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VOL. VH1.
NUMBER 51
correspondence
IROM THE MINISTERS AMD,
MEMBERS OF THE A, M. E.
zioN-eommmotf m
ALL PARTS OF THE
LNITED STATES.
TO THE STAR OF ZION.
NOTES FROM THE CENTRAL
N. C. CONFERENCE.
The 24th annual session of the Cen
tral North Carolina Conference met
in the A. M. E. Zion church, Monroe,
N. C., at 12 M., on Wednesday, No
vember 26, 1884, Bishop S. T. Jones,
presiding.
A large number of members were
present, the weather fine, and the pro
ceedings marked with harmony and
good feeling. The pleasant, jovial
manner of the presiding officer kept
the conference in constant good hu
mor.
Rev. J. A. Tyler, G. L. Blackwell,
and George H. Haines were elected
secretaries, and C. R. Harn reporter
for the Star. The usual committees
were announced and the bishop read
his opening address.
In the course of his address the
bishop referred to the action of the
late General Conference held in New
York. He called attention to the fact
that while the general tax of 50 cents
per member remains the same as here
tofore, the anpfdpriations from the
general tundior \iarious purposes are
largely increased, and that unless the
receipts on general fund are largely
increased, the bishops would scarcely
receive enough for travelling expenses.
If conferences would adopt the exam
ple of the mother conference, and re
quire the collection of every dollar of
the general fund, there would no diffi
culty. Not more than 25 per cent, of
the fund is collected, that is two out of
every five members pay the tax, and
ministers justify the three who do not
equally with the two who do. Preach
ers cry out that the people* do not pay
the general tax because the bishop has
not visited them. But fees from othei*
societies are collected from without
the members ever seeing their general
officers. Suppose that a citizen should
. refuse to pay his State taxes because
the governor did not visit him, would
he be relieved trom the payment ? It
is the preachers business, not the bish
op’s, to collect the general tax.
The bishop referred to the present
sense of disquietude on acconnt of the
recent elections, and said that excite
ment and alarm are needless. The
moral sense of the nation will not tol
erate great wrongs to our people.—
Thoughtful whites would not allow in
timidation. He urged the ministers
to avoid all exciting discussions and
inculcate politeness, industry and dis
charge of our duty to God and the
church. It might be on account of
our remissness in these respects, this
Lord has allowed these reverses.
He spoke of a plan he intended to
propose at the Bishop’s Meeting nexit
week for a grand centennial offering
to church enterprises from all parts of
our connection. He took occasion to
commend the Ladies Home and For
eign Missionary Society, and appoint
ed Her. Mr. SIade to receive contribu
tions from the brethren in aid Of that
The address was referred to appro
priate committees. . j"
Rev. J. McH. Farley, manager, of
the Star, was introduced and proceed
ed to the discharge of his duties.
The paauge of characters Wed,
dwfcfejisui
tor’s duty being brought up the bishop
repeatedly stated that collections on
general fund are to be made every
month beginning at his first entrance
upon work, mid remittance made
promptly to the conference steward.—
At the end of six months the pastor
should call a committee consisting of
members who have paid the tax, to
decide whether or not those who have
not paid are able to uo so.
A fist is to be made out of paying
members, another fist of those decided
to be unable to pay, called the poor
list, and another of members under 15
years (called minors list.) Before tho
clore of the conference year those who
are able to pay and do not pay must
be tried before a suitable committee
and excluded. Pastors are direlect in
in duty if they do not enforce the law.
Previous to the sermon at night
Prof. W. H. Goler, who had been pre
viously introduced as a representative
of Zion Wesley Institute in place of
the President, J. C. Price, who had
delivered a telling speech in its favor,
came forward and called the roll of
subscribers to the Zion Wesley Insti
tute Fund. Sixty-two dollars and
sixty cents were collected in subscrip
tions. A public collection was then
called and ten dollars were received.
Soon aftewards Prof. Goler left for the
N. C. conference in session at New
berne, N. C.
On Thursday, Rev. Jacob Thomas,
agent of the Book concern, arrived,
and was introduced to the conference.
In his humorous style he presented his
“greetings” to the brethren of the con
ference.
The passage of characters was re
sumed. The bishop incidentally stated
that the little book of disciple is of
more weight than any man, though he
weighs three hundred pounds. The
men must learn to carry out the pro
visions of the law, and that with a fair
construction of it, and not according
to their own peculiar nations.
A committee was appointed to re
ceive monies which had been ordered
collected to defray the expenses of
delegates to the general conference.—
Only a few dollars were realized, and
the proceeds were paid into the con
ference fund. . j
JNotee were required of the pastors
in charge ior half the amount due from
their churches .on general fund.
On Friday Kev. Jacob Thomas re
ported the condition of the Book Con
cern as follows : .
Cash receipts (for one
year.) I 1008 60
Disbursements, 1004 14
Estimated Value of stock
^>n hand, 2000 00
The agent (stated that he had pub
lished a large quantity of catechisms.
He called attention to our Sunday
school paper, the Children's Guide,
edited by Bishop Mo<qre, D.’D. Price
S 15.00 per one hundred for one year,
and other quantities in proportion.
He is ready to fhrnish Lesson Leaves
and helps to teachers in the study of
the International Lessons. * Also Sun
day school libraries at various prices.
For all such matter including hymn
books and disciplines, address Key.
Jacob Thomas, 183 Blocker street*
NewYtffkj
Indebtedness,
Due
Balance on hand,
800 00
Ui 32
81 57
.
received intp conference,notw
log the examinations were strict
there are already many supernume:
Vies. The bishop charged them
work their way up. Don’t be cam
by other men, let your own^imbsett
up. Never think a circuit too little
for you. Be studious. WheU patted
on the shoulder for a good Sermon,
don’t bid farewell at once to your
books. Keep humble, thank the Lord
for your success, but keep humble.
On Monday a vast amount of com*
mittee work was reported and adopt
ed. Among them, reports on Zion
Wesley Institute, on Sunday School
and on Temperance, and on Elders’
Orders.
The following are the recommenda
tions of the Committee on Temper
ance, adopted after several good
speeches from prominent members of
the conference.
1. That we regard it as of prime
importance in all temperance work,
that the individual mind and consci
ence be reached, and hence we hail
with pleasure the recent action of va
rious State Legislatures introducing
into the public schools text books upoh
the subject of temperance.
2. That the distribution of temper
ance periodicals, tracts and books,and
the delivery of temperance sermons
and addresses, are well adapted to pro
mote the cause of temperance, and
should be encouraged and promoted
by all lovers of the cause.
8. That our thanks are hereby ten
dered the National Temperance Soci
ety for temperance publications dis
tributed among our committees and
members.
4. That we favor the creation of a
public temperance sentiment which
'will demand the passage of prohibito
ry Jiquor laws in every State and com
munity. ‘-’i
5. That we, as pastors, will call the
special attention of our class-leaders
and members to the requirements 61
our rules in Telation to abstinence
from intoxicating drinks, and. will
strictly enforce said requirements.
6. That each minister having a
charge, preach a sermon on temper
ance in each of his churches during
the month of June, 1885, and that the
number of said sermons he reported
at the ev ening district conference.
7. That, as the use of tobacco is an
injurious and offensive habit,we pledge
ourselves to use all the means in our
power to discountenance its use in the
community. Y ;
Fearing I may trespass upon toe,
columns of our Star by a more ex
tended report, I dose with the state
ment that our former presiding Bishop
Rt. Rev. J. W. Hood, was present du
ring the closing hours of the confer
ence, and was cordially received by
his old friends and co-laborers.
Conference adjourned Tuesday, De
cember^ to meet in Wad&bero, 2f.CS.,
on the 1st Wednesday in December,
1885. -i RbpobtsIu
Fayetteville; N. C., DeC. 3, ’85.
All persons who are several weeks
behind in settling for papers received
will find their paper* /stopped after
this week. This do not apply to those
who make regular monthly payments.
Subscribers whose time have expired
and they have been notified by our
red marks will find their papers stop
ped unless heard from at once.
God hath set our eyes in our fore
heads to look forward, not backward!;
not to be proud of that which we have
done, but diligent in that which we ate
to do,
** * . mi 9 ,• .
FROM TENNESSEE,
Johnson Cine, Tem*., )
f
October 30th, 1884.
le district of the Greensville or
iistrict of the East Tennessee con
of the A. M. E. Zion church
met on the above named date, Elder
B. M. Gudger, presiding elder, in the
chair. The elder read the 17th chap
ter of psalms.
Brother H. Hill announced hymn
on page 228 and offered prayer.
On motion of Elder Cypress, H. R.
White was elected secretary.
The elder then made some touching
remarks to the brethren in regard to
the interest of the connection, which,
we think done much good.
> Then the elder proceeded to appoint
the several committees.
The Committee on Rules announced
the conference would open at 9 A. M.
and adjourn at 3 P. M.
Committee on Demotion announc
ed that Brother Starling would preach
at 7 o’clock.
On motion of Brother Cypress, the
conference adjourned to meet at 7
o’clock the next day to arrange the
presiding elder’s salary.
Benediction by Brother Hunter.
The district conference convened at
9 o’clock.
Elder Gudger in the chair.
Brother Bayliss announced hymn
on page 439, and opened with praj er.
Roll call.
Minutes read and approved.
^The conference then took up the
order of the day, namely, the presi
ding elder’s salary.
After some remarks made by Elders
Starling, Bayliss, Moulden, and Kel
ley, the elder appointed the following
committee on salary:
Josh Nelson, John Dickson, Gordon
Crockett.
The Committee on Home and For
eign Missionary submitted their re
port, which was adopted after some re
marks by the different brethren.
The Committee on Presiding elder’s
salary snbmitted their report, making
the Presiding elder’s salary $600. The
report was confirmed by the confer
ence.
On motion of Brother Cypress, the
conference adjourned.
Benediction by Elder Starling.
• The conference re-assembled at 8
o’clock P. M.
Elder Gudger in the chair.
The cause of Missions was called up.
j The Presiding elder appointed the
following committee to draw up by
laws to govern the Missionary Socie
ties in this Presiding elder’s district:
Messrs. White,Cypress, Starling,Scott,
and Molden. This committee will
meet at Bodgersville,Tenn., on Friday
before the 3rd Sunday in January,
1885.
Elder Starling moved that we have
a Missionary Convention this year.—
Oh motion of {bother Cypress,
this committee will meet in Bristol on
Thursday .before the third Sunday in
Jamiary.
On, motion each, minister will bring
50 cents and each delegate 25 cento to
the convention.
. On motion Elder Moldenrwas elect
ed treasurer of the Society of Minis
ters. J
3 M Gudger, president.
F K White, vice-president* .
r "W 'A M Cypress, Secretory!
J A Scott, Recording Secretary.
J 1$ Starling, Corresponding Secre
Brother Kelly was el
. ' Brother H Bhrylise,
< A « . 1 * ; -
priTKtt lVwnBy*
the
Ii was moved and carried that Elder
McDonald preach the missionary ser
mon and Elder Cypress preach the
opening sermon.
On motion it was resolved that we
hold a Sabbath School Convention at
Jonesboro, Tenn., Thursday, before
the first Thursday in May.
On motion of Brother Cypress the4
convention will convene at Jonesboro,
Tenn., on Thursday before the first
Sunday in May.
On motion of Brother Cypress the
proceedings of the conference be sent
to the Star op Zion for publication.
It was moved and seconded that the
next district conference, be held at
Roaring Springs, Va., commencing on
Thursday before the last Sunday in
September, 1885.
The Presiding elder announced the
tollowing brothers to preach : At 7
o’clock H Bayliss; 11 o’clock Satur
day, J J Kelley; Sunday at 11 B M
Gudger; 3^ o’clock Elder J H Star
ling ; 7 o’clock F R White.
So closed one of the most pleasant
conferences that we ever attended.
Benediction by Brother H Bayliss.
F. R. White,
Secretary,
INCREASED 240 WITHIN 60 DAYS.
BY REV. A. MCIVER.
Spring Branch, Bladen
County, N. C.,
September 2,1684.
Mr Editor:'
Dear Sir—As a brother and a friend
to the Star of Zion, I now present
my third letter to its many readers.
Owing to the debility of our much be*
loved Presiding elder of the Cape
Fear district, I was appointed by him
to assist in holding his quarterly con
ference,and accordingly I started from
home August 20th en route to my
work, but having some other makers
to see after, I was therefore detained
in Elizabethtown three days. The
morning of the 28th of August was a
token of a beautiful day, the whole
heaven above presented one unbroken
sheet of serenity, the hammer of in
dustry and the shouts of the merry
hearted farmer, could be heard from
the fiats of the bending creeks of the
Cape Fear river, which seems tomake
merry over the glad tidings of the ap
proaching fall. The same day at an
early hour, I was met by my friend
Mr. Robeson with a horse and buggy,
and started for Sampson county. On
August the 29th, soon in the morning,
I arrived at Clear Run, and here I
found Rev. J. S. Henderson, the pas*
tor of Miller’s circuit, standing at his
post,aurrounded with his many friends,
I spent the afternoon with the Rev.
and his lady, after which I returned
to my room, where everything was ar
ranged for the comfort of a minister.
At the hour of 4 o’clock F. M. I was
to attend a school which is known as
the official and local preaehers’ insti
: tute. The honor of chairmanship was
conferred upon me, which I accepted,
according to rule. See Discipline,
page 27 and rule 235 for local preach
ers. This institution is somewhat
strange to them, as they never knew
such a thing before. But Brother
Henderson knows just how to bring a
dead work to lig and it is the opinion
of the write? that this school will
proVe a blessing to the Zion church in
Sampson county, in bringing about a
higher feeling in her people.
On Saturday morning at 7} o’clock,
we all started for; Johnson’s chapel,
where the quarterly conference Was to
cbnyene. At 10 o'cftfcfk w* mi/t at the
appointed place. All of the best men
of the circuit were there. At the
proper time the conference opened,
myself in the chair.
Brother Henderson then introduced
me to the strange brethren, and I re
ceived a unanimous reception from
the brethren.*
This-conference was one that reflec
ted credit to the connection. The four
points o^ this district were all repre
sented, and each board member with
his report • ready, and at the close of
the conference all of the presiding
elders expenses were promptly met
and something left for the pastor.
On Sunday morning we held our
love feast with the largest crowd that
I ever witnessed,and all of them Beem*
ed to be filled with the spirit.
At 11 o’clock I preached myself,
anu at 3 I administered the Lord's
Supper to 78 persons. But there
would have been more than a hun
dred to partake, but it was late and
they could not wait.
At night there was a large congre
gation, and the glory of the good Lord
was there. Seven were received in* the
church, and the work is still on the
increase.
Now there, is something startling as
to how this work increased within 60
days. The 2nd day of July the pre
siding elder and his committee met on
this work to consider the case of San
derson, and his case being sufficient to
exclude one from the Kingdom of
Grace and Glory, he was therefore
suspended according to law. Before
this court was called I was sent there
to hold the presiding elder’s quarterly
meeting, and there was not 50 out of
200 that would accept of sacrament,
and all of the four churches was con
sidered as having gone to other
churches, and one of them had re
solved not to support the Presiding
elder, and did show sign of fight, but
on the 3rd of July the^Presiding elder
appointed Bev. J. E. Henderson, to
fill the pulpits of this work until some
thing could be done to save the work.
This good brother went there and
within thirty days, he had gained the
unity of all four of the churches, and
each board reorganized, and added to
these barren spots 120 members, and
within the next 30 days he purchased
one acre of land and lumber enough
tp build a house 40x60 feet, without
costing one cent, and added to this
work 141 members, making a total
gain within sixty days of 240 mem*
bers 1 Everybody seems to be devoted
to this brother, so much so that the
whites crowd all of his churches and
helps to support him. *
I am proud to say that 1 was treat
ed all right, and they have voted for
the return ov* the Presiding elder or
his proxy, and I am pleased to say
that my work is in a good condition,
and promises to make a good report
for conference
A. McIver.
NOTICE!
All who wish to have any commu*
nication with Rev. J. W. Alstork, will
address him at Montgomery* Ala.
Pastor in charge of Clinton’s Chapel.
December 1st, 1884.
> We note that the Bishops recom
mend no change to be made in the
mode and manner of raising the pre
siding elders salary, other than the
usual way of agreement between the
pastors and people of the PE dk,
trict. j
Subscribe and advertise in the Star
bf Zion.
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