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     Another conference year freighted with care, toil, responsibility, and joy, is ended. Its work has gone forward to the judgment day, there to await the final reward. And we are called upon, according to custom, to give our annual report of the district.

     At the last conference the First church of Omaha and South Omaha were left to be supplied. Shortly after conference Dr. H. D. Fisher, of the Cincinnati conference, was transferred to this conference, and appointed by Bishop Foster pastor of the First church. We appointed Brother John P. Roe, a supernumerary member of the Wisconsin conference to supply South Omaha.

     In May the health of Brother A. J. Combs, pastor of David City, failed, and he was compelled to cease preaching for a while, and we appointed Brother G. W. Selby, a local preacher, to supply his place.

     Brother B. S. Taylor, who was appointed to the Columbus charge, was transferred by Bishop Foster to the Troy conference in May, since which time we have had the work supplied as best we could by local preachers living on the circuit.

     Notwithstanding the depressed state of the finances, and the general indebtedness of the people, growing out of the grasshopper scourge of past years, there has been a very encouraging advance in the improvement of church property.

     In June last, according to an agreement, to which we called your attention in our last year's report, the trustees of the First Church in Omaha, surrendered to the bond-holders all their real estate,

and all the bonds against them were cancelled, leaving them without anything, save some personal property, but free from debt.

     The trustees immediately rented the Masonic hall, on Sixteenth street, where the services of the church have been held up to the present time. On leaving the old church, steps were at once taken looking to the erection of a new building. A lot was purchased on Davenport street between Seventeenth and Eighteenth. Under the able management of Dr. Fisher, arrangements have been made, and the material partly purchased for a new church, the foundation stone of which is to be laid next Monday, and the brethren hope to have the building completed and ready for occupancy before cold weather sets in.

     Brother I. N. Pardee, of Eighteenth Street Church, has built a commodious, beautiful, and substantial parsonage. The building cost $1,781.85, and we think, is the best in the State.

     At the beginning of the conference year there was a debt on the church and parsonage of South Omaha of $840. Brother Roe proposed to serve the church without pay if the church would agree to pay all its debts during the year. The proposition was accepted, and Brother Roe entered upon his duties as pastor. The result was the liquidation of the entire debt, thus removing an incubus that had been pressing upon the church for years. In addition to paying off these debts improvements were put upon the parsonage amounting to $71.05.

     This little church, with a membership of 32, has raised during the year for all purposes, $1,152.27. With every debt wiped out, a bright future is before it. The outlook for the three churches in this city to-day, is more hopeful and flattering than for many years past.

      Brother Hart, of Plattsmouth, paid off debts and made improvements on the church and parsonage to the amount of $250.

     Brother Esterbrook, of Schuyler, put improvements on church property amounting to $150.

     Brother Fleharty, of North Bend, has a church enterprise under headway in the Jamestown neighborhood.

     Brother Combs, of David City, paid a debt on seats in the church of $20, and an organ, $80--total, $330. He has also a subscription for a parsonage, arid the brethren expect to build and complete it immediately.

     Last year the church at Fontenelle was torn down and moved to Bell Creek. The building, however, was old, and the material in it amounted to but very little, save the frame.

     Brother Van Fleet took this frame, purchased other material, and built a beautiful church, which is virtually new, costing $800.

     Brother Peck, of Osceola, has completed a new church which was begun last year. Also a new parsonage has been built at Osceola, at a cost of $000.

     There is a growing interest in the Sunday schools of the district. The lambs are being carefully cared for.

     The benevolent collections are in advance of last year.

     We have endeavored to have the discipline carried out on this subject. Wherever this is done, large collections are the result.

     In order to succeed in every department of the church it is necessary for us to adhere to the discipline and the distinctive doctrines of the church. Just in proportion as we drift away from these, do we become weak, inefficient, and are in danger as a church. And just as we faithfully adhere to these, in the same ratio do we become strong and powerful. That society that has the distinctive doctrines of the church clearly taught, and the discipline strictly and faithfully carried out, will tower like an Alpine summit above all others. We say, with emphasis, therefore, to every preacher, stand by the "old land marks."

     There have been some very precious revivals during the year. A number of the charges have shared largely in these, the most extensive of which took place on the Schuyler charge, Brother Esterbrook pastor. The revival influence, however, has not been as widespread and universal as we could have desired, nevertheless many souls have been saved, and the church greatly strengthened and enlarged.

     We might say many things commendatory of the preachers, but we forbear. Their reward is above; their "record is on high."

     DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN: At the last annual conference the Rev. Martin Prichard was appointed to the eldership of the Lincoln district for the second year, and entered upon and faithfully attended to all the duties involved in his office until nearly the close of the Conference year. He was for a time suffering from some indisposition, but exciting no fears until the evening of the 22d of March, and on the morning of the 23d passed off--from labor to rest--assuring some friends who were with him, and his wife, who enquired (sic) as to his prospects, that all was well, leaving a family to mourn the loss of a kind and indulgent father, the church one of her most faithful ministers, the Nebraska Conference a useful member, and the Lincoln district a wise counsellor (sic), and an able, patient, and judicious officer; one who guarded well all the interests of the church, and deeply sympathized with the preachers of his district, and their families in their labor and privations. On the 31st of May, Bishop Foster wrote to us in the following words: "With the judgment of the Bishops, I leave you in charge of Brother Prichard's district till Conference. You will endeavor to get to the last quarterly Conference of each charge, and be prepared to represent the work. I will send you the drafts for the third and fourth quarter, and you will pay the preachers according to the appropriations, paying Mrs. Prichard what was appropriated to the district, except the actual traveling expenses you and the brethren incur in running the work. As early as we received the drafts we paid to the preachers the amount due them for the third quarter, and paid Sister Prichard the sum of seventy-five dollars, the full amount due the district for the third quarter. The fourth quarter beginning with the first week of July we entered upon the work, paid the fourth quarterly instalments (sic) of missionary money; also to Sister Prichard the full claim of the district, to-wit: $75, as

will be seen by receipts filed with Auditing Committee. The expense of running the district we took from the quarterly collections, sending Sister Prichard the balance, with statement. We urged the claim for presiding elder as per assessment. At all the appointments, and in nearly all places the fall amount was provided for by cash and subscription, to he paid on or before the 1st of October, and forwarded to Sister Prichard. The whole amount that came into our hands for Sister Prichard was, from the

     There was money sent from Lincoln that was not paid into our hands at one time from the fourth quarterly conference the sum of $75, leaving due Sister Prichard some $25, which, we learn, has since been sent on; also, moneys from Mount Pleasant, Rock Bluff, and Weeping Water, and other points, which did not pass through our hands. We only report what we handled in person. Sister Prichard is very grateful for the arrangements which were made, by which the salary coming from the district during the life of Brother Prichard was continuod (sic) to her and her children during the Conference year. In entering upon the duties of the district we found that the sums for benevolent purposes had been duly assessed to the different charges, and everything attended to and made ready to our hands, and the preachers were laboring with zeal and earn-

estness in the great work of their Master. The bounds of the district have been time and again described, and no changes have been made since last reported worthy of note.

     Lincoln, from which the district takes its name, is the capital of the State, a growing, enterprising city, and becoming a great railroad centre. The State University is located here, and a large per cent of her students are either sons or daughters of the members of our church, or of families who worship with us, and form part of our congregations in different parts of the State. Our church here has a large membership, many of whom profess the fulness (sic) of redeeming grace and love, and are awake to all the interests of the church and glory of God. We have one of the largest Sabbath schools in this charge, found in one state, well supplied with good teachers, books, and papers.

     The church property consists of church building and parsonage. Some changes and improvements have been made in the church building or the room adjoining the audience room, giving one large room, and by folding doors, making two good rooms for class and Sabbath school purposes. We have not been able to preach in Lincoln, or attend any other than a prayer-meeting since, and some union meetings during the summer months, resulting in some increase of the list of probationers. We held the fourth quarterly conference for the charges. Rev. W. B. Slaughter closes his third year in the charge, and the people expect to part with him as their pastor.

     Bennet Mission has one church building, and have since their last quarterly meeting, the 7th and 8th of July, built a neat parsonage near the church building in the town of Roca, situated on the Atchison and Nebraska Railroad. They have enjoyed considerable prosperity under the pastoral labor of Rev. W. M. Worley, who closes his second year on this charge. Their last quarterly Conference asked for a change in their name from Bennet to Roca..

      Palmyra is a growing town on the Nebraska Railroad, east from Bennet. We have our church and parsonage buildings in this town, and they contemplate at an early day putting up a church at one of the country appointments. Rev. C. L. Brockway served this charge the past year with fine acceptance. Syracuse lies east on the same road from Palmyra, and was faithfully served for half the year by Rev. C. A. Lewes, a young man educated at the State

Normal School, and is here for admission on trial in the traveling connection. He has done a good work, and the friends are engaged in building a parsonage. There is a good stone church and parsonage building at the Weeping Water station. Rev. E. Wilkinson has served this station faithfully and efficiently the past two years, and has enjoyed some success in conversion and the advancement of the church in spirituality. Mt. Pleasant has two church buildings and a parsonage. Rev. D. Marquett closes his second year on this charge. Rock Bluff has two church buildings and a parsonage. The Rev. T. Hull closes his first year on this work. We were not able to get to either Weeping Water station, Mount Pleasant, or Rock Bluff quarterly conference.

     A union camp meeting was held near Mt. Pleasant, at which, by a former arrangement, two quarterly conferences were held on the camp grounds, to-wit: The Mt. Pleasant and Rock Bluff. The Wednesday evening following the camp meeting the quarterly conference was held at Weeping Water. We appointed Rev. D. F. Rodabaugh and Rev. Hiram Burch to attend these meetings in our place, and they rendered fine services, and all the interests of the church were well served. Greenwood circuit lies on the B. & M. railroad, east from Lincoln, has been faithfully served by Rev. T. H. Tibbitts, and enjoyed considerable increase from conversions. There is no church building on this work, but they are engaged in building a parsonage at South Bend, a station on the railroad of sonic promise for the future. Ashland is a very important point on the B. & M. road. There was for several years a debt on the church building in this town, which greatly embarrassed the members, but under the faithful and earnest labors of Rev. A. S. Folden, and the liberality of its members, this debt has been paid, and considerable increase has been enjoyed by conversions, greatly adding strength, and rendering her one of the most desirable charges in the district. Rev. B. F. Donesthrop did a good work on the Oak Creek mission, as did Rev. Geo. A. Hobson on the Malcolm mission. There is a small parsonage on this work at Malcolm, a station on the Nebraska railroad. Rev. D. C. Brannon labored under great discouragements on the Ulysses and Creswell charge, owing to the union of the Ulysses and Creswell charges giving great distance to travel, and compassing a large district of country. But he was faithful to his work, and always found at his
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post. Seward is an important point on the Nebraska railroad. We have a good brick church building--some debt on it, and arrangements made in part to pay it off. They think this can be done in another year. Rev. T. L. McLean, a local preacher of fine ability, has served this charge as a supply the past two years. Milford is a small circuit of three appointments; has one church building in the town of Milford, and has been well and faithfully served the past year by Rev. T. H. Worly. We have urged the missionary church extension and other collections at the different charges, and at many of them, we are happy to learn, an increase over the past year will be reported, especially in the missionary collections.

     The preachers have all worked faithfully and earnestly for the glory of God and advancement of Methodism; they have extended to us wherever we have been to attend these quarterly meetings, the most cordial reception, and many of them have tried to ease the weight of labor and responsibility we were placed under by the authorities of the church--and they have nobly done it--and made the load lighter at times in many particulars. The members of the church throughout the district seem to be Advancing in grace and spirituality, and give evidence of a faithful ministry. The past quarter was the most laborious of our ministry, filled with anxiety and care; but while we sought not the increase of responsibility, yet in obedience to those having rule over us, with an humble reliance on God, and with no other motive than to glorify Him who is our Redeemer and Savior, serve the church, and render the aid the family of our departed brother so much needed, for the short time this could be done, and we believe that we have the inward assurance that our Heavenly Father approves what has been so imperfectly yet honestly done.

     DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN:--We are grateful to the Great Head of the church for the health, strength, and grace granted us, the preachers of the Nebraska District, during the past year, and the results which, under the divine blessings have followed the labors of the pastors in their respective charges. The last annual conference left the Salem circuit to be supplied. We were fortunate in obtaining the services of Rev. Elza Martin in the beginning of the year, a local deacon living in the bounds of that work, who faithfully served the people during the entire year, and as will be seen by his reports attended to all the collections for the different agencies of the church as ordered by discipline.

     The Grant circuit was also left to be supplied, and we employed Rev. L. Shelby as pastor for the year, who rendered acceptable service. Near the close of the first quarter Rev. D. B. Lake, who had been appointed to the Nebraska City circuit, applied for and received a transfer to the Missouri conference, causing a vacancy which was filled by request of the charge, with Rev. J. W. Taylor, a superannuated member of this conference, who served it acceptably until the close of the conference year. As early in the year as we received notice of the amount of money which had been assessed to this conference for missions, church extension, bishop's claim, and other interests of the church, we took the per cent the presiding elders had agreed upon at the last conference for each district as the amount that would be required of the Nebraska District, and divided it as equally as we were able among the different charges, and notified the pastors of the sum they would be expected to raise for these different interests, and urged an early attention to them, and inquired at each quarterly conference as to what was being done for missions, church extension and other matters; and we feel confident, as far as practicable, these matters have been attended to, as will be seen by the reports of the pastors

in person. We have given some special attention to the duty of class-leaders, as provided for in the chapter of discipline on classes and class meetings, and found some reluctance on the part of leaders to prepare a report in writing and present to the quarterly conference the condition of their classes; but by an examination of the leader in the presence of the quarterly conference we have obtained much of the matter sought for by such reports, and in connection with such examination have urged leaders to take our church papers, where they have not been taking them, and to insist on their members also to take the papers of the church, and learn something of the extent of the field the church is laboring in, and how she is advancing in this glorious work, and the results following her toil. And to see after the children of the church, that they be cared for as the discipline directs. We find many good and faithful members of the church, and faithful pastors, greatly embarrassed in their efforts to care for our children, and in many of the rural districts, in carrying out the provisions of our discipline in regard to the children, especially in forming Sabbath schools, for want of places of worship, Sunday schools, where as a church we could have the entire control, but from the necessity in many places, our people have to worship in public school buildings, where other churches, and even representatives of error occupy the same buildings at different hours; The Sunday schools are largely on the union plan, and the publications of other churches are distributed among our own children where our church papers are not taken. These papers are about all the reading some families get. We have been urging our people to put up church buildings wherever they can at central points, and unite our forces and have our work done in a Methodist style, and cultivate our children in the principles of our own economy. The preachers have nobly seconded these counsels among the people, urging the claims of these matters, and also pleading for our church papers and the purchase of our books; the fruit in many eases has been seen by an increased number of subscribers to our periodicals and in some cases the purchase of our books. The work of building churches and parsonages and paying off some old church debts, and improving church property, has employed much of the time of our people and preachers during the year. We have in the bounds of the Nebraska District eleven church buildings, completed and

occupied, and in course of erection; eight parsonages owned by the church; one not quite completed, but will very soon be ready for the pastor, and others are its contemplation as early as the means can be obtained, which it is thought will be if the people can have one more crop or escape one year more from the destroyer of former crops, from which many have riot as yet recovered. Nebraska City has the finest church building in the conference. Rev. J. H. Presson closes his third year in this charge, and the people regret to part with one who has endeared himself to all classes of society. The debt on this church building is $1,000, as last reported. The interest has been regularly paid, and so far as the property is concerned as to debt, they are in an easy condition, having due them by note nearly as much as the debt. They have recently painted and papered the church building, adding greatly to its beauty. The last quarterly conference, by a unanimous vote, invites this conference to hold its next session there, when all can see for themselves if they accept the invitation.

     Nebraska City circuit lies south of the city, embracing a part of Otoe and Nemaha counties. There is one good church building at Highland, a large society, and a good Sunday school; also a good Sunday school at Hazel Dell school house.

     Peru is one of our most important charges. The Normal School is located here, and a large per cent of the young men and ladies who attend this school are either sons and daughters of our members or persons who worship with and form a part of our congregations throughout the State. This station has been weakened by removals from the place, but the faithful few who remain are resolved to hold this for God and Methodism. Rev. S. D. Roberts closes his second year and sustained the pulpit well. There remains some debt yet on the church building, but it is in an easier condition than when last reported.

     The Sheridan mission lies west from Peru, embracing a large part of Nemaha county. They have built and nearly completed a parsonage in the town of Sheridan, and are engaged in building a church in the same place. Rev. W. S. Blackburn closes his second year, and as in the past, has proven himself a workman that needeth not be ashamed. I

     Brownville is the present terminus of the Nebraska railroad, has

a good church building and parsonage, and enjoyed some valuable increase under the able ministry of Rev. D. F. Rodabaugh.

     The Rev. Hiram Burch labored very faithfully on the Nemaha City mission, which embraces a scope of country south and southwest of Brownville. Our society in this work is small as to numbers, and feeble as to means.

     The Rulo charge extends from the Missouri river near the Kansas line, west and northwest. She has a neat church building in Rulo, and some good country appointments. Rev. R. C. Johnson closes his second year on this charge.

     Falls City lies on the Atchison & Nebraska railroad, is one of the most enterprising towns on the road. She has a good church building and parsonage, and enjoyed a gracious revival of religion last winter, under the faithful and efficient labors of Rev. L. F. Britt. They have reduced a debt on their parsonage during the year some $200, leaving about $100 to he paid.

     Humboldt is a station on the Atchison & Nebraska railroad and is becoming an important point for trade. Some five business houses are being erected at Humboldt. Rev. John Gallagher has labored for the past two years with fine acceptance and effect. We have a good church building here--some in debt yet, but a payment made during the year reduces the debt and leaves them easy. They built a good parsonage and paid for it the past summer. The money paid on the church, and the building of the church and the parsonage was the result of the personal labor and efforts of Brother Gallagher.

     Table Rock lies on the A. & N. railroad, west of Humboldt. They have a good church building and parsonage here, and the last year they have received much spiritual strength and many valuable additions to the church under the faithful labors of Rev. S. M. Adair, who never leaves any interest of the church unattended to.

      Pawnee City lies south from Table Rock about seven miles, is the county seat of Pawnee county, and a thriving business town. We have a good brick church here, and a comfortable parsonage. Rev. S. P. Wilson closes his second year of labor here and has done a good work, had some revivals which brought much strength to the church in spirituality and in numbers.

     Tecumseh is an important station on the A. & N. railroad, and

is the county seat of Johnson county. We have a neat church though small, and a comfortable parsonage here. Rev. P. C. Johnson closes his second year of valuable service in this charge. The attention Brother Johnson has given to the matter of teaching classes and preparing others to teach by the Normal class he has been conducting during the year, will, we feel sure, yield much to the church in after days.

     Sterling lies on the A. & N. railroad, west from Tecumseh. We have a neat church and parsonage, and some valuable country appointments. The Rev. Harrison Presson closes his third year in this charge, and had good revival influences during the year, which promise much to the future of the church.

     The Sabbath school interests have been faithfully looked after in all our charges, and where we can have them in conformity to the rules of discipline they are a great power, and promise good results in the future. We have urged that they be formed into missionary societies and educated to help the church in her work and labor of love.

     Through the three first quarters we were able in person to attend to all the quarterly conferences, but on the 31st of May Bishop Foster placed the Lincoln District in our charge, made vacant by the death of Rev. M. Prichard, and expressed a wish that we attend in person the last quarterly conference of that district. This required much of our time in the Lincoln District during the fourth quarter. The preachers of the Nebraska District, deeply sympathizing with us in the increased care and labor this addition to our responsibility gave, rendered able and valuable services at the different quarterly meetings we requested them to attend for us in our absence, and every interest was well cared for. Our relations with the preachers of the Nebraska District are and have been of the most cordial and pleasant character, and we will long remember them and their care for us, sharing in our increased responsibility, and doing all in their power to aid us in our work God bless them and their families, and their charges, is our earnest prayer.

     Beatrice station has been favored with a year of continual prosperity, and is now in the front rank of stations.

     Crete is convalescent.

     Wilber and DeWitt have gained strength.

     Pleasant Hill has increased her membership.

     Friend is anxiously waiting for a revival.

     Adams has need of a mighty outpouring of the Holy Ghost.

     Crab Orchard has suffered much, in her membership, from removals.

     Steele City has been favored with gracious revivals. Her mountain stands strong.

     Blue Springs is not yet dead.

     Fairbury has felt the power of a moral resurrection. She has added about eighty to her membership.

     Hebron has been powerfully blessed. The work continues on all sides to enlarge.

     Canton has felt the revival power and rejoices in a large increase of members.

     Geneva is fortifying all along the lines.

     West Blue is advancing her interests.

     Fairmont is suffering from heavy debts. Patient toil and trust in God will bring Fairmont into the front rank.

     York is "beautiful for situation." Her membership is increasing.

     Atlanta is on the "Rock?"

     Rev. J. Patterson was stationed at pleasant Hill instead of West Blue. Rev. S. A. Bear was, at his own request, removed from Pleasant Hill to Atlanta, but resigned his charge at the end of six months.

     Bishop Foster stationed on this district eight men. Eleven men have been employed as supplies. Rev. F. Curtis at Crete, Rev. S. M. Johnson at Atlanta, Rev. J. A. Larkin at West Blue, Rev. Jno. A. Chapin at Geneva, Rev. W. S. Dilworth at Crab Orchard, Rev. J. M. Burdick at Fairbury, Rev. Lewis Willard at Hebron, Rev. W. H. Blaine at Canton, Kev. (sic) G. O. Streeter at Friend, and Rev. M. W. Van Ord of at Wilber and DeWitt.

     The toils, trials, and triumph of these men of God cannot be described with words. The pen of the recording angel has given them a fitting and enduring record on high and the ages of eternity alone can suffice to reveal the results thereof.

     The Sunday schools are increasing in numbers, interest, and efficiency.

     All the benevolent interests have been presented to the churches and contributions solicited.

     Our Sunday school literature is highly appreciated and liberally patronized by the church. The higher church periodicals are not appreciated by our people as they justly merit. Nevertheless the subscription lists are slowly increasing.

     About one-half of the debts on the churches have been paid. Rev. W. D. Gage has a new church approaching completion at Steele City. At Alexandria, Rose City, Hebron, Carlton, Grafton, Friend, and West Blue steps are being taken toward the erection of churches. Rev. E. J. Willis has built a neat parsonage at York, and Rev. J. S. Orr has built a commodious parsonage at Fairmont.

     Our venerable and beloved brother, Rev. W. D. Gage, has been called by death to part with his wife. Her end was peace. Beyond a doubt she crossed the "river" in safety, and is now, while her old companion is journeying on, crowned with light, clothed

in white, and with our sainted sisters Maxfield, Alexander, Rowbotham, and our old standard bearer, Martin Prichard, marching hand in hand up the "golden street," pressing on to the throne of the Lamb, and with one accord exclaiming, "All to Jesus, all for Jesus, and all in Jesus."

     The last report was made under the depression of the "destruction that wasteth at noon-day."

     The whole region included in Kearney District had been visited by a plague of grasshoppers. Many of the people were fleeing with desperate haste, believing it was death by starvation to remain; but the greater and more valuable part of the population did remain, and Methodism, true to her history, also remained, inspired by

     And in providing for this work Bishop Foster exhibited a stalwart faith in divine Providence, that with such means as were available the poor of that region might have the gospel preached to them, therefore they must have it. And receiving his cue from the tactics of Gideon he planned the work for the year; and, to this impoverished district, containing twenty pastoral charges and more than 20,000 square miles of territory, he assigned nine men, who, to all human appearance would be compelled, not merely to lap like a dog, but gnaw like a dog or starve. And these men possessed the sanctified hardihood to enter upon this moral warfare mainly at their own charges. Twelve other men were employed and assigned to the circuits which were left without pastors. And

these men went forth into that desolate region as a forlorn hope to represent Him who "became poor that we through His poverty might be rich."

     At the request of the preachers and quarterly conferences of the district, and by permission of Bishop Foster, 1 made an appeal to those who were more fortunate in their circumstances, for the means to relieve these suffering people. My accounts have been audited by the Ministerial Association, which reported as follows:

     "Amount collected by direct efforts for purposes of relief, $1,500; amount collected from lectures on other subjects, etc., $500; expense of collecting, distributing, etc., $270; amount distributed for purposes of relief, $1,730."

     And this amount has been so distributed as to afford much relie (sic) and encouragement, and to enable several preachers to remain who, but for this assistance, would have been compelled to abandon their charges.

     Many of our members were disheartened by the repeated failure of crops, and left the State last fall; but a good degree of prosperity has since prevailed, and we have gained more by conversion than we lost by the grasshopper panic.

     We have also acquired some church property. A neat, brick church has been built at Sutton, at a cost of $2,800, and dedicated last Sunday by Bishop Bowman.

     A frame church has been built at Central City, and a parsonage at Hastings.

     When this district was instituted four years ago, it was thought that immigration would set heavily towards the interior of the State, and that under ordinary labor this part of our Conference would soon become very prosperous, but two years of disaster have diverted immigration, paralyzed industry, and compelled us to seek charity at a distance to save our church interests from total wreck. The district has been strongly opposed in the Conference as a desperate and hopeless undertaking, the missionary appropriations have been steadily reduced, but few preachers have been assigned to this section, not enough to man one-third of the charges, and these preachers were recent accessions to the Conference; and by these combined and long-continued discouragements, we have been forced into the shadow, but it proved to be the "shadow. of the Almighty." And we have learned to "glory in tribulations,

in reproaches, in necessities, in distresses for Christ's sake, for when we are weak, then are we strong." A statement of results may seem to be boasting; if so I plead Biblical authority--" Let not him that buckleth on the harness boast himself as he that putteth it off." I now put off the official harness and give an account of my stewardship.

     Four years ago Kearney District had neither church nor parsonage; now it has eight churches and three parsonages, worth at least $16,000 over all indebtedness. Arid in addition to the above, six lots have been procured in Red Cloud and three in Fairfield for church purposes, and $2,000 provided for churches thereon. Then that entire region contained but 492 members, and 309 of those were taken into the church under my supervision in connection with Omaha District. Now we have a membership of 2,200. Then there was not a Sunday-school in that vast territory excepting on Clarksville circuit--a new charge which had been organized and supplied by myself. Now we have 54 schools, 352 officers and teachers, 1,606 scholars, and 1,500 volumes in libraries. During every year of this District's existence a majority of the charges were left without pastors, and on those charges, supplied by the elder, has been more than half the increase in members and church property. All the members of Conference in Kearney District were brought into conference through my agency; so we have not drawn heavily upon the working force of the Conference.

     During the last four years I have collected outside of the State, and distributed in it, in furtherance of our church work, more money and its equivalent than the church has ever paid me as fees and salary; so I have not been a financial burden.

      And of the mission funds appropriated to this district I have returned more than $200 to the general treasury.

     During these four years I have appointed fifty pastors. The most of these were noble men, and true to the great interests of the church; but in a few instances, yielding to the clamor of the people for preachers, and depending mainly upon the commendations of strangers, I appointed men who were unsuitable for the work; but when this became known they were speedily dismissed.

     We have aimed at better things, and with the means employed, would have wrought out better results in ordinary times; but we are thankful to a kind Providence that it is no worse, and thankful to the brethren in the ministry for their efficient co-operation.

     And if in view of the peculiar condition of the district, greater success has been realized than is customary in like circumstances, it may not be improper to indicate here the policy which has contributed to this result.

     I have never supposed that my appointment to this position was a personal favor, or made for my good; and it has never occurred to me that I had any right to use the influence of my office to accommodate personal friends. I have acted conscientiously upon the belief that the preachers were the servants of the church, and not the masters. And in appointing or recommending them for particular positions, I have sought first the greatest good of the church, and always held that the interests of the preachers were of secondary importance.

     And while I never made an appointment for the purpose of gaining a friend, or retaining one, I have fortunately been associated with men of such broad Christian principles, that they have thought none the less of me for holding their interests in abeyance. These preachers are impressed with the idea that "the kingdom of God is not in word but in power." Hence, while they modestly profess their kinship to Christ, with vigor and persistence they demonstrate the fact by their works. And they cultivate a type of piety which is not boisterous or showy, but fruitful. And they have exhibited a superior ability to cause things to come to pass. If they had no opportunity for usefulness, they quickly made an opportunity and improved it. If circumstances were unfavorable, they proceeded to convert the circumstances and then use them. And as the coral insect, with no other resources, finds in its own body the substance for the foundation of a continent, so these brethren, "with a heart for any fate," with but little human support, either financial or moral, and thrown out across the track of the destroyer, have drawn from their personal resources the material for a monument of ministerial efficiency, which proclaims them to be in the true succession from the Head of the church through the founder of Methodism.

     Brethren of Kearney District, the official bonds, which have united us with so few discords and so many harmonies, are about to be severed; but I trust the brotherly relations will forever continue. In the broad field for heroic sacrifice and labor you have shown yourselves "workmen needing not to be ashamed," and I com-

mend you to the church for employment and to God for reward. "Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you."

     The closing of another year devolves upon me the duty of presenting my second annual report as presiding elder of the North Nebraska District.

     In recording the history of the year, I shall endeavor in as succinct a manner, as I can to afford the conference a correct idea of the work and all its interests. In my references to individual services I shall strive to exercise the strictest impartiality.

     At the opening of the conference year the outlook, from a financial point of view, was overcast with clouds. Repeated failures of crops had unsettled the confidence of the people in the future of our State to a great degree. A general depression was prevalent. "Men's hearts were failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which were coming on the earth," as they fancied. This condition of things was very embarrassing to the church, and could not fail to hinder its progress. The prospect ahead never seemed more gloomy in some of its phases. Yet the close of the last conference found the preachers assigned to places on this district, ready to move forward, and carry on the work of Christ in the name of the Master. With one exception they have remained at their posts, until the conference session has called them to participate in its deliberations. The exception above mentioned will be specially referred to in another part of this report, and examined by the proper conference authority.

      Blair circuit was left to be supplied. The services of Rev. A. Hodgetts, of Brooklyn, IN. Y., were procured to fill the place. He has labored diligently and well. The debt resting upon the parsonage has been paid off. Improvements have been made to the

property. Having no large increase, yet our church interests have not been diminished. On the whole the outlook is encouraging.

     Our church indebtedness at Tekamah has been provided for, and was obtained from the Church Extension Society, supplemented by the self-sacrificing generosity of a few noble brethren, and the kind pledges of a portion of this conference. Rev. J. R. Reed has labored industriously on this work during the year.

     Decatur, under the administration of Rev. J. R. Wolf; has bad on the whole a very satisfactory growth of a permanent kind. In the village of Decatur we have made little or no progress, but outside of this, the condition of the work is prosperous.

     Dakota during the year has been visited with a very gracious revival of religion, in which nearly all the people participated to a greater or less extent. I have seldom observed a revival presenting so many causes for gratitude to God. Need I add that such a work immediately suggests the valuable labors and untiring industry of its efficient pastor, Rev. J. M. Richards. Added to his prudence and tact, was the hearty co-operation of the church, and especially of the devout teachings of its excellent public schools. This instance has proved conclusively to me the efficient aid the teacher can render in advancing the kingdom of Christ, and conversely the injury that may be inflicted when the teacher is an opposer of religion.

     At the out appointments on the Ponca work there has been a good growth.

     Rev. W. J. Bayer has been faithful and acceptable, and is a young man of good promise.

     Springbank was supplied by the Rev. C. E. Sales. Special meetings were held during the year, but no marked revival of religion occurred. In this "country place" we have a good society of devout men and women, who "fear God and work righteousness. May God's blessing make them "a thousand times so many more as they are."

     St. James was left to be supplied. It was well served by Rev. J. T. C. Trine. The church has been blessed, and strengthened at all the appointments, and our work was never better established at St. James mission than at the present time.

     Rev. J. D. Leedom was appointed to the West Point mission. Our interests in the town have always been very small, and still hold their own in this respect. Elsewhere on the work there has

been good progress made, and much fruit gathered to the praise and glory of God.

     Wisner mission has been traveled during the year by I. H. Skinner. He has been faithful and abundant in his labors. Many things have conspired to retard the work in this charge, but the corning year is bright with promise. The next year will afford opportunity for a grand work, and a good record can be made by a devoted minister of God.

     Madison stands next in order of mention in this report. It is the county seat of the county of the same name. Its location is in the midst of a highly fertile section of country, thickly settled with an intelligent class of people. Our church interests in this region are established upon a broad and permanent basis. Steps have been taken for the erection of a church in the town of Madison. Rev. J. Charles has been its faithful pastor during the past year.

     Norfolk is a small work, but involves some important interests. It has been supplied for the year by the Rev. W. Marshall. He has done what he could for the cause of Christ on the work.

     Oakdale is one of the most important works on the Elkhorn. Rev. G. W. Wells, the frontier preacher and faithful Christian, has filled worthily the office of its pastor. Through manifold difficulties he has pushed his way manfully onward, and God has been with him. His self-denial and worth have greatly endeared him to the hearts of his people, who fix a high estimate upon his value as a Christian and minister of the gospel. The building of a church at Oakdale is now under consideration.

     Rev. D. Andrews was appointed at Albion mission. About two rounds of his work were made in four or five months, when he entirely withdrew from his circuit. As an inevitable result the interests of the church suffered much harm. Rev; W. Sharizen traveled the work during the remainder of the year, and did well when all the surrounding. circumstances are taken into consideration. Boone county is one of very fine laud, and settled by an intelligent and thrifty people. Our interests are well established and we look toward the near future with great confidence.

      The Upper Elkhorn, known as the Holt mission, has not filled up with people as rapidly as was expected. Immigration has been, instead of the Elkhorn, fixing itself on the Running Water, and its tributaries. A missionary appropriation sufficient to meet in part

the demands for the support of a man in this part of the county is much needed, and would doubtless return abundant results for the cause, in building up our church, and saving the souls of men.

     I have now traversed as briefly as the importance of the interests involved would permit the state of the work on this district. Results on the whole are satisfactory to an eminent degree. The skies seem brighter, the future more inviting, and heaven nearer than at the beginning of the year.

     Craving your indulgence while I ask your attention to matters personal to myself, I would say that the year now closing has borne to me in its grasp, and thrust upon me with its power, too strong for me to resist, an affliction which I pray God to keep from your hearts, and from your lives, for many, many long years to come. I allude to the death of my darling wife, who for nearly fourteen long and toilsome years, unmurmuringly bore the privations resting with such peculiar force upon the minister's wife, and who went into the heavens on the 7th of last December. Words fail me to express the sterling qualities of her exemplary Christian character, and her inestimable worth, nor can any know them and prize them so justly as myself, and these afford the true standard by which the great loss I have sustained, and the desolation my life has endured in consequence, may be measured. Her end was in great peace, and with others of our conference lately fallen asleep in Jesus, she awaits husband and brethren in our Father's house on high.

     In conclusion, then, we are permitted to say, that the close of the year finds us stronger in numbers, church property, financial interests, and, we have faith to believe, in spirituality, than the beginning. The courage of the ministry is strong, its confidence in God unshaken. Each year's experience has better taught the lesson how to wield the "sword of the spirit, which is the word of God." The ministers of this district are abreast of the times in which we live, and are equal to the demands the times may make upon them. Among them is not a single specimen of an antiquated past, but each of them is instinct with the vitality of the mighty, living present. No man need be ashamed of being one of them, much less that of being their chief. A nobler band of brethren in Christ is not to be found anywhere than these men of God. May God bless them, their wives, their little ones, the whole church, and all mankind. Amen.   

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