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      Your Committee on Ministerial Support submit the following:

      It is evident we are not as a church giving that due attention to systematic offerings for the support of our ministers that the New Testament and the discipline of our church advise, and whereas many of our ministers suffer in consequence of such neglect, therefore

      RESOLVED, 1. That we regard the preacher's salary a just and lawful debt, which should be paid in all cases where the pastor continues to officiate.

      2. In many instances where preachers fail to receive their salaries, it is attributable to the lack of systematic means on the part of the Stewards of the church.

      3d. We commend to the Stewards of all the charges within the bounds of our Conference a careful consideration of Sec. 1, Chapter II in part V. of our Discipline entitled "Raising Supplies," and most affectionately urge upon them a thorough trial of this plan.

      4. Those charges which fail to give due attention to the support of their ministers, merit the censure of the Annual Conference and of the church at large, because of open disregard of the foregoing requirement of our Discipline.

     5. All charges delinquent on the preacher's salary and failing to work this plan, must be thus reported by the Presiding Elders at the Annual Conference.

     The past year has been one of unparalleled affliction in the Nebraska District. Two of our ministers, faithful and devoted men, have been taken from the walls of Zion. Isaac Burns, after a short illness, in which he had the divine presence, passed triumphantly from time sorrows of earth to the joys of heaven. Isaac Bradt, a probationer in the Conference, who had commended himself to the esteem and love of all who knew him by his devotion to the work of the ministry, has also passed away to that country where none ever say, "I am sick."

      The Nebraska District occupies the south-eastern portion of the State, embracing the whole of two and the larger part of three other counties, and containing fourteen circuits and stations.

     Nebraska City--T. B. Lemon, Pastor. A glorious revival refreshed this station during the last winter, resulting in about fifty conversions. The financial system of the church has been perfected, and all the interests of the church are in a good condition.

     Peru--W. S. Blackburn, pastor. This society is feeble and the church is involved, rendering the support of a preacher difficult. Yet the importance of the station, arising from its educational facilities, requires that we yield none of our advantages. Lafayette Circuit. supplied by J. Burlingame, is one of our promising country charges, embracing four appointments. At one of them (Highland) a church has been erected and enclosed, its completion being deferred for lack of means. At Lafayette and Hazel Dell there have been good revivals during the year.

     London--J. W. Tayloy, pastor. This is a Circuit of five appointments, having a small parsonage at London, and a small church at Fairview. A good revival spirit has prevailed all over this work this year, and the year has been one of prosperity.

     Brownville--W. B. Slaughter, pastor. The church has enjoyed some spiritual and temporal prosperity, paying off debts and making some improvements, There is a church and parsonage, both of which need to be improved, or replaced by new ones.

     St. Deroin Circuit has for several years been on the decline, and the past year has not been an exception to the general rule. The pastor, C. W. Comstock, has done all that he could for the work, and at some points with some success. There is a parsonage in a dilapidated condition.

     Falls City--W. A. Presson, pastor. This is a rapidly improving and important town on the A. & N. B. R., and is the county seat of Richardson county. We have here a good church and parsonage and the charge is in a prosperous condition. A glorious revival has greatly strengthened and encouraged the church.

     Salem and Rulo--D. H. May, pastor. This Circuit entirely surrounds Falls City, against which there is a strong prejudice. If possi-

ble, the work should be divided, and missionary appropriation made to each place until they are able to sustain themselves.

     Cincinnati Circuit--R. C. Johnson, Pastor. There are six preaching places on the circuit, but the people have made the sad mistake of dividing the most important society into three thereby weakening all, so as greatly to injure the circuit. The preacher has lived at a distance from his work, and necessarily served it at a disadvantage, the more so as his health was poor during the winter; consequently the year has been without the fruit we could have wished.

     Pawnee City--L. F. Britt, Pastor. The past year has been one of severe trial to this charge. Bro. Britt was appointed for the third year and was unboundedly popular. But through overwork his constitution as shattered and he was to desist from preaching. The church would not permit him to resign but bravely resolved to get along without allowing him to work and, but to support him as their pastor. Dr. Edwards, a Local Preacher came to the rescue, preaching acceptably and without remuneration. The church has prospered, and has paid off all its debts, leaving it a good church and parsonage unencumbered.

     Table Rock--is a number one circuit, embodeing (sic) two flourishing towns, Table Rock and Humboldt, both on the A. & N. R. R. At Table Rock we have an excellent parsonage and a nice plain church, nearly free of debt. At Humboldt there is a beautiful and commodious church, dedicated in Decmber (sic) last, and provisions made by subscription to make it clear of debt. D. J. Ward, the pastor has been very successfull (sic) and the year forms a bright page in the history of this charge.

      Long Branch--is a new country circuit. Isaac H. Bradt was appointed its Pastor. He commenced the work with zeal and prosecuted it with energy, and every part of it prospered in his hands, until the latter part of September, when he was stricken with disease which terminated in his triumphant death. The work has been supplied by H. Atkinson, a local preacher.

     Tecumseh Circuit--J. W. Martin, pastor. This circuit embraces the town of Tecumseh and several country appointments. Bro. Martin has had the assistance of S. D. Roberts, a local preacher. There is a small church and a small parsonage at Tecumseh, both of which need to be replaced by larger. There was a good revival during the winter, and about twenty-five accessions to the church.

     Grant is a Circuit of four appointments. Isaac Burns was appointed to this work. He was loved and revered by old and young. He set about it with flattering prospects of success, and was making special arrangements for a camp meeting, but before the time fixed for it arrived he had departed to his reward. His last sermon was preached at a camp meating (sic) on the Cincinnati Circuit, August 18, 1872, and was a triumphant shout of victory from beginning to end. With his face all aglow with raptures, he exclaimed, "I am ready to go, I am ready to go! Glory to God! Glory to God!" He was taken sick immediately, and after ten days passed away in great peace.

     T. Lester, a local preacher, supplied the circuit during the latter half-year, and the work has prospered.

     By the blessing of a kind Providence we have been able to attend all the Quarterly meetings but one, except when absent attending to the duties of the general Book Committee.

     The financial interests of the church have been thoroughly worked, as the reports of the preachers will show, and the District is in a healthy and prosperous condition.

M. PRITCHARD.     

     The boundaries of Beatrice District remain substantially the same as last year, except changes in the northern line along the B. & M. R. R., and the ever-advancing margin of settlements. First in the list of appointments in the District is Beatrice Station, named by Rev. A. J. Swartz. A fine and permanent growth has been enjoyed at this place during the past year, both from accessions by letter and revivals--more especially from the latter cause. Sixty additions to the Church, by revival, is the numerical result.

     Blue Springs mission was supplied by Rev. A. L. Tinkham. The church building has been finished so that it is now occupied for church services. A fine Sunday school is in connection with the church. Matters are in a much better train than during last year, and the future looks encouraging. There were revivals at different points on the work, the exact results of which I am unable to give.

     Fairbury is among our most promising appointments. Rev. D. Marquett was placed in charge of the work last spring. He has wrought industriously, and is a workman that needeth not to be ashamed--as the extension of our borders, and the more perfect organization and growth of our interests do testify. We have at Fairbury a neat church and parsonage, the last named erected, and the church completed this year.

     Plum Creek is a new charge created at the last conference. The universal depression of financial interests has operated injuriously upon our interests in this work, but notwithstanding this adverse influence, our interests have increased within its bounds. Rev. J. Patterson is the Pastor.

     Crab Orchard--Rev. T. A. Hull, preacher in charge--has been visited this year with most precious and profitable revivals.

     Sterling--Rev. B. C. Parker, pastor. This mission was formed last year. Owing to causes to which I will not advert,. its prosperity has not been equal to the expectations that were entertained concerning it.

     Saline Mission, under the charge of Rev. G. M. Cooper, has received abundance of grace. There has been a number of revivals, good and widespread this year. The work has increased to such an extent that it is deemed advisable to divide it into two works. Rev. T. W. Brookbank rendered effective aid during the last part of the year on this work.

     Crete is one of the most important points in the district, situated at the junction of the B. & M. and the O. & S. W. railroads. Rev. Harrison Presson preached here the last year and did what he could, but with no means at command, but little could be accomplished in the town; but at other points, especially at Pleasant Hill, there was a fine revival.

     Dorchester is a work formed this year by the labors of Rev. W. D. Gage. The number of appointments is six; the number of members is forty-nine, and fifty-nine probationers. These are nearly all "Homesteaders," many of whom are members of our church, and all are in pressing need of the gospel. Here our church flourishes with a vigorous growth. Dorchester needs a good man and a liberal missionary appropriation.

     Virginia Prairie--now named Little Sandy. Rev. W. T. Hill resigned the charge of this work early in the year. Rev. W. P. Grantham traveled the work until a supply could be found. Providentially the Rev. H. C. Rhodes, formerly of the Oregon Conference, was visiting within the bounds of the work at the time. He consented to remain and travel the work, which he has done with great acceptability and usefulness.

     Little Blue has grown during the year, under the labor of Rev. F. E. Penny, who travelled (sic) the same after he was appointed as a supply, in August. Societies nave been formed, appointments made, and the foundations laid of a compact and prosperous circuit. The St. Joseph & Denver railroad traverses this work, and the facilities enjoyed thereby are very favorable to its rapid population.

     Red Cloud lies in the Republican Valley, chiefly in Webster county.  It is under the care of Rev. C. W. Wells. A frontier work, containing in their poverty a noble membership, under the ministration of a noble man, and a true disciple of the cross; their successes have been numerous, and their trophies grand. Last August I attended a camp meeting on this charge on the Republican. Our meeting was very precious, and many converts were added to the church. On the Sabbath I immersed three persons in the Republican, the first who were ever baptised (sic) in that stream in Nebraska.

      Franklin and Harlan were supplied by Rev. C. R. Townsend, an elder, formerly in the English connection. His residence is near Franklin Centre. From the large extent of territory, some points needing the gospel have not been reached. But all that Brother Townsend could do toward supplying them, he has done, faithfully and well. Republican City is in this work, in Harlan county. It is a place of much importance, and ought to be made the headquarters of a mission bearing that name. To do this we must have another man and an adequate missionary appropriation to enable him to live.

     Red Willow was named at the suggestion of the president of a colony destined for that part of the country. The scheme proved to be in the main speculative, but few actual settlers moving thither. Rev. W. D. Gage did not go to the work, there being indeed no use for his doing so. On the contrary, he traveled, as I elsewhere stated, the Dorchester mission.

     Above Republican City there is need for another man, if we can secure a sufficient support for him during the year. It will need a first-class man, one good in pioneering but who will endure hardness as a good soldier.

     On the line of the B. & M. R. R., in the rich and prosperous county of Adams, with the flourishing town of Juniata as the county seat, is the central point of Juniata mission, Rev. R. H. Crane, pastor. Methodism in Adams county is a power for good. An intelligent population, industrious and thrifty, a state of society here is found,

in point of excellence in these things, equal to that in any of the older States. We may well be proud of our cause and people here.

     Harvard, in Clay county--is a flournishing (sic) town. A number of small but growing places are in near proximity to this place. An active man with a good appropriation can do a good work here, for the material is ready for the builder.

      Thus rapidly and briefly have we sketched the gospel field comprised in Beatrice District. In point of natural resources, and geographical location, it is indeed the garden of Nebraska. Troops of emigrants are pitching their tents, or rather making their "dug-outs," within our borders. They swarm upon us from all the States and much of Europe. We need men and money to keep pace with their rapid increase. A nobler band of brethren than those comprising the preaching force of Beatrice District, I have never met. Their labors have been severe. Their lives, lives of self-sacrifice and devotion to God. No class of missionaries, from the days of Francis Xavier until now, have excelled them in abundance of labors. The heroic days of Methodism have not passed away. Courage and self-denial, born of a might faith in God, worthy of our earliest days, still remain. The old victories which the truth won in the early times, when "there were giants in the land," still are achieved on new battle fields.

     Standing then at the close of another year of toil, I can but give expression to the sentiment of my heart by saying, "God bless the Methodist Episcopal Church, preachers and people, every one," Amen.

J. B. MAXFIELD, P. E.     

     The Lincoln District is bounded on the north by the Omaha District, on the east by the Missouri River, on the south by the Nebraska City and Beatrice Districts, and on the west by the Beatrice and Omaha Districts.

     The Lincoln Station, under the labors of Brother G. S. Alexander, is in a flourishing condition. There has been an advance in every department of the church, in this station, during the year. In connection with this station there are two flourishing Sunday schools, one held in the church, and one--organized during the year--is held in South Lincoln. The church is building a chapel in this part of the city which will be ready for the use of the Mission S. S., and other religious purposes in a few weeks.

     Palmyra Mission.--H. P. Mann, the pastor, has done a good work on this mission. The church built by Andrew Smith, on his homestead, seven miles from Palmyra, was last fall turned over by him to the Conference Church Extension Board. The board offered it to the society at Palmyra, on condition that the society pay Brother Smith $200, which he claimed he was out in building the church. The offer was accepted and the building was immediately moved to Palmyra, some additions made, and the building is now ready for plastering and seating. At the Syracuse appointment a subscription has been raised for the building of a church the coming summer. A gracious revival

of religion took place on this work during the winter, and about fifty souls were converted. There has been an advance in every department of the church on this mission.

     The Milford Mission was left without a preacher, at the last conference. We employed Brother P. C. Brennan to supply this work. Under his labors two new societies were organized, a number were converted, and the work at most of the appointments is in a flourishing condition.

     The Seward Mission was left to be supplied. I employed a young man from Illinois, who came highly recommended; was, however, sadly disappointed in the man--had to remove him before the year closed, and the work there remains instatu quo.

     The Ulysses Mission was made at the last Conference. There were at the beginning of the year, three societies and twenty-four members. Brother James R. Reed was appointed to this mission. He went to work like a true Methodist preacher, laid out a work over one hundred miles around, organized several new classes; and although he had no means to procure himself a horse, having good feet and a heart still better, he traveled his work the whole of the year on foot. He had, through God's mercy, a glorious revival of religion all over the work, and returns one hundred and forty members, including probitioners (sic), an increase of one hundred and sixteen during the year. At Ulysses four lots have been donated to the church-two for a parsonage, and two for a house of worship. The members have taken steps to build a parsonage. Ulysses bids fair to be among the first circuits in the Conference.

      The Oak Creek Mission--Brother Colt, pastor--in every respect is in a most healthy and flourishing condition. Brother Colt has been in the midst of a glorious revival of religion during the fail and winter, which was kept up until just before conference. Over one hundred have been added to the church, the membership greatly quickened, and the benevolent collections are greatly in advance of last year. This work ought to be divided at this Conference.

     The Upper Nemaha Mission, Bro. J. L. Fort, pastor, embraces the south-eastern part of Lancaster County. The A. & N. R. R. runs through this mission, and several points of interest are rapidly growing up, and if properly cared for will make valuable centres for the church. I am sorry to say that Wesley Chapel, the only church on this work, is encumbered with debt, and unless relief can be obtained is liable to be sold.

     The Waverly Mission was formed at the last conference, and embraces the western part of Cass county. Bro. A. G. Blackwell was appointed to this mission. Under his labors a number have been converted, and he leaves the church in a good condition.

     The South Bend Mission was left to be supplied. I employed Bro. Head at the beginning of the year, but after laboring three months he returned to Indiana. Afterwards I employed Bro. Wm. Worley, who labored on this work during the balance of the year with great acceptability.

     The church at Ashland--Bro. Lake, pastor, is steadily advancing. Though a station, Bro. Lake did not confine his labors to Ashland alone, but went out into the country several miles each way, organized several new classes, and closed the conference year with the church

greatly in advance of what it was when he took the charge, as his statistics will show.

     Plattsmouth Station--Bro. J. H. Presson, pastor. Improvements to the amount of five hundred dollars have been made on the church property. There has been some revival influence in this station during the year. Bro. Pressen closes his second year, leaving the church in peace end harmony.

     Mt. Pleasant Circuit--Bro's Folden and Gallagher, pastors. At the last Conference two appointments were taken from the South Bend Mission and attached to this circuit, and two preachers appointed to it. Under their faithful labors revivals were enjoyed at several points. There has been a large increase in the membership and in the benevolent collections.

     The Sunday school interest is unabated on this work. Five Sunday school institutes have been held during the year, and they were all seasons of great profit and interest.

     Reek Bluff Circuit--Bro. R. Burge, pastor. On account of the ill health of Bro. Burge and his family, he was not able to hold protracted meetings during the winter, as he desired. He was able however, to attend his regular appointments most of the time, and the circuit is in a good condition.

     York Mission--Bro. Morgan, pastor. This mission embraces the most of York county. At York Centre, the county seat, a neat frame church has been built, and is ready for seating and plastering. It will be finished early the coming summer. This charge is rapidly growing.

     Fairmount--Bro. Wm. Bassett, pastor--is a good work and in a healthy condition. We have in Fairmount a good frame church; a debt however, is hanging over the church, and the people are unable to meet it at present; they are very much embarrassed financially. A small donation from the Church Extension Society would relieve them, and they ought to have assistance.

     Bro. Henry Heckman, a local preacher organized a circuit on the Upper Blue river, north and north-west of Fairmount, and reported to me ninety-eight members, including probationers.

     Bro. Barnabas Dewitt, a local preacher on the Ulyses (sic) Mission, by my request, organized a circuit of four societies in the North-western part of Seward, the North-eastern part of York and the South-eastern part of Polk counties, and returned to me fifty-eight members and twenty-nine probationers, and the people there ask for a preacher the coming year.

     On the whole the year has been a year of prosperity. Many of the preachers have had to work with their own hands during the week, not receiving enough from their charges to support themselves and families. Some actually suffered for the necessaries of life.

     We hear and read much of the heroism and the great sacrifice made by the fathers of Methodism; but we need not go back to the early days of Methodism to find moral heroes, or self-sacrificing ministers of the Gospel. We have them in Nebraska as great as many who lived in the early days of the church.

H. T. DAVIS, P. E.     

     Through the favor of a kind Providence, ever gratefully acknowledged, we are brought to the closing duties of a district term. Every year of the term has been marked by gratifying progress, but the last has been the most laborious and prosperous and pleasant of the four.

     At the time of last repot (sic), Omaha District was confined principally to the valleys of the Platte and Elkhorn; but since then it has been extended southward to the Blue and to the northwest, far up Wood River and Loupe Fork, and it now embraces an area of 12000 square miles.

     The enterprise of Methodism is not surpassed in business or sinful pleasure. The country has been filling up rapidly, but our membership has increased still more rapidly. And the relative strength of the church in this district is far greater than it was four years ago.

     The First church of Omaha still abounds in good works, and exhibits commendable enterprise and zeal, particularly in the Sabbath school. This department of church labor is here reduced to a system, and carried to such a degree of excellence as to be peculiarly attractive, while it is an agency of Christian power. G. W. Gue, the pastor, has labored faithfully and gained the confidence and affection of the people. But, unfortunately he became security for a friend, and thus was involved in debt to such an extent as to embarrass him in his feelings and labor; and in order to relieve himself from this embarrassment he accepted a lucrative position, and resigned the charge a few weeks ago. Since then the pulpit has been supplied by the writer hereof.

     The Second church has enjoyed some prosperity under the faithful labors of Bro. McKelvey. There has been a revival spirit in the church, an increase of the membership, and an advance in all the interests of the society.

      Omaha Mission--J. M. Adair, pastor. This is a new work, embracing the scattered settlements not included in any other pastoral charge in Douglas County. A church has been purchased in South Omaha, near the U. P. R. R. depot, and Bro. Adair has labored to pay for it. He has displayed commendable zeal in city and country, but received for his services barely sufficient to pay his house rent.

     Bellevue Circuit is one of the oldest in the Conference. It includes the county of Sarpy, one of the best agricultural districts in the State. This charge has two houses of worship and a strong working membership. C. L. Smith, the pastor, has done a good work, endeared himself to all classes, and they unanimously desire his return.

     Blair and Calhoun Circuit occupies the eastern part of Washington County, and it has enjoyed much prosperity under the pastoral charge of Rev. F. M. Esterbrook. Revivals have followed his labors at several points, and many have been converted and added to the church. Measures have been taken and funds provided to build a parsonage at Blair.

     Elkhorn Circuit lies along Elkhorn river, a distance of twenty five miles. Bro. Adriance, the pastor, has just closed another three years' term. During this time a parsonage has been built and paid for, and the church has made a decided advance in members, in local standing and in spirituality.

     West Point Circuit is situated further up the Elkhorn, along the Elkhorn Valley railroad, and the past year has been under the pastoral charge of Wm. Peck. Bro. Peck is a foreigner by birth and education, not popular as a pastor. He is diffident and retiring in his manners, but I venture the prediction that he is a man whom the church will yet delight to honor.

      Fremont and North Bend--G. W. DeLaMatyr, pastor. A church 30x50 feet in size has been built at North Bend; the church property at Fremont has been increased, and there has been a steady improvement of all the church interests during the year.

     Schuyler Circuit includes Colfax county, the north half of Butler and a part of Dodge county. This section is well settled by an intelligent and enterpring (sic) class of people. Rev. C. A. King was appointed pastor, and he entered with energy upon his work; but the demands upon him were so numerous and urgent that he desired an assistant, and Rev. P. P. Landon was appointed. These brethren have labored together in harmony and with good success. The parsonage has been enlarged at a cost of several hundred dollars. Measures have been taken to build a church in Butler county and a parsonage in Dodge county. A spirit of revival has rested upon the charge, and many have been added to the church.

     Columbus and Osceola Circuit includes Platte and Polk counties. It is an extensive field, needing ten or fifteen appointments and requiring a large amount of travel. Bro. Whitehead, the pastor, attempted, in opposition to my advice, to meet all the demands upon him. His conference studies, pastor work and preaching from three to five times a week; resulted as I feared. He was prostrated by an attack of nervous debility, and under the advice of physicians he desisted from preaching about the first of December, 1872. I then employed Calmar McCune, a local preacher, for the remainder of the year. Bro. McCune is a young man of good education, of superior preaching abilities and of pleasing address. He felt the necessities of the work, and entered upon it with such energy that the cause of Christ has advanced, but his health has somewhat declined. There has been a steady improvement of all the church interests, and a large increase of the membership

     Clarksville Circuit was left to be supplied, and Bro. M. A. Fairchild, a local elder, was appointed pastor. He has diligently cared for the flock of Christ. Several revivals have followed his labors, and nearly one hundred have been gathered into the church.

     Saint Paul Mission was left to be supplied. This is a new work, lying along the Loupe Fork in Howard county. The charge has been organized during the year, and made some progress under the labors of Bro. Ridell.

     Grand Island Mission was an extensive field, requiring the labor of two men. Bro. J. S. Smith, the pastor, preferaed (sic) to confine his operations to the eastern part of the work; and he consented, voluntarily, to divide the missionary appropriation with another man if he would take charge of the western part of the circuit.

     I therefore employed Rev. Wm. Morse, a supernumerary of Wisconsin Conference, and appointed him to the western portion and called it Kearney Junction Circuit. Bro. Morse has labored very efficiently and reports a large increase of membership.

     Eldred Mission was left to be supplied, and Richard Pearson reappointed pastor. Bro. Pearson came from England about two years ago, and on his arrival he was received into our church and appointed. to the north half of Saunders county, in which we had no church organization. He was recommended for admission into the traveling connection one year ago, but affliction in his family prevented his attending conference. He has labored the past year with great success. He is a sort of spiritual fire-brand, bearing light and heat and power all over the circuit.

     Church interests developed on his hands, demanding more help, and Daniel L. Davis was licensed to preach and appointed assistant some months ago. These brothers have given the people a rare example of Christian love for each other and for the cause of Christ. Every week has witnessed an advance.

     The secret of their success is they have taken counsel of God and allowed Him to lead them; and when he leads they go "conquering and to conquer." These brothers report over two hundred members and probationers, and they are both recommended by the district conference for admission into the traveling connection.

     A few months ago I employed Rev. Wm. J. Wilson to canvass Hamilton county, and D. A. Crowell to canvass Dawson county in the interests of our church. They have organized classes and Sabbath schools, and the people petition for preachers.

     The counties of Sherman, Little and Lincoln are being settled up, and they should receive immediate attention from the church.

     The Scandinavian Mission of Nebraska received some encouragement last conference, and Peter Lindquist appointed missionary and authority given to appoint an assistant. Accordingly Bro. Andrew Smith was appointed. A special appropriation from the Contingent Fund of $300 for Bro. Lindquist, and $150 for Bro. Smith was obtained and applied on their support. They have traveled extensively and labored faithfuly (sic), but little has been accomplished. And in my judgment the results of the experiment do not justify a continuance of the mission. It appears unwise to perpetuate the language and customs of other nationalities among us, and I am not prepared to ask for an appropriation of mission funds for this purpose.

      Four years ago the districts were re-organized, and Omaha District was left with an area of 20000 square miles, a membership of 705, four churches and three parsonages. Two years ago the district had grown to such proportions that a division was demanded, and Covington District was formed out of the northern part, taking one-half the original tarritory (sic) of the district, two churches, one parsonage and over 500 members.

     The district has continued to improve in all the elements of true prosperity, and now it embraces an area of $12000 (sic) square miles. Another division is demanded. The former division was from east to west; this one should be from north to south on the line between Polk and Hamilton counties. This would cut off 8000 square miles for the new district, and leave Omaha District 4000 square miles, eleven churches, seven parsonages and 1300 members. If this division should be made, as suggested, there would be three large distrtcts (sic) grown from one small one in four years; sixteen churches in place of four; ten parsonages instead of three, and a membershlp (sic) of 2709 where there were but 7O5 four years ago.

And this immense field is mostly supplied with new men. Some of the preachers have been received from other churches, several have come up from the ranks, and others have come in by re-admission and transfer; and Bro. Adriance and myself are the only traveling preachers in this vast region who have been members the conference more than four years.

     We have waited many years in the Territory and State for the prosperity which we now behold. "The mills of the gods grind slow, BUT THEY GRIND." Nebraska is becoming known in the distance. We number among our thriving citizens representatives from every state in the Union and from nearly every nation of earth. An interchange of friendly greetings is centreing (sic) attention here, and gathering immigrants from all points of the compass. Doubts no longer exist as to the richness of the soil, the healthfulness of the climate, and the prominence of the State in the near future.

     There is more gold in Nebraska than in Colorado; more fortunes to be made on these fertile plains than can be found in the mines of the mountains. Industry and enterprise and capital and intelligence are flowing in upon us, and these elements of power must be met by the leaven of the Gospel and won for Christ. The preachers have deeply felt the vastness and responsibility of this work, and deliberately given their lives to it. And here are men who in the marts of business could command thousands of dollars for less labor than brings them hundreds in the ministry. But this is a trifling sacrifice in view of the interests involved and the rewards awaiting. In this cause they hope to exhaust the powers of body and heart and brain and

A.G. WHITE, P. E.     

     The boundaries of this District remain nearly the same as they were one year ago It embraces twelve Circuits, one of which has been organized since the last session of the Conference. Seven of these charges were provided with pastors from the Conference, and four were left to be supplied. With two exceptions, all the preachers have been at their posts and have done well. The exceptions will be noticed in their places.

     St. James--George Scott, pastor. This Circuit embraces a part of Dixon and a part of Cedar counties, and is in a flourishing condition. There is at St. James a neat little church, so far finished as to afford a place for divine worship, and the brethren say it shall be ready for dedication in June next. During the year a neat little parsonage has been built. It is free from debt and the preacher occupies it. The value of church and parsonage will, when completed, be not far from $2,000.

     Ponca Circuit--W. H. Porter, Pastor,--is two years old. It has shared largely in religious interest ever since its organization. The

church at Ponca began last year is not yet finished. The prospects are now fair for its speedy completion and in will be worth, when done about $1,500. At Spring Bank, a glorious revival has been going on for some past. More than fifty souls have left the ways and wages of sin and have come into the light of salvation. There is no parsonage on this charge.

     Logan Valley--G. H. Wehn, pastor.--The work on this Circuit has been extended. There has been some spiritual prosperity. A lot of two acres has been procured, and a comfortable parsonage built and it is free of debt.

     Norfolk.--There has been no special developments on the charge during the year. A few mercy drops have fallen. Rev. S. B. York, Pastor, has been steady and punctual at his post. There has been a small increase in the membership.

     Niobrara Circuit--is all new settlement territory except the village whose name it bears. Creighton, the center of the Bruce colony, Dry Creek, and Pierce the county seat of Pierce county are points of much promise, embracing a population of a hundred families or more. Very little more than holding the ground has been accomplished this year.

     At the last quarterly meeting, Feb. 8-9 I found a class of five persons at Pierce. At Creighton there is also a small class.

     Madison--Jabez Charles, a local Preacher from Pittsburg Pa. has been laboring on this charge as a supply with acceptability and success. In the month of September a camp meeting was hold at the Yellow Banks on the old camp ground, which resulted in much good. Also a protracted meeting hold on Buffalo Creek during the winter was crowned with abundant success, and twenty-six souls united with the church.

      Hammond Circuit was formed one year ago, and embraces all of Boone and parts of Madison and Platte counties. Rev. S. P. Bollman was appointed to this charge. When he commenced operations there was not a class formed nor a member enrolled. Bro. B. now reports six classes, with forty-five members and thirty probationers.

     Irwin Grove Circuit lies in Antelope county. In September I employed Rev. H. Keith to take the charge for the rest of the year. Bro. K. commenced operations in October, and has been hard at work, as his labors show. He has held protracted meetings at different points, and as a result 71 persons have joined the church. They have obtained lots for both church and parsonage in Oakdale, the seat of Antelope county, and have both in process of erection and propose to have them ready for use at no distant day.

     Decatur--supplied by W. J. Fraser--has enjoyed a year of spiritual prosperity, resulting in a good increase of the membership. A debt of long standing on the church is, however, a serious embarrassment to this charge.

     Arizona embraces a part of Burt county, and was left to be supplied. Soon after Conference I secured a supply in the person of Rev. J. B. Wolfe, He arrived on the work about the first of May, and has been laboring hard and successfully. He has held several series of meetings with good results, and increased membership. There is a parsonage, free from debt, but no churches.

     Dakota.--This charge has enjoyed some prosperity during the year. A goodly number have united with the church on probation.

Rev. J. H. DeLaMatyr, the pastor, has been steady at work, and has the confidence of his people He has closed his second year on this charge, and will ever be remembered favorably by all whom he has served. He feels it his duty to leave this region and seek a more congenial climate for his health. We regret his departure from us, but pray that the blessing of God may rest upon him and his labors where ever in the providence of God he may be called.

     The church at Covington stands as it did a year ago, useable with temporary seats. Less than one hundred dollars will free it from all indebtedness.

     The church at Dakota City, described a year ago, has been so far completed as to afford a very commodious place for divine worship, the seating being temporary.

     This District, embracing a territory of about 10,000 square miles, with a dozen circuits scattered from extreme to extreme, requires a vast amount of labor to work it. In looking over the results of the labors of the district for the year (now closed) we find there has been an increase in many respects. The borders of our Zion have been extended, church property increased.

     For these and other manifestations of Divine favor we thank God and take courage, and are ready to renew the conflict for another year for the Master, the Lord willing.

S. P. VAN DOOZER, P. E.     

CONFERENCE ROLL.

NAMES.	ADDRESS.	NAMES.	ADDRESS.
Adriance, J.	North Bend	Miller, J. G.	Ashland
Adair, J. M.	Omaha	Maxfield, J. B.	Beatrice
Alexander, G. S.	Lincoln	Mann, H. P.	Palmyra
Burch, Hiram,	Peru	May, D. H.	Falls City
Britt, L. F.	Pawnee City	Marquett, D.	Blue Springs
Blackwell, A. G.	Belmont	Martin, J. W.	Tecumseh
Blackburn, W. S.	Lafayette	McKelvey, Chas.	Plattsmouth
Burge, R.	Rock Bluffs	Manley, S. H.	Lincoln
Beale, B. H.	Ashland	Morgan, W. E.	York
Brannan, D. C.	West Bloom	Pritchard, M.	Peru
Cannon, J. T.	Union	Presson, W. A.	Pawnee City
Crane, R. H.	Juniata	Presson, J. H.	Omaha
Colt, W. B. M.	Wautiska	Presson, H.	Adams
Crippen, G. B.	Mt. Pleasant	Peck, Wm.	Fontanelle
Davis H. T.	Lincoln	Rodabaugh, P. A	Falls City
DeLaMatyr, G. W.	Fremont	Shinn, M. F.	Omaha
DeLaMatyr, J. H.		Slaughter, W. B.	Brownville
Elwood, G. W.	Blue Springs	Smith, L. W.	Table Rock
Esterbrook, F. M.	Papillion	Smith, C. L.	Orville
Fort, J. L.		Swartz, A. J.	Crete
Folden, A. L.	Weeping Wat'r	Turman, Z. B.	Table Rock
Giddings, C. W.	Table Rock	Taylor, J. W.	London
Grantham, W. P.		Vandoozer, S. P.	Dakota
Gage, W. D.		White, A G.	Fremont
Hart, David,	Table Rock	Wright, Clark,	Omaha
Hysore, M. E.		Ward, D. J.	Grant
Janney, Lewis,	West Point	Willis, Elijah J.	Harvard
Johnson, R. C.		Wehn, G. H,	Ponca
King, Cyrus A.	Schuyler	Whitehead, L. F.	Osceola
Lemon, T. B.	Nebraska City	Wells, C. W.	Lyons
Lake, D. B.	Fairmount

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