Virginia Annual (M. E.) Conference.
[reported for the Richmond Dispatch.] Thursday, Nov. 25th, 1863.
Conference was called to order at 9 o'clock.--Bishop Pierce in the Chair.
Revs. J. E. Edwards, Dr. Lee, P. Whitehead, and J. D. Coulling, were elected the Finance Committee of the Book and Tract Society.
Rev. W. W. Bennett submitted the report of the Soldiers' Tract Association, which was adopted. --Revs. Dr. Doggett, Dr. Lee, N. Head, J. E. Edwards, and H. B. Cowies, expressed high gratification at the report, which exceeded their highest expectations.
Wm. Willis, Jr., and Robert J. Christian, were elected to fill lay vacancies in the Publishing Committee of the Richmond Christian Advocate.
The Committee of Twelve, to whom was referred the record of the trial of Rev. P. W. Archer on a charge affecting his moral and ministerial character, (had during the month of October, 1863,) with instructions "to report at the earliest day whether there is any necessity for a further judicial investigation," beg leave to report that, after a full and patient investigation, the committee are unanimously of the opinion that the charge is not sustained by the evidence, and recommend that no further action should be had in the case of Rev. P. W. Archer.
[Signed by all of the committee.]
The report was unanimously agreed to by the Conference, and his character passed.
The Committee on Memories reported through Dr. Doggett on the deal of Rev. D. W. Chariton, who died in Petersburg in February, 1863, in the 68th year of his age.
Dr. Smith, from the committee to whom was referred the memorial favorite M. P. Church, submitted a report, recommending so further action at present, owing to the peculiar state of the country, except a further interchange of fraternal feelings and messengers; and, on motion, Revs. J. A. Duncan and Dr. Rosser were appointed fraternal messengers to the next session of the Conference of the M. P. Church.
The report of the Treasurer of the Conference was read, and funds distributed to the widows and orphans of deceased preachers and to necessitous preachers.
Dr. J. R. Finley, from the Committee on Sunday Schools, submitted a report, which was adopted.
On motion of Rev. James A. Duncan, it was
Resolved, That the Conference cordially approve of the publication of the Children's Guide, by Rev. J. W. Burke, at Macon, Ga., and recommend it to the patronage of our people as an excellent Sunday-School paper.
The Committee on Education submitted a report embodying the following resolution, which was adopted:
Resolved, That the Board of Visitors of Randolph Macon College be requested to take into consideration the subject of the removal of that institution to some more accessible point.
Dr. Smith's position excluded any remarks that he might have desired to make.
Dr. Doggett gave reasons why this should be done.
That, although hallowed associations cluster around Randolph Macon College, still its being so inaccessible was the great cause of its want of success in the past, and therefore it should be removed to a more convenient point.
Lynchburg was brought before the Conference as a suitable place for the College.
Danville was also spoken of.
Rev. Dr. Lee, J. E. Edwards, and others, urged its removal for some very important reasons.
The Conference then adjourned. 