up, and Henry Zinnecker, Abram J. Warne, Henry A. Chappell and Oscar P. Mueller being duly recommended by the District Conferences, the Board of Examiners reported their grades, and they were received on trial and placed in studies of the First year. Eli C. Thorp being duly recommended by District Conference was, on report of Board of Examiners, admitted on trial, conditioned on Aspects of Christian Experience, as was also done in the case of George W. Kliver, conditioned on History of American Methodism, essay and books to be read, and also Charles W. Davidson, conditioned on History of American Methodism.

   QUESTION SEVEN. -- The following named candidates for admission to full membership were called forward and addressed by the Bishop, who also asked the Disciplinary questions, to which all responded affirmatively, viz: Wm. D. Stambaugh, Robert F. Shacklock, John N. Gortner, Elmer E. Day, Edward T. Antrim, Josiah E. Fowler, Francis M. Wright, Edmond R. Leedom, Henry H. Burch and Allen Bishop. Their charcters (sic) were passed and they reported their collections. The Board of Examiners reported the grades of Allen Bishop, Wm. D. Stambaugh (already a deacon,) Elmer E. Day, conditioned on Universal History; Robert F. Shacklock, conditioned on Logic; John N. Gortner, (already a deacon,) Edward T. Antrim, conditioned on Logic; Henry H. Burch, Francis M. Wright, Edmond R. Leedom, (already a deacon,) and Josiah E. Fowler. They were admitted into full membership, and those not already Deacons were elected to Deacons Orders, and all were advanced to studies of the Third year, some conditioned as above stated. The character of E. W. Wilcox was passed, and he reported his collections. The Board of Examiners reported his grade, and he was continued in the studies of the Second year. The character of Wm. W. Shank was passed. The Board of Examiners reported his grade. He was passed in his studies, but not admitted into full membership because not present to answer the Disciplinary questions. On motion of Wm. Gorst, the case of Allen Bishop was recalled. The Board of Examiners reported his studies in the Third year, and he was advanced to the studies of the Fourth year.

   QUESTION ELEVEN. -- The eleventh question was taken up, and

on motion of D. K. Tindall, Henry Zinnecker being duly recommended by the Grand Island District Conference, and having passed a satisfactory examination in the review of the Local Preachers' Course, was elected to Deacons Orders. On motion of J. W. Shank in the recommendation from Neligh District Conference for the ordination of Charles H. Frady as a Local Deacon, he having heretofore passed a satisfactory examination in the Local Preachers' Course he was, after representation by W. Gorst and others, elected to Deacons Orders.

   ADJOURNMENT. -- On motion of D. K. Tindall it was ordered that when we adjourn, it be to meet at 3:30 P. M.

   EXCUSED. -- On motion of W. Gorst, I. H. Brooks was excused from further attendance.

   CONFERENCE RELATIONS. -- The committee on Conference Relations recommended that the case of John A. Roades be referred to the Presiding Elder of the Grand Island District for investigation. Adopted.

   ANNOUNCEMENTS were made. The Bishop appointed J. W. Shank to preside at the afternoon session, and the Conference adjourned with the Benediction by A. C. Crosthwaite.

   3:30 P. M. -- Conference re-convened as per Adjournment. F. M. Sisson conducted the Devotional Services, J. W. Shank in the chair. On motion of F. M. Sisson, it was ordered that when we adjourn, it be to meet Monday morning at 8:00 o'clock.

   REPORTS. -- The reports of standing committees were read and adopted as follows: Temperance, Periodicals, Epworth League, American Bible Society, Education, Omaha Hospital and Deaconess' Home, Freedmen's Aid and Southern Educational Society, Sabbath Observance, Sunday School, Woman's Home and Woman's Foreign Missionary Societies, Auditing, Church Extension, Episcopal Fund, State of the Church and District Conference Records. C. N. Dawson, publisher of last year's minutes, made the following report:

   DISBURSEMENTS. -- Printing and distributing minutes, $129.32; Secretary's expense of blanks and so forth, $10.45; Secretary's traveling expenses, $2.20; rent of Bishops "cut" for this year, $1.68; rebate to subscribers account D. Marquette's report, $2.95; telegram, 40 cents; postage and stationery, $4.27. Total, $151.27. Balance on band, $32.74, which was paid over to present Secretary, and on motion of J. W. Jennings, the report was adopted and the thanks of the Conference extended to Dr. Dawson.

   MINUTES. -- On motion of C. N. Dawson it was ordered that one thousand (1,000) copies of the Annual Minutes be published, and that the roll be called for subscriptions. The roll was called and $72.75 was pledged.

   BILLS. -- The following bills of expense were read by the Secretary, and on motion ordered paid, viz: Expense of Board of Examiners, $1.75; Committee on Conference Relations, $2.52; Statistical Secretaries, 60 cents. Total, $4.87.

   ROLL CALL. -- On motion of H. A. Barton it was ordered that roll be again called on Monday morning for further subscription to the minutes.

   ADDRESS. -- Pending the adoption of the report on Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education, Dr. J. W. Hamilton, General Secretary of that Society, was introduced and addressed the Conference.

   SUBSCRIPTIONS. -- On motion of J. W. Jennings, A. L. Mickel was appointed to collect subscriptions to the minutes and hand the same to the Secretary, and was authorized to appoint assistants from each district.

   SABBATH OBSERVANCE. -- On motion of C. O. Larrison, the Secretary was instructed to send to the managers of the Trans-Mississippi Exposition a copy of that part of the report on Sabbath Observance relating to Sunday closing.

   EDITOR. -- On motion of F. M. Sisson, the Secretary was authorized to edit all reports for publication in the minutes.

   RESOLUTION. -- A resolution introduced by J. B. Carns was read and adopted as follows:

   To his Excellency Silas A. Holcomb, Governor of Nebraska:
   Inasmuch as Sunday target shooting breaks the spirit of the civil and moral law, causes discord and disturbance to families

and communities, we therefore entreat you to use your influence in prohibiting this needless violation of the sanctity of the Sabbath. Signed: J. B. Carns, J. W. Shank, J. W. Jennings.

   Announcements were made, and on motion of J. B. Priest, the Conference adjourned with the benediction by Dr. J. W. Hamilton.

   Monday, October 4th, 8 A. M. -- Conference convened as per adjournment at 8 o'clock, with the Bishop in the chair. J. W. Robinson conducted the Devotional services. The minutes of Saturday's sessions were read, corrected and approved.

   QUESTION TWENTY-TWO. -- The twenty-second question was resumed. Thomas P. Donnelly was reported deceased. The characters of N. H. Gale, Samuel Cates, T. W. Owen, J. P. Roe, Bartley Blain and J. E. Moore were passed, and they were continued in the Supernumerary relation. The case of Richard J. Millard was referred to the Presiding Elder for investigation. On motion of A. Hodgetts the relation of W. H. Carter was changed from Effective to Supernumerary, and on motion of J. B. Maxfield the relation of J. R. Gearhart was changed from Effective to Supernumerary. On further motion of J. B. Maxfield the relation of H. W. Conley and J. L. St. Clair was changed from Effective to Superannuate.

   AMENDMENT PROPOSITION. -- The vote on the proposition submitted by the Maine Conference to change the ratio of representation in the General Conference was taken, and resulted in fifty-one affirmative and twenty-three negative.

   RESOLUTIONS. -- The report of the committee on resolutions was unanimously adopted by a rising vote. See resolutions.

   EDUCATION. -- On motion of J. B. Carns, and amended by J. B. Maxfield, it was ordered that this Conference be apportioned $1,500.00 to be raised for the Nebraska Wesleyan University during the ensuing year, and the Presiding Elders were requested to apportion the amount among the several charges the same as other claims for benevolences shall be made.

   EPWORTH LEAGUE. -- F. M. Sisson, as President of Conference Epworth League made his annual report. (See report.)

   MISSIONS. -- The report of the committee on Missions was read and adopted, as was also the report of the Missionary appropriations, the latter being concurred in by the Bishop. (See report.)

   HENRY C. MYERS. -- The committee on Conference Relations recommended that Henry C. Myers be permitted to withdraw from the ministry and membership of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The recommendation was adopted.

   T. C. CLENDENING. -- The committee recommended that Thomas C. Clendening be permitted to withdraw under complaint. The recommendation was adopted.

   QUESTION THIRTY. -- The thirtieth question was asked: Where shall the next Conference be held? J. W. Jennings placed in nomination Schuyler, and on motion of A. Hodgetts Schuyler was fixed as the place of holding the next session of the North Nebrska (sic) Annual Conference.

   EXAMINERS. -- The Bishop announced the list of Conference Board of Examiners; also Triers of Appeal. (See lists.)

   MISSIONARY. -- The Bishop announced the names of the District Missionary Secretaries (see list), and appointed J. W. Jennings to preach the Annual Missionary Sermon at next session of Conference and J. M. Bothwell as alternate.

   BISHOP NINDE. -- On motion of F. M. Sisson the Conference by unanimous rising vote requested that the Board of Bishops assign Bishop Ninde to the Presidency of this Conference for next year.

   SUBSCRIPTIONS. -- On motion of A. Hodgetts the roll was called for subscriptions to minutes and $30.00 more pledged, making a total of $105.75, of which amount $86.75 was paid to the Secretary in cash at seat of Conference.

   MISSIONARY DEBT. -- A. Hodgetts addressed the Conference on the subject of the Missionary Debt and obtained twenty-five new pledges of $20 each, which added to the twenty-eight pledges previously obtained by Dr. Leonard, made a total of fifty-three $20 pledges.

   ADVOCATE. -- Dr. Shank addressed the Conference in the interest of the Omaha Christian Advocate's subscription list.

   STATIST1CS. -- On motion of J. B. Priest the Secretary was

instructed to leave out of the published minutes Statistics No. 2.

   COLLECTION. -- A collection of $4.87 was taken to pay bills as allowed on Saturday.

   ADJOURNMENT. -- On motion of J. B. Maxfield it was ordered that after the reading of the appointments the Conference stand adjourned without date. Hymn 756 was sung, the Bishop offered prayer, then briefly addressed the Conference, read the appointments and the Sixteenth Session of the North Nebraska Annual Conference stood adjourned. W. X. NINDE, PRESIDENT.
   J. W. JENNINGS, SECRETARY.

   This certifies that on Sunday, Oct. 3, 1897, at Schuyler, Neb., I ordained to the office of Deacons: Allen Bishop, Elmer E. Day, R. Frank Shacklock, Edward T. Antrim, Henry H. Burch, Francis M. Wright, Josiah E. Fowler and Henry Zinnecker. Also, at the same time and place, with the assistance of several Elders present, I ordained to the office of Elders: Edward W. Erickson, Robert J. Cocking, Edward T. George, John P. Yost, Francis M. Clark and James M. Bothwell.
W. X. NINDE.
   Schuyler, Neb., Oct. 4, 1897.

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