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     THE Tenth Session of the Nebraska Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was held in the First M. E. Church in Fremont, beginning at 9 o'clock, March 31st, 1870 Bishop Clark in the chair.

     The Bishop opened the session by reading the 85th Psalm, and the 4th chapter of 2d Corinthians and announced the 707th hymn, after the singing of which Dr. B. F. Crary editor of the Central Christian Advocate, led in prayer.

     The 210th hymn was then sung, and the Bishop assisted by the Presiding Elders and Dr. Crary, administered the sacrament of the Lord's Supper to the ministers and laity present.

     The roll was called and the following brethren answered to their names.

     The transfer of G. De La Matyr, from the N. Y. E. Conference, and E. S. Machesney, from the Wisconsin Conference, was announced, their names were placed on the Conference roll, and they were introduced to the Conference.

     H. T. Davis was elected Secretary, W. B. Slaughter, Recording Secretary, and Martin Pritchard Statistical Secretary.

     The Standing Committees were appointed.

     The accounts of the New York Book Concern were received and referred to L. W. Smith.

     The annual exhibit of the Book Concern was received and placed on file.

     The Minority report was also received and placed on file.

     The Bishop announced that the Conference were authorized to draw on the Chartered Fund for $30.

     The draft was ordered.

     The report of the Garrett Biblical Institute was received and referred to the committee on Education.

     The hour of meeting was fixed at 9 A. M.; adjournment at 12 M.

     11th Question. "Who are the effective elders?"

     T. B. Lemon represented the Nebraska City District. The characters of the following brethren were passed. T. B. Lemon, G. S. Alexander, A. J. Swartz, D. H. May, Richard Burge, R. C. Johnson, W S. Blackburn, Martin Pritchard, George W. Elwood and W. B. Slaughter.

     C. W. Giddings represented the Lincoln District, and the characters of the following brethren were passed. C. W. Giddings, H. T. Davis, J. J. Roberts, J. B. Maxfield, J. W. Taylor, W. P. Grantham. Brother J. T. Cannon's character was passed and he was granted a superannuated relation.

      A. G. White presented a written report of the Omaha District, and the characters of the following brethren were passed. A. G. White, J. M. Adair, Jacob Adriance, Lewis Janney and Moses F. Shinn.

     8th Question. "Who are the Superannuated Preachers:"

     The characters of the following brethren were passed and their relation continued. Isaac Burns, J. L. Fort, Hiram Burch, David Hart and Z. B. Turman.

     The relation of J. C. Miller, Superannuate was changed to Supernumerary.

     J. M. Chivington's case was reported by the P. E., his character passed and he located at his own request.

     5th Question. "Who have been elected and ordained Elders this year?"

     The characters of A. J. Folden and L. W. Smith were passed and they were elected to Elder's orders.

     17th Question. "Where shall the next conference be held?"

     Lincoln City was selected.

     On motion, the Presiding Elders were requested hereafter to give written reports of their districts.

     A communication was received from Brother Dorsey and others, proposing the establishment of a Conference Seminary at Helena.

     Referred to committee on Education.

SECOND DAY.

     The following preamble and resolutions were unanimously adopted by a rising vote.

     Whereas, in the mysterious dispensation of His providence, it has pleased Almighty God to remove from the church below, in the midst of his usefulness, our beloved Bishop Thomson, therefore

     Resolved, 1st, That, in his death, the whole church has met with a sore bereavement, sustaining an irreparable loss by the removal of one of its most able ministers and efficient superintendents, distinguished alike for his learning and piety; and endeared to all hearts by the sweetness of his spirit and the gentleness of his manner towards those with whom his official or private relations placed him in contact.

     2d. That we hereby extend to his afflicted family our sympathies in their great bereavement and commend them to the gracious care of the Great Shepherd, in whom alone the widow and the orphan find a loving father and a protecting friend.

     3d. That we most respectfully request our presiding Bishop Clark, if practicable, to preach a sermon suited to the occasion, on Sabbath morning next.

     4th. That the secretary be instructed to forward a copy of these resolutions to the widow of Bishop Thomson, and another to the Central Christian Advocate for publication.

     4th Question. "Who are the Deacons?"

     Franklin L. Britt, Henry P. Mann and E. S. Machesney were passed and advanced to Deacons of the second class.

     3d Question. "Who are admitted into full connection?"

     Joel A. Van Anda and \V. A. Presson were called forward, the disciplinary questions propounded by the Bishop, and they were admitted into full connection.

     2d Question. "Who remain on trial?"

     David Marquette, Francis M. Esterbrook and Joseph W. Martin were passed and continued on trial. David Marquette and P. M. Esterbrook were elected to Deacon's orders.

     G. S. Alexander, J. B. Maxfield and W. B. Slaughter were appointed a committee to draft a Pastoral Address.

     1st. Question "Who are admitted on trial?"

     Joseph H. Pressen and C. W. Comstock were admitted. S. P. Vanduzer a local Elder from the Missouri Conference was re-admitted.

THIRD DAY.

     After the usual religous (sic) services conducted by J. B. Maxfield, Brother George Wansbrough, an Elder in the church of United Brethren in Christ, was admitted into the traveling connection of the M. E. Church. Alfred Blackwell was admitted on trial. A. J. Swartz, desiring to attend the Garrett Biblical Institute, the better to qualify himself for the work of the ministry, was granted a location at his own request T. M. Munhall was granted a location at his own request.

     The Presiding Elders reported the vote of the membership on Lay Delegation as follows:

      Total Vote. For. Against.

      The Conference vote on Lay Delegation was taken by ayes and nays and resulted as follows:

     Ayes 26. Nays 4.

     The following resolutions were passed.

     Resolved, 1. That there be held during the month of June at Plattsmouth, a Methodist State Convention, consisting of all the traveling preachers, and two laymen from each charge, to be elected by the first quarterly Conference, held on each charge, for the consideration of such questions as may relate to the interests of Methodism in Nebraska.

     2. That a committee of six be appointed, to consist of the Presiding Elders, and one Elder from each District, to make all necessary arrangements for said Convention.

     Rev. Mr. McCandlish, agent of the American Bible Society was introduced and addressed the Conference.

     On motion, the Bishop was requested to appoint two members of this Conference as delegates to the Methodist Conference, to be held at Lincoln, next fall, to convey to that body our fraternal greetings.

     It was resolved to hold an afternoon session. Conference adjourned. Benediction by Brother De La Matyr.

AFTERNOON SESSION.

     After the usual religious services, conducted by W. B. Slaughter, the Bishop announced the following appointments made by request.

     T. B. Lemon, C. W. Giddings, A. G. White, G. S. Alexander, J. G. Miller and G. De La Matyr.

     T. B. Lemon and H. T. Davis.

     G. S. Alexander.

     Resolutions of thanks were passed to the citizens of Fremont, for their kind hospitalities; to the Union Pacific and other Railroad Companies for courtesies extended to the members of the conference; to the presiding Bishop for the able and efficient manner in which he has presided over our deliberations.

     The committee on Pastoral Address reported and the address was ordered printed in the minutes.

     The following resolution was passed.

     Resolved, That we have learned with great satisfaction of the design of Brother Slaughter to gather materials for a history of Methodism, in Nebraska, and we will render him such assistance as we can in furtherance of his design.

     Brother Janney and Brother Shinn were granted a Supernumerary relation.

     On motion, the Conference adjourned.

     Bishop Clark gave out the 220th hymn, which was sung, after which he offered devout and fervent prayer, and then the doxology was sung and the Conference dismissed with the benediction by the Bishop.

     MISSIONS--The Presiding Elders.

     EDUCATION--G. S. Alexander, H. T. Davis, Martin Pritchard.

     TRACTS--A. J. Folden, J. W. Taylor, J. Adriance.

     TEMPERANCE--W. A. Presson, J. T. Cannon, J. M. Adair.

     BIBLE CAUSE--W. B. Slaughter, J. J. Roberts, J. L. Fort.

     SUNDAY SCHOOLS--F. L. Britt, J. J. Roberts, M. F. Shinn.

     STEWARDS AND CLAIMS--G. W. Ellwood, J. B. Maxfield, E. S. Machesney.

     TO AUDIT PRESIDING ELDERS ACCOUNTS--J. J. Roberts, W. P. Grantham, J. Van Anda.

     CHURCH EXTENSION--M. Pritchard, T. M. Munhall, G. De La Matyr.

     POST OFFICES-Richard Burge, J. W. Martin.

     PERIODICALS--H. P. Mann, J. W. Taylor, D. Marquette.

     PUBLIC WORSHIP--P. E. of Omaha District, and Preacher in charge of Fremont Station.

     PRINTING MINUTES--The Secretaries.

SPECIAL COMMITTEES.

     PASTORAL ADDRESS--G. S. Alexander, J. B. Maxfield, W. B. Slaughter.

     STATE CONVENTION--G. S. Alexander, J. G. Miller, G. De La Matyr.

     EDUCATIONAL COMMISSION--T. B. Lemon, C. W. Giddings, A G. White, G. S. Alexander, J. G. Miller, G. De La Matyr.

     DELEGATES TO METHODIST CONFERENCE--T. B. Lemon, H. T. Davis.

     VISITOR TO GARRETT BIBLICAL INSTITUTE--G. S. Alexander.

COMMITTEES OF EXAMINATION..

     FIRST YEAR--M. Pritchard, L. W. Smith, J. Adriance.

     SECOND YEAR--W. B. Slaughter, W. A. Presson, J. B. Maxfield.

     THIRD YEAR--J. J. Roberts, C. Manson, D. H. May.

     FOURTH YEAR--G. S. Alexander, G. De La Matyr, H. T. Davis.

     TO EXAMINE CANDIDATES FOR ADMISSION ON TRIAL AND FOR LOCAL ELDER'S AND DEACON'S ORDERS--The Presiding Elder and the Preacher in charge of the charge where the candidate lives.

     TO PREACH THE ANNUAL MISSIONARY SERMON--G. De La Matyr. W. B. Slaughter, alternate.

     Question 1. Who are admitted on trial?

  Joseph H. Presson and C. W. Comstock.

     Q. 2. Who remain on Trial?

  David Marquette, Francis M. Easterbrook and Joseph W. Martin.

     Q. 3. Who are admitted into full connection?

  Joel A. Van Anda and W. A. Presson.

     Q. 4. Who are the Deacons?

  Franklin L. Britt, Henry P. Mann and E. S. Mechesney.

     Q. 5. Who have been elected and ordained Elders?

  A. J. Folden and L. W. Smith.

     Q. 6. Who have located this year?

  J. M. Chivington, A. J. Swartz, T. M. Munhall.

     Q. 7. Who are the Supernumerary Preachers?

  J. G. Miller, Lewis Janney, Moses F. Shinn.

     Q. 8. Who are the Superannuated Preachers?

  Isaac Burns, Jessee L. Fort., David Hart and Hiram Burch.

     Q. 9. Who have been expelled?

  None.

     Q. 10. Who have withdrawn from the connection this year?

  None.

     Q. 11. Are all the Preachers blameless in life and conversation?

  This question was answered by examining the character of each preacher in open conference.

     Q. 12. Who have died this year?

  None.

     Q. 13. What is the number of church members and probationers?

  Members 2670. Probationers 876.

     Q. 14. What amounts are necessary to meet the claims upon the conference?

  See Steward's report.

     Q. 15. What has been collected on the foregoing accounts and how has it been applied?

   See Steward's Report.

     Q. 16. What amount has been collected for Missions, Sunday School Union, Bible Cause, etc.?

  See Statistical Report.

     Q. 17. Where shall our next Conference he held?

  At Lincoln.

     Q. 18. Where are the Preacher's stationed this year?

  See Appointments.

     Nebraska City Station, Geo. S. Alexander.
     Nebraska City Mission, Isaac Burns, Superannuate.
     Peru, Martin Pritchard.
     Brownville, supplied by W. B. M. Colt.
     London, J. W. Martin.
     Nemaha City, R. Burge.
     Rulo and Falls, R. C. Johnson.
     Falls City, D. H. May.
     Salem and Table Rock, W. S. Blackburn, J. W. Taylor.
     Pawnee City, F. L. Britt.
     Blue Springs, George W. Elwood.
     Beatrice and Fairbury, W. A. Presson; one to be supplied.
     Tecumseh and Laona, A. J. Folden, J. H. Presson.

     Lincoln, H. T. Davis.
     Plattsmouth, J. B. Maxfield.
     Ashland, C. Manson.
     Mount Pleasant, L. W. Smith.
     Rock Bluffs and Weeping Water, H. P. Mann.
     Rockford and Indiana Settlement, supplied by R. S. Hawks.
     Seward. C. W. Comstock.
     Milford and Camden, Alfred Blackwell.
     West Blue, supplied by I. Oliver.
     Saline, W. P. Grantham.
     Oak Creek, supplied by M. B. Griffin.
     South Platte, supplied by M. M. Smith.
     Upper Nemaha, supplied by J. Perkins.

     Omaha, 1st charge, G. De La Matyr. Omaha, 2d charge, to be supplied.
     Bellevue, W. B. Slaughter.
     Elkhorn, J. Adriance.
     Fremont, E. S. Mechesney.
     Schuyler and Columbus, George Wansbrough.
     Grand Island, D. Marquette.
     Blair, J. J. Roberts.
     Decatur, supplied by B. Presson.
     Arizona, J. M. Adair.
     Dakota, S. P. Van Duzer.
     St. James, to be supplied.
     Logan Valley, to be supplied.
     West Point, F. M. Esterbrook.
     J. A. Van Anda, Missionary to Montana.
     H. C. Westwood, transferred to Baltimore Conference.

The committee to whom the matter of a Pastoral Address was referred, beg leave to report. We have attended to the duties assigned us and herewith submit the draft of a letter for your consideration, with the following resolutions:"

     Resolved, 1. That the Pastoral Address of this Conference be published in our annual minutes, and a copy forwarded to the Central Christian Advocate.

     2. That each preacher in charge, be, and is hereby instructed to read the same before each of his congregations at his earliest opportunity.

EDUCATION.

     Your committee respectfully propose the following for the action of the Conference.

     1. That a committee of six members be appointed with power to receive applications for the location of one or two schools, to be under the control and patronage of the Conference, but for which no financial responsibility shall be assumed, said committee to report at the State Convention.

     2. That the Conference will give its influence to, and appoint a committee to visit the school established at Nebraska City, by Rev. P. T. Kenney, (since deceased,) and now in successful operation under the control of his daughters.

     3. That a committee of one be appointed to attend the examination of the Biblical Institute, at Evanston, Ills.

     Whereas, we regard the Church Extension Society, as well calculated to supply a want long felt in our church, and whereas, it has come to our relief and assisted us during the past year in the liquidation of debts on two of our churches, thereby greatly aiding our work, and inspiring confidence in the management of the business of the Society; therefore,

     Resolved, That we will do all we can to secure liberal collections from all our charges, to aid in this great work, and that each preacher be required to report the amount of his collection for this cause, at the passage of his character.

BIBLE CAUSE.

     Whereas, the American Bible Society, by its many years of faithful labor has accomplished great good for this and other lands, in the circulation of the word of God, among the people, therefore,

     Resolved, 1. That we have entire confidence in the management of the same, and approve its efforts to supply the masses of the people with the word of life.

     2. That we will co-operate with the agent of the American Bible Society in the full and complete circulation of the scriptures among all the people over this fair land of ours.

TEMPERANCE.

     Whereas, it is most clearly set forth in our book of discipline, that intemperance is an evil and that in all ways its use should be discouraged in every community, and believing that a united effort made against this great evil by the ministers and laity of the church, would prove a success in both a religious and political point of view, therefore,

     Resolved, 1. That so far as it may be in our power we would place in municipal, County and State offices, men of moral worth and integrity, and in all cases discourage the election or men of dissipated habits.

     2. That as christians we will labor to the utmost of our ability to create a more healthy and powerful temperance sentiment among the people of our respective charges.

PERIODICALS.

     Whereas, there is an increasing demand for reading matter growing out of the general diffusion of intelligence among the people, and whereas, the enemies of morality and religion stand ready to supply this demand, and are already flooding the land with a corrupt and demoralizing literature.

     Resolved, 1. That we will use our influence to give a still wider circulation to our various church periodicals.

     2. That we find in the Central Christian Advocate, an element of great power in building up our beloved Methodism, and the general interests of christianity throughout the great north-west, and we will extend to it our patronage and do all in our power to increase its general circulation.

TRACT CAUSE.

     Whereas, the circulation of religious tracts has proven to be an efficient instrumentality in the encouragement of believers in the faith and doctrines of the gospel, and whereas, thereby many who habitually neglect the public worship of God, may be reached, instructed, awakened, and led to Christ therefore,

     Resolved, That, as ministers of the Gospel, we will more actively engage in the circulation of the publications of our Tract Society and in collecting money for the same.

MISSIONARY APPROPRIATIONS.

Nebraska City District	$400 00
Nebraska City Circuit	50 00
Peru	150 00
Brownville	100 00
Nemaha City	100 00
Falls City	50 00
Rulo and Falls	100 00
Salem and Table Rock	150 00
Pawnee City	100 00
Blue Springs	100 00
Beatrice	150 00
Fairbury	218 66
		$1666 66
Lincoln District	466 66
Rock Bluffs and Weeping Water	200 00
Ashland	250 00
Indiana Settlement and Rockford	150 00
Seward	200 00
Middleford and Camden	100 00
West Blue	100 00
Oak Creek	100 00
Saline	100 00
		1666 66
Omaha District	400 00
Schuyler and Columbus	150 00
Grand Island	150 00
Decatur	125 00
Arizona	125 00
Dakota	200 00
St. James	166 66
Logan Valley	125 00
West Point	150 00
Elkhorn	125 00
	T. B. LEMON.
	C. W. GIDDINGS.
	A. G. WHITE.
I concur in the above appropriations.
	D. W. CLARK.

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