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     The boundaries of the Lincoln District remain the same as last year, with the exception of the York Mission, which was put on the Beatrice District at the last Conference.

     Spiritually, we have had some prosperity. Souls have been converted in nearly all the charges, and on some of the charges most glorious revivals of religion have taken place; believers have been sanctified and made strong in God.

     Financially, the Church has suffered. The grasshopper raid devastated the central and western parts of the District; in consequence of which the benevolent collections have fallen short, the preachers salaries have not been paid, and many of them have not been able to procure even the necessary comforts of life.

     At the last Conference four charges were left to be supplied in the District. I employed Bro. George Worley to travel the Rock Creek Mission, and he did excellent service for the Church. The Upper Nemaha was supplied by Bro. D. W. Welch, who traveled the work until last spring, since which time the appointments have been filled by Bro. Simmons, a local preacher residing on the circuit.

     The Orton Circuit was supplied during the first twelve months by Bro. B. DeWitt. The last six months I have had employed on this work Bro.s Joshua Worley and George W. Streeter. They took up several new appointments and the work is now in good condition.

     Bro. T. W. Brookbank, who was appointed to the Seward charge at the last Conference, in consequence of ill health last fall resigned his charge, and I appointed Bro. A. J. Combs to supply his place. Soon after, I appointed Bro. Robert Rowbotham to assist him, and through their labors over one hundred souls were converted and added to the Church.

     Soon after the close of the last Conference Bro. Colt, who was appointed to the Oak Creek Mission in consequence of catarrh in the head, was advised by his family physician, Dr. Burr, to stop preaching for awhile and travel for his health, he accordingly gave up his work for one year, and the work was supplied

during his absence by Bro. Thomas J. Crowder. During the last six months Bro. Colt has been able to supply the work himself.

     Bro. R. Burge was compelled, in consequence of throat disease, to cease preaching last spring, and I appointed Bro. Wm. H. Tibbetts to supply his place on the Rock Bluffs Circuit until Conference.

     Bro. B. H. Beals, who was transferred to our Conference from the N. W. Indiana Conference last year and appointed to Ashland, became dissatisfied after remaining there six months, and Bishop Andrews transferred him back to the Conference from which he came. I appointed to fill his place Bro. Augustus Drahms, who has labored with acceptability, and comes recommended to this Conference for admission into the traveling connection.

     The other preachers on the district have been at the post of duty, and have labored faithfully during the year.

     At Palmyra a church which was commenced last year was finished, and on the 23rd day of November, 1873, we dedicated it to the worship of Almighty God. At Weeping Water, a good stone church, 32 x 60 feet, I think the best church south of the Platte River, was completed at a cost of near seven thousand dollars, and on the 13th day of January, 1874, was dedicated by Bishop Andrews.

     During the forepart of the Conference year a sod church was built on the western part of the Milford Circuit, and consecrated to the worship of Almighty God.

     At Milford a frame church is in course of erection, and will be ready for occupancy this fall. It is eligibly located, and will be a power for good in that community.

      At Ulysses Bro. Reed, the pastor, bought a good parsonage, though by so doing he had to sacrifice part of his year's salary.

     At Seward a good brick church is being built, and the society expect to have it ready for use this winter.

     During the year three churches have been completed and two others are in course of erection, and one parsonage has been procured. Other church enterprises had to be abandoned on account of the grasshopper scourge.

     We have tried, in the fear of God, as best we could, to advance the Redeemer's kingdom, and are glad to report progress in all the departments of the Church, except in the benevolent collections, which have not come up to last year. This is accounted for by the scourge alluded to above.

     Personally, I rejoice to say, it has been the best year of my life. I have had a nearness of access to God, and a richer baptism of the Holy Ghost than ever before in all my ministry. For this, my heart goes out in earnest praise and thanksgiving to the Great Head of the Church. The beauty, the grandeur, the glory, as

well as the great responsibility of the christian ministry, never appeared so vivid to my mind as now. The work of winning souls to Christ, of building up the Redeemer's kingdom, never before seemed so dear to my heart.

"On the mountains let me labor.
   In the valleys let me tell
How the Lord our blessed Savior,
   Died to save a world from hell."

Report of Nebraska District.

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BY M. PRITCHARD, P. E.

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MR. PRESIDENT AND BRETHREN:--In making a report of this District we would gratefully acknowledge the goodness of God in the preservation of the lives of all the ministers and the success which has crowned their labors.

     The year has been one of trials and sacrifices; but it has also been one of advancement and religious triumph.

     There have been an unusual number of changes in our District since our last Conference. Bros. Martin and Hart were exchanged early in the Conference year, Bro. Martin going to Table Rock circuit, where he has labored with acceptability and success; Bro. Hart going to Tecumseh, where he has been popular among his people.

     T. J. Newman, appointed to Peru, very soon found his health insufficient for the task, and resigned and went back to his old tome.

     L. F. Britt, who was granted a supernumerary relation at our last Conference, found his health so far restored that he could take charge of the work; and he has labored with great acceptability and usefulness.

     D. J. Ward, one of our most energetic and useful, men, failed in health, and with great reluctance, resigned his charge and went west.

     D. B. Lake was changed by Bishop Andrews from Fairmont, Beatrice District, to fill this work. He is an able minister of the gospel.

     L. W. Smith was appointed to the Cincinnati Circuit, having just been put on the effective list. He struggled long and hard against a broken constitution, but was compelled to yield; and

at his fourth quarterly meeting gave up the work, and went to the mountains for his health. C. W. Comstock has successfully filled the charge since that time.

     About four months since, W. A. Presson, appointed to Pawnee City, was transferred to the Des Moines Conference by Bishop Andrews, and his place was supplied by Thomas Audas, formerly of the Iowa Conference. He has served the people with great acceptability.

     T. B. Lemon was returned to Nebraska City for the third year. He has worked faithfully and successfully. He was called to conduct one of the most difficult church trials on record, requiring several days for its investigation. His law decisions were both wise and just, and his people heartily sustain his administration.

     W. S. Blackburn has rendered the church most efficient service on the Lafayette Circuit.

     W. B. Slaughter has served the Brownville charge with acceptability.

     J. W. Taylor, one of the fathers of the Nebraska Conference, served the London work.

     St. Deroin was supplied by I. Bowman, formerly of the Missouri Conference, and it has grown under his judicious and faithful labor.

     D. F. Rodabaugh was appointed to Falls City, a flourishing town on the A. & N. R. R. There was a good revival on the work, and he did most efficient service.

     S. D. Roberts was appointed to Rulo Circuit, which was at the time in a distracted condition, but under his faithful labors it became a prosperous work.

     J. Burlingame succeeded admirably on the Long Branch circuit.

     Considerable attention has been given to this department of church work. We have finished good, substantial churches at Humboldt, Table Rock, Rulo, and Highland. A church has been commenced at Nebraska City which, when completed, will be the best in the conference.

     A debt of a thousand dollars has been provided for at Peru, and half of the amount paid.

     A fine parsonage has been built at Falls City, and a small one at Long Branch.

     The finances of the district have never been in a better condition. It is comparatively free from embarrassment, and what debts remain are provided for, either by notes or subscription.

     There have been some gracious revivals in the district. Lafayette, Long Branch, Grant and Rulo have shared largely in these. Our camp meeting at Table Rock was a glorious success--about fifty professed conversion, and many entire sanctification, and the work goes on.

     But the most marked revival was at Peru, last winter. About one hundred professed conversion, and the membership was nearly doubled; and, what is of more importance, the work is of the most permanent character.

     The spirituality of the district is on the increase.

     We are endeavoring to work our disciplinary committees faithfully, believing that they are to become engines of power in the church.

     We have tried faithfully to enforce the requirements of the discipline on the subject of missions; to keep up our benevolent collections, and circulate our church literature; to utilize all the powers of the church, and moving forward to claim southeast

     Nebraska for the Lord and Methodism.

Report of Beatrice District.

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BY J. B. MAXFIELD, P. E.

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     At the last session of the annual Conference Beatrice District had its area greatly diminished by the formation of the new Kearney District. By the new boundaries it comprises a little above seven counties. It embraces a territory of above four thousand square miles, containing a population of twenty-five thousand inhabitants. To supply these with our church privileges there were made thirteen charges at the last Conference. Since then several new ones have been formed.

     Beatrice has been very efficiently served this year by Rev. S. P. Wilson. As the society of this town settles more and more into a permanently organized state, other churches have been formed, so that the congregations of the older churches do not increase so rapidly as in former years, when there were fewer churches organized. Notwithstanding this condition of things, our church interests are strengthening continually in Beatrice. The prospect before us is very inviting.

     Blue Springs:--Rev. D. Marquette served this charge with great acceptance during the first six months of the year until his services were demanded in another part of the field. At my request and with the consent of his presiding elder, Bro. Vandoozer, the Bishop appointed Rev. Geo. H. Wehn to this charge. Bro. Wehn served the people for a little more than two quarters, when he left the work, going to Pennsylvania on a visit. From the time of his leaving the work until now the mission has been supplied without money and without prices by two worthy local brethren, Rev.'s W. S. Dilworth and J. P. Brown, who have furnished to the people a free gospel. The church has been strengthened and built up by their efforts, and is now in good condition.

     Adams:--Rev. H. Presson, pastor, has had a fruitful year in spiritual things. Good revivals at various points. A settling down and compacting together into a permanent working state. A good parsonage has been built at the Adams appointment during the year. It is a first-class circuit.

     Vesta has experienced a gracious revival of God's work during the year. I am convinced that the good brethren here have surprised themselves, and greatly comforted the heart of their pastor, Rev. J. Patterson. God has wrought by his hands a most gracious work of revival in their midst. The religious state of this place was never better than now.

     Sterling :--Rev. T. A. Hall has been their faithful minister for this long year. He has purchased a good and commodious parsonage, which we soon hope to see freed from debt. His labors at various points have been blessed by good revivals. He is preeminently a man of one work. His eye is single, and the favor of the Father is with him. This work has grown, is still growing.

      Rev. E. Wilkinson, transferred from Michigan Conference, was appointed to Fairbury. For this charge we report progress. The church at Fairbury has been renovated and beautified. It is filled by an intelligent and appreciative audience, as much so perhaps as any in the state. They have, in addition to their church improvements this year, purchased a fine organ and built an addition to the parsonage. Methodism has a good foothold here.

     Rose Creek is a new mission, formed from Fairbury mission. It has preaching places, five classes, and the number of members is forty-nine, with twenty-eight probationers. We shall need to appoint them a preacher at this Conference.

     Saline was supplied by the Rev. A. L. Tinkham, who has done a good work here. There have been good revivals and organization of classes at various places, with an increase of spirituality that is very encouraging indeed, he has proved faithful and efficient. The work is in good condition.

     Roperville :--Rev. A. L. Goss was appointed to this work.

Needing him on the Rose Creek mission just formed, I removed him from Roperville and placed him in charge of Rose Creek. To supply the work, I procured the services of Rev. G. W. Ellwood. To mention his name in this relation is tantamount to saying that the work has been served faithfully and well. The people are poor but pious. They have but little wherewith to sustain the gospel, yet they have clone what they could. We can ill afford to spare either the preacher or the people of Roperville circuit.

     Little Sandy covers a large scope of country, much the largest of any one work in the district. The oldest effective man in the Conference, and the first Methodist preacher to plant our church on Nebraska soil, the Rev. W. D. Gage, was given this field of labor. He has been surrounded with the difficulties inseparable from the character of the work in this district. He has nobly braved its dangers and borne its privations, and the work has grown therewithal. This work needs to be divided into two works.

     Fairmont mission is situated in Fillmore county. Rev. D. B. Lake was appointed to this charge. He commenced the year with promise of success, and set on foot a number of church enterprises which have since been carried out. The church has been completed and dedicated. A parsonage has been built, &c. Owing to the prolonged and severe sickness of his wife, in order to be with her parents, Bro. Lake was changed to the Nebraska district, and Rev. J. W. Stewart, from the Central Illinois Conference, was procured to supply the work. Bro. Stewart is a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, and has been faithful and true.

     Dorchester mission, supplied by Rev. H. C. Rhodes. formerly of the Oregon Conference, has taken no backward steps this year, but has made a progres (sic) for which we are devoutly thankful to the Heavenly Father.

     York mission comprises York county. Rev. W. E. Morgan is the pastor. A church has been built and dedicated; an organ purchased, and other improvements perfected; all of which speaks of advancement. This field presents one of the finest opportunities for an active man with the limits of this district, and promises large results for our church in the near future.

     Crete, at the junction of the B. & M. and O. & S. W. Railroads,. is one of our most important points. Rev. A. J. Swartz was appointed in charge. At the end of six months he resigned the work, not until a church building had been erected and dedicated at Pleasant Hill, on this charge. Rev. D. Marquette was transferred from Blue Springs to fill the vacancy. He has continued to travel the field with good acceptance until the present time. A handsome brick church is well forward toward comple-

tion at Crete, which gives us a vantage ground we never before possessed. We confidently expect to soon see a strong and self-supporting society and congregation worshipping in our new brick church at Crete.

     I have already referred to the new work of Rose Creek. In addition to this there will be several more needing preachers, the boundaries of which have been defined. Wilber, ten miles south of Crete, will be the centre of one of these.

     De Witt, eight miles beyond Wilber, is the centre of another new work formed of a part of the Saline mission.

     Western, directly west of the last mentioned two, is another work needing a preacher.

     Highland is another inviting and unoccupied field urging its lack of the bread of life upon our favorable notice.

     Maple Grove and Turkey Creek need to be organized into a distinct work. Their claims are worthy, and the fields white unto the harvest.

     These, added to those already formed, will constitute eighteen appointments on the Beatrice district for the ensuing Conference year. Thus the work expands and strengthens from year to year in this grand country of ours, than which there is none more lovely upon the green earth.

     But there have been certain reminders visiting us upon this district this year, keeping us keenly alive to the fact that we are still upon the earth and not in heaven. I refer to the scourge of hot winds and grasshoppers, which I hitherto forbore to mention, because it rested heavily alike upon all parts of the district without exception. The harvest of small crops--wheat, oats, and barley--had been gathered when the grasshoppers fell like snow flakes from the skies. Myriads in multitude, they settled everywhere, and devoured the vegetables in the gardens and the growing corn in the fields. All consumed in an incredably (sic) short space of time. Relentlessly the work of ruin proceeded until nothing but the ruin of the farmers' prospects remained.

      To those who have not visited the wasted districts, no adequate idea can be conveyed of the extent and completeness of the disaster visited upon us. Families dependent upon corn alone are in a condition of absolute destitution. Individual instances of suffering are not given, for, where the suffering is so general, to do so would seem an invidious distinction against a multitude equally worthy of mention. But very few families have left this district on account of this calamity. With a fortitude and courage, praiseworthy in the highest degree, they have nearly all of them elected to remain. They have not asked to have the field

curtailed, but that more preachers be given. A people so brave demand the best ministry in the world.

     Of the preachers, but little can be said in blame or reproof. Volumes might be justly filled with their praise. I am unable to justly write the records of their noble lives and heroic sacrifices. but they are written in the book of God's remembrance, they shall be read at the last day in the hearing of all nations.

     Of myself, I have said nothing. My labors, my perils, my little victories, are not worth the writing. I have frequently deplored that I possessed so little ability wherewith to improve the grand opportunity. Who is there, seeing the vast and unsupplied needs here presented, would not, if possible, multiply himself a thousand times, that there might be more laborers in the vineyard of Christ? My goings forth during these years have been in view of the churches and of those over me in authority. If I shall receive their approval and the Heavenly Father's blessing. I shall be richly rewarded and more than satisfied therewith.

     Respectfully submitted.

Report of Kearney District.

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BY A. G. WHITE, P. E.

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     One year ago Kearney District was instituted, having no churches or parsonages, and but two or three charges fully organized. Names of a respectable number of circuits were given, and authority to penetrate the incognita of the plains, discover the territory, gather up the people, organize into societies, and supply them with preachers.

     Armed with this roving commission, we entered upon the work with such frontier experience and energy as we could command, willing to fight with wild beasts, if necessary, and often glad to subsist upon them that we might find and gather up the scattered elements of our Zion.

     This district, as it has been canvassed and only partially developed, for want of men and means, contains more territory than the states of Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut, and it embraces the interior and western part of the state. The Platte River and Union Pacific Railway extend through the district from west to east, dividing it into two parts nearly equal

in size. In the northern section, the Loupe River and the most of its tributaries, in the southern part, the whole of the Republican River in Nebraska, are within the bounds of this district. The climate is salubrious; the soil unsurpassed in fertility; the people are intelligent and enterprising, but generally poor. Here are the elements of great physical at d spiritual prosperity to be realized in the near future. Now, there is less pride, less infidelity, and less corruption here than in older settlements, and Christian labor will accomplish much more here than there. The moral elements are plastic now, and easily moulded and controlled. And the church that visits the people h their poverty and loneliness, and brings them the sympathy and instruction of the gospel, will gain their confidence and affection and retain them for all time.

     At last Conference a presiding elder and five pastors were assigned to this new district, but one of the pastors declined to go to his work, one has since withdrawn from the church, and one has been partially disabled with impaired health. This was a small working force for so vast a region, and it has been increased from time to time by the addition of such ministerial help as could be made available. Several preachers--supernumerary, superannuated and local--are living within the district on homesteads, and as they had a mind to work in the ministry they were employed.

     But as the church could not in any case give more than half salary it could not reasonably claim all their time and energies. It was necessary then to so arrange their work that they could cultivate their claims, and thus make the principal part of their support, and cultivate Emanuel's land as they had opportunity. Some of these preachers have labored with great success, and gathered scores into the church by conversion, and yet their worldly compensation has been scarcely sufficient to defray their traveling expenses. The necessities of the case required that the preachers should be employed near home, and while unavoidably engaged to some extent in business they were not held in so high esteem, and thus a pretext was furnished to the little, stingy souls for not paying anything. Another unfavorable aspect of the case is that the preachers could not, in every case, be assigned to the charges to which their experience and mode of labor best adapted them. This is by no means a trifling consideration. We have made a beginning, and the Lord has signally honored the enterprise.

      There was a handfull (sic) of corn in the earth, and already the fruit thereof shakes like Lebanon.

     But to the details of the work:

     Kearney circuit, in Buffalo county, was left to be supplied, and Rev. D. A. Crowell, a supernumerary member of Erie Confer-

ence was appointed pastor. The success of his labor is evidence that he is a workman that needeth not to be ashamed. A neat church has been built, 30 x 50 feet in size, with a projecting tower and bell, at a cost of $4,000, and the membership has been increased by the addition of nearly one hundred.

     Overton circuit includes Dawson county, and was left to be supplied. Last Conference it received a "local habitation and a name," and since then it has been organized, and made very gratifying progress. Rev. Wm. J. Wilson is pastor.

     Grand Island circuit includes that part of Hall county which lies north of Platte river, and a portion of Merrick county. It was left to be supplied, and Rev. J. S. Donaldson, a superannuate of N. W. Indiana Conference, was appointed pastor. He has been obliged to labor with his hands a portion of the time to procure the necessaries of life; and yet, with the weight of sixty-six years pressing upon him, he has rendered very effective service to the church. A neat house of worship has been built at Grand Island, at a cost of $2,000, and it was dedicated last Sabbath by Bishop Bowman.

     Clarksville circuit was left to be supplied, and Rev. M. A. Fairchild appointed pastor. He expected but little from the people in the way of salary, and he has not been disappointed. He has supported his family chiefly from his farm, and consequently he has given the circuit but little service excepting on the Sabbath. And this service, rendered in fatigue from the physical labors of the week, and without previous study, could not be as edifying as the church needs, or as he could have performed under more favorable circumstances. And this applies to nearly all the preachers of the district.

     There was a mistake in the statistics of this charge last year, and there were not so many members as the figures indicated.

     Saint Paul circuit is located in the Loupe valley, and includes Howard county; Rev. Richard Pearson pastor. Bro. Pearson has but one mouth to feed, and that one not very particular about the quality of food, and as he brought to this country a liberal supply of clothing, which is still in use, he has given himself wholly to the work of the ministry. Some of the results are a neat little church edifice, completed and paid for, one hundred added to the membership, and the societies in a spiritual working condition.

     Little Blue circuit was left to be supplied, and Rev. F. E. Penny was employed and appointed pastor. He traveled the circuit about one year, and was then released and Rev. H. C. Wheeler appointed. Bro. Wheeler has done a good work the last five or six months, and the quarterly conference have recommended him for admission into the traveling connection.

     Red Cloud circuit is located in the southern part of Webster

county. Bro. S. B. York was appointed to this mission by Bishop Andrews, but he did not visit the work. When I became satisfied that Bro. York would not do the work required of him, I employed Bro. Charles Reilly, a local preacher, and appointed him to the charge. Never was appointment more fortunate. He found the Methodist elements scattered and demoralized, but soon gathered them up and then engaged in special services with a view of saving sinners. He worked each week as though it was his last, and as though he expected during that week to make an imperishable record of great efficiency in the service of Christ. He succeeded marvelously, and for months many souls were converted every week. He has sixteen appointments, and has had revivals at nearly all of them. Bro. Reilly is duly recommended for deacon's orders, and also for admission into the traveling connection.

     Juniata circuit, Rev. R. H. Crane pastor. Adams county, which is chiefly included in this charge, has been favored by a large influx of Methodist settlers, and although there has been no revival there has been a considerable increase of the membership. A small church has been built at Hastings, and another commenced at Juniata. Bro. Crane gave up the circuit in July, and withdrew from the church. Rev. H. Hersey was then appointed for the remainder of the year, and he has done good service.

     Harvard circuit lies in the northern part of Clay county. This is a beautiful and fertile country, but there are many Roman Catholics and German-Russians located in it, and they offer no encouragement to the Methodist church. Rev. E. J. Willis, the. pastor, has done a good work, though his health has been poor the whole year, and his surroundings were not favorable to our church.

      Orville circuit includes Hamilton county; Rev. C. L. Smith is pastor. Under his efficient labors the charge has been organized and built up to a membership of more than one hundred.

     Franklin circuit is Franklin county. This charge was left to be supplied, and Rev. C. R. Townsend, a local elder, appointed pastor. Bro. Townsend is a thoroughly good man and a faithful worker, He has done what he could for the charge after supporting his family from his farm. The people have done next to nothing for him, and I once administered a reproof to the quarterly conference because they had not paid their pastor enough during the quarter to pay for the axle grease which was used on his wagon while traveling to his appointments. Some excuse themselves for not paying, because his dug-out is as good as theirs, his claim as well improved, and his clothes even better.

     This is an important charge, and the means should be provided to enable a pastor to give his whole time and energies to the work.

     Republican City circuit includes Harlan county, and was left to be supplied. Rev. F. A. Burdick, a local preacher, was employed and put in charge. He is a young man of good native ability, fair education, and gives promise of usefulness in the future. But, more age and experience in the ministry are required to organize the religious elements of society; he preferred an older man for pastor, and he was relieved last spring and Rev. T. H. Tibbles appointed. Since then, there has been greater improvement. Several societies have been formed, and a house of worship commenced at Republican City.

     Arrapahoe (sic) and Upper Republican were left to be supplied, but no preacher was found who was able and willing to enter upon this warfare at his own charges, so they remain unsupplied.

     The people are very anxious for preaching and pastoral care, and they should be provided for.

     North Platte was also left to be supplied, but I was unable to send them a preacher.

     Four new circuits, not contemplated last Conference, have been organized and supplied, and have acquired a membership of two hundred in the aggregate.

     These charges were organized in order to occupy the country, and carry the gospel to the people who could not be reached by other means, and it was not expected that the boundaries prescribed or the names given would long be retained.

     And in the development of the country and rapid growth of the church a change of boundaries and the formation of new circuits will be required every year.

     At the beginning of the year the membership of the district amounted to four hundred and ninety-two; now, we number fifteen hundred and fifty. As we report sixteen charges, the increase of ten hundred and fifty-eight in the membership may not seem remarkable. But it should be remembered that some of these circuits have recently been organized, and most of the pastors have given at least half their time to business to eke out a support which the circuits could not give them, and some of them could give no more than one- or two-sevenths of their time to the ministry.

     But the Lord has been with us, and this explains our success.

     There was no church property reported to last Conference from the territory included in this district; now, we have property to the value of $10,000.

     This was considered missionary ground, and during the year we have received funds to aid in the work, as follows:

     And in return for this investment the church has acquired ten hundred and fifty members and property to the value of $10,000.

     And larger appropriations of missionary and church extension funds would have been proportionally profitable to the church. And the amount received is regarded as a gospel loan to be repaid with interest in yearly installments; and we have already commenced the liquidation of this debt.

     We have explored the country, discovered same of its necessities and possibilities ; we have extended our skirmish line one hundred miles into the interior, and taken up some positions of strength and strategical importance. But how little, comparatively, has been accomplished towards making the desert glad with the light and civilization of the gospel. The out-posts are to be held and strengthened, and made batteries of christian power. The "tide of empire" is issuing from its narrow to debouch upon the wealth of beauty and fertility stored away in the centre of the continent and reserved for the last.

     The great battles are yet to be fought, the great obstacles to he overcome, and the great armies are yet to be supported in the field. And for this work we need men of mighty faith to lead the forlorn hopes of christian enterprize (sic),--men of practical wisdom, mighty in word as well as in deed, to inspire confidence, infuze (sic) zeal, and organize the forces of the church.

     There is a little band of laborers engaged in this work who feel that God wills they should remain. The church can do but little for them, and the world will do less. The grasshopper plague has visited every part of the district, and not a field escaped; the corn crop, which was the main dependance (sic) of the frontier settlers, is ruined, and gaunt poverty frowns upon preachers and people, but "in some way or other the Lord will provide," or, if not, still we will remain and share in the fortunes of the people if the authorities of the church shall so order.

Report of Omaha District.

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BY G. W. DE LA MATYR, P.E.

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     Omaha district has been divided since the last report. Steven's Point was taken from the north; Clarksville, St. Paul and Grand Island from the west. It now embraces fourteen circuits and

stations in the territory lying between the Lincoln district, on the south, and Covington district, on the north, a distance of fifty miles, and extending from the Missouri River one hundred miles west to the Kearney district. There are two hundred miles of railroad within its limits, intercepting all the charges except the three lying south of the Platte River. About two-thirds of the district has suffered severely by grasshoppers this season, they having destroyed all vegetables and corn, beside considerably injuring small crops; yet, while we have suffered loss in temporal things, we have been enriched in spiritual things. Mercy drops have fallen on all the charges, and some have been gathered from each into the fold of Christ, to the praise of our Heavenly Father.

     Omaha, first church, Rev. C. Wright, pastor. There has been a strong effort put forth by this charge, and through Mrs. Van Cott and the Holiness Association they have succeeded in nearly doubling their membership, and will report some seventy probationers. Bro. Wright is very popular in his church.

     Omaha, second church, Rev. J. H. Presson, pastor. This charge has enjoyed an excellent revival, and permanent good will result from the labors of Bro. Presson this year. He has the confidence and love of all his people both in the church and out of it. Yet they were not able to meet the debt on the church building) and they deemed it not best to make cost of foreclosure, therefore turned over the property to the mortgagee. It has since been purchased by members of our church, who will probably connect themselves with the second church, and it has since been moved to a more eligible site, and will be re-fitted and furnished completely and turned over to the M. E. church again; and this charge is now in better condition than ever before.

     Omaha Mission, J. M. Adair, pastor. The membership has been more than doubled, and is in good condition; fine sabbath school; and they have raised, including $200 donated by the Church Extension society, $900 to liquidate debts and furnish the church.

     Fremont station was left to be supplied. Rev. J. H. De La Matyr, a supernumerary, supplied the pulpit for six months, then the Rev. J. M. Richards was transferred from the N. Y. Conference and stationed at Fremont. This work enjoyed the privileges of a camp-meeting held in its vicinity; also, union revival services, and several were won and added to the church. Bro. Richards preaches good sermons, and excels in social meetings.

     Pebble Creek embraces six townships in Dodge county, Rev. J. Adriance, pastor. This work is large, needing two men. Bro. Adriance has labored in his usual faithful manner, and with good success. The church at North Bend has advanced towards completion by bricking up the walls, and by revival services a number have been brought to Christ and added to the church. This

field has suffered by the grasshopper, and will need an increased missionary appropriation for the coming year.

     Schuyler circuit includes all of Colfax county. The grasshoppers also visited this charge, doing great damage. The Rev. C. A. King was pastor. During the fall and winter, by extra services, the church was enlarged and strengthened, but during the last three months Bro. King has been absent most of the time, holding holiness camp-meetings. He supplied his work as best tie could, yet it did not prosper as it would under his labors.

     Columbus charge includes the county of Platte. Rev. C. McCune was appointed pastor, and remained for nine months laboring with feeble health, and then resigned his work. Bro. McCune was very much liked, and with health would be a very valuable man to the church. Bro. L. F. Whitehead was placed in charge; though not able to preach any himself, he supplied the work with good labor and good results. The charge has more than doubled its membership. It also fed a very large crop of grasshoppers, leaving small rations for themselves for the ensuing year.

     Osceola circuit, including all of Polk county, was supplied by Rev. J. Frazer, who remained about two months and left the work; it was placed under the charge of Bro. McCune until a supply could be procured. Rev. A. Burris was appointed, and served the charge for the last fifteen months with fair success.

     Butler charge includes most of Butler county; is a new work; supplied by Rev. C. G. Lathrop, a member of the Wisconsin Conference. This work has been well supplied and organized; a neat little church, 24 x 36, has been enclosed at a cost of over $700, leaving a debt of $230 fully provided for by subscriptions. They have also purchased seats on time, and have worshipped in it through the summer. It would have been out of debt at this time but for the grasshoppers. It now has a membership of over one hundred.

      Eldred circuit embraces the north half of Saunders county. Rev. D. S. Davis was appointed preacher in charge, and Bro. Alexander, a transfer from the Indiana Conference, assistant. Bro. Alexander came to us in very poor health, which did not improve, as hoped, by change of climate. He was faithful, but feeble. He endured for some months, and fell with his harness on, having been engaged in the baptism of an infant but a few moments before death welcomed him to rest. He leaves a wife and children to mourn his decease. Bro. Davis, with local help, has worked this great field with wonderful success. In his revival efforts a large number have been led to Christ, and many of these have been led over the six months trial into full connection in the church.

     Iron Bluff circuit includes a part of Sarpy, Douglas and Dodge

counties, and was supplied by Rev. W. H. Burt. This was a new work, with no parsonage, hence Bro. Burt did not live on the work, but served it as well as he could with the distance he was forced to travel. He received but little help in support from the charge.

     Bellevue charge, F. M. Estabrook, pastor, has built a new parsonage, costing $450; also, paid an old debt of $150 on the church, and has obtained a deed of two lots for a church at Papillion. The only debt on the charge is to its pastor. There was a revival in the winter with good results.

     Fontanelle circuit, Wm. Peck, pastor, has enjoyed a year of intellectual, theological and practical food. Bro. Peck fully obeys the injunction of the Apostles, and is a workman. He clearly divides the scriptures.

     Blair circuit was left to be supplied. After a few months we procured the services of Rev. F. M. Wheeler, who had returned from India to recruit his health. Although it was an experiment with him as to health he did succeed, and also in recruiting many into the service of the Master. Blair has purchased a small parsonage and partly paid for it. The charge has so grown that it asks to be divided for the year to come.

Report of Covington District.

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BY S. P. VAN DOOZER, P. E.

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     Covington district lies in the northern part of the state of Nebraska, and is bounded on the north and east by the Missouri river, which separates it from the state of Iowa and Dakota territory; on the south by the south line of the counties of Burt, Cuming, Stanton, Madison and Boone; and on the west by the uninhabited regions beyond; and embraces an extent of more than ten thousand square miles.

     The district contains a population of more than twenty-five thousand souls. The greater part of this number are Americans.

     About one-twelfth of the American population belong to the M. E. church, and a fair per centage of the rest are in sympathy with the church.

     Fifteen circuits compose the district. Seven of these were furnished with pastors from the Conference, and eight were left to be supplied.

     Decatur circuit is in Burt county. To this charge W. H. Porter was appointed at the last Conference. He remained on the work until last March. Finding it difficult to procure a dwelling place for his family, he thought best to move them to his home in Ponca, Dixon county. Finding a suitable man in the person of W. G. Olinger to supply the work, I released Bro. Porter from Decatur, and put him on the Ponca circuit, which had been left by Bro. Geo. H. Wehn. Bro. Olinger has served the people very acceptably. The charge is in a better condition now than it has been for several years past.

     The old debt on the church at Decatur which has embarrassed the society so long has finally been paid off. The house is in great need of repair. Last fall a camp-meeting was held within the bounds of the work, which resulted in great good, quickening the church and increasing the membership.

     At Tekamah, Bro. Olinger, previous to uniting with our church, built a house 28 x 40 feet square, with spire and belfry, stoves and lamps, seated with chairs, everything complete except a bell, at a cost of $1,500. This house was dedicated by Rev. C. Wright, last fall, as an independent place of Divine worship. Bro. Olinger, having since joined our church, now offers this house to us for the small sum of $900. The house is worth twice the money. With a little help from the Church Extension Society we can secure to the interest of our cause this very desirable property. There is no parsonage on this circuit.

     Arizona. This circuit is also in Burt county, Rev. J. R. Wolfe is pastor. He has closed his second year with many laurels. He has not only kept the church together but has had a good increase in the membership, and has built a very fine and commodious house of Divine worship, 28 x 44 feet, with spire, belfry, and a gallery, which was dedicated on the 28th of June last by Bro. T. B. Lemon, and we had a good time. The Lord was with us. A subscription of over $700 was taken, enough to pay all indebtedness.

      Lyons is in the western part of Burt county. Bro. C. W. Wells was appointed to this charge. He has been laboring faithfully and is well reported of by the brethren. There has been no special revival on the work this year. At Lyons there is a great deal of Universalian influence and infidelity to contend with, which impedes very much the progress of our Zion.

     At Alder Grove is the site of the parsonage and home of the preacher, with two acres of excellent land for garden purposes. We have no churches on this circuit; school houses serve for temples of worship, except at Lyons, where our people worship in the Presbyterian church.

     West Point circuit lies wholly in Cuming county. It was taken from the Omaha and added to the Covington district at the last

Conference, and Bro. W. R. Bassett was appointed pastor. There has been some prosperity on the charge during the year. At a district camp-meeting, held near Wisner in the month of August last, the church was greatly refreshed and several souls set out for glory. Bro. Basset, the pastor, not being in very good health during the year, has been able to do very little at extra or revival work. We have no church on this charge, but should have one at West Point, one at De Witt, one at Galena. and another at Wisner. We shall not be able to make much headway until we have them. We have a parsonage at West Point.

     Norfolk circuit embraces parts of Madison, Wayne, and all of Stanton counties, It was left to be supplied. I secured as a supply one Robert House, an English local preacher, who labored on the charge till April last; not being very efficient, the circuit afforded a poor support and he turned aside to other employments, and W. G. Beels, a local preacher from Iowa, succeeded him and has been doing well, and Norfolk circuit has a brighter future. The circuit is too large and unwieldy, and should be divided; it is about forty-five miles long and half as many wide. It is without church or parsonage.

     Madison. This circuit lies in the county of the same name. Bro. A. Burris was assigned to this work, but failed to make his appearance. I obtained a young man by the name of T. D. Lewis to supply the charge. He remained on the work until last April, when he left for California. Since he left the work has been in charge of Bro. J. C. Trine, a local brother living on the charge. There has been some revival interest during the year, and a few conversions and accessions to the church. This circuit has been in the unfortunate range of the grasshopper raid for the past three years. The people see hard times, but will do what they can to help on the good cause. They need a reasonable missionary appropriation the coming year in order that their pastor may not suffer. Had the grasshoppers not destroyed their crops they would now possess a church and parsonage; but, as it is, they have neither.

     Dry Creek circuit was set off from Madison last year, and Bro. Jabez Charles has successfully supplied the charge. Quite a number of souls last winter were converted or reclaimed, and joined the church. This circuit is without a church or parsonage. There were steps taken early last spring to erect a house of worship, but the invasion of the grasshopper army brought all to a halt, and the people have not been able to do much for the support of their preacher, but are willing to do all they can in the matter. I think the preacher has lived as well as the average of his flock, but that is not saying much.

     Oakdale circuit is two years old, and has been unfortunate in some respects. It is in the Elkhorn Valley, on the extreme

frontier, in the belt of country devastated by the winged raiders. Bro. H. Keith was appointed to the work at the last Conference; circumstances assumed such a phase after his return that it became necessary for him to leave, and he resigned the charge and left. I secured a brother, G. A. Deitrich, to supply the work the balance of the year. Bro. Deitrich has been laboring with some prosperity up to the present. The charge is now in a much better condition than it was twelve months ago. Financially, however, it is not rich. The grasshoppers were not hind enough to spare even Oakdale. The parsonage, begun a year and a half ago, is so far completed as to be occupied by the preacher.

     Albion. This circuit lies in Boone county, in the extreme southwestern corner of the district. It was organized a little over two years ago; on which Bro. S. P. Bollman has closed his successful second year as pastor. The societies are made up of a very fine and intelligent class of people. They would be liberal and benevolent, but the failure of their crops has denied them the means. They have shared the calamity of their neighbors. Had they escaped that calamity, they would have a chapel to grace the beautiful site of Albion, the county seat.

     We now come to Niobrara circuit,--beautiful for situation, but poor in spirit and supplies of bread and butter. It embraces Knox and Pierce counties, and has for the past three years suffered from the prairie scourge. Many of the settlers have left, and others will leave, to find subsistence for themselves and their families the coming winter. Bro. H. H. York has been preaching on the charge during the past twelve months, with but little success. There are only a few of our people in this region. The people generally belong to no one, but should have the gospel. This is, to all intents and purposes, a missionary field, and must be supported by foreign aid in the main until the people are saved; then they will support themselves.

      Dakota and Covington have been supplied the past year by Bro. J. S. Orr, of the New Connection Methodists of Canada, who came for the purpose of taking work with us in Nebraska. A few mercy drops have fallen on Dakota City, and a few souls, have been added to the church. The church edifices at Dakota City and Covington stand as they did a year and a half ago; several causes have operated together to produce this effect. Covington has been almost depopulated for want of business, and it has left the society very weak. The church is usable and not embarrassed. At Dakota City there is a debt on the church of some $300, and a loan from the Church Extension Society of $500, the first payment of which is due this fall. With this debt upon them, the trustees have not been able to complete the church; It is, however, in condition to be a convenient place for worship.

     Spring Bank circuit embraces parts of Dakota and Dixon

counties, and has been supplied the past year by Bro. J. Fowler, of the Michigan Conference, who came thence as a supernumerary. He is very acceptable with the people. There has been no special revival interest on the charge this year, though the circuit seems to be in a healthy condition. There is a log church, incomplete, and no parsonage on the work.

     Ponca, Dixon county. Bro. G. H. Wehn was assigned last Conference to this work. He went to his field and worked with a will and with success for about six months. His mother having died in the mean time, he thought it his duty to go and attend to some matters pertaining to the estate. Accordingly, he left the circuit about the first of October, 1873. I was unable to procure a supply till Bro. Porter was released from the Decatur charge ; since then, Bro. Porter has been in charge of the work. The church is completed, except seating and painting.

     Union circuit was a new formation at the last Conference, and was left to be supplied. I secured Bro. A. G. Wheeler to supply the work. He has done some good. I trust; and there is a prospect for doing good another year. A camp-meeting was appointed for the 16th of September, but the wet weather preventing a success the meeting was postponed till the 14th of October, and we look for a good time.

     St. James, Geo. Scott, pastor. This circuit lies in Cedar county, and embraces two preaching places and is in a flourishing condition. Bro. Scott has closed his third year on the work with much honor to himself and success to the church. He has built a good church and parsonage, and free from all debt. The church was dedicated on the 17th of August, a year ago, by Rev. A. G. White. A subscription of more than $300 was taken to meet all indebtedness.

     In reviewing the results of the past year on the district, we regret that more has not been accomplished for the church and for the glory of the Master. But to Providential hindrances we must patiently submit. Had it not been for the grasshopper raid, we should in all probability now have both churches and parsonages where there are none.

     As to the working our Sunday Schools on the disciplinary plan, I have found it next to impossible, and for two reasons: 1st. So many of the Sunday Schools are put on the union basis, to suit communities made up of various denominational proclivities. 2nd. The friends think it is all they can do at present to sustain home interests.

     But amidst all the obstacles in the way, we have been able to make some progress, both in the increase of membership and church property, and I think also in spiritual things. For all of which, and all other blessings, we are devoutly thankful to our Heavenly Father.

© 2003 for the NEGenWeb Project by Pam Rietsch, Ted & Carole Miller.