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     DEAR FRIENDS AND BRETHREN: In presenting you our Annual Report; we would first acknowledge the goodness of God, our Heavenly Father, in the preservation of the lives of all the preachers in this district, and for the success which has attended their ministry.

     The district is of an irregular form; being from ten to sixty miles wide, and one hundred miles long. It embraces parts of nine counties, and only two county seats, and hence is largely frontier work.

     The soil is rich and productive, and the whole of the district is traversed by small streams of water, skirted with beautiful groves of timber. The people are intelligent, enterprising, and industrious and in all of these respects, will compare favorably with any other part of the country. They are generally moral, and many of them religious. The several churches being represented in about the following order: Methodist, Presbyterian, Congregationalist, Baptist, and Episcopalian. There are also a few of each of the smaller denominations.

     The year has been one of great financial pressure. The people are generally seriously embarrassed by debts. They had only began to hope for relief from the scourge of drouth and grasshoppers, when these calamities came upon them again.

     The religious interest is very good; revivals prevailed in almost every charge last winter, and the spirit of revival continues. Our camp meetings have been attended with most wonderful power; many were converted, and as many more experienced the blessing of perfect love.

     The preachers were early at their work and have been faithful and zealous in their Master's cause. They are men of deep piety, fervent zeal, and some of them of talents and culture of a high order.

     The year has been one of great peace and harmony.

     We have called especial attention to our benevolent collections, the working of our disciplinary committees, the circulation of our religious literature, and the importance of entire consecration to God.

     We have built a neat, comfortable church at Rokey, on the Bennett circuit, an important addition to the church in Lincoln, making it comfortable and commodious; also, we have built two parsonages, one at Weeping Water, a neat, comfortable home for the preacher; one at Malcolm, which is not quite finished; and we have purchased one at Bennett.

     We now have in this district thirteen churches and eight parsonages. God has crowned the year with his blessing and peace; and as people and preachers, we are seeking to consecrate all, to the Master, to "present our bodies a living sacrifice to God, which is our reasonable service." Our motto is, "All to Jesus, all for Jesus, and all in Jesus.

     Bishop Haven included seventeen charges in Beatrice District. Soon after Conference he removed Sterling Mission to Nebraska District. By mutual consent Adams and Highland circuits were united in one work, leaving fifteen working charges.

     Near the 1st of December last, Rev. S. P. Vandoozer, with the consent of Bishop Haven, removed from Crete and Pleasant Hill. Rev. James K. Maxfield was employed to take charge of the circuit. He labored with singular fidelity and great ability.

     Rev. G. M. Cooper was employed to serve Adams and Highland circuits. He entered upon his work with great zeal and with flat-

tering prospects of success. During the first quarter he was entirely disabled from a diseased limb, and for this reason gave up the work at the close of the second quarter; Rev. N. W. Van Osdel, asisted (sic) by Rev. S. W. Dilworth, Rev. J. P. Brown, have supplied the work with great acceptance and success.

     Rev. W. P. Grantham, being called by the voice of the people to the office of Public Instruction of Saline county, it became necessary to employ an assistant on Western circuit; the services of Rev. John A. Chapin were secured. Through his persistent and well. timed efforts the circuit has greatly prospered.

     Rev. A. L. Goss has been in feeble health during the entire year. He has preached some and attended to that pastoral work as well as he could; Rev. J. Jay, Rev. Lewis Willard, and Rev. N. Fry have faithfully assisted the pastor.

     The Sunday School work is advancing. The schools are increasing in numbers and usefulness. The pastors are giving diligent attention to this interest, but none of them have reported their schools organized into missionary societies. Most of the pastors have preached to the children, but no classes have been formed specially for religious instruction. The greatest hindrance to the success of our Sunday School work has come from the unwise zeal of some of the people, in and out of church, in favor of the so-called Union School. The battle has raged nearly all along the lines, but in every instance wherever our people have stood for their rights, the result has been gratifying.

     Improvements in church property move slowly on account of the pressure of the times. However, some advancement has been made. Rev. E. J. Hancock by great effort has inclosed a substantial church building at De Witt. Though not finished, it is free from debt. Rev. G. Fl. Wehn has secured in pledges about $800 for a new church in Geneva. Great efforts have been made to remove the debts from the churches at Beatrice, Crete, Fairmont and York; In the near future all our churches will be free from debt. Rev. W. D. Gage has succeeded in building a very comfortable parsonage at Steele City. There is an urgent demand for seven parsonages and twenty-five churches.

     Our people are sadly deficient in their supply of religious books and papers. For this reason we are suffering a great loss of moral power. Not one in ten of our members subscribe for our weekly church periodicals. Poverty and the high price of the papers are constantly plead as an excuse; how justly may he judged from the fact that in nearly all our families may be found the secular periodicals, together with a class of papers, the character of which renders their names too vile to be mentioned. We must have a revival of interest in the circulation of a pure literature.

     Beatrice District is truly missionary ground. Of its population of more than 33,000 souls, less than 5,000 are members of Christian churches, leaving 28,000 people to reach with the gospel. Truly the "harvest is plenteous." In the larger towns the people appear to be "gospel hardened." In the smaller towns and country places the thirst for the gospel is intense. Everywhere the live minister is more than welcome--full houses and warm hearts greet him.

     There is a large Bohemian population that are now passing from Romanism to infidelity, who have urgent need of a missionary. They are an intelligent and industrious people, and have great need of the true gospel. When will all these thousands be saved? Only when Christians comprehend the work and are fully consecrated to the work.

     The tide of spiritual life rose rapidly during the first three-quarters of the year on nearly all the charges. The present spiritual state of the district, as a whole, is very encouraging. With gratitude to God, we record the year as one of great revival movement. There was the sound of an abundance of rain during the first quarter; the second quarter witnessed the great outpouring. The quarterly meetings were all revival meetings. All the pastors held protracted services. Most of the local preachers engaged in the work with their might. The membership very generally engaged in the work. In some communities the people seemed to be moved en masse. The revival was the prevailing theme of convertion (sic) in all circles. One broad sheet of revival flame swept over
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York, Fairmont, Geneva, Western, Steele City, and Adams circuits. West Blue, Crete, and Pleasant Hill; Wilber and De Witt and Plum Creek circuits shared largely in the glorious work. Laborious and persevering efforts were put forth at Beatrice and Blue Springs with good results. The pastors reported about seven hundred conversions, and a goodly number sanctified. A very large proportion of the converts continue faithful. In all this great work of God, the pastors proved themselves worthy leaders. Language is too weak to describe their self-sacrificing labors of love. Their record is on high, and their reward is sure. All glory to God forever. Amen.

     DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN: Immediately after the adjournment of the last Annual Conference, the presiding elder of the Beatrice District applied to me to unite in a request to Bishop Haven to set the Sterling Mission off from the Beatrice District, and add it to the Nebraska District. The application was made and received a favorable answer from the Bishop, who so ordered it, and it has been included in the territory and served by the presiding elder of the Nebraska District. The Dunhar Circuit, left to be supplied without missionary aid, was found to be too feeble in territory, with only a few members, and they too poor to justify the employment of a man thereon. We therefore allowed Bro. Prichard to take part of it to add to the Syracuse Mission, and the balance we attached to the Nebraska City Circuit, under the pastoral care of Rev. H. Burch, thus giving some strength and better form to two circuits, and placing the little flock, found within the limits of Dunbar, under good pastors, from whom they received the ministry of the word and ordinances of God's Rouse. On or about the first of December last, Rev. Thomas Audas, one of the most able and experienced ministers of our Conference, and the highly acceptable pastor of the Pawnee City Station, applied for and obtained a

transfer from Bishop Haven to Southern Kansas Conference, and left for the Peola Station, Fort Scott District, early in January. This made it necessary to make a change in another part of the district to supply Pawnee, and we removed Rev. S. P. Wilson from the Tecumseh charge and assigned him to Pawnee, and under God it has been made a great blessing to that charge, followed by a gracious revival of religion; adding financial strength, spirituality, and numbers to the Pawnee Station, and the people regard Bro. Wilson the right man in the right place.

     We have been fortunate in obtaining by transfer from New .Jersey Conference, the Rev. P. C. Johnson, whom we appointed to Tecumseh. Bro. Johnson entered upon his work early in March, and has already won the confidence and love of his people by his ability and faithfulness as a pastor and minister of Christ. We feel sure that Tecumseh has not only gotten a good supply, but our Conference has received an addition to our numbers of one we shall all be ready to welcome among its. These changes were made after council with Bishop Haven, and with his approval. The district, as she now stands as to numbers of charges and territory, has enjoyed considerable prosperity, and increase by revival and spiritual growth among the members of the church. The preachers have labored faithfully and constantly to bring the Church up to the highest possible standard of purity and power, and also to induce sinners to leave the paths of the destroyer, and enter the Church, arid such labor has not been in vain.

     The great scourge by grasshoppers, which destroyed nearly all kind of grain within the bounds of this district the last year, except some soft corn produced from the third planting, rendered it difficult to obtain a support for the preachers, and in many places affected our benevolent collections and caused a postponement of some church building, which were very much needed, and a delay in the payment of some debts on houses heretofore built, which would have been cancelled (sic) but for the depression in the money market, arising from the foregoing cause. But our preachers and people have faith that the future will realize what has not been lost but delayed this year. Our people have severely felt the loss of past crops, and have had but little at command, but have cheerfully divided that little with the preachers who have been among them; and although this has given the preachers in many

places a very limited living, yet they have nobly stood at their posts, proving themselves men of one work, and laboring not so much for "the meat that perisheth, but for that which endureth unto everlasting life."

     We have urged Missionary Church Extension, and other collections, owned by Discipline, and we believe the preachers have done the very best they could to bring up, as far as possible, the amounts apportioned to their respective charges; and where there may appear a failure, it must be attributed to the want of money among our people, and not the want of effort by the preachers, for we believe they have done what they could.

     Nebraska City Station has a fine property, on the corner of Laramie and Eleventh streets, in the most desirable part of the city; they own one-fourth of a block, and have the best church building in the State belonging to us. There is a debt on it of $1,400; $1,000 of which is a loan from the Church Extension Society on five years time at I per cent., the balance is in a form easy to manage; and they have in notes due them over $800, leaving but $600 to provide for, which with a return of prosperity to that city, will he easily realized. Rev. J. H. Presson has closed his second year of faithful and efficient labor, and the Church and community urge his return.

     Rev. Hiram Burch has had considerable religious interest on the Nebraska City Circuit. This work has one church building free from debt, and they are contemplating the erection of two more houses of worship as soon as the financial condition of our people within its bounds will enable them to do so.

      The Peru Station, under the pastoral care of Rev. S. D. Roberts, has labored under great discouragements. The Normal School, which has heretofore contributed considerable to the current expenses of the Church, has not only failed to render the help they once did, but have drawn considerably on the floating finances of the town for their societies; thus increasing the burden and decreasing the means. The result has been Bro. Roberts has lived on short allowance, and our people have felt afflicted that their means were not sufficient to meet the claim of their pastor; yet Bro. Roberts has stood firm to his post of duty, preaching with fine acceptance, and showing himself a workman that needeth not to be ashamed.

     The Brownville Station has enjoyed some revival influences. Rev. J. M. Richards closes his second year, and has given much of his time in caring for the large number of young people he brought into the Church the year before, and they promise much to the Church in the future. The church building and grounds have been put in good condition, and the parsonage enlarged and made much more convenient and comfortable for the preacher's family.

     Rev. W. S. Blackburn has labored with fine success on the Sheridan Mission, though working under great difficulties, from his dependency on school-houses and one church building, the property of another branch of the Church. Our friends intend to put up a church building and a parsonage at the town of Sheridan the ensuing year, which will give us two church buildings on this work and a parsonage, and make the circuit one of the most desirable circuits in the district.

     Nemaha City Mission has been ably and faithfully served the past two years by Rev. D. B. Lake. They have neither church building, or a house for a preacher. to live in, on this work, and but little financial strength; yet they are hoping and working for better days. Some steps have been taken towards building a house of worship at one point on this work, and providing a house for the preacher to live in. These are a good people, and only lack the means to do all for God they desire.

     There is one good church building in the town of Rulo free from debt, and the Rev. R. C. Johnson has served this charge the past year with some success. There being no parsonage for the preacher, Bro. Johnson had to live on his farm, at some distance from his field of toil, and yet lie attended to his work with regularity and promptness, and God placed on his ministry the seal of approval.

     Falls City is one of our strongest charges. The Rev. D. F. Rodabaugh closes his third year, and the people regret that one who has so ably and faithfully served them will now have to close a ministry among them, which has so greatly strengthened their faith and added to the flock committed to his care. lie will long live in the grateful hearts of those lie has so often cheered and comforted by his ministry, and wherever he may go their prayers and blessings will follow him.

     Salem Mission has not grown, from many causes, in numbers or financial ability. We have no appointment in the town of Salem,

and but few members in the rural districts; but there are some faithful Christian men and women who expect to be eared for by the Conference, and served by a Methodist preacher. They will need strengthening. Rev. Richard Burge has been their pastor the past year, but failed to render regular work, which fact I was not apprised of until the last quarterly meeting, the 9th and 10th of September. Bro. Burge will ask for a location.

     The Humboldt Mission is in a very healthy and promising condition, under the prudent and able management of Rev. J. Gallagher. She promises much to the future. There is a neat and commodious church building in the town of Humboldt, with a small debt on it, which has been reduced some during the year. Bro. Gallagher had a gracious revival of religion in this town, in the beginning of this Conference year, and one result may be seen in the person of C. L. Brockway, educated for the law, who was converted at that meeting, and is here an applicant to enter the traveling connection.

     Table Rock has been greatly strengthened--spiritually and financially--under the faithful labor of Rev. J. M. Adair.

     Grant is an interior appointment, without a church building or house a preacher can get to live in, and the Rev. J. W. Taylor, who has labored on that circuit, was compelled to live in his own house in St. Deroin, a distance of some forty miles from his appointment; but he rendered some very faithful service, yet not as effective as if he had lived among his people.

     In the town of Sterling there is a good parsonage, and during the year our friends, under the active and efficient labor of Rev. Harrison Presson, their pastor, have put up and paid for a neat, pretty little church, and already they are talking of adding some sixteen feet to the length of it. Bro. Presson closes his second year on this charge, and the people desire him returned as their pastor.

      We have in this district fifteen charges, twelve church buildings, and eight parsonages, the probable value of which will be found in the Statistical Table to which reference is here made.

     At our Ministerial Association in May last, we arranged to celebrate our Centennial, as near as we could, after the order of discipline. We grouped together several appointments most convenient to each other, and selected the most central one having a church building, and appointed one of the preachers of the district to each

of these places, to prepare and deliver a discourse suitable to the occasion. There were six central points selected, and the sermons prepared and preached by Rev. D. F. Rodabaugh, Rev. S. P. Wilson, Rev. D. B. Lake, Rev. John Gallagher, Rev. J. H. Presson, and the Rev. S. D. Roberts were of a high order, fine finish, and exhibited much research, and made fine impressions on the masses who assembled to hear them; and all returned to their homes loving their country and the Methodist Episcopal Church more than ever.

     The past year has been one of hard toil to the Presiding Elder, but in many respects one of the most pleasant of a long ministry. Our health has, under the blessing of God, greatly improved, and our religious enjoyment has been very deep and rich; and our Heavenly Father has admitted its very near to Him in prayer and while preaching the word; and our association with the brethren and their families have been very sweet and precious; and many reasons exist which will render the memory of our labor on Nebraska District very delightful-one, the cheerful manner the preachers have done all we have asked them, and their noble and generous offers to relieve its, time and again, from some of our work, and their willingness to do double duty for our benefit; and last, though not least, the spirit which prompted them to give of their means the amount sufficient to make up the beautiful and very useful testimonial all can see in the very nice suit of clothes which makes me so comfortable, and adds so much to my personal appearance. I can never pay them for their kindness, but I can and will ever pray they may be clothed with the garment of salvation, and never want any good thing.

     The year now closing is my first on the North Nebraska District. My predecessor, in his various reports, has conveyed to this Conference and to the public sufficient intelligence of its geographical contour, and natural resources. It comprises much the largest

scope of actually inhabited territory of any District in the Conference. Its circuits are in consequence very large, each comprising many appointments; many of them remote from each other. This necessarily involves a great amount of travel in working each circuit. demanding large industry and faithfulness of every preacher in charge. This affords less opportunity for roaming abroad at every unusual call, or gathering, wherein so much of a preacher's attention may be distracted from his legitimate and usual duties, and his work deprived of so much of his valuable time. The preachers at the close of the last Conference went forward to their different allotments in the Lord's vineyard with that promptitude which is the characteristic of that class of men. But one failed to thus obey the powers that be in authority put over us. His ease will pass under review in the due course of business, and I forbear to mention his name in this connection, or further dwell upon his ease, as I shall thus avoid all possibility of inflicting unnecessary pain.

     Early in the year an unusual spirit of religious concern was observable almost everywhere upon the district. From very small beginnings, wide-spread revivals were the results. These continued during the entire winter, and in some places far into the spring and summer. A solid and considerable increase has thus ensued, both of numbers, and I am convinced, of personal piety. Having but small faith in the precision of figures ill giving the real value of additions made in numbers to the church, I have forborne to number the Lord's people; for I am persuaded that it sometimes, and not unfrequently (sic) occurs, that the same individual has been counted more than once in the aggregate of revivals.

     Looking upon the history of this Centennial year, there are abundant reasons to be discovered for gratitude to Almighty God for the gracious mercies He has bestowed upon its. Our financial concerns have suffered in common with the business depression prevalent everywhere. Prices have been very small and money hard to obtain. Added to this general condition of monetary stringency, is the harm wrought by those periodical visitants, the grasshoppers, who have scourged this area of territory comprised in the district I represent, once more. In the western and northern parts thereof; the harm done was much more severe than in the eastern portion. Yet there is not in my knowledge a single acre

anywhere that entirely escaped, and in many instances the corn was entirely destroyed. The crops of small grains were meager, and the farmer's hopes were builded upon an abundant corn crops, hopes that never were to be realized. An inevitable consequence is the poverty of our preachers, and a large deficiency arising from unpaid salaries. I do not recall more than one instance, in which the entire salary has been paid. When we remember how small the salaries are, and then deduct therefrom at least one-third for deficiencies, we may then understand how many are the privations to he endured by the Methodist itinerants on the frontiers of Nebraska.

     The outlook for next year reveals toil and hardship, arising from a scanty maintenance, but it also reveals in its spirtual aspects fields white unto the harvest, and also it reveals a sturdy band., strong in their faith in God, and in their determination to do, and to endure, for Him. As in the past these preachers have shirked no duty, and shrunk from no peril, so in this near and rugged future, so fraught with labor and conflict--aye, and teeming too with the rich, ripe fruits of victory--they will go up to possess the land; for they are able through God strengthening them. When all deserve honorable mention, I shall not tarry to praise individual deeds. This course has been one of doubtful propriety to some always, and therefore I refrain. The doings of those men are held in the hand of God, and these are safe for all time and eternity; therefore no individual eulogies will be written. Those desiring them are referred to reports already made containing them. Those of another kind demanding references, may avail themselves of the same opportunity for information. To both classes this writer would say all words of commendation, have my humble endorsement, and to every meed of praise I would respond in the language of another: "These are my sentiments." Certain modifications are demanded in my opinion, to further the interests of the work, which I shall not discuss in this paper; but which will be treated in the due course of the session business. From this brief resume of the work we conclude that the aggregate is satisfactory and encouraging. The prospect is not altogether overcast with clouds. There are intervals where the clouds are parted, and the sunlight streams in, flooding the valleys and the hills with glory. The coming year shall not all be winter, nor its lot all toil, 6

but the flowers shall wave adieu, arid the birds shall warble farewell to the one, and the harvest borne of precious souls shall dissipate the fatigue of the other. May God increase the ingathering of souls during the coming year, and multiply the blessings and mercies unto his children a thousand told.

     We present another annual report of Kearney District, "giving thanks always unto God and the Father, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ," for the general health of preachers and people, and the spiritual prosperity of the Church.

     One year ago this district consisted of nineteen charges, seven of which were supplied by the Bishop. The remaining twelve charges were left without pastors, and I am officially responsible for the three-fold work: (1) of selecting preachers, and passing upon their merits as an annual conference; (2) of appointing them, as a Bishop, to the charges where they can accomplish most for the Church, with least convenience to themselves; and (3) of superintending them, and the whole district, as Presiding Elder. And, as I never decline any work or responsibility which is placed upon me by Church authority, I entered upon this delicate undertaking; and at a sub-annual conference, I selected and passed upon the preachers. As a sub-bishop I appointed them to the several pastoral charges, but, as a presiding elder, I found the sub-annual conference and sub-bishop at fault, in one or two cases, and had to revise their work; but there was harmony, for the most part, among these branches of authority, and the results are quite satisfactory. The following are the names of the pastors so appointed, the charges so supplied, and the increase of membership on those charges respectively:

The charges left blank in the column of members remain substantially as they were a year ago, the accessions being about equal to the removals and deaths.

     Bro. Vandoozer, whose name appears above, was appointed to Crete last Conference, but lie left that charge, with the consent of the Bishop, and was appointed to Republican City.

     Bishop Haven supplied the following charges:

     Kearney Junction, by Rev. E. J. Willis. He has labored faithfully and acceptably. The charge has enjoyed a revival, and other substantial improvements.

     Gibbon, by Rev. J. Marsh. "He is a good man, and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith, and much people was added unto the Lord."

     Grand Island, by Rev. D. Allen Crowell. "And he did not there many mighty works because of their unbelief."

     Sutton, by Rev. C. L. Smith. Many have been converted under his labors and added to the Church. Funds have been provided, and a house of worship commenced at Sutton. It is to be of brick and 30x40 feet in size. Bro. Smith has done a good work for the Church, and a good work for himself--he is married.

     Hastings, by Rev. R. Pearson. He entered upon this work with his usual energy and zeal, and met with his usual success. He is a faithful embodiment of "The General Rules."

     .Juniata, by Rev. C. Reilly. A part of the year his health has been very poor, and yet the membership has been increased one hundred per cent.

     Overton, by Rev. J. L. Vincent. He is young in the ministry, hut the Church made some progress under his labors until the

grasshoppers came. Here language fails to portray this visitation and its effects. If the prophet Joel had forecast this event, his language is not too forcible nor his metaphor overdrawn: "The land is as the garden of Eden, before them and behind them a desolate wilderness; yea, and nothing shall escape them." "Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array." "Before their face the people shall be much pained, all faces shall gather blackness." Hence a panic has seized them, and they have fled by scores from this scene of desolation, and the preacher was borne along with them. And the matter of ministerial support for the ensuing year is as yet an unsolved problem.

     But in spite of the general depression in business and the recent calamity, we have acquired some church property during the year, arid the membership of the district has been increased about 30 per cent.

     Evangelists, "so-called," have not visited this district; they are believed to go where Methodism is strong and wealthy and popular. But the scattered settlements, in their struggles against poverty to lay the foundations of Christian institutions, and to organize religious society, cannot present sufficient attractions to those religious comets, and we have been obliged to depend for revivals mainly upon the Lord and the responsible agencies of the church.

     We have carefully avoided making the special services of the church dependent upon the movements of a stranger; we have not encouraged the people to expect a revival because the Rev. Slopover Evangelicus is to be present, but we have taught them that the inspiration and power of revival is Divine, and we have declared, both in public and in private, with full gospel assurance: "The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth and in thy heart, that is the word of faith which we preach."

     We hold that a higher degree of grace and practical wisdom is required to guard and build up the lambs of the flock, than to induce sinners to profess faith in Christ, and if there is not power in the church to produce a revival, there is not grace to improve the fruits of revival.

     This district is on the frontier, and it has had frontier experience, and much of it. Indians, and drouth and grasshoppers. "We are

perplexed, but not in despair; cast down, but not destroyed." And this is a trial of fortitude and faith-faith in the country, faith in the church, and faith in God. And we propose to have, at least, the benefit of disaster, for they that endure are blessed.

     Omaha District, at the beginning of the Conference year, had fifteen appointments. All of these were supplied with preachers except David City. Some three months after Conference, Bishop Haven transferred Rev. A. J. Combs from the Lincoln District, and appointed him to the David City charge.

     Omaha 1st Church, L. F. Britt, pastor. For years this church has been heavily in debt; the debt was in the shape of bonds drawing interest at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum. Last March the bondholders proposed, if the Trustees would request it, to lease them from all further obligations, if they, the trustees, would turn over to them the business block 'an 13th street, and the church and parsonage on 17th street, and an agreement was entered into accordingly. The Trustees are to have the use of the church and parsonage until January 1st, 1877. The bondholders have not complied with all the conditions of the agreement, but probably will. So this Society is without any property, save the furniture of the church and parsonage.

     A good revival took place in this church last winter, and about seventy-five have been added to the church.

     18th Street, I. N. Pardee, pastor. At the beginning of the Conference year, this church had hanging over it a floating debt, including back rent, of $2,000, and a bonded debt of $2,500; total, $4,700. The. floating debt has been secured by individual notes, the bulk of which has been paid. The bonded debt has been provided for by legal contract, which is being paid in installments. Thirty-two have been added to the church by letter or conversion.

A good parsonage is in course of erection, and will be completed this fall.

     The Omaha Mission, J. H. Tibbles, pastor, has built a good parsonage, costing about $800. A very precious work of grace took place in this Mission last winter, and some twenty-five souls were converted.

     The members not being able to give Bro. Tibbles a support, he has been compelled to devote much of his time to outside labor in order to obtain the necessaries of life for his family.

     Last April, Bro. Wm. Peck and Bro. W. N. Porter exchanged circuits--Bro. Peck taking the Iron Bluffs Circuit and Bro. Porter Papillion Circuit. The Papillion Circuit was visited last winter with a most glorious revival of religion.

     On the Iron Bluffs Circuit there has been no special revival interest.

     The Wahoo Circuit, Bro. Peter Van Fleet, pastor, has grown in numbers and spiritual power. About fifty souls have been converted and added to the church during the year.

     The revival flame spread all over Platteville Circuit; Bro. D. S. Davis, pastor, and over one hundred souls were brought into the kingdom of Christ.

     David City, A. T. Combs, pastor, has not been visited with any marked religious awakening, but there has been an increase of vital godliness among some of its members. This is always the harbinger of the incoming tide of salvation to sinners. A beautiful frame church, begun last winter in David City, has been completed and dedicated, and is free from debt. This is the first and only church in Butler county. Twenty-seven have been added to the church, and the work is in good condition.

     Salvation came to the hearts of about one hundred on the Osceola Circuit, J. Q. A. Fleharty, pastor. This circuit embraces the most of Polk county. A good church has been erected and inclosed, and will be completed before cold weather.

      Columbus Circuit, B. S. Taylor, pastor. At several appointments on this charge gracious revivals have taken place, and some 75 have been converted. The membership is alive and earnestly at work for God. Some years ago a Union Church was built in Columbus by the Presbyterians and Methodists. It was stipulated when the church was built that whenever either society desired the

church sold, if could, after an advertisement of three weeks, be sold at public auction to the highest bidder. The Presbyterian Society gave notice that on a certain day the church would be sold. When the day arrived for sale, Bro. Taylor, having procured aid from the Church Extension Society, was present and bid it in. This gives us a nucleus around which a strong church may, with care and watchfulness, soon be gathered.

     The Schuyler Circuit, Bro. F. M. Esterbrook, pastor, has had a prosperous year. About one hundred have been added to the Church, among then some of the most influential citizens of Colfax county.

     In Fremont Station, Bro. C. G. Lathrop, pastor, some revival influence has been felt, and a few souls have been converted.

     On the Pebble and North Bend Circuit, Bro. J. Adriance, pastor, a few have been added to the Church. The Society at North Bend is embarrassed with a debt on an unfinished church, and has not accomplished what it otherwise would have done.

     Fontenelle, Bro. G. W. De La Matyr, pastor. This charge, not being able to give the pastor a support, Bro. De La Matyr, has been compelled to devote much of his time to outside labor in order to support his family, and as a consequence could not do justice either to himself or the work.

     Plattsmouth, Bro. J. S. Orr, pastor, has suffered very much from removals. Several of the leading and most influential families have moved away. During the year, the parsonage has been put in good repair, and some twenty souls have been added t@ the church.

     About six hundred and fifty have been added to the church during the year, most all these by conversions. The membership on the whole has advanced in spirituality.

     We close the Conference year more deeply impressed than ever with the grandeur of the work before us, the weighty responsibilities resting upon us, and the high honor conferred on us by God, in calling us to be "Workers together with Him," in bringing men from sin to holiness, from misery to happiness, and from the sorrows of the earth to the joys of Heaven.

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