Virginia annual (M. E.) Conference.
[reported for the Dispatch.] Fourth Day--Saturday, Nov. 21.
--The attendance at the Broad Street Church on Saturday was larger than on any previous day since the meeting of the Conference.
The Conference opened at 9 o'clock, Bishop Pierce in the chair.
Religious services were conducted by Rev. Nelson Head.
Thomas M. Newsom and Henry E. Johnson were elected to local elders' orders.
The supernumerary relations of Revs. James A. Riddick and Benj. F. Woodward were continued.
Revs. George E. Booker, W. W. Duncan, and James P. Garland were elected to elders' orders.
The following resolution was submitted by Rev. Geo. W. Langhorne: ‘
Resolved, That the presiding elders be appointed the Missionary Committee of the Conference, and that they be authorized, on the recommendation of the Finance Committee, to make such additions to the allowance of the last Conference as may be deemed necessary to meet the deficiencies of the missionary cause. ’
The resolution was adopted.
Lynchburg was selected as the point for holding the next session of the Conference.
The subject of appointing chaplains to the army having been introduced, was discussed at length and ably by Revs. Messrs. Granberry, Rosser, Joyner, and Dr. Smith.
Rev. Mr. Wheelright offered the following resolution, which was agreed to: ‘
Resolved, That we place ourselves at the disposal of the Bishop and his Council to appoint such of us to labor in the army as in their judgment may be thought suitable. ’
Revs. Messrs. Whitfield and Hays, of the Methodist Protestant Church, and Rev. Dr. Burrows, of the Baptist Church, were introduced to the Conference by the Bishop.
Rev. Mr. Whitfield addressed the Conference relative to his position, and was listened to with marked attention.
The Bishop responded in appropriate terms.
The Missionary Society then held a meeting, and the Treasurer's report was read and adopted.
On motion, the Conference adjourned.
On yesterday (Sunday) morning Bishop Pierce preached at the Broad street Church, after which the interesting ceremony of the ordination of deacons took place.
Last night Rev. Dr. L. M. Lee preached at Centenary Church, and after preaching several ministers who had been elected to elders' orders were ordained. 