Virginia Conference
--
Fifth Day.--
Rev. E. P. Wilson was placed in a supernumerary relation, at his request.
The case of
the Rev. F. J. Boggs, who desired to be continued as chaplain of the
Seamen's Bethel at
Richmond, was taken up.
Bishop Paine made numerous inquiries in relation to the Bethel, and afterwards said that he felt impelled to do so, because the Bethel in
Mobile had been supplied by the
Seaman's Aid Society, with a preacher who was a most dangerous and violent abolition incendiary.
He was glad to hear that the appointment in
Richmond was in the hands of the local society, and warmly commended it to the approval of the Conference.
Messrs. Doggett and
Duncan bore testimony to the efficiency and zeal of
Mr. Boggs; and his character was passed, and relation continued.
Rev. G. W. Langhorne, Presiding Elder of the
Lynchburg District, said that during the year his district had many indications of mercy, and several gracious outpourings of the spirit.
In reply to a question from
Dr. Doggest, he said he regarded class meetings as essential to the maintenance of primitive Methodism.
The present rage for Sabbath preaching had presented a great obstacle in the way of this work in the country.
He well remembered the time when he was junior, he and his senior preached twenty-six times in twenty-seven days, and held class meetings besides.
He mentioned that he had heard that some preachers were indifferent or opposed to class meetings, but in answer to an interrogatory, declined to go further into the matter.
The Committee on the Preachers' Aid Fund reported some one hundred and fifty dollars, dividends in their hands, which was ordered to be handed to the Finance Committee.
The subject of building a church in
Washington came up, and produced much discussion.
Mr. Branch, of
Petersburg, a lay delegate, advocated the cause of the
Church in
Washington.
He thought, however, that the Trustees should take care of the expenditures, for it might not be long before
Washington might cease to be the seat of Government.
He was in favor of striking out the word ‘"south."’--He wanted a church in
Boston to preach
Christ and Him crucified to the abolition incendiaries.
He wanted the church to be the Methodist Episcopal Church of North American.--(Amen, from many quarters.) He paid a tribute to the Opposition on this question, and said he had principally risen to show he was a delegate in this Conference.
(Laughter.)--
Mr. Branch's speech was excellent, both in matter and manner, and received a very hearty reception.
The Conference adjourned without taking action on the question.
