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     At the last Conference the West Blue mission was taken from the Lincoln district and placed in the Beatrice district. With this exception, the boundaries of the Lincoln district remain the same as last year.

     There were, at the beginning of the Conference year, eighteen appointments; to each of these a pastor was appointed.

     The year has been one of trial--one that has tested the faith of the preachers and their families.

     In consequence of the grasshopper devastation, many of the people have been able to do but little or nothing for the support of the preachers.

     And yet, as straitened as have been their circumstances, and as sorely pressed as many of them have been, not one has left the work. All have remained faithful at the post of duty, willing to share with the people in their misfortunes and sufferings.

     I have received from kind friends abroad, for grasshopper sufferers on my district, 7 boxes and 3 bbls. of goods, and $681.58 in money. These I have disbursed, mostly to the preachers. Had it not been for this timely aid, I know not how some of the preachers could have lived through the year and remained on their charges.

     Several of the preachers have met with losses.

     At the beginning of the year Bro. Marquett's two horses were stolen; and a few weeks ago Bro. Tibbet's horse was stolen. Last winter one of Bro. Hull's horses died. Bro. Brannan met with a severe loss in the destruction of his house and all his household goods by fire. Bro. Crippen has been prostrated by sickness for several months.

     Through the benevolence of kind friends we have been able to render these brethren some assistance in their misfortunes, but nothing like enough to cover their losses. So it will be seen, that not only have grasshoppers tried their power upon the preachers, but thieves, disease, and fire have all tried their hand upon them.

But from all these trials they have come forth strong in God and in the power of his might.

     The benevolent collections have not been as good as we could desire, hut are much better than we expected they would be at the beginning of the year.

     Two churches have been built and completed during the ear-one at Milford and one at Seward.

     The church at Milford--Bro. Gallagher Pastor--is a neat frame building, 22x40 feet. Time church at Seward--Bro. Folden pastor --is a substantial brick edifice 34x54 feet. Other church enterprizes (sic) have been deferred on account of the grasshopper scourge.

     Four years ago, when appointed to the district, there were twelve appointments, 5 churches, 1016 members, 204 probationers, 20 Sunday Schools, and 660 scholars. Since then, 7 appointments have been placed on other districts.

     In the territory assigned me four years ago, we have now 25 appointments instead of 12; 15 churches instead of 5; 3025 members and probationers instead of 1016; 52 Sunday schools instead of 20, and 2856 scholars instead of 660.

     We must remember, however, that the strength and influence of a church does not always depend upon its members. It may be numerically strong, but weak in influence and spiritual power.

     If the spirituality of the church does not keep pace with its numerical strength we may well fear and tremble. "Onward" should be the watchword of every christian.

     Every mountain of faith, peace and joy climbed by the Christian, points to a still higher mountain beyond for him to climb, and every mountain summit thus gained increases his power with God and man, and he should remember with joy, that however high time mountain of faith and joy may be to which he has attained,

     We are grateful to God that we are able, not only to report a large numerical increase, but an increase in spirituality also.

     The church has not only grown in numbers but in spiritual power.

     Grateful to God for his goodness, to the preachers and people for their kindness, we close the labors of the district, earnestly praying that its future may be far more prosperous than its past.

     Omaha District embraces the same territory reported at last Conference, and there are within its bounds fifteen appointments, and there are strong appeals to form four more circuits, by dividing those which are now too large. There is room and material to form at least six entire new fields, if our mission fund was sufficient to set them in operation, making twenty-five circuits and stations within its boundaries.

     Fremont Station.--Rev. C. G. Lathrop pastor, has enjoyed a year, of fair prosperity. There has been no especial revival, but a steady advance in religious interest; the congregations are good, and the society is relatively and really stronger than when last reported.

     Pebble and North Bend Circuit.--Rev. D. S. Davis was appointed to this work; his health failed after a few months, and by advice of his physician, and my consent, he left the work. Rev. W. Peck was placed in charge. This field is so large that one man cannot do justice to the church or meet the demands of the multitudes needing the gospel of Christ, and no other branch of the church comes to their relief. It should be divided and worked by two men, but cannot be without missionary aid.

     Papillion Circuit--Rev. F. M. Estabrook pastor.--This is one of our oldest and best charges. There are two churches of our own and one at Papillion, belonging to the German Methodists, the use of which is tendered to us without rent, and there is a commodious hall at Centerville, making four good houses of worship on the charge, and a good parsonage built last year at Papillion. It has been a prosperous year with the charge, and it is free from debt.

     Wahoo Circuit.--Bros. Adriance and Peck were appointed to this work. When Bro. Davis failed, Bro. Peck was removed to Pebble to take charge of that work, and Bro. W. Higgins was employed to supply his place. This is a large field also, and they wish to be divided into two circuits and have pastors sent, to each of them. The work has improved considerably this year.

     Osceola Circuit--Rev. E. Hancock pastor. This is a very large work, needing two men, or a division of the territory. Last year it was entirely swept by the grasshopper raid, and but very little has been done this year financially; they will be able to do better next year. Spiritually there has been some success.

     Butler Circuit.--This field was lei to be supplied; it has been worked by local preachers, and while they have had a free gospel (or nearly so), it has been blessed of God, and some good fruits have been gathered, and they wish to have the work divided and two men sent to them by this conference, and some missionary aid also.

     Columbus Mission.--Rev. A. Drahms was appointed pastor, and he also took charge of Schuyler. In about two months he moved to Schuyler, and Columbus was supplied by Rev. J. Armstrong from the Col. Conference. Columbus remains about the same as to numbers and strength as when last reported, though the place is growing rapidly and needs the moulding influence of a corresponding growth of Methodism. Other churches have large missionary appropriations, hence have the advantage of us. They need first-class talent and missionary help sufficient to give them a support.

     Schuyler Mission.--The Rev. J. M. Richards was appointed to this work, but by consent of the Bishop and agreement of P. E's, he was changed to Brownville, and Schuyler was left to be supplied. I at first connected. it with Columbus, under the charge of Bro. Drahms, and after some two months Bro. Drahms moved to Schuyler and Columbus was supplied by Bro. I. (sic) Armstrong. Bro. Drahms remained about nine months at Schuyler and then removed to California, and is serving a congregation there on a salary of $1,200. Since he left, Schuyler has been in charge of Bro. Armstrong. The changes have been too frequent for the best success of the work, and yet it seems to hold its own, and is quite hopeful.

      Iron Bluff Circuit--Bro. J. Q. A. Fleharty pastor--has grown somewhat in its territory, adding two new appointments. It is well organized, and a work of some promise.

     Fontanelle Circuit was left to be supplied. Rev. Wm. Porter has supplied it with some success; it is a very large field and but little pastoral labor could be performed at each appointment.

There was a successful revival at one point, and a good class formed, with a fair prospect of building a church next season.

     Omaha First Church--Rev. C. Wright pastor. Omaha mission was left to be supplied by the other churches of the city, and no missionary money was appropriated to it. The Rev. E. H. Tibbles offered to supply it, and take for a salary what could be raised on the work, which has been but little. He has been absent a considerable portion of the time, reporting and in employ of Aid Society, etc. There is a line Sunday school and a good congregation when services are regular, and with an appropriation which would give a support in connection with what could be raised on the work, it would very soon become self-supporting, and make good returns for the outlay.

     Omaha Eighteenth M. E. Church, formerly known as Second M. E. Church, has a neat, commodious, and well-furnished house of worship--Rev. T. B. Lemon pastor.

     The expenses of buying, moving, re-fitting, and furnishing (referred to in my last year's report), with running expenses, have been very heavy upon the few connected with the enterprise. From the efforts of the winter, important additions were made to the membership, and permanent good achieved. They have a number one Sunday school.

     Blair Station--Rev. F. M. Wheeler pastor. This church occupies an important field of labor. It is not strong numerically or financially, but is steadily improving. There has been a good religious interest during the year, and their Sabbath school has become one of the first in numbers and in interest. The parsonage which was commenced last year, has been completed, and is nearly free of debt.

     York Creek--Rev. D. Andrus pastor. This is a new charge, formed from territory taken from the Blair circuit. It has succeeded finely this year, and a goodly number have been gathered into the fold of Christ. It is a promising charge.

     This year has been one of unusual sacrifice for the ministers on the district. They have worked faithfully and successfully without complaint, while receiving but small financial returns. A large part of the district lost its crops last year, not reaping its own seed, and the previous year they had only a small crop, and this year, other parts have been severely injured by a hail storm.

     The disposition of the people to do was good, but they had not the ability, and had it not been for aid rendered by the more favored ones, some charges must have been abandoned, but thanks to a kind Providence, all have been worked with good results, and having received a fair crop this year, we are hopeful for the future.

     North Nebraska District embraces the same scope of country that it did a year ago, with two new circuits formed within its original boundaries.

     Dakota and Covington. This charge lies in Dakota county, and has been served by Rev. J. S. Orr for the past two years. The spiritual condition is rather low. The two churches are yet unfinished, and there is a small debt on each. There is no parsonage on the work.

     Spring Bank. This circuit remains about the same as it was last year, both in form and spiritual condition. Rev. J. Fowler, a local Elder from the Michigan Conference, has served the charge the past two years. There is a log church on the work yet incomplete. There is no parsonage.

     St. James and Union. This charge embraces Cedar and the western part of Dixon counties. Rev. J. B. Leedom and G. H. Bethard were appointed to this field. The former, a transfer from the Erie Conference, has been hard and faithfully at work, and the Divine blessing has crowned his labors. G. H. Bethard, of Freeport, Illinois, was a complete failure; he did not go to his work as a preacher, but turned out to be a "dead beat." One brother Withrow was employed to take his place, and at the end of six months he was dismissed for want of efficiency. Since that time Bro. Leedom has done the work of two men. The circuit is in a prosperous condition, both spiritually and financially. The church and parsonage are paid for.

     Arizona and Decatur. This work was formed by a union of the two named, and has been served the past year by C. M. Bryan, appointed by the Bishop, and G. W. Olinger supply. The charge has enjoyed some prosperity, and a number of souls have been added to the church. The beautiful church edifice at Tekamah, mentioned in my last year's report, has been purchased at a cost of $900. To meet this amount, the Church Extension Society donated three hundred dollars ($300), and time rest has been paid by the trustees, or secured by individual notes. The church at Decatur is in a dilapidated condition. The church at Arizona has been furnished with stoves and seats, and the parsonage at this point needs repairing. The official brethren of the charge are of opinion that the experience of the past year proves that the cause will be better served if the two circuits are disjoined and placed back as they were before they were united, and I am of the same opinion.

     West Point is an old charge, and Rev. Geo. Scott was assigned to it at the last Conference; it is in a promising condition. Bro. Scott held extra meetings and they resulted in several accessions to the church. A church enterprise at Galena is in motion.

     Norfolk Circuit was remodeled at the beginning of the year, new territory was added on the west, north, and south, and the eastern portion was set off to the Wisner circuit. This puts the work in a much better shape than ever before. The Rev. C. W. Wells was appointed to this work at the last Conference, under whose efficient labors much good has been done, and a number of souls added to the church. There is neither church nor parsonage on the charge.

     Oakdale Circuit embraces the greater part of Antelope county, and Rev. J. R. Wolfe has been serving it as pastor, he has been doing his work well, and the charge is in a good condition. The parsonage, yet unfinished, makes a place for the preacher and his family to stay. There is no church on the work. The Sunday schools are well looked after.

     Albion.--This circuit embraces the whole of Boone county, and has been supplied the past year by Rev. J. Charles. He held during the year several protracted meetings, with good results. Many were converted and added to the church. The membership now numbers over 90 souls. There is neither church nor parsonage on the circuit. The people contemplate building a house of worship at Albion the coming year, if they can get aid to help them in their enterprise.

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     Ponca Circuit is in Dixon county, and has been supplied the past year by Rev. G. A. Dieterich. The work is in a flourishing condition. Bro. Dieterich held some protracted services with some success, and some accessions were made to the membership. The church is not seated, and Bro. Dieterich occupies it to live in while the parsonage is being built, which will be completed this fall if they do not fail.

     Lyons.--This circuit lies in Burt county. Rev. J. W. Plumer was appointed to this charge. He preached a few times and received a donation of some sixty dollars, and soon after left the work, advising me that he had done so. As soon as I could, I secured a supply and employed J. T. Bennett, a local preacher, for the balance of the year. Bro. Bennett has been laboring on the charge since some time in May, with acceptability.

     Wisner.--This is a new circuit, formed at the commencement of this year; it embraces parts of three counties, Stanton, Wayne, and Cuming. Rev. J. H. Skinner has been supplying the work the past year with acceptability; he has done a good work. A commodious parsonage has been erected by his unceasing efforts, and the charge generally promises well. There are no churches on the work.

     Madison Circuit occupies the southern portion of Madison county. Rev. A. L. Lovelace has been in charge of the work this year. The circuit is in a much better state than it was a year ago. The spiritual interest has been advanced and membership increased. A small parsonage has been erected at Madison, a thriving village of the county.

      Dry Creek Circuit embraces the western part of Madison and the eastern part of Antelope counties. Rev. J. T. C. Trine has served the charge the past year. By means of extra meetings some souls have been led to the Saviour and to the church. There is neither church nor parsonage on the work.

     Holt is a new work, embracing the county of the same name. It was left to be supplied, and as there was no missionary money appropriated and no adequate support to be derived from the work, it has been left without a supply other than Bro. Wolfe has been looking after some of its interests. He organized a Sunday school at Rockford, and I organized one at Troy. At Rockford I set in motion a project to build a log house for a place of Divine worship, which will be accomplished in due time.

     Niobrara has been left without a supply for want of support.

     From the foregoing you will see that all the preachers except two have been faithfully at work, and I may add, blameless in their lives.

     As this closes my work on the district, it may not be amiss to recount some of time results of the four years' labors.

     When the district was formed, four years ago last spring, there were nine charges, now there are seventeen, including one consolidation. Then there were two churches one at Covington, valued at $2,000, and one at Decatur valued at $1,500 ($3,500) which is too high by $1,000; now there are eight churches, whose probable value is $12,000. Then there was one parsonage valued at $600; now there are eight parsonages. whose probable value is not less, than $3,000, making an increase of six churches and six parsonages, with an aggregate value of some $15,000, or an increase of about $12,000, and an increase of membership of at least 200 per cent. And while we feel thankful for the prosperity that has attended the district in its first four years of struggle, I am sorry that more has not been done. But I feel safe in saying, that had it not been for providential calamities, much more would have been accomplished. In quitting this field of labor, I cannot dismiss from my mind all feelings of solicitude and anxiety for its future welfare, and yet I cheerfully step aside and give place to some more worthy and efficient person as successor, praying the Divine blessing to rest upon him and crown his labors with abundant success, for Jesus' sake.

     In making my closing report as Presiding Elder of Beatrice district, I am forcibly impressed with the rapid flight of time.

     Appointed to this district, and looking into the future, four years seemed so long a period of time; at its close, looking backward upon the past, the lapse of four years is so short.

     The last four years to Beatrice district have furnished a history

of great interest, demonstrating in many things a remarkable growth. At the beginning of this term there was not a single mile of railway in this district, since then three lines have been completed, running in various directions through the country. Then there was but one Methodist church in the entire district; now there are seven very commodious houses of worship. Then there was not a single parsonage; now the church possesses six preachers' houses.

     The growth in population has been large, and the increase of our church membership has kept proportional pace with this rapid growth. Our Sunday schools have been largely developed, and still exhibit marked prosperity.

     The preachers, without exception, have obeyed the appointing power at the several Conferences held during this quadrennium, and not a single refusal to go to the allotted work has occurred; neither has an appointment refused to accept the preacher sent. A system producing such fine results, with so little friction, and no rebellions, must be something more than accidental in its origin and not seriously defective in its operations.

     Our district of country suffered much in the early part of the season by the ravages of the brood of locusts hatched from the eggs deposited last autumn. The crops of small grain in some localities were entirely destroyed. During the summer, unusual rains flooded the valleys repeatedly; freshets of such magnitude have not been known in the traditions of "the oldest inhabitant," for "the memory of man runneth not to the contrary." These floods, in some valleys, swept away all the crops which "the locusts had not devoured."

     Eighteen appointments were comprised in the plan of this district at the last Conference. It being found impracticable to support so many men, some four of the works have been traveled by two preachers; these are Hebron and Little Sandy, traveled by Rev. G. H. Wehn, and Wilber and DeWitt by Rev. G. W. Elwood. Bro. Wehn has labored efficiently as a supply in the midst of many difficulties and obstacles. Our work in these parts of the district is growing. Bro. Elwood has continued faithful to our interests and work until the end of the year has been attained. We need churches at Wilber and DeWitt. This need will be supplied at n early day. Our. people at those places are numerous and

courageous, and will, with a little foreign aid, build the needed houses of worship.

     In the north-west we have the appointments of West Blue and York, manned by Rev'ds W. E. Morgan and A. L. Goss. These brethren have been true and faithful to Christ and the church, and we have increased as a people continually.

     Fairmont has been well served by the pastor appointed last conference, Rev. J. W. Stewart. Our church. maintains its high standing at Fairmont, although surrounded by some embarrassments and difficulties, for there is here a band of brethren whose fidelity is firm, and whose courage never quails.

     Rev. W. P. Grantham has been pastor of the Western mission the past year. The people residing on this work are largely homesteaders. Among them Methodism has many adherents, and Christ many disciples. Gracious revivals have greatly strengthened our church and the kingdom of Christ during the year.

     Adjacent to this mission upon the north is Dorchester work. The veteran soldier of the cross, Rev. W. D. Gage, has labored here in word and doctrine, and gathered much fruit in the vineyard of. the Lord. Our work in this section is very promising, and the outlook encouraging.

     Crete still remains at Crete. Rev. D. W. Kriedler and Rev. G. H. Cooper served the charge together during most of the year. There have been some additions to our numbers, but not a growth such as is common in our history, and what we so much love to record. We hold on firmly to our purpose of building up the cause of Christ in this town. Above all other things we need the descent of the Holy Ghost upon the people and upon our own church; when this comes, all will be well with us at Crete. At Adams, Rev. H. P. Mann has labored throughout the year. Most of our leading members on this work have suffered severe losses from both grasshoppers and floods; such storms have not been known before since the settlement of the country; many were compelled to abandon their houses, others were hemmed in by the waters, the flood having cut off all escape. Fortunately, but few lives were sacrificed, and none in the immediate vicinity of the work. Our work is in good condition at most of the preaching places.

     Sterling is also embraced in the "flood and grasshopper area."

Rev. H. Presson was appointed to the work, and, notwithstanding wind and water, stayed with them. My meaning will be understood when it is known that the village of Sterling has been blown to pieces by the wind, and then submerged by the waters repeatedly during this summer. There has been, indeed, "much water there," but strange to say, with all this facility for dipping, Bro. Presson does not believe much in immersion. The work of God has abounded on this mission this year in spite of all discouragements. Let God receive the glory.

     Maple Grove--Rev. J. Patterson pastor--has evinced a satisfactory growth this year. The work is strengthened and developed, and by its growth attests the industry of its pastor.

     Blue Springs was supplied the most of the year by Rev. C. R. Stoddard. Our interests have not increased as much as was desirable, but not through any fault of the preacher. Bro. Stoddard is a very faithful man, and did all he could in the premises. Rev. A. L. Tinkham traveled the work during the latter part of the year. We need a sterling, efficient man at this point next year.

     Rose Creek has been under the charge of Rev. A. C. Routzahr during this year. We have done a good work in view of all the circumstances involved.

      Adjoining Rose Creek upon the north, is Fairbury mission, among our most promising fields of labor, and under the charge of Rev. E. Wilkinson, its appointed pastor. The stringency of financial matters has been a very serious obstacle in the way of our progress on the work, but still we have realized a good advancement at most points this year. In the village of Fairbury, however, we have not had such marked success as we had hoped to see, yet the outlook is, upon the whole, quite promising. We have good ground for cherishing large expectations concerning the future prosperity of this work.

      Last to be noticed in this connection is Beatrice Station. Rev. D. Hart has served the charge very acceptably during the year he has been abundant in his labors to strengthen and develop the interests of the church and of the kingdom of Christ. Our losses at this place by removals and deaths during the year, have been very severe. We have thus been deprived of the aid of a number of our strongest members, whose vacant places it will be next to impossible to entirely fill. There is still remaining a band of

those who love the Lord, sufficient in faith and numbers to warrant the utmost confidence in the permanence and prosperity of Methodism in Beatrice, the centre of one of the finest farming districts of the State, bisected by the Big Blue river, and traversed by its numerous tributaries, which afford water power in almost unlimited quantities, whose margins are fringed with groves of timber; ledges of magnesium limestone cropping out of their banks, to all of which may be added hydraulic cement rock in inexhaustible amounts. Beatrice must, from its situation, be a place of importance, demanding our most earnest endeavor for many long years to come. But in closing this, my last annual report, I am confronted with a task more difficult than any with which I have as yet grappled, a labor remains too great for me to entertain the hope that I shall more than compass a very imperfect accomplishment thereof; for it must be a mightier pen than mine that can do justice to the faithfulness and self-denials, the manliness and christian character of the preachers upon this district during the time I have been its Presiding Elder. Four years ago, brethren, we thus came together in these relations. On my part was a total inexperience in the duties of this office; to think for a moment, that during my administration, I have not committed many mistakes would be unpardonable egotism in me; yet you have exhibited patience and forbearance in so many instances, respect and sympathy so uniformly for me, that I beg to assure you that your memory is enshrined in my heart of hearts. We have stood side by side on many fields of conflict, where deeds of moral heroism, more noble than knightliest deeds that ever won praise in joust of. arms, have been performed by men whose coats of arms are not recorded in heraldic books, and whose names are not enrolled among earth's mighty, but whose names and deeds are cherished in the sleepless memories of God There is no fear that your glory will become dim, none that your labor will be for naught. Though there be clouds and thick darkness, though there seems the reverse as well as victory, yet above all, and over all, is the controlling sceptre of the universal King. We shall bring it to pass in his own good time. We may even now discern the day when the old shall give place to the new, we may see it watching unto prayer another vision; for as

"I look aside the west hath rolled,
   The master seems the builder too;
Upspringing from the ruined old,
I see the new.

"'Twas but the ruin of the bad,
   The wasting of the wrong and ill;
Whate'er of good the old time had
Is living still."

     One year ago Kearney District was financially prostrate. "The destruction that wasteth at noonday" had come upon the whole land in the shape of prairie locusts; the crops were consumed and the people left destitute and helpless. They could not carry forward their church enterprises or support preachers, or even obtain for themselves the necessaries of life, and yet they needed them gospel none the less because of their misfortunes; and the church could not with honor, or with any Christian propriety withdraw from the field merely because the people had been unfortunate. The missionary appropriation was barely sufficient to pay house rent for the preacher; and this was about all the visible means of support they had. A forlorn hope without ammunition, and depending wholly upon the bayonet, has in a desperate emergency saved the honor of an army. And so these preachers went forth as representatives of a gospel of faith and of sacrifice, and they found the Divine assurance still in practical force, "Lo I am with you." Some of them have traveled their extensive circuits the whole year on foot, giving full proof of their ministry, and not neglecting the people in their under-ground cabins, who, in many cases, were kept at home for want of clothing. And through the benevolence of eastern friends these preachers have distributed relief to the amount of thousands of dollars among our needy

people. Their congregations have been increased by distributing clothing to the poor who could not otherwise appear in public. and some were converted in the garments furnished them in this manner, and thus enabled to attend public worship. This has been a year of faith and trial. The preachers were led by the Spirit into the wilderness, not knowing how they were to subsist, but "bread has been given and their water has been sure." Not one who went to his work was compelled by poverty to leave; two were fainthearted and declined their appointments. The past winter was unfavorable to special services, being intensely cold, and the people so straightened in their circumstances that they could not in every place obtain fuel and light for a place of worship, and many of them abandoned the country on account of the scourge.

     The increase of. membership is small, but in some respects this has been a profitable year for Methodism. We have taken a stronger hold upon the confidence and affection of the people than we could have done under ordinary circumstances; they saw that the church sought not theirs but them, that she was laboring to do them all manner of good, and asking nothing in return. Some of us are not able to hold a verbal argument with learned infidels, but we can vanquish them with the arguments of Christian life and labor. When the church at Kearney was dedicated last year, pledges were taken sufficient to cover the indebtedness, but the grasshopper plague swept away the resources of the people, and they were unable to meet their obligations. The indebtedness amounted to $1,246, and an execution was issued for the sale of the premises. I obtained half this amount in the east (including $300 from the Board of Church Extension) and the whole debt was paid.

     At Juniata the church enterprise reported last year, has been revived under the efficient labor of Bro. Reilly. A loan was obtained from the Church Extension Society and other assistance in the east, which enabled the people to carry the enterprise through, and the church was dedicated last Sabbath by the preachers of the district. We now have at this point a neat house of worship 30 by 50 feet, with a projecting tower in front, the whole substantially built at a cost of $4,000, and free from debt.

     The church at Hastings was annoyed by a troublesome debt, but

the persistence of the pastor, Rev. E. J. Willis, has triumphed over it, and the debt is paid.

     Rev. T. H. Tibbles was appointed to Republican City Circuit, but after Conference, was excused by Bishop Bowman from going to the work. The church at Republican City, which was commenced last year, has been carried forward to near completion.

     Rev. T. W. Brookbank was appointed to Red Cloud Circuit; he failed to go to his appointment, and he has since abandoned the ministry. There has been some revival spirit on most of the charges, and an extensive work of grace on Orville circuit, under the labors of Rev. C. L. Smith, and also a large increase on St. Paul Circuit, Rev. R. Pearson pastor.

     Bro. Swarts, who was appointed to Sutton charge, was compelled, by failing health, to give up his work in the middle of the year. Since then Bro. Crowell has served it occasionally as he could get his own appointments filled. Republican City and Red Cloud Circuits have had no pastors, as the preachers appointed last conference failed to go to their work.

     It was impracticable to supply Upper Loup, so this circuit was connected with St. Paul charge, and Bro. Pearson performed extra work in extending pastoral care over those frontier settlements. North Platte and Indianola have not been supplied.

     The charges left without pastors at last Conference, and since supplied, are as follows:

Lone Tree, by Rev. J. M. Dressler.
Grand Island, by Rev. J. M. Donaldson.
Loup City, by Rev. Wm. Willard.
Kearney Junction, by Rev. Wm. Morse.
Overton, by Rev. J. L. Vincent.
Arapahoe, by Rev. W. J. Wilson.
Bloomington, by Rev. C. R. Townsend.
Riverton, by Rev. C. H. Wells.
South Platte, by Rev. Hiram Hessey.
Spring Ranche, by Rev. N. R. Brown.

     At the time the appointments were made last Conference, it was apparent that the work could not be done unless extraordinary means should be used to procure subsistence for the preachers. Bishop Bowman had been in the district and knew the destitution of our people, and that many of them were not able to provide for

themselves, and must receive charitable assistance or perish; he therefore advised me to go east for assistance, and gave me letters of commendation to our more fortunate brethren in the distance. Governor Furnas also highly approved of this charitable mission.

     After hastily arranging the district work and supplying a few charges with pastors, I went east to procure subsistence for the needy. My mission was regarded with great favor, and the people responded with a liberality far beyond my expectation. After an absence of two months, and organizing relief agencies as far as practicable in that time, I returned in order to take the oversight of the distribution of supplies, and perform district work as I had opportunity. An extensive correspondence was opened up and supplies collected by this means from twenty-two States and territories.

     Whole expense of collecting and distributing, including freight, expressage, stationery, postage, etc., $409.50, or little more than three per cent.

     I have taken vouchers for the cash distributed, but not for the other supplies, as they were sent in bulk, for the most part, to preachers and others who were well known, who would charge themselves with the work of distributing them. A statement of this business, and vouchers for the cash, are prepared for the information of Conference, and a committee is desired to inspect them.

     We have received timely assistance from time Boards of Missions and Church Extension, and from our Sunday School Union, and thus we have been enabled, not only to maintain our position, but to strengthen it in spite of the plague of last year. We have not done much in return, but have formed a higher appreciation of these great connectional interests, and propose to express it in a more practical manner in the future. Many of the people contracted debts the past year, but they have been favored with a good crop, and they are again on the road to prosperity. The storm of adversity has winnowed out the chaff of our population, but the men of weight, of intelligence, of firmness and faith, remain to

work out the fortunes of the church and State; and these people, many of them from the great cities, and from educational centres, are to be provided with the Gospel, and for this work the best talent of the church is needed; not the frothy and fanciful that floats upon the popular wave, but practical, consecrated workers to meet and mould the elements of society, and to cut the channels for fortune to run in.

     For this work we do not desire one thousand dollar men, nor two thousand dollar men, nor three thousand dollar men, but men who are not in the market--men who are above all price, who feel the force of the Master's prayer arid abide by it. "As thou, Father, hast sent me into the world, even so have 1 also sent them into the world."

DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN:

     In presenting our annual report, we would acknowledge the goodness of God, which has preserved the lives of the ministers of this district to the present time. In consequence of the ravages of. the locusts, the year has been one of unusual privation and sacrifice, but it has been one of great spiritual prosperity; never have men more heroically borne the toils of itineracy than on this district the past year. With one exception, they went immediately to their work. Bro. McKelvey, appointed to the Brownville station, refused to go to his appointment, and J. M. Richards was appointed by Bishop Bowman to fill the vacancy. After eight months' service on the Cincinnati circuit, C. W. Comstock abandoned it, and his place was supplied by Z. B. Turman, one of our oldest and most valued superannuated preachers. There has been but little done in church building, because of the pressure of the times. A beautiful church, however, has been completed at Nebraska City, and would have been free of debt but for the grass-

hopper plague last spring. Other debts have been paid, and several important improvements made.

     Nebraska City is the most important station in this district; it has a good working membership and a fine church. J. H. Presson, the pastor, has shown himself fully able for the work; he is well received, and has had a good revival, in which the church was greatly strengthened.

     Nebraska City Circuit is one of the best in the State; it has four appointments, a live membership, and one church. Under the prudent, energetic, and faithful labors of W. S. Blackburn, the church was greatly strengthened, and a glorious revival spread all over the work.

     Peru is one of our most important stations; it has a good church and a parsonage. There is a small membership of intellectual and faithful workers.

     This being the seat of our State Normal School, and the M. E. Church, the only live church organization in the place, and the students consequently dependent upon us for the word of life, it is doubtful whether we have a more important station in the State.

     L. F. Britt, a man deservedly popular wherever he is known, has served this people the last two years.

     London is a small but important circuit, situated in the centre of the most populous and wealthy portion of the State. It has a small church and parsonage.

     H. Burch, a man who has very few superiors as a theologian, worker, and a disciplinarian, was in charge. God blessed his labors with gracious revivals.

     Brownville is one of our oldest and most important towns. We have long had a small society in this place struggling for an existence, but under the very efficient labors of J. M. Richards a gracious revival spread all over the city, and nearly one hundred were converted. They have a good church and parsonage.

     St. DeRoin has been considered a hard field of labor, and on the decline for years, but under the able and persevering efforts of D. B. Lake, one of our strongest preachers; this field has been made to blossom as the rose; revivals have spread into almost every neighborhood, and the church more than doubled.

     Rulo is a large circuit; it has a good church at Rulo. Under the labors of S. D. Roberts, one of our most promising young men,

there has been a gracious ingathering of souls. Every interest of the church has been attended to.

     Falls City is one of our most thrifty young cities, under the popular labors of D. F. Rodabaugh. This station has grown in the last two years from mediocrity to be one of the best in the State; they have a good parsonage and church, all in good repair.

     Salem Circuit is quite weak, but has a good prospect before it. R. Burge, one of our ablest preachers, served this charge. Cincinnati was served by C. W. Comstock the first part of the year, and by Z. B. Turman the remainder.

     Pawnee City is a good station; the church has been strengthened and built up under the efficient labors of T. Audas, a man of talents and extraordinary pulpit powers. They have a good church and parsonage, free of debt.

     Table Rock Circuit is one of the best in this conference; they have a very fine parsonage, and two good churches. This year has been one of great prosperity under the labors of J. W. Martin, who has done a faithful and successful year's service.

     Elk Creek Circuit has had a prosperous year under the labors of R. C. Johnson. They have a small parsonage.

     Tecumseh is a growing and promising town; there was a good revival under the labors of S. P. Wilson, who has been in labors abundant; they have a small church and parsonage.

     Grant Circuit was blessed with a number of conversions, and the entire membership being quickened; J. W. Taylor, one of our oldest and ablest preachers, was in charge.

     We now come to the close of our fourth year on this district; they have been years of happy toil. In these years churches have been erected, parsonages built, debts paid, and the whole church brought into good working trim. The district is comparatively free of debt; perfect harmony prevails in all of its borders, and great spirituality is manifest almost everywhere. We have witnessed, with mingled emotions of sorrow and joy, the heroic daring of our brethren, as they have braved the storms of winter, the privations of a frontier country, and the desolations of the locusts, to plant Christianity in this fair land. We have read with pleasure the stories of heroic Methodism, but we have lived to see them duplicated again and again in the last year by the preachers of this district. We come to the extreme limit of the dis-

ciplinary term, realizing how hard it is to separate from both laymen and preachers with whom we have lived in perfect peace for these brief years. May the blessing of God rest upon the district and the dear brethren who have so faithfully stood by us, and labored shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart with us in building up the Redeemer's kingdom.

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