Agents. - J. D. BONNER, JOHN JONES, H. O. WAGONER, WM. JOHNSON, will act as our Agents for Chicago and Northern Illinois.
Rev. R. J. ROBINSON of Alton; Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> , are Agents for Southern Illinois. R. H. Richardson, Galena, is our local Agent for that place.
Rev. Byrd Parker will act as our travelling agent of Illinois and Wisconsin.

April 14, 1854
FREDERICK DOUGLASS PAPER
Rochester, New York

AGENTS. - J. D. BONNER, JOHN JONES, H. O. WAGONER, WILLIAM JOHNSON, will act as our Agents for Chicago and Northern Illinois.
Rev. R. J. ROBINSON of Alton, Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> are Agents for Southern Illinois. R. H. Richardson, Galena, is our local Agent for that place.
Rev. Byrd Parker will set as our travelling agent for Illinois and Wisconsin.

April 1, 1865
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

A CALL

For the immediate meeting of the Board of Managers
of the Parent Missionary Society of the

African Methodist Episcopal Church.

The following brethren, members of the Board of Managers of the Parent Missionary Society, are requested to meet in Bethel Church, Baltimore City, April 12th, 1865, at 10:30, without fail, as business of great importance is to be transacted, viz:

Baltimore Conference. - Revs. Rob't. T. Wayman, Wm. H. Waters, Wm. H. Hopkins.

Philadelphia Conference. - Revs. Theodore Gould, S. Smith, Wm. Moore.
New York Conference. - Revs. << Richard H. Cain>> , Leonard Patterson, James M. Williams.
New England Conference. - Revs. Joseph P. Shreeves, Wm. H. Chase, Wm. W. Grimes.
Ohio Conference. - Revs. James A. Shorter, John T. Tibbs, Jesse W. Devine.
Indiana Conference. - Revs. Charles Burch, Willis R. Revels, Wm. I. Davis.
Missouri Conference. - Daniel L. Brooks, Wm. A. Dove, John Turner.
If any brother should see it impossible to be present at this meeting, I hope that he will favor us with a letter, giving us his views of the great missionary work among our brethren, who are growing free hourly. They will also state what their Conference will do for the missionary cause, and make other suggestions which may occur to them.

I hope, if it shall be found that the whole number from any one Conference cannot be present, that the brethren in that Conference will meet and decide which one of their number shall attend. I hope none will be absent.

Done by order of the President,
DANIEL A. PAYNE.

JOHN M. BROWN, Cor. Sec'y.

P.S. - All letters will be directed to

JOHN M. BROWN,

Care of James H. Davis, Esq.,

No. 12, Saratoga St.,

Baltimore, Md.
April 1.

February 13, 1864
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For the Christian Recorder.

ALIVE AND WORKING.

Believing that the friends of liberty and evangelical knowledge would peruse with holy avidity, my account of efforts to benefit the Freedmen of the South and their children, I submit the following extracts from letters very recently received from Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> , one of the Commissioners appointed by the Trustees and Directors of the "African Civilization Society," to proceed to Washington, D.C., and parts of the South, for the purpose of promoting the moral and educational interests of the Freedmen, women and children, wherever accessible. Rev. Mr. Cain left New York for Washington, Jan. 14th, 1864; having under his protection Mrs. C.W. Groves, a highly respected member of St. Philip's Prot. E. Church in this city. Mrs. G. combines fourteen years' experience as a teacher, with great moral courage and force of character. The Directors, therefore, trust that they have placed the right woman in the right place. It is not unlikely that Miss Groves will be appointed soon as an assistant teacher.
Four days after leaving, Rev. Mr. Cain writes as follows:

Office of the African Civilization Society, Washington, D.C., Jan. 18th, 1864.
REV. H.M. WILSON - Dear Sir: This will inform you that I am well: also, that we arrived in this city at half-past 5 o'clock, P.M., Friday, the 15th instant, after a tedious ride of twelve hours. I shall hold a meeting this Monday evening, in Union Bethel church, Rev. J.A. Handy, pastor.
I have called a council of my ministerial brethren that have heartily entered into the work. I held three meetings this week, one in each of our churches. The people are ripe for our work of opening colored schools with colored teachers, and there can probably be three or four schools opened here.
The schools in Georgetown may be given under our charge if we can fill them. Had we been here a week sooner, we might have had a school on the Island.
Those who are acquainted with the live colored men in Washington will admit that the Civilization Society is favored in having the following specimens of the talented, great and learned colored gentlemen to aid us in organizing in the Jerusalem of America.
Commissioner Cain continues: "Thomas H. Hinton, Esq., is with us in our work. Rev. J.R.V. Thomas, Revs. Handy and Herbert, Benjamin F. Tanner and a host of others are also with us. I think I shall get the school-house connected with Bro. Handy's church.
Saturday evening I attended the Great Lecture of Miss Annie Dickinson in the Hall of Representatives. It was a great affair.
Mrs. Groves is full of hope. If you have any funds on hand, please send me some, as there will be considerable expense attending her school and meeting, board bill, &c. Please write soon.
I will call on Rev. Dr. Bellows this morning. I write in haste. La Vere has not come. Accept my regards, and believe me,
Yours truly,
R.H. CAIN.

July 25, 1863
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

THE TRUSTEES OF THE WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH.

At a meeting held on July 13th, 1863, by the duly organized Corporators of the Wilberforce University of the A.M.E. church, the following persons were legally elected Trustees of said University, in the County of Green, in the State of Ohio, where said institution is located:
Rev. James A. Shorter, John Cousins, John G. Mitchell, John G. Griffin, Henry Clements, Henry S. Mount, and Andrew Holland.
Ohio Conference.- Rev. Edward D. Davis, Rev. James A. Shorter, Rev. Lewis Woodson, Thomas E. Knox, Cincinnati, Ohio, John Cousins, Xenia, Ohio.
Baltimore Conference.- Rev. John M. Brown, Rev. Alexander W. Wayman, Rev. Henry M. Turner, James H. Davis, Baltimore, Md., Thomas Greene, Washington, D.C.
Philadelphia Conference.- Rev. Stephen Smith, Rev. Elisha Weaver, Rev. Anthony L. Stanford, William Scott, Henry Gordon, Philadelphia, Pa.
New England Conference.- Rev. William Johnson, Rev. Ebenezer T. Williams, Rev. Joseph P. Shreeves, John T. Waugh, Providence, R.I.; Warner Smith.
New York Conference.- Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> , Rev. Leonard Patterson, Rev. Jeremiah R.V. Thomas, George Smith, New York, N.Y.; Benjamin Taylor, Buffalo, N.Y.
Indiana Conference.- Rev. Willis R. Revels, Rev. Thomas Strother, Rev. William Trevann; Mr. Jones, Richmond, Ind.; Mr. Blanks, Chicago, Ill.
Missouri Conference.- Rev. M.M. Clark, Rev. John Turner, Rev. Liberty Ross, William Gibson, Louisville, Ky.; Francis Robertson, St. Louis, Mo.
Trustees not of the A.M.E. Church.- Rev. William Alston, Philadelphia, Pa., Rev. William Thompson, Newark, N.J., Rev. Leonard Grimes, Boston, Mass., Solomon G. Brown, Washington, D.C., Frederick Douglass, Rochester, N.Y., John M. Langston, Oberlin, Ohio, Prof. Charles L. Reason, New York, N.Y., Prof. Bassett, Philadelphia, Pa., Dr. James C. McCune Smith, New York, N.Y., Rev. Rufus Conrad, Cincinnati, Ohio, Carter Steward, Washington, D.C., William Bishop, Newark, N.J., John Cook, Washington, D.C., Rev. John Brooks, Washington, D.C.
On motion, it was Resolved, that the Trustees be notified to meet at the Wilberforce University on the 6th of August, 1863, to organize and transact business for said University, and that this notice be published in the Christian Recorder, Anglo-African, Repository, and Douglas Monthly. The Trustees are hereby notified to meet at said place and time.
REV. JAMES A. SHORTER, President.
JOHN G. MITCHELL, Secretary.

April 13, 1882
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

From the Southwestern.

A BROTHER IN BLACK VINDICATED.
-----

In the United States District Court, March, 15 at San Antonio, the case of Bishop << Richard H. Cain>> and wife vs. the Galveston, Harrisburg and San Antonio Railroad, for $25,000 damages, a judgment was given plaintiffs for $4.80, the difference between the cost of travelling in the regular way and in a Pullman car. This suit was brought under the civil rights bill, Cain being bishop of the A.M.E. Church. As the brother in black who so bitterly complained to the Southwestern about having to eat at a side-table at the Hutchins House, Houston, perhaps paid full fare, it is suggested he bring suit. With the above precedent, he can recover the difference in first-class and side-table fare.

- Texas Christian Advocate.

In this flippant manner a leading organ of the Church South disposes, so far as its editorial comment goes, of a decision in the matter of civil rights, which is disgraceful from either a national or a Christian standpoint. It appears from the San Antonio Express reports that Judge Turner ruled that the plaintiffs, Bishop Cain and wife, could bring action for actual and specific damages sustained in the extra expense they were subjected to, and so instructed the jury. The attorney for the Bishop has given notice that he will take the case to the Supreme Court of the United States. By all means let this be done to test the most liberal construction of our laws in the protection of citizens from needless indignities

January 19, 1882
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

“The Denver Republican says: Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> , colored Bishop of Texas and Louisiana, and wife, bring suit against a Texas railroad company for $20,000 damages, for being refused admissions to a first class coach, after having paid first-class fare.”
Without making any great bluster over this insult, offered to the head of our church in Texas, the Bishops' whole district, and if need be, the whole church, should come to his help in pushing this suit to the very extreme Court, even to that at Washington. There ought not to be any more nonsense about this matter of having our wives and daughters driven to smoking cars. Therefore, let the church feel this insult as she has never felt the like before, and hold up the Bishop's hands in his contest with that rich corporation.

September 30, 1880
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Rt. Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> , D.D., Bishop of the A.M.E. Church, for the Southwestern District, has paid us a long and pleasant social visit. Though fifty-five years of age, Bishop Cain is vigorous and active and full of zeal for the work in which he is engaged. He says he has quit politics forever, and means to devote his whole life to the spiritual and educational interests of his race. His headquarters in Texas, of whose colored population he speaks in terms of praise, for their industry, intelligence and general progress. &#150 National Monitor.

September 2, 1880
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOTICE. &#150 TO THE PRESIDING ELDERS, pastors, and members of the A.M.E. church of the ninth Episcopal District, comprising the Texas, West Texas, and the Northeast Texas, and the Louisiana Conferences. Dear Brethren: The importance of doing our duty in maintaining our great church work and sustaining our connectional interest demands that we should collect our contributions at as early day as possible. This is to request that the members will pay at least fifty cents of their Dollar Money on or not late than the fifth Sunday in August, so that we will not be behind in our duty in this particular. Let the pastor be prompt in notifying their members, and also in giving every member credit on the roll for the amount they may pay. Fifty cents to be paid the fifth Sunday in August, and fifty cents to be paid by the meeting of the Annual Conference. Every pastor is expected to do his duty, or answer at the Annual Conference for his neglect of duty.
<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> , Presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District.
The Episcopal residence for the Ninth District will, after the 1st of October, be in Dallas, Texas; until that time, all letters may be directed to No. 637 South Carolina Avenue, Washington, D.C. The time of holding the Conferences will be announced in the future. The time of the Episcopal visits will also be published after the meetings of Bishops council at Newport.

August 26, 1880
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOTICE. &#150 TO THE PRESIDING ELDERS, pastors, and members of the A.M.E. church of the ninth Episcopal District, comprising the Texas, West Texas, and the Northeast Texas, and the Louisiana Conferences. Dear Brethren: The importance of doing our duty in maintaining our great church work and sustaining our connectional interest demands that we should collect our contributions at as early day as possible. This is to request that the members will pay at least fifty cents of their Dollar Money on or not late than the fifth Sunday in August, so that we will not be behind in our duty in this particular. Let the pastor be prompt in notifying their members, and also in giving every member credit on the roll for the amount they may pay. Fifty cents to be paid the fifth Sunday in August, and fifty cents to be paid by the meeting of the Annual Conference. Every pastor is expected to do his duty, or answer at the Annual Conference for his neglect of duty.
<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> , Presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District.
The Episcopal residence for the Ninth District will, after the 1st of October, be in Dallas, Texas; until that time, all letters may be directed to No. 637 South Carolina Avenue, Washington, D.C. The time of holding the Conferences will be announced in the future. THE time of the Episcopal visits will also be published after the meetings of Bishops council at Newport.

August 19, 1880
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOTICE. &#150 TO THE PRESIDING ELDERS, pastors, and members of the A.M.E. church of the ninth Episcopal District, comprising the Texas, West Texas, and the Northeast Texas, and the Louisiana Conferences. Dear Brethren: The importance of doing our duty in maintaining our great church work and sustaining our connectional interest demands that we should collect our contributions at as early day as possible. This is to request that the members will pay at least fifty cents of their Dollar Money on or not late than the fifth Sunday in August, so that we will not be behind in our duty in this particular. Let the pastor be prompt in notifying their members, and also in giving every member credit on the roll for the amount they may pay. Fifty cents to be paid the fifth Sunday in August, and fifty cents to be paid by the meeting of the Annual Conference. Every pastor is expected to do his duty, or answer at the Annual Conference for his neglect of duty.
<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> , Presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District.
The Episcopal residence for the Ninth District will, after the 1st of October, be in Dallas, Texas; until that time, all letters may be directed to No. 637 South Carolina Avenue, Washington, D.C. The time of holding the Conferences will be announced in the future. THE time of the Episcopal visits will also be published after the meetings of Bishops council at Newport.

August 12, 1880
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOTICE. &#150 TO THE PRESIDING ELDERS, pastors, and members of the A.M.E. church of the ninth Episcopal District, comprising the Texas, West Texas, and the Northeast Texas, and the Louisiana Conferences. Dear Brethren: The importance of doing our duty in maintaining our great church work and sustaining our connectional interest demands that we should collect our contributions at as early day as possible. This is to request that the members will pay at least fifty cents of their Dollar Money on or not late than the fifth Sunday in August, so that we will not be behind in our duty in this particular. Let the pastor be prompt in notifying their members, and also in giving every member credit on the roll for the amount they may pay. Fifty cents to be paid the fifth Sunday in August, and fifty cents to be paid by the meeting of the Annual Conference. Every pastor is expected to do his duty, or answer at the Annual Conference for his neglect of duty.
<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> , Presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal District.
The Episcopal residence for the Ninth District will, after the 1st of October, be in Dallas, Texas; until that time, all letters may be directed to No. 637 South Carolina Avenue, Washington, D.C. The time of holding the Conferences will be announced in the future. THE time of the Episcopal visits will also be published after the meetings of Bishops council at Newport.

June 21, 1877
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Referring to the “On to Africa” movement, the Plaindealer of Washington says:

“The emigration of colored people from this country to Africa is said to find an enthusiastic advocate in the Hon. << Richard H. Cain>> , of South Carolina, who, at the next sermon of Congress, will introduce a bill for the establishment of extensive commercial relations between Africa and America.

January 20, 1887
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

DEATH OF BISHOP CAIN.

-----
THE LONG BATTLE ENDED AT LAST

-----

A telegram from Rev. Dr. Derrick, sent us this morning from the bedside of the Bishop, tells us that he is no more. He breathed his last this (Tuesday) morning, 18th, at 2 o'clock. His long and severe illness has been a source of anxiety to his many friends, and to the whole Church, for more than a year. Although the exact definition and nature of his ailment has not been generally known, the best information from his physicians is that he has suffered nearly two years of that incurable malady “Bright's” disease of the renal organs, or, plainly, dissolution of the kidneys.

The precise date of the Bishop's birth is not known to us, and therefore we cannot tell the precise number of years he has lived, but from our long acquaintance with him, we can say with strong reasons that the year of his nativity was about 1828 or 1824, and that Bishop Cain was about 63 years of age. We recall with distinctness and emotion the time and place of our first meeting with << Richard H. Cain>> . It was in October, 1854, thirty-two years ago last October. He was then, by his own estimate, about 31 years old. We were under 20. He was the a licensed preacher in the A.M.E. Church, and a consistent Christian.
In the summer of 1858 he bade us all farewell and left us at Galena, Ills., to join the then Indiana Conference. His first charge was at Muscatine, Iowa; his second at St. Louis, Mo. From that time onward his old devoted friends of the Northwest have watched his career with the interest and pride of real kinship. It is not our purpose, had we the ability, to dwell upon the chief features of Bishop Cain's life and character. Let this be done hereafter, and by those best fitted by reason of their abilities and near acquaintance to do him full justice. Be it ours, for the present, to uncover our heads, and stand beside our brethren at the grave, now open to receive the mortal remains of one we have known so long and well, and in whose achievements we have felt so keen an interest. With the dear brethren composing the ministry of our Church in the First Episcopal District, we lament the loss of our Bishop. With the whole Church we unite in the language of old: alas, alas our brother! for truly a great man in Israel has fallen.
Bishop Cain always felt called to leadership among his brethren, and he had also a natural penchant for captaincy of the hosts. We may remark here, also, that we have now lost by death the second member of the Episcopal bench since the last General Conference. This is the first instance in our history of two deaths in one quadrennial term; not only this, but the circumstance is heightened by the fact that both these were the very last chosen to that high office. The Bishop leaves behind a loving wife and adopted daughter to mourn his death, and a sad, broken household it must be.
Bishop Cain has been a professed Christian and a member and minister of our Church about thirty-nine years. During this period he has been student, minister, statesman, teacher, and Bishop in a powerful Church. The men of our race and times are few who have or ever can pass through the same long range of experience and duty. The funeral takes place on Friday morning at 11 o'clock.

Servant of God, well done!
Rest from thy loved employ,
The battle fought, the victory won,
Enter thy Master's joy.

August 6, 1885
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

To the Presiding Elders and Pastors of the First Episcopal Diocese.

Reverend and Dear Brethren: - The changes made in the annual conferences compelled the appointment of a large number of brethren to preside over others, in conformity to the laws of the Church. The condition of the people, as well as the meagreness of numbers, almost forbade the imposition of additional burdens upon them by imposing the separate support of a presiding elder. We have deemed it best for pastors and people, to make it as light as possible on the churches, to make presiding elders pastors. So there will be only the expenses of travel and incidentals in holding quarterly meetings, and aiding in the good of the church. It is not designed to charge for salary, as if the presiding elder had no charge. The design in appointing him a pastor was to prevent the expenses of a presiding elder, and encourage the people to pay the Dollar Money, money for missions, education, and Sunday school collections. We hope the presiding elders will bear this in mind, that it is not intended that they shall burden the people with salary as presiding elders, but it is believed that the people will cheerfully pay traveling expenses to those brethren who come to aid in making their quarterly meetings cheerful and pleasant.
In the administration under this arrangement, it is expected that pastoral duties of each will engross his time that all will be busy building up their own charges and not interfering in the pastoral work of their brethren, disturbing and creating feuds and strifes among the people, but by love, goodness and Godly example, patience and Christian bearing, showing the dignity of their high calling. They must be examples to the people. The pastors are presumed to respect the authority of their brethren as their superiors in office and to work with them in unity, that the Church may prosper; that there be no class in the body. God grant us the proper spirit with which to do our respective duties to the glory of his name.
I am yours in the bonds of Christian faith and life labor.

<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> ,

Bishop.

March 5, 1885
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

OFFICIAL NOTICE TO FIRST EPISCOPAL DISTRICT.

To the Ministers and Members of the First Episcopal Diocese. Greeting:

Dear Brethren:- The approach of our conference hastens space; half the year has already find, the duties imposed upon us are only half performed, some of the most important remain yet awaiting our best efforts. The collections which the demands of the connection impose, should be strenuously urged upon the people and collected and reported by each pastor. These collections are enforced by the wide spread of our Christian work throughout the country. New fields are being opened, new churches are being erected, Sunday schools are organized. Educational work is being pushed forward by our ministry, and these collections are made to aid these efforts and sustain the men whom the Church has sent forth to carry forward this work. Every member and preacher in our connection should take pride in sustaining our cause, for if one member suffers all the members suffers with it, and we have no other source to appeal to but our own membership and the friends of a broad Christianity, as seen in the development of refinement and piety among our race, through our influence in moulding all communities where we direct a wholesome public sentiment.
May I not indulge the hope that every minister will urge the various collections and swell our reports larger this year? The Dollar collection, the Missionary collection, the Contingent collection, the cause of Sunday schools should not be neglected. Each pastor should collect from his congregation at least five dollars Contingent Money and bring to the conference to sustain it so that each may bear its portion of conference expenses. Under the changed law of General Conference, forty per cent of the Dollar remains in each annual conference, leaving the Financial Secretary only sixty cents, which greatly reduces the effective workings of his department, and it appeals more strongly to the preachers and members to collect a dollar for this special purpose. We cannot carry on our Christian work without our members will cheerfully aid us by giving their means. We cannot appeal to any other denomination to help us, for they are all engaged in like labors. Every church denomination must sustain itself or it will fail. If each of our members would give one dollar for two years, we would be able to sustain all our connectional work and have no reason of complaint in the future.

CHANGE OF JERSEY CONFERENCE.

The New Jersey Conference will be held on the 23d of April, in accordance with the request of members at the same place, Burlington, N. J.

DEATH.

Since the last meeting of your conference, death has removed one of our Bishops from labor to reward. His finished his work and was life-crowned in heaven. It will be our duty to hold appropriate services at each conferences in token of respect. The Secretary of each conference will arrange a proper place in the conference programme for such ceremony.
The standing committee of last year will act in their various functions till charges are made. Candidates for examination before committees will meet the day before opening of conference for examination. The secretaries will prepare statistical lists and have them printed with blanks for reports of pastors which will greatly facilitate conference business. Trusting that we shall each do his duty as God hath enjoined upon us, that our greatest ambition shall be who can best serve the cause of humanity and glorify God, and receive our reward and a welcome to the better our reward and a welcome to the better land. I am faithfully your brother,

<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> .

Washington, D. C.

February 19, 1885
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

AN OPEN LETTER.

TO RIGHT REV. BISHOP D. A. PAYNE, D. D.

BY << RICHARD H. CAIN>> , ONE OF THE BISHOPS OF THE A. M. E. CHURCH.

Right Rev. Bishop Daniel A. Payne, D. D.- Reverend Colleague: The importance of the Christian work committed to the care of the ministry and Bishops of the A. M. E. Church is increasing daily and the demands made upon those who are called to direct its affairs are constantly increasing. The recent death of Right Rev. Wm. F. Dickerson left very important departments in the Church without the direction essential to their success. He occupied the responsible position, first, of presiding over the Second Episcopal Diocese, in which are some of the most important charges in the connection, because of the vast interests involved- the completion of the Metropolitan Church, and securing proper aid, promised by the General Conference of last May, and ministerial ministration, which will quicken the faith of the community in the perpetuity of the connectional power in the chief city of the nation and give proper and becoming representation to our growing influence upon the destiny of the nation. It is becoming in the chief officers of this great body that they should be found united and on guard to maintain their dignity in a work of so much moment, and consult as to the best methods and appointments for so important a field. Secondly, our deceased colleague was t the head of the financial department by General Conference appointment. His place must be filled at once from the House of Bishops. We are in possession of information which demands a council of Bishops to consider and arrange in order to place and keep the Financial Secretary's banking relations beyond question and embarrassment and maintain an unimpeachable character in all monetary circles, while it will exalt the character of our wide-spreading connection, whose check should be good for its face in any bank in the land. The working and management of the Sunday School Union have been far from satisfactory, awakening murmurs of discontent and distrust. The Publishing Department and the missionary cause need attention. The spreading disaffection in the Church, both South and North, constitutes a grave subject for the consideration of those whom God has made overseers of this growing connection.
These are a few of the reasons which have prompted myself and others of my colleagues to request you, the Senior, to call a special meeting on the 12th day of March, in the city of Washington, D. C., at 10 o'clock A. M., at the residence of Bishop T. M. D. Ward, and to continue in session, by adjournment from time to time, until the business calling our assemblage be completed, which may challenge our best judgment and higher Christian wisdom.
I am, very humbly, your co-laborer in Christ,

<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> .

December 18, 1884
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

EXPULSION OF ELDER PEYTON.

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Dec. 4, 1884.

To Rt. Rev. R.H. Cin, D.D., Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church. Greeting:

REV. FATHER: - We your committee appointed to try the Rev. James Peyton on the charges of rebellion and drunkenness, beg leave to submit the following report. On the charge of rebellion there are three specifications. Specification. Inveighing against the law and Discipline of the Church and sowing the seeds of dissension among the members of Fleet Street Church. Specification first sustained. Specification 2. Permitting the calling of a meeting to sever the ecclesiastical relationship of the Fleet Street church from the A.M.E. connection and of endorsing the sentiments of the meeting by being present in the study while it was held, and offering no protest thereto. Specification second sustained.
Specification 3. Promising to become the pastor of the church as soon as it became as independent organization Specification third sustained.
Second charge. Intemperance, with two specifications. Specification 2. Drinking rum on or about the middle of September last at the entrance to Broadway Park. Specification first sustained. Specification 2. Having the smell of liquor upon him during the late session of the A.M.E. church annual conference for the State of New York, which was held in Bridge Street Church, Brooklyn, and his confession of having been drinking. Specification second sustained.

We, your committee, most respectfully recommend the expulsion of the Rev. James Peyton from the A.M.E. Church, and the surrender of his parchments.

Signed,
Stephen G. Goosley, Chairman
Isaac Emerson,
H.F. Townsend,
W.L. Hunter,
R. Shearly.
Attest: A.J. Chambers, Secretary.
In view of the above findings, James Peyton is hereby expelled from the A.M.E. church in the United States of America.
<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> ,
Presiding Bishop of the First Episcopal District of the A.M.E. Church.

November 20, 1884
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOTICE.

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18th, 1884.

To the Ministers of the First Episcopal District. &#150 This is to notify you that I have just arrived in Washington on the 15th after five weeks of illness in Dallas, Texas. Your letters and communication will be answered as soon as health will permit. I am still unable to leave home for some weeks. All communications will find me here, 637 S.C. Ave.

<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> .

November 13, 1884
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOTICE.

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18th, 1884.

To the Ministers of the First Episcopal District. &#150 This is to notify you that I have just arrived in Washington on the 15th after five weeks of illness in Dallas, Texas. Your letters and communication will be answered as soon as health will permit. I am still unable to leave home for some weeks. All communications will find me here, 637 S.C. Ave.

<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> .

November 6, 1884
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOTICE.

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18th, 1884.

To the Ministers of the First Episcopal District. &#150 This is to notify you that I have just arrived in Washington on the 15th after five weeks of illness in Dallas, Texas. Your letters and communication will be answered as soon as health will permit. I am still unable to leave home for some weeks. All communications will find me here, 637 S.C. Ave.

<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> .

October 30, 1884
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

NOTICE.

WASHINGTON, D.C., October 18th, 1884.

To the Ministers of the First Episcopal District. &#150 This is to notify you that I have just arrived in Washington on the 15th after five weeks of illness in Dallas, Texas. Your letters and communication will be answered as soon as health will permit. I am still unable to leave home for some weeks. All communications will find me here, 637 S.C. Ave.

<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> .

August 14, 1884
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

SPECIAL NOTICE.

TO the Ministers and Members of the First Episcopal District of Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York and New England Conferences. &#150 The General Conference in its wisdom ordained and establish and Educational Association for the Church, whose purpose is to raise sufficient funds to endow all of our institutions of learning. They have established Endowment Day to take place the third Sunday in September, at which time and on which day every congregation, every member, every friend of the cause of Christ will contribute as liberally as they can to raise the sum of fifty or one hundred thousand dollars for educational purposes. This money is to be divided among the educational institutions, which are greatly in need of funds to pay their indebtedness on buildings and to teachers. I most earnestly urge the brethren, ministers and members of our church to make a special effort on his occasion to lead all other districts in your liberality in this great movement of the connection.

This effort is the first kind our Connection has ever made and we should have a pride in this attempt at laying a great financial measure to educate the race. We impress this upon our Connection the more especially because we are shut out from all the great charities of this land. The Peabody fund, the Sister fund and those great gifts by the benevolent, who die, but whose living executors of their wills find it convention to refuse and to any institutions controlled and directed by colored trustees. They will not give money into the hands of colored men to be disposed of by them. We cannot hope for a dollar from the Slater fund, or Peabody fund so long as colored men control our institutions entirely. We appeal to our membership to give the Connection such a collection on Endowment Day that shall send a thrill of joy throughout the country. Remember the third Sunday in September, give liberally and God will bless your offerings.
<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> ,
Bishop of First District.

March 27, 1884
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

SPECIAL NOTICE.
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Whereas, at the last General Conferences, convened in St. Louis, MO, W.R. Carson was designated by the presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal Diocese to fill the position of one of the Board of Managers of the Financial Department of the A.M.E. Church, and Whereas, the said W.R. Carson has been suspended from all official standing in the A.M.E. Church for one year, leaving said Board not represented from the Ninth Diocese, therefor I do hereby appoint Rev. Abram Grant, of the Central Texas Conference, to fill the vacancy thus created, and he will meet said Financial Board at such time and place as shall be designated by its chairman, and act in behalf of the said Ninth Episcopal District. << Richard H. Cain>> , Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal Diocese, comprising Texas and Lawrence.

1116 Jackson St., Dallas, Texas.

February 21, 1884
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

SPECIAL NOTICE.

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Whereas, at the last General Conference, convened in St. Louis, MO, W.R. Carson was designated by the presiding Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal Diocese to fill the position of one of theBoard of Managers of the Financial Department othe A.M.E. church, and Whereas, the said W.R. Carson has been suspended from all official standing in the A.M.E. Church for one year, leaving said Board not represented from the Ninth Diocese, therefore I do hereby appoint Rev. Abram Grant, of the Central Texas Conference, to fill the vacancy thus created, and he will meet said Financial Board at such time and place as shall be desginated by its chairman, and not in behalf of the said Ninth Episcopal District. << Richard H. Cain>> , Bishop of the Ninth Episcopal Diocese, comprising Texas and Lawrence.
1116 Jackson St., Dallas, Texas.

September 27, 1883
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

THE AFRICAN MISSIONARY WORK.
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POSTPONEMENT OF BISHOP CAIN'S VISIT TILL AFTER GENERAL CONFERENCE.
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The Board of Bishops, meeting in Chicago last June, after much discussion re-appointed Bishop Cain to visit Africa as soon as possible, and by resolution ordered the Financial Secretary and the Missionary Secretary to furnish the means to meet the expenses of the same. After a careful consideration of the subject and the wants of the mission work in Africa, and consultation with the President of the Missionary Board, and after surveying the financial condition of the Church Treasury, and the pressing demands of the Haytian work, namely, the immediate erection of the iron church there, and the fact that the efforts now being made by all the conferences to redeem their pledges for that church, it is deemed wise to wait until that is accomplished. The missionary society will then declare the Haytian work self-supporting and will turn the future efforts to Africa. By the last of January that work will be completed. The Parent Home Society will have in hand by May at least from two to four thousand dollars to expend on the African field. After the rise of General Conference we shall be able to take with us four or more missionaries and teachers to begin the work there. We shall have ample means to sustain them while there. We can then establish our mission houses and industrial schools and make the work permanent. These considerations, with the concurrence of the President and Secretary of the P.H. and F.M.S., and Bishop Payne, I have decided to wait till after General Conference. In the meantime we shall send aid to Bro. Campbell and those who are working there for the cause.

<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> , Bishop.

Communications will reach me at Waco or Dallas, Texas

March 29, 1883
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

GRAND TEN BY TEN RALLY.
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BY REV, T.G. STEWARD.
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We are expecting to make one more effort on our church debt before conference. It will come off on April 15th. We call it “Ten by Ten Rally” because we have organized the congregation in ten divisions. We expect each division to raise one hundred dollars and he whole ten to raise one thousand dollars. Two divisions have already substantially guaranteed the one hundred dollars. Our divisions are as follows:

1.
The Daniel A. Payne division, Mr. D.P. Hamilton, leader.

2. The J.P. Campbell division, Miss Esther Armstrong, leader.

3. The A.W. Wayman division, Mrs. Amelia S. Carty, leader.

4. The J.P. Shorter division, Miss Mary E. Campbell, leader.

5. The T.M.D. Ward division, Mrs. Rachel Bacchus, leader.

6. The John M. Brown division, Miss Mary Raikes, leader.

7. The H.M. Turner division, Mr. Geo. W. Hamilton, leader.

8. The << Richard H. Cain>> division, Mr. Joseph Sewall, leader.

9. The W.F. Dickerson division, Miss Mary A. Freeman, leader.

10. The C.C. Felts division, Mr. Geo. W. Murray, leader.

It will be seen that none of the divisions are named after our Bishops and one after Brother Felts, who dared to lead off in building this great church. We are expecting with us on that day Bishops Ward, Campbell and Brown. Allthe Bishops, however, are invited and we shall be delighted to welcome them on the occasion, in person or by letter. We are expecting that the roll of these divisions will be called at night by Bishop Brown, and that the $1000 will be forthcoming. All living former pastors or former members of the church, now absent who may see this note, are invited to correspond with the pastor, sending contributions for this rally to whatever division they may prefer.

Wilmington, Del.

November 21, 1863
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

For the Christian Recorder.

WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY - ITS
UTILITY AND DESIGNS.

MR. EDITOR: - The wants of our church and the interests of our spreading connexion are matters which no thinking man among us will be slow to comprehend. The necessity of an educated ministry is more apparent now than ever before. The very able articles from the pen of our learned and accomplished scholar, Rev. M.M. Clark, on the "Episcopal Mould," will dispel all the darkness which has hovered around the minds of our brethren as to the character of the man or men who will be called upon to occupy the Episcopal chair in the future.
I like the "mould," but where can we find that clay for the brick? And if there are no efforts made to educate our ministry, then we will not have an educated laity, because "like master like pupils." We may not hope to accomplish much in the way of elevation for our race until we reach our people to unlearn much that they do know, and learn what they never comprehended before. The most efficient way to do this is to open to them the facilities for instruction, schools, colleges, academies and universities, for their improvement in all the various departments of science. I conceive that the present period is the most auspicious which has ever dawned upon our church and people at large. The opportunities now offered in the fertile fields of the south, the continued ingathering of our brethren into the folds of the church, the growing desire for learning among the liberated, all point to the need of an institution which shall offer such educational facilities as will be commensurate with the demand for ministers to preach, and men and women as teachers, mechanics, physicians, linguists, mathematicians, astronomers, geomatricians, geologists and botanists, and every class of scholars which a civilized and Christian community must have. Wilberforce presents to the whole colored people of this country just such an institution. Although it is under the immediate control of the A.M.E. Church, it is the colored people's University. East, west, north and south we claim to be Christians, and propose to make Wilberforce the dispensatory of Christian principles regardless of denominational distinctions.
The utility of such an institution will be apparent to all when it is remembered that it is the only one which is wholly under the control of a colored faculty, whose learning, piety, and high moral culture guaranties a continuance of the good work begun for the elevation of the rising generation. Here the students may feel that they are at home among their family relations, with no distinction which makes them feel as if they were inferior to their instructors, in consequence of a complexional difference. Then the central location of the institution; situated in the flourishing State of Ohio, accessible by rail-road and water communication from all parts of the United States. From the east it can be reached in forty-eight hours by rail, and from the Gulf States in seven or eight days at the longest. The great masses of the colored people are south and north, and the growing tendency among the northern people to acquire a thorough education is remarkable. The great majority of students who have been the main support of the school for five years past have been from the South. During my stay there in 1861, there were some one hundred and three students; a more happy and contented number I have not seen. Then the healthfulness of the place is an additional inducement for parents to send their children; the pure sulphur and mineral springs, imparting health and vigor to the body and mind. Beautiful scenery surrounds the place, with the very best society adjacent. The farms are nearly all owned by colored gentlemen of wealth, talent and character, impressed with the necessity of guarding the morals of their families, and giving a healthy tone to the community. The facts enhance the value of the purchase, and challenge our efforts to pay the small debt remaining. Fleet St. church in Brooklyn, and Sullivan St. church in New York, have combined their efforts, through the pastors, to work for the institution on the 1st of January, by holding a great jubilee in Cooper Institute Hall, with a number of worthy gentlemen, combining two interests; that of Wilberforce, and the suffering freedmen in the south. Hoping to do good in all directions, we hope to realize one thousand dollars, to be divided between those two objects. Newark, New Jersey, is moving in the same direction. Friends of education; shall we not by the 1st of March have nine thousand dollars to pay off the debts, and prepare to have Professors' chairs endowed? We want four chairs filled and endowed with fifty dollars each. Let every member of the A.M.E. Church contribute one dollar on the 1st of January throughout the connexion, besides the bazaars, and send it up as a free-will offering, and we will soon be in a condition to carry on an institution which shall be the means of blessing our race and all mankind.
Yours for the cause,
<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> .
Brooklyn, Nov. 16th, 1863.

December 7, 1861
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

THE AFRICAN CIVILIZATION SOCIETY.

A special meeting of the African Civilization Society was called at the Bible House, Nov. 4th, 1861, to hold a conference with Dr. Martin R. Delany, as the representative and exponent of the African movement, as understood by the Emigrationists and others among the colored people of America, to effect and complete a oneness and harmony of sentiment and action, that their white friends, as aiders and assistants, may have a true and definite point as data before them.
The following gentlemen composed the conference: Messrs. Rev. John Carey, W.J. Alston, R.H. Cain, B.W. Wilson, Tunis G. Campbell, A.A. Constantine, Robert Hamilton, Dr. M.R. Delany, and Rev. H.M. Wilson. Mr. Hamilton was called to the chair, and the Rev. H.M. Wilson, Secretary. Prayer by Rev. R.H. Cain.
After deeply interesting speeches by Messrs. Campbell, Alston, Wilson, Wilkins, Constantine, the Chairman, and Dr. Delany, the following resolutions were adopted:
Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to draw up a basis as a fundamental principle by which the African Civilization Society shall be governed, and its objects and designs defined.
Resolved, That Rev. R.H. Cain, T.G. Campbell, John Carey, Mr. Robert Hamilton, and Dr. M.R. Delany, be that committee, to report to a General Committee, at 26 Bible House, at 4 o'clock, Thursday, the 7th inst.
Resolved, That having listened with deep interest to Dr. M.R. Delany, we heartily tender him our thanks for his instructing and practical address. Adjourned.
BIBLE HOUSE, NEW YORK,
Nov. 7th, 1861.
General Committee met, pursuant to adjournment. Present - Messrs. R.H. Cain, Chas. H. Thompson, Benj. W. Wilkins, Albert A. Constantine, Isaac T. Smith, Robert Hamilton, Henry M. Wilson, Martin R. Delany; H.M. Wilson, Chairman; A.A. Constantine, Secretary.
Dr. Delany, on behalf of the Chairman, Rev. R.H. Cain, made the following report, which was taken up and adopted seriatim:

SUPPLEMENT TO THE CONSTITUTION OF THE
AFRICAN CIVILIZATION SOCIETY.

In order the better to make the origin and objects of the African civilization Society known, and to define its designs, intentions, and true position, and to secure that harmony and cooperation originally designed with other similar institutions previously established by the colored people of the United States and Canada, as well as by the friends of the African race in Great Britain, Resolved, that the succeeding articles be added as an essential and fundamental part of the Constitution:

ARTICLE I.

The Society is not designed to encourage general emigration, but will aid only such persons as may be practically qualified and suited to promote the development of Christianity, morality, education, mechanical arts, agriculture, commerce and general improvement, who must always be carefully selected and well recommended, that the progress of civilization may not be obstructed.

ARTICLE II.

The basis of the Society, and ulterior objects in encouraging emigration, shall be self-reliance and self-government, on the principle of an African nationality, the African race being the ruling element of the nation, controlling and directing their own affairs.

ARTICLE III.

All agents employed by this society must act under instructions, and consistently with the fundamental principles of the constitution.
Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> , Pastor of Bridge street African M.E. church, Brooklyn, Chairman.
Rev. Tunis G. Campbell, Rev. John Carey, Baptist; Robert Hamilton; Rev. David Stephens, Pastor of Zion M.E. church; Rev. Henry M. Wilson, Pastor of the 7th Avenue Presbyterian church; Rev. C.H. Thompson, Pastor of Siloam Presbyterian church, Brooklyn; Rev. B.W. Wilkins; Rev. E.J. Adams, Pastor of Plane street Presbyterian church, Newark; Rev. J.W.C. Pennington, D.D.;* Jerh. W. Bowers, Henry Montgomery, Christopher Brown, Abram Roberts, Henry W. Bogert.
M.R. DELANY.
Secretary.
On motion, Resolved, That the committee have power to add to their own number.
Resolved, That these proceedings be published in the Anglo-African, and all other papers friendly to the movement the respectfully requested to copy.
HENRY M. WILSON,
Chairman.
ALFRED A. CONSTANTINE,
Secretary.

* Added on Dr. Delany's motion.

February 3, 1887
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

BALTIMORE CONFERENCE NOTES.
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BY REV. M.W. TRAVERSE.
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Our work in the Baltimore Conference at this writing presents a favorable [ ] Bethel Church, Rev. Daniel Draper pastor, is engaged in a spiritual stage against the enemy of our salvation; there have been thirty souls happily converted to God and the attendance at all services has been good. The afternoons of the week are utilized to impress the youthful to seek Christ. The Rev. G.B. Smith, an evangelist from Richmond, Va., has rendered efficient services.
Ebenezer, Rev. W.D.W. Schureman pastor, is also advancing grandly. The main feature of the work in the purchase of the plot of ground on which the church sits. The elder is deeply seated in the hearts of his people; with a noble corps of officers he will [ ]. The elder was unable to attend the funeral of Bishop Cain owing to a sudden call of a sick daughter at Hampton, Va.
Rev. Dr. D.P. Seaton has a firm grip upon the people of East Baltimore, and has had a successful revival. He is doing much towards the prospective Wayman's Grove College.
St. John's the Rev. Rob't. T. Wayman, pastor, is now engaged in a revival. Grand results have accompanied the efforts. This is a good charge with an excellent Sunday school, as is Bethel under the superintendency of Col. Myers.
Allen Chapel, Rev. James H.A. Johnson, pastor, is engaged in a series of meetings. The doctor read a very able paper before the Monumental Literary Association, Presbyterian Church.
St. James, Rev. Jno. P. Cox, pastor, a salon of African Methodism in Baltimore, is somewhat in an embarrassed condition financially. O, for an active church extension society, not a more disciplinary form or constitution, but something to strengthen and extend our work. We would have more occupied territory had we a little money to get a foothold.
St. Paul Chapel, Rev. W.H. Waters, is doing well under the guidance of this venerable father.
The Rev. Wm. H. Weaver, of the Madison Street Presbyterian Church, addressed the Young Men's Christian Association of Joshua Hopkins University on Sunday, 23rd inst., which was quite complimentary.
The Rev. C.W. Mossell gave quite a reception at his residence in honor of his father and mother, Mr. Aaron Mossell and Mrs. Forrester, which was superintended by the Rev. James H.A. Johnson.
We are favored with a new paper denominated the Star. We claim four or five colored papers edited in this city. Lawyer Waring is editor and Wm. H. Burnes, business manager. May the Star shine among those of the first magnitude.
At a call session of the Baltimore Preachers' Meeting to take action in the death of Right Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> , the following resolutions were read and adopted and a copy ordered to be sent the CHRISTIAN RECORDER, also the churches to be draped for ninety days.
WHEREAS, The African Methodist Episcopal Church by the Providence of Almighty God has in the course of seven years been bereaved of two of its Bishops, and
WHEREAS, This dispensation has been extended to those who were the last elected by a General Conference and has included the last Bishop elected, Richard Harvey Cain; therefore be it
Resolved, That we the ministers forming the Preachers' Meeting of the city of Baltimore, do most reverentially bow to this signal dispensation.
Resolved, That in the person of Bishop Cain we recognize a man of energy and fertility of mind.
Resolved, That we regard him as one noted for blandness of manners, and quite attractive in his address.
Resolved, That by the extensiveness of his theoretical conceptions and the vitality exhibited in the pursuit of his labors he will be long remembered among the Bishops of the A.M.E. Church.
Resolved, That in all humility we say that as it was the Lord's good will and pleasure that he should be taken.
“Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Resolved, That the churches in Maryland be draped in mourning for ninety days.

January 15, 1885
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

THEY MUST GO.

THE INDEPENDENT COLORED BRETHREN OF THE FLEET STREET CHURCH -JUDGE CLEMENT INJOINS THE BISHOP FROM INTERFERING EXCEPT IN APPOINTING A PASTOR- BUT THE TRUSTEES MUST ALLOW THE BISHOP'S MAN TO USE THE CHURCH.

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In the City Court this morning, Justice Clement rendered two decisions, settling the recent troubles in the Fleet street African M. E. Church, covering the two suits resulting therefrom, all the facts of which have been fully told in the Eagle. In regard to the injunction, 'Justice Clement says: The defendant, << Richard H. Cain>> , who is Bishop of the A. M. E. Church, took possession of the property owned by plaintiffs, on Fleet street, on or about Dec. 3, 1884, and claimed to have the right so to do, because the members of the church had voted to secede from the conference of the A. M. E. Church, and for the reason that the pastor had resigned and been re-employed by the same congregation as an independent preacher. While the action of the church was, in my opinion, null and void, yet the Bishop had no right or authority for that reason to interfere with church property. In “Wayman on Discipline of A. M. E. Church,” I find the following correct statement of the law at page 39: “All the church property of any description is held according to discipline by a board of trustees, who hold it in trust for the use of the members of the A. M. E. Church. Neither the Bishops, the General nor annual conferences have ever claimed the church property; all that the Bishops demand in the mere right to supply the pulpit with properly accredited ministers and preachers of the A. M. E. Church, who shall preach and expound God's Holy Word therein.” Judgment for plaintiff, with costs against the defendant, Cain, restraining him from interfering with the church property, except to appoint a pastor. Complaint dismissed without costs as to the other defendants. Findings and judgment to be settled on two days' notice.
In passing on the mandamus proceedings the Justice says further:
The relator alleges that he is the pastor of the First African M. E. Church of the city of Brooklyn, and that the respondents who are trustees of the church decline to allow him to occupy its pulpit, and a peremptory mandamus is sought commanding them to receive him as such pastor. The church in question has been connected with the conference of the A. M. E. Church for twenty years, and has conformed to its discipline during that time. Last year it had received into its pulpit a preacher appointed by the Bishop at the Conference, and in May last James Peyton was sent by such authority as its preacher, for one year. On December 1st, 1884, at a meeting of the members it was decided, by a vote of 60 to 4, to withdraw from the conference and form an independent church. The trustees votes so to do unanimously. Mr. Peyton, the pastor, thereupon resigned, as a preacher of the A. M. E. Church, and was retained by the trustees as the pastor of the independent church. On December 4th, 1884, Bishop Cain claims to have appointed the relator as pastor of the church, but the trustees declined to open the pulpit to him, which is now occupied by Mr. Peyton. Prior to the year 1875 the courts had no power to interfere in case the property of a religious corporation was diverted by its trustees from one denomination to another. A majority of the Board of Trustees could change the denominational connection of the church. The authorities are very plain on this point. Judge Selden, in Petty vs. Tooker, 21, N. Y., at page 271, says: “The change in the character of the congregation of which the plaintiffs complain has been brought about not by the proceedings of the Presbytery or the resolutions of the society, but by the action of the trustees in employing a Presbyterian clergyman and opening the meeting-house to his ministrations. This they had a legal right to do.” Again, at 272, he says, that subject to the power of the corporators to fix the salary “the trustees have undoubted power of determining by whom the pulpit shall be occupied.” The above authority is decisive of the law as it existed prior to the year 1875, and shows that the trustee had the entire power to determine the denominational character of the religious corporation. I have only to consider the effect of the amendments of the act of 1813, by Section 4. of Chapter 79, of the Laws of 1875, and Section 1, of Chapter 176, of the Laws of 1876. It seems to me only necessary to read the said section to observe that it was the intention of the Legislature to compel the trustees to administer the property of a religious corporation according to the rules and discipline of the denomination to which it was attached, and that in no case can the denomination character of a church be changed by the trustees. The trustees were formerly the parties to determine what pastor should occupy the pulpit, but they must now conform to the Discipline of the church. The amendments were well considered in Isham vs. Imsteer, of the First Presbyterian Church of Dunkirk, 63 Howard, 465, by Judge Daniels, and his opinion seems conclusive on the question now presented. Another point is raised, that the Bishop has no power to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Mr. Peyton. In defining the powers of the Bishop, sub-division 4, of part 2, chapter II, section 1, of the discipline, provides: “In the interval of the conference to change, receive and suspend preachers, as necessity may require as directed and required by the rules on those subjects in the Discipline,” I am of the opinion that the Bishop has full power to change, receive and suspend preachers, but in so doing he must conform to the Discipline. I am unable to find any restrictions on the power of the Bishop to change ministers during the interval of the conference. There is nothing in the Discipline which requires that the appointment shall be in writing. There can be no question that the relator was orally appointed by the Bishop prior to the commencement of their proceedings. There must be judgment for the relator, awarding a peremptory mandamus commanding the trustees to receive the relator as the pastor of the church with costs. Judgment settle on two days' notice.- Brooklyn Eagle.

THE POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OUR YOUNG MEN.
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BY REV. AUGUSTUS W. WATSON.
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“For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers, and saw corruption.” - Acts xiii., 36.
The life of David is full of interest. In early life we behold the ruddy shepherd boy, leading his father's flocks amid green pastures and beside the running brooks which surround Bethlehem. Suddenly he appears transformed into the victorious warrior, whose triumphs the fair daughters of Israel celebrate “with singing, with joy, with tablets and instruments of music.” Now again we behold him, an outcast, the object of kingly jealousy, and hunted from tribe to tribe, “like a partridge upon the mountains.” Finally we see him the great monarch, the unrivalled poet, the inspired seer, the devoted worshiper, eclipsed for a moment by a sad fall, but rising again, his sun at length sets in glory; and the pen of inspiration portrays his deeds and his exit, “He served his own generation by the will of God, and fell on sleep, and was laid unto his fathers.” My object in selecting this fine passage is to make it the foundation of some remarks on the position and responsibilities of the young men of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
That the interests of society are concentrated in her young people, particularly her young men, is obvious to all reflecting persons. When Cataline attempted overthrow the liberties of Rome, he began by corrupting the young men of the city, and forming them for deeds of daring and rime. In this he acted with keen discernment of what constitutes the strength and safety of a community, the virtue and intelligence of its youth, especially of its young men. This class of persons has, with much propriety, been denominated the flower of a country, the rising hope of the church and society. While they are preserved uncorrupted and come forward with enlightened minds and good morals to act their respective parts on the stage of life, the foundation of social order and happiness are secure, and so weapon formed against the safety of the community can prosper. This is indeed a truth so obvious that all wise and benevolent men, whether statesmen, philanthropists or ministers of religion, have always felt a deep and peculiar interest in this class of society. How entirely this accords with the spirit of inspiration it is needless to remark. Hardly any one trait of the Bible is more prominent than its benevolent of men. On them its instructions drop as the rain; around their path it pours its purest light and sweetest promises: and by every motive of kindness and entreaty, invitation and warning, it aims to form them for duty and happiness, for holiness and heaven. You live, my young friends, in an auspicious age. The treasures which are laid at the feet of this generation have cost much and are invaluable. They are the slow accumulation of ages of toil and suffering. The men of science consumed not merely the midnight oil, but literally consumed himself in those laborious and wasting studies by the aid of which civilization has risen to her present position. The man of inventive genius did the same, while the man of piety cheerfully shed his blood that conscience might be free. The lessons history is designed to teach are too often entirely overlooked. Everywhere the agencies are at work, everywhere the struggle is going on. And these are but the continuation of a conflict, commenced long, long ago, patriarchs and prophets began it. The award they received was long since recorded, “cruel mockings, scourging, bonds and imprisonment: they were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword, they wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-shins, being destitute - afflicted, tormented; they wandered in deserts and in mountain, and in dens and caves of the earth.' More than this even. “He who came as man's great model and great deliverer, was seized as an inspector and crucified as a malefactor.” History is crimsoned, it flows down a tide of blood. The altars of tyranny have been ever smoking; the priests of violence have ministered at those altars day and night. The sighing of the prisoners has never ceased, even at the day Rome has inquisition and hurls her anethemas at freedom and the Bible. Now, my young friends, there is a lesson here. History has her surface of movement and counter-movement, of plot and counter-plot; she presents the spectacle of the prancing war horse, and the nodding plume, the pageant of courts and royalty, but she has her deep undercurrent of instruction. If the lines now fallen to us in pleasant places, and if we have now a goodly heritage, we must remember it was not always so. When I see Jeremiah in his loathsome dungeon, or Daniel thrust into the den of lines, or Paul incarcerated at Phippi, I am not to forget that I have a personal interest in the conflict of principle with power, in which they engaged. Bishop Richard Allen, Morris Brown, Edward Waters and William Paul Quinn, suffered and labored in an age which dates back a few years, before I was born; but every word of their eloquent suffering was for me; they fought for truth and conscience, and I have as deep an interest in truth and conscience as they had. It is thus I would read history, and when we sit down to read a free Bible or assembled at the family altar, or go unmolested to the house of God, we should remember the time was when preaching the gospel was a crime; possessing the Bible was a crime; reading it to one's family was the road to the dungeon and assembling for prayer must be at midnight and in the depths of wilds and forests.
Such is a faint outline of the picture of former times, and such the price of the privileges we enjoy. These facts are worthy of our greatest attention. Providence has carried forward a long train of events to bring about the existing order of things in this country. Our advantages are of the highest order. The sun in his circuit looks down upon no such land. The coming generations of the United States have a grand theatre on which to act. And now, young men, you come forward, not to gaze with the dim eye of age upon this fair field of enterprise, not bowed down with the weight of years not trembling on the verge of life and just ready to depart, but you come with the buoyancy of youth, the strength and vigor of early manhood, and “with all the world before you where to choose, and Providence your guide,” what is to hinder you from entering upon a high career of honor and usefulness? Nor would I fail to remind you that as these great interests have thus far been built up by wise heads and laborious hands, so they are to be sustained. The goodly machine is not that dream of folly, a perpetual motion. It requires the motive power of public spirit and intelligent piety, of great hearts and strong hands, It needs a generation of young men who look for great things, who plan great things and work for great things. It is the will of God that you should enlarge your capacity, brighten your crown of glory and prepare yourself for entering upon an inheritance, incorruptible, undefiled, and that fadeth not away. And all this you do, if as a Christian, you serve your generation. Let us ever feel proud in speaking of the lives and services of our present leaders, namely: Bishops Daniel A. Payne, D.D., LL D; A.W. Cayman, D.D.; Jabez P. Campbell, D.D., LL. D.; James A. Shorter; Thomas M.D. Ward, D.D.; John M. Brown, D.D., D.C.L.; Henry M. Turner, D.D. LL. D.; William F. Dickerson, D.D.; << Richard H. Cain>> , D.D.; Revs. B.T. Tanner, D.D., W.D. Johnson, D.D.; B.W. Arnett, B.D.; Profs. B.F. Lee, W.S. Scarborough, my dear beloved pastor, Rev. Dr. Wesley J. Gaines, the greatest church builder of the sunny South, and many others, who are working in the great cause of humanity.

Atlanta, Ga.

COMMUNICATIONS.

For the Christian Recorder.

IS WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY THE PROPERTY OF THE A.M.E. CHURCH?

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Not withstanding all the assurance that has been given, of the legal right of the A.M.E. Church to the Wilberforce property; some have doubted it. We publish, therefore, by request of the trustees, the deeds and act of incorporation. First, the deed made to Bishop Payne and other; secondly the deed executed by them to the A.M.E. Church; thirdly, the Act of Incorporation; also the remarks of Prof. J.G. Mitchell. -(EDITOR.)
KNOW ALL MEN, That the Wilberforce University, a body corporate, organized under the laws of Ohio, in consideration of ten thousand dollars to it paid by Daniel A. Payne, James A. Shorter and John G. Mitchell, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged, does hereby bargain, sell and convey to the said Daniel A. Payne, James A. Shorter and John G. Mitchell, their heirs and assigns forever, the following Real Estate, viz.:
Situated in the County of Greene, in the State of Ohio, AND BOUNDED AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: About fifty-one (51) acres of land, part of Military Survey (No. 929) originally for one thousand acres on the waters of Massies' Creek, in said county; being all and singular, the premises conveyed the Wilberforce University, by John Wright and wife, Mansfield French and wife, Asbury Lowry and wife, and Mighill Dustin and wife, by September, 1859, and recorded in Vol. 38 page 225 and 226 of the records of deeds of said County, (but subject to a mortgage of two thousand dollars made by said University, to James H. Goodman, Treasurer, which said guarantees assume as a part of the consideration herein before named; and this conveyance being made in pursuance of a resolution and instructions of the Board of Trustees of said University, passed the 10th day of March, A.D. 1863, for the purpose of transferring said property to a new Board of Trustees, to be hereafter elected by the African Methodist Episcopal Church; it being understood that said Church is hereafter to have the sole control and management of said University, together with all the privileges and appurtenances to the same belonging:
TO HAVE AND TO HOLD, the same to the said Daniel A. Payne, James A. Shorter and John G. Mitchell, their heirs and assigns forever. AND THE SAID Wilberforce University does HEREBY CONVENANT with said Daniel A. Payne, James A. Shorter, and John G. Mitchell, their heirs and assigns that it is lawfully seized of the premises aforesaid, that the premises are free and clear from all encumbrances except as aforesaid, and that it will forever WARRANT AND DEFEND the same, with the appurtenances unto the said grantees their heirs and assigns against the lawful claim of all persons whomsoever, claiming under said University, IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Wilberforce University by its President and Secretary has hereunto affixed its corporate scale this eleventh day of June, in the year eighteen hundred and sixty-three.
Signed, sealed and acknowledged in the presence of
H.W. Thompson John F. Wright,
Jacob Collins. President of the Board.
R.S. Rust, Secretary
Of Trustees of Wilberforce University.
THE STATE OF OHIO
Hamilton County
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the eleventh day of June, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-three, before me the subscriber, a Notary Public, in and for said County, personally came the Wilberforce University by John F. Wright, President, and R.S. Rust Secretary of the Board of Trustees there of the grantor in the for going conveyance, and acknowledged the signing and sealing the same to be its voluntary act and deed for the uses and purposes [ ].
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto subscribed my name, and [ ] my Notary seal at Cincinnati on the day and year last aforesaid.
H.W. THOMPSON, Notary Public Hamilton, Co. O.
DEED OF WILBERFORCE PROPERTY TO THE A.M.E. CHURCH EXPECTED BY BISHOP PAYNE AND OTHERS July 12th, 1866.
Know All Men, that Daniel A. Payne and Eliza J. Payne, his wife James A. Shorter and Maria Shorter, his wife, and John G. Mitchell and Fannie M. Mitchell, his wife, of the County of Greene and State of Ohio, in consideration of the sum of ten thousand dollars in hand, paid by the Wilberforce University of the African Methodist Episcopal Church of the United States of America, the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged have bargained and sold and do by these presents grant bargain, sell, and convey unto the said Wilberforce University of the said African Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Trustees thereof, and their assigns forever, the following described real estate, situated in the County of Greene and State of Ohio, to wit, being about fifty-one acres of land part of Military Survey No. 929, originally for one thousand acres, on the waters of Massies Creek, being all, and singular, the premises heretofore conveyed to a former Wilberforce University, by John F. Wright, Mansfield French, Asbury Lowry and Mighill Dustin and their wives, by deed dated September 5th, 1859, and recorded in vol. 38, pages 225, and 226 of the land records of Greene County, to which deed reference may be had for further description of said premises.
To have and to hold the premises with the appurtenances there to belonging unto the said University, the Trustees thereof and their assigns forever, and the said D.A. Payne, James A. Shorter and J.G. Mitchell, for themselves and their heirs, do, hereby, covenant with the said Wilberforce University and the Trustees thereof, that they are lawfully seized of the premises aforesaid, and that the said premises are free and clear from all encumbrances whatever; and that they will forever, warrant and defend the same with the appurtenances, unto the said University and the Trustees thereof and their assigns forever. In testimony whereof the said Daniel A. and Eliza J. Payne, James A., and Maria Shorter and John G. Mitchell and Fannie M. Mitchell; (the said Eliza J. Payne, Maria Shorter and Fannie Mitchell, hereby, relinquishing all rights of dower in said premises), have hereunto set their hands and seals, this 12th day of July, A.D., 1860.

Signed, sealed, and Acknowledged in Presence of
A.E. Hannon.
Francis Harris.
Daniel A. Payne.
Eliza J. Payne
James A. Shorter
Maria Shorter
John G. Mitchell
Fannie M. Mitchell.

State of Ohio, County of Greene S.S.:
Before me, Francis Harris, a Notary Public, within and for the County and State aforesaid, personally came Daniel A. and Eliza Payne, James A., and Maria Shorter, and John G. and Fannie Mitchell, the grantors of the foregoing conveyance, and acknowledged the same their voluntary act and deed; and the said Eliza J. Payne, wife of the said Daniel A. Payne, Maria Shorter, wife of the said James A. Shorter and Fannie Mitchell, wife of the said John G. Mitchell, being at the same time severally examined by me, separate and apart from their said husbands, and the contents of conveyance being fully made known to them, then severally declared that they signed, sealed and acknowledged the said conveyance, and that they were satisfied therewith.
Witness my hand Notarial Seal this 12th day of July, A.D. 1865.

FRANCIS HARRIS,
Notary Public.

ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION.

Know all men by these presents, that we the undersigned desirous of establishing a UNIVERSITY at the place formerly known as Tawawa Springs, cast of the city of Xenia, in the county of Greene, in the State of Ohio for the purpose of promoting education, religion and morality amongst the colored race do make and establish these our articles of association.
We hereby assume and agree upon the corporate name of the Wilberforce University of the A.M.E. Church, by which designation this institution shall be known and established, for all legal purposes whatever, that said University, shall be located and established at the Tawawa Springs, aforesaid in said county of Greene; that the principles of said University are and shall continue to be, to furnish the educational means of a thorough course of education to the colored race, and to do all other acts and things necessary and usual to be done and exercised by other Universities in the United States, and also, to confer the usual honors and degrees upon those deemed worthy, that this Institution shall be, and forever remain under the management, direction and control of the African Methodist Episcopal Church and for that end a majority of the Board of Directors and Trustees shall always be members of said African Methodist Episcopal Church, that the business and pecuniary affairs of said institution shall be managed and controlled by the board of Trustees or Directors of said institution and the Officers and Agents by them legally appointed. It is provided that none shall be excluded from the benefits of said institution as officers, faculty or pupils on account merely of race or color. In testimony whereof we the applicants for the incorporation of said institution have hereto set our hands this July 10th 1863.

Daniel A. Payne,
James A. Shorter,
John G. Mitchell,
David Blackburn,
Robert Nicolas,

FURTHER EXPLANATIONS IN REFERENCE TO WILBERFORCE UNIVERSITY.

It will be observed, by reading the first deed that transferred the buildings and appurtenances of Wilberforce University to D.A. Payne, James A. Shorter and John G. Mitchell, that this transfer was made to them in order that by them it should be transferred to a new Board of Trustees to be elected by the African Methodist Episcopal Church. The second deed witnesseth that this transfer of Wilberforce University was legally made by them to a Board of Trustees appointed by the A.M.E. Church. According to the general School Law of Ohio, (chapter 29th, section 2nd) for the incorporation of colleges and universities, five resident freeholders of the county of Greene, and State of Ohio, D.A. Payne, J.A. Shorter, J.G. Mitchell, D. Blackburn, and R. Nicholas, for and in behalf of the A.M.E. Church made known their desire to the Auditor of said county, to become a body corporate for the purpose of founding for the A.M.E. Church a University having for its corporate name, Wilberforce University of the A.M.E. Church. Three judicious disinterested freeholders of the county and voters therein, were appointed appraisers.
They returned a schedule and a certificate of the fact that the amount of property appraised was equal to the sum required; thus the applicants, D.A. Payne, J.A. Shorter, J.G. Mitchell, D. Blackburn and R. Nicholas, having complied with the requisites of the law, became for and in behalf of the A.M.E. Church a body corporate and political, in order that all the conferences of the A.M.E. Church might be properly represented, the corporaters did on the 13th of July, 1863, for and in behalf of the A.M.E. Church elect for each Conference of said Church five trustees, members of the A.M.E. Church. It will be remembered that the Conferences or leading members of the conferences had previously been notified to nominate suitable persons for trustees.
The following were accordingly nominated:
For the Ohio Conference, Rev. E.D. Davis, Rev. James A. shorter, Rev. Lewis Woods, Thomas E. Kride, and John Cousins; for the Baltimore Conference, Rev. John M. Brown, Rev. Alexander W. Wayman, Rev. Henry M. Turner, James H. Davis and Thomas Green: for the Philadelphia Conference, Rev. Stephen Smith, Rev. Elisha Weaver, Rev. Anthony L. Stanford, William Scott and Henry Gordon; for the New England Conference, Rev. William Johnson, Rev. Ebenezer T. Williams, Rev. Joseph P. Shreeves, John t. Waugh and Warner Smith; for the New York Conference, Rev. << Richard H. Cain>> , Rev. Leonard Patterson, Rev. Jeremiah R.V. Thomas, George Smith and Benjamin Taylor; for the Indiana Conference. Rev. Willis R. Reeves, Rev. Thomas Strother, Rev. William Trevan, Nathaniel Jones and James Blanks; for the Missouri Conference, Rev. M.M. Clark, Rev. John Turner, Rev. Liberty Ross, William Gibson and Francis Roberts.
The above named Trustees constituted a large majority of all that were elected. At the first meeting of the Board of Trustees, the bishops of the A.M.E. Church were made trustees, ex offico. At the last annual meeting of the Board of Trustees, a resolution was passed, instructing the Secretary to notify the new Conferences of the A.M.E. church, to nominate suitable persons for trustees of said University, and send in their names. I presume these Conferences will be notified in due time by the Secretary.
Mr. Editor, it was in view of the fact, that some of the members of the A.M.E. Church have been doubting whether Wilberforce University belongs to the A.M.E. Church, that the Board of Trustees, at their last meeting, resolved to have published in the Christian Recorder, the above legal instruments of writing, which put Wilberforce University in the possession, and under the control of the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
We hope that the doubting and scrupulous, after reading these articles will be satisfied.

JOHN G. MITCHELL.

February 3, 1887
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, PA

PROGRAMME.
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OF THE FUNERAL SERVICES OF BISHOP << RICHARD H. CAIN>> , JANUARY 21, '87.
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Chant, choir; hymn, Bishop A.W. Wayman; prayer, Bishop T.M.D. Ward; Scripture Lesson, Bishop J.P. Campbell; hymn, Rev. Theodore Gould; Sermon, Bishop John M. Brown.
“And in every work that he began in the service of God, and in the law, and in the commandments to seek his God, he did it with all his heart and prospered.” - 9 Chron. 81, 21.
There had been a continuous reign of evil by the kings who had preceded Hezekiah, but Hezekiah began his reign when he was but twenty-five years old and continued it by the restoration of the true religion. It is said of him “that he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord.” He opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them; he greatly respected the Priests and Levitas; he called upon them to sanctify now yourselves and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place. He proclaimed a solemn passover for Judah and Israel - the tears lasted fourteen days. In this chapter the people under the direction of Hazekiah (1) destroyed idolatry, (2) he ordered the courses of the Priests and Levites and provideth for their work and maintenance. So successful were they in making the collection “Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps; they blessed the Lord and his people Israel.” Hezekiah appointed officers to dispose of the tithes. Of them it is said that in their set offices they sanctified themselves in holiness. The good effects of his work; it was good and right and truth before the Lord, his God.
Our text epitomizes the work which he began, the services he rendered to the house of God, the devotion and love he had for the law of God and in the commandments. He sought God. This he did with all his heart, and because of this he prospered. Hezekiah was not more than man or than other kings, but he loved and obeyed the law of God and his commandments. His pious zeal reached to all the parts of his kingdom. Thus he did throughout all Judah, every part of the country and those only that lay next to him shared in the good fruits of his government. He sincerely desired to please God; he approved himself to him in all he did, for he wrought that which was good before the Lord, his God. His greatest anxiety was to do that which was right in the sight of God, to do that which is holy, just and good. One of the ills of men is that they begin to halt, they stop; but when this good man began he went through with it, prosecuted it with vigor and did it with all his heart. All of his good intentions resulted in good issue. If he did any thing in the house of God and in the government of his kingdom, that prospered. This is also true, that “whatever is undertaken with a sincere regard to the glory of God will succeed to our own honor and comfort at last.” This is seen everywhere. This good king exhibited a good heart and made, therefore, a most excellent and constitutional king in restoring and upholding the ancient institutions of the kingdom. These good qualities entitle him to be ranked with his most illustrious predecessors. May God ever send such rulers both in Church and State, and the people who are blessed with such be ever obedient to them and thankful to the God who sends them.
In what respect can we say the Rt. Rev. Richard Harvey Cain, D.D., is to be compared to Hezekiah? Bishop Cain as a man was born in obscurity. His parents were poor and destitute of a knowledge of letters and did not see the importance of giving their son the advantages of an early education, nor were they able to give him the means of living while prosecuting a course of study. He left his home in Ohio and went West, living in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois and other western States, as will be seen by the following account given of him by a dear friend:
“Richard Harvey Cain was born in Virginia; his boyhood days were spent in that State. His parents located in Portsmouth, Ohio. He was converted in 1841, but soon after removed to Cincinnati and plied on the river between there and St. Louis. He finally settled in Hannibal, Mo., where he was licensed to preach in 1844 by Rev. Wm. Jackson, of the M.E. Church; the Rev. Robert Haynes, presiding elder. He returned to Cincinnati and joined the A.M.E. Church, Rev. Levin Gross pastor.
In 1857 he went from there to the Indiana Conference at New Albany, Bishop Payne presiding. His first charge was Muscatine, Iowa. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Quinn. In 1880 he was a student at Wilberforce University, Greene county, Ohio. In 1861 he was transferred to the New York Conference and stationed at the Bridge Street A.M.E. Church. In April, 1862, he was ordained an elder by Bishop Payne, in this (Washington, D.C.) city. In 1865 he was transferred to the South Carolina Conference and stationed in Charleston, S.C. In St. Louis, Muscatine and Brooklyn he did well as a pastor. He organized the Fleet Street A.M.E. Church in Brooklyn, which grew under his ministry and that of others to be one of the best charges in New York Conference. He was appointed by Bishop Payne to Charleston, S.C., to succeed the Revs. J.D.S. Hall and James Lynch; he did a wonderful work and accomplished much good - not without opposition. He organized Emanuel A.M.E. Church and bought the property and built the church; he also organized Morris Brown society and purchased the chapel from the Southern denomination, both of which churches are now first class charges. The Emanuel Church has a membership of 3,600, and the Morris Brown Chapel has a membership of nearly 2,000. In Charleston the A.M.E. Church has a membership of over 10,000, all resulting from his indomitable will and perseverance; he also planted our Church in Summerville, Lincolnville, Georgetown, Marion, Sumter, on the Islands of St. John, James, Edisto and other islands adjacent to Charleston, also along the South Carolina, Northeastern ad Savannah Railroads. He also assisted and counselled the organization of our work in the upper country; he planted schools in Charleston. In the one in Charleston the English, Latin and Greek were taught; schools were established in Summerville, Louisville and other points in South Carolina. He cared not for opposition, whether it came from churchmen or the opposite, colored of white men. He was always true to his denomination; he had great faith in the possibilities of the colored man and he believed until his death that through the A.M.E. Church is our ultimate success in this country and in Africa - the negro's ultimate success, final redemption and our last glory by slavery would came. Some of our last conversations together were our that point. He had no faith in shame, whether the were white or black. No man could see through the motives of men sooner than he; he had the most profound respect for his brethren in the ministry and the deepest love and greatest veneration for his brother Bishops. This did not come to him after he was made an Episcopate, but he was always true, honorable and loving towards his peers and tender towards those who were less exalted than himself. The honors which came to him from Church or State made no difference; he was not pretentious, he never forgot old friends, he was true to them.
He never had but one conflict with his chief officers, that was in 1880, which, happily, passed away and he was elected after that a Bishop. He built in the rear of Morris Brown Church a wall and a parsonage in which his Charleston school was taught. He had in that his printing press and published his Missionary Record. The object he had in view was to disseminate the doctrines, useages, practices and customs of the A.M.E. Church; he was not at any period of his life ashamed of his race or church; he urged the people to get homes; he purchased a large tract of land and sold it cheaply to his poor brethren; he founded Lincolnville upon that ground, a town between Charleston and Summerville, S.C., which is a thriving town, having a railroad station and other facilities; he planned the Enterprise street cars in Charleston and obtained the charter for it from the South Carolina Legislature; he built a row of houses in Columbia, S.C. In 1867, I, as corresponding secretary of our Home and Foreign Missionary Society, met his missionaries in Charleston when the came from all parts of the State and made most excellent reports. The meeting lasted a week. He early taught the school to be self sustaining, as we had no Northern society to depend upon.
When he went to Charleston, we had but few members in South Carolina; when he left the State our denomination numbered over 100,000. We had two conferences and over 300 preachers. No man in church history has given greater zeal and success than he. Our church property valued at that time at over $40,000. The impulse he gave to our course will not be forgotten and felt throughout time, and especially in South Carolina. The name of << Richard H. Cain>> in South Carolina, Chas. H. Pierce in Florida, and Henry McNeal Turner in Georgia, are household names honored and revered by our good people. Elder Cain was active in the reconstruction of his State; he was a member of the Reconstruction State Convention, also of the State Senate. The people sent him twice to the Congress of the United States. In both of those bodies his influence and power were felt. Naturally eloquent, he, by his eloquence, swayed those bodies at will. His reply to an honorable member form South Carolina, who delighted to deride our race, so entranced the members of that honorable body that from the lips of al were words of praise. At a luncheon at the Hon. James G. Blaine's in this city, there being present Senator Hoar, Gen. Garfield, Bishop Campbell and others, I asked those gentlemen their opinion of the representatives (we had then Hons. R.B Elliot Rainey, R.H. Cain and other colored men). They only spoke words of praise. They were happily and pleasantly disappointed and spoke of Bishop Cain and R.B. Elliot as two of the most eloquent and able men in the House, “who could take care of themselves, were upright and honorable men.” He has helped many young men to complete a course of study; he was always kind to the widow and the sorrowing; he was an affectionate husband and a tender father; he was a genial and pleasant companion; he never spoke ill of any; he always had a good word and extended a helping hand to the erring. His last official act was to request me to assign a minister to Chelsea, Mass., and another to Worcester, Mass. He fell asleep in Christ last Tuesday morning, at 2 A.M., just twenty-five years to the hour, since he and Mrs. Laura Hazzard were made one. Mrs. Cain had suggested that they should celebrate “the silver wedding,” but at the dawn of his silver wedding he joined the innumerable host, where the angelic myriads welcomed him to an entertainment more grand than mortals can give - holy and pure!
None have been more true and disinterested, none more honored than he; none of our race has honored us more than he, but he leaves us! He has gone to his eternal rest. Our Episcopal family has been disturbed three times by death since the last General Conference. Bishop Dickerson, the youngest, Bishop Cain, the last elected, have gone, and Mrs. Bishop Shorter, the dear wife of our venerable brother. These lessons admonish us. God does all things well.
My dear colleagues, assembled on this platform, and reverend and dear brethren of the ministry, our venerable brother and your venerable Bishop has gone! We may go to him but he cannot come to us. The very last hymn, a favorite of his, was sung by Elder Derrick a few minutes before life became extinct:

“Saviour, more than life to me,
I am clinging, clinging close to Thee;
Let thy precious blood applied
Keep me ever, ever near Thy side.

Every day, every hour,
Let me feel Thy cleansing power,
May Thy tender love to me
Bind me closer, closer, Lord, to Thee.

Thro' this changing world below
Lead me gently, gently as I go;
Trusting Thee I cannot stray,
I can never, never lose my way.

Let me love Thee more and more
'Till this fleeting, fleeting life is o'er;
'Till my soul is lot in love
In a brighter, brighter world above.

Bishop Turner made the concluding remarks. Anthem by choir. Benediction by Dr. John T. Jenifer. Service at the grave by Bishop J.P. Campbell.

July 8, 1886
THE CHRISTIAN RECORDER
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

THE NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.

BY REV. T.T.B. REED, B.A.

The sixty seventh session of the New York Annual Conference convened at the A.M.E. Church, Bridge Street, Brooklyn, N.Y., at 9 o'clock a.m., Wednesday June 8th. There has never been a more intelligent assemblage of Christian gentlemen and distinguished divines in the great City of Churches in twenty-five years. The unique system of issuing a printed conference directory to each member, introduced by Dr. W.B. Derrick at New York in 1886, facilitated all the routine business immensely.

FIRST DAY'S PROCEEDINGS.

Bishop John M. Brown, D.D., D.C.L., called the conference to order. Rev. Geo. W. Bailey led in prayer. The Bishops read Acts 20. Rev. Israel Derricks followed in prayer. Rev. W.B. Derrick read the ritual service, the conference responding. After the roll was called Dr. Derrick was elected permanent secretary; Revs. L.M. Beckett and Horace Talbot, B.A., were elected assistant secretaries. Rev. T.T.B. Reed, B.A., was elected reporter to the CHRISTIAN RECORDER. Revs. C.C. Townsend, George Wiliams and J.P. Stevens were appointed marshals. Seats were reserved for the “Daughters and Sons of Conference,” after which the eminently distinguished and ablest lawyer of our race practicing before the New York Bar, Prof. T. McCants Stewart, was introduced by the conference secretary to give the address of welcome in behalf of the members, the Daughters and Sons of Conference of Bridge Street A.M.E. Church. His address was one running flow of eloquence and felicity. It was responded to by Bishop Brown in the most pleasing manner. Dr. Derrick then tendered a series of well worded resolutions, additionally welcoming Bishop Brown's return to the New York Conference in place of our late lamented Bishop R.H. Cain. The conference adopted them with a unanimous vote. General T. Morris Chester was elected stenographer of the conference, and Lieut. Howard L. Smith, of the New York Daily Star, reporter to that paper. After Bishop Brown read the hymn, “I'm not ashamed to own my Lord,” and the conference and large congregation sang the same, the Bishop conducted the communion service, and with the assistance of his colleague, Bishop R.R. Disney, gave the eucharistic elements, first to the clergy and then to the laity. This hallowed feature left an impression of godliness, felt throughout the entire session of the conference. The following transfers were reported: Revs. Ten Eycke, from the New Jersey Conference; W.B. Heath, from the Philadelphia Conference; A.C.J. Hamilton, M.D., from the Baltimore Conference; H.T. Johnson, from the New England Conference. The following guests were introduced: Hon. Rev. H.C.C. Astwood, United States Consul to San Domingo; bishop R.R. Disney, of the Tenth Episcopal District; Dr. B.T. Tanner, our live and wide-awake editor of the A.M.E. Review; Dr. J.C. Embry, our enterprising publisher; T. Thomas Fortune, editor of the New York Freeman, the first in rank and best in matter of all secular papers published in America; Rev. John Piper, editor of the Bible Temperance Educator, Belfast, Ireland; Major F.S. Cunningham, Rochester, N.Y.; Rev. H.T. Johnson, Rev. A.W. Whalen, W.C. Cole, Henry Stone, I.S. Sweree, Wm. Thomas and E. McHarper, of St. Thomas, D.W.I. Dr. Tanner made one of his profound addresses, that even excelled any we have heard from him, in the interest of the Church, the Review and our race in general. The Doctor's repository of philippic missiles was commendably and well utilized in his arraignment of Rev. D.L. Moody for his winking at race prejudice in the South by abetting the exclusion of colored people from his meetings in certain churches and systematically ignoring colored clergymen. It was made a matter for immediate consideration of the church. Said committee were Revs. W.B. Derrick, T.T.B. Reed, L.M. Beckett, I. Derricks, Prof. J.A.M. Johns, P.E. Mills, L.B. Langford.

THE AFTERNOON SESSION.

The election of three delegates and three alternate to the General Conference was made the special order for 11 a.m., Thursday June 9th. Dr. Embry read an elaborate report, which was not only a great honor to him and our beloved Church, but to our race in general, showing what brain, push, pluck, enterprise and energy can do. He showed that while the expense of our Publishing Department were $11,368.50, it had been satisfied from our receipts of $11,519.34, and left $150.84 balance in hand. Also, that our old liabilities were $5,431.15, and our assets $21,629.04. The brethren were elated over his report, and Bishop Brown made a telling address encouraging even a more perfect cooperation by the members of our conference in our Publication Department. He also effectively labored in argument and diction to make a success of our fast approaching church Centennial celebration in all our churches next September.

The Hon. H.C.C. Astwood then made an address full of interesting facts relative to the A.M.E. work in San Domingo. Dr. Derrick, after a neat speech, offered a deserving resolution of thanks to our distinguished representative of the Danish West Indies. The conference appropriated and sent by Lieut. H.L. Smith $10 to the editor of the New York Star for the General Grant Monument Fund. The same we officially learned was the first contribution by our people to the New York Star's enterprising efforts to aid in raising said fund. The annual sermon was preached by the Rev. Horace Talbert, B.A. It was replete with the bright thoughts, positive welcome, learned exposition of the gospel, Christ-like encouragement to the disconsolate and misused and studded all through with historical, metaphorical, eloquently able illustrations. In a word, it was an annual sermon of the highest order.

SECOND DAYS' SESSION.

Opening service was conducted by Dr. J.C. Embry, who presided for a time in the absence of the Bishop. Dr. Derrick made a strong and justly denunciatory speech against the scurrilous article that appeared in the Brooklyn Eagle of the 8th inst., it seemed to say at the rounding of each sentence, “you can hit, but I will harpoon.” Dr. Tanner took part in the same plucking of the feathers from the Eagle in the city of piety that has a broad sheet of prejudice spread for public gaze and patronage every evening, and when the two eminent divines had finished their work the bird proved to be a hawk of the buzzard species. Rev. W.B. Derrick informed the conference that the New England, New Jersey and Philadelphia Conferences had realized their desire to unite with the New York Conference in the creation of a fund to erect a monument in the memory of our late beloved and cherished Bishop Richard Harvey Cain, D.D. A motion was unanimously adopted that Rev. Dr. W.B. Derrick, Wm. H. Thomas, A.M., and T.E. Franklin be a committee to represent the New York Conference.

The following lay delegates were then introduced to the conference and their credentials from the electoral college read: Prof. Frederick Savage and Rev. J. Balden; also their alternates, H.H. Johnson, Leonard A. Brooks. Rev. Rufus L. Perry, of Brooklyn, was introduced as a gust of the conference. The order of the day to elect delegates to the General Conference was then called up. Rev. W.B. Derrick, D.D. was elected unanimously as delegate to the General Conference of 1888. Rev. W.H. Thomas, A.M., and Presiding Elder Franklin were also elected in the same manner. The Revs. Horace Talbert, B.A., R.H. Shirley and Israel Derricks were elected alternates. An informal reception was then tendered Hon. H.C.C. Astwood, United States Consul to San Domingo, who left directly after for his West India station. Rev. Dr. Derrick read his annual report, which, because of its capacity and correctness, was ordered spread in the journal. It was decided to have a seal made. Rev. P.E. Mills submitted a resolution that was adopted, requesting the conference to elect a permanent conference scribe or reporter to receive and report weekly the news of the various churches throughout the conference district from each church. The resolutions by Rev. T.T.B. Reed, B.A., condemning the recent outrages of the Indianapolis police, who had shot down some three or four colored men in the streets of that city without any justifiable cause, were referred to the committee on the state of the country.

Rev. Dr. Derrick read the report of the committee on the state of the country; it embraced an endorsement of the home rule policy for Ireland and of Gladstone and Parnell's labors in the warfare against coercion; it is also stated the strife between knights of labor and monopolistic capital must and would be settled by public opinion and not by dynamite. Bishop John Milton Brown, Revs. Drs. W.B. Derrick, B.T. Tanner, J.W. Stevenson excoriated the actions of Mr. Moody, the evangelist, who accepted assistance I the work from Southern pastors upon the terms that negro ministers were not to be included in the invitation. The action of white churches throughout the country legislating against the colored race was strongly denounced. Rev. T.T.B. Reed, B.A., submitted a resolution relative to insurance companies, who assess colored people equal with the whites, but fail to pay them equal premiums. The resolution met with a hearty endorsement by the conference and was referred to a committee. A memorial service in honor of the late Bishop << Richard H. Cain>> , D.D., was held in the afternoon. Bishop Brown presided. He eulogized the late Bishop Cain. Dr. Derrick delivered the oration. IT was a brilliant, scholarly, yet pathetic exposition of the life, character and intrinsic worth of the distinguished prelate. Prof. J.A.M Johns read appropriate resolutions, and Revs. Shirley and Shepherd read original poems for the occasion.
At the educational meeting in the evening Rev. Prof. Josephs delivered an able address and was followed by Rev. Mr. Mohoney, who made an address.

FRIDAY AFTERNOON SESSION.

Rev. J.W. Stevenson read the report of the committee on church literature. The mother church of the conference, Sullivan Street, New York City, sent in an unique petition for the return of Rev. W.B. Derrick, D.D., for their pastor another year. It contained 1,583 names. Also a strong telegraphic message. It elicited much discussion, the principal feature of which was in support of the petition of the brethren, who finally by an overwhelming vote requested the Bishop to re-appoint Dr. Derrick to said charge. On the vote of the conference to effect the desired end, when the yeas and nays were called the entire conference, except two voted yeas. This truly was the grandest tribute paid any pastor in this conference. Rev. Israel Derricks read statistical report on the sale of conference minutes. A white brother who desired to withhold his name and would only give part of it, viz., “Lee,” the treasurer of D.L. Moody's school at Northfield, appeared before the conference and asked permission to speak. Bishop Brown, in his usual polite manner, granted the desired permissions. Said brother then constituted himself a mouthpiece for Mr. Moody and endeavored to make the conference believe that the evangelist was not responsible for the system of his engagements. South and the actions of the Southern white pastors. He was made to learn that he had mistaken the body of men he was talking to; they were not the men to be hoodwinked to hide Mr. Moody's prejudice.

Saturday's session, Bishop Brown presiding, after the devotional services, roll called and the minutes read, the conference in a body visited Prof. C.R. Dorsey's public school for colored children, in Brooklyn, and was addressed by several brethren. Prominent among the speakers were Prof. J.F. Johnson, R.H. Shirley, Dr. Stevenson and others. In the afternoon the bridge Street A.M.E. Sunday school filled the auditorium of the church and were pleasingly and profitably addressed by Revs. R.H. Shirley, Prof. J.T. Johnson, and Prof. W.H. Johnson, of the Howard Orphan Asylum, Prof. T. McCants Stewart. A little girl from Africa, now an inmate of the Howard Orphan Asylum, who three years ago could not speak any other language but her native African lingo, read nicely from a third reader, having been taught and civilized at said institute. The successful teaching of the child referred to truly is a lasting monument of honor to Prof. Johnson and his institute, as well as our race. Mrs. W.H. Granett Barboza, from Liberia, Africa, the distinguished daughter of the late Hon. and Rev. H.H. Garnett, D.D., Minister and Consul General to Liberia, was introduced to the conference and delivered a very interesting and brilliant speech, touching upon her works in establishing schools in Liberia for females. A vote of thanks was tendered her.
The conference then resolved itself into at missionary society; Bishop Disney presided; L.M. Beckett, B.D., secretary. Mrs. Stevens, the evangelist, was introduced, and made an effective and telling speech. Rev. T.T.B. Reed, B.A., read the Home Mission Committee's report, which showed the wonderful work being done in the Home Mission field of the State under the efficient control of our conference State Missionary, Rev. T.E. Franklin on organizing three new church societies an Sunday schools at Rome 1, Oneida 1, and Poughkeepsie 1. Elder Franklin was recommended by the committee for reappointment to the same work. Mrs. Margaret Prime, an old lady 84 years of age, sixty-eight years a member of Bethel A.M.E. church in New York City, one of the first admitted in our church by our late venerated founder and first Bishop of our connection, Bishop Richard Allen, spoke in a spirited yet feeble manner; her speech touched the hearts of all who heard her. Rev. L.M. Beckett, B.D., of Elmira, N.Y.; L.B. Langford, of Lockport; W. Thomas and G.H. Jarrett, of the West Indies, were ordained as elders. Rev. J.H. Miller was elected to be ordained as a deacon during the year when convenient to the Bishop. Rev. W.B. Derrick D.D., presented a gratifying report of his work in the New York District during the last conference. Rev. W.H. Thomas, A.M., presented a very excellent report of his work in the Long Island District, and also made mention of a new society at Westbury, which desired admission to our conference and to be placed as a missions under the oversight of the Jamaica charge. The said society was jointly secured by Presiding Elder Thomas and Elder T.T.B. Reed, B.A., when in charge of the Jamaica Church.

There will be no change in the pastorates of Bethel church in this city and Bridge Street church in Brooklyn, of which Dr. W.B. Derrick and Rev. W.H. Thomas are the respective pastor, if the disciplinary law can be circumvented. At the different A.M.E. Churches of the district the attendance was very large yesterday. Sunday, Bridge Street church was overcrowded all day; the services were sublime, especially the ordination sermon by Bishop J.M. Brown; it was one grand and glorious compendium of Christ like instruction, advice and encouragement to the candidates for elders' orders. On Monday, the 13th inst., the conference session was opened by Rev. T.J. Jackson conducting devotional services. The evening the Daughters and Sons of Conference assembled in the Church and listened to one of the most excellent, stirring and practical sermons ever preached to such a beneficent organization. Revs. Hubert Jarrett and J.H. Miller were admitted into full membership of the New York Annual Conference by Bishop Disney. Rev. T.E. Franklin read a concise report on the circuits and stations; it was well received and approved by the conference. Rev. W.L. Hunter read S.S. report recommending a Sunday school convention at Flushing, September 7. A committee of three was appointed to effect the same, Rev. R.H. Shirley read an able and well prepared report on the state of the Church, showing the seeming phenomenal increase and advancement made by both the clergy and laity. Bishop Brown at this juncture delivered an address of merit and worth to the interest of our Centennial Celebration in all the Churches in November next; among the many worthy and strong things he said after picturing out the wonderful successful struggles of the church from 1787 to 1861 and how our universal heavenly Father had prospered the works of our revered and lamented illustrious founder, Bishop Richard Allen, be then said, “Nothing but sluggishness, selfishness, meanness and laziness can keep us from having a success in our proud prospective celebration.” Rev. Yeocum, of the New Jersey Conference, was then introduced as guest. Addresses were made by Drs. Derrick, Hunter, Stevenson, Langford and Yeocum; Temperance report was read. Rev. Mr. Piper, of Ireland, addressed the conference in the evening on the temperance question. His address, although rather lengthy, was good; one of the many things he said was, “The lands that bear the name of Christ are in truth the most drunkard lands in the world.” Rev. T.E. Franklin moved a vote of thanks for the speaker; it prevailed. Rev. Horace Talbert read a report of assessment of churches on General Conference delegates' traveling expenses; it was adopted. On motion 1,000 minutes were ordered for our Publication Department; and a publication committee consisting of the pastors for Sullivan Street, Bridge Street, Jamaica and Weeksville churches were elected to attend to the matter after the minutes were compiled by the secretary. On motion the following missionary society officers were elected for the conference: Bishop J.M. Brown, D.D., D.C.L., president; Rev. George Bailey, vice-president; Rev. L.M. Beckett, secretary; J.A. Nichols, secretary. Executive committee, Revs. T.T.B. Reed, B.A.; Horace Talbert, B.D., W.P. Shepherd, T.J. Jackson, T.H. Hagins. Resolutions of thanks to the Daughters and Sons of Conference, the officers, members and pastor of Bridge Street Church were offered by Rev. P.E. wells for their great care, prompt and good meals, etc., to the brethren.

(From Conference [sic] Recorders.)

GENERAL CONFERENCE.

SIXTEENTH SESSION.

MAY 1st. 1876.

ELEVENTH DAY.

May 12, 1876.

Conference met. Bishop John M. Brown, of the fifth District, presiding.
Rev. David Pickett, of South Carolina Conference, conducted the religious services.
Hymn sung - “Come, let us use the grace divine.” Prayer. Scripture lesson read, Psalm cii.
Roll called. Minutes read and approved.
Unfinished business resumed. The report of the Committee on Boundary.
W.J. Gaines spoke in favor of adopting that portion of the report relating to the division of the Missouri Conference.
W.J. Dove spoke upon the same question favoring the same.
T.W. Henderson spoke against it.
The report as it came from the committee passed. The Chair interpreted the vote as carrying away all the provisions, which interpretation was sustained by a vote of 66 to 14.
Revs. G.W. Yarborough and J.W. Heidt, of the M.E. Church South, were introduced
California section passed. Virginia passed.
At this stage the Conference received the following:

ATLANTA, GA., May, 12, '76.

To the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Session in Atlanta.
DEAR BRETHREN: - We the undersigned fraternal delegates from the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church to your body would report that we are now in the city, and shall be happy to await any expression of your wishes. It will be agreeable to us to meet you before the class of this morning's session.

Very Fraternally,
D. SUBSHAW, [?]
J.C. TATE.

H.M. Turner resigned as member of the Committee on reception. B.T. Tanner was shown to fill the vacancy.
The boundary of Texas Conference was discussed by Revs. Johnson, Reed and W.R. Carson, members of said Conference. After much talk the boundaries were adopted as reported from the committee.
North Arkansas boundary was adopted; likewise South Arkansas and Mississippi boundaries was adopted.
The East Tennessee Conference name was changed from the East to the Tennessee Conference. The Conference ordered that a portion of the report which regards the Tennessee Conference as to the boundaries. After the reading of the report, it was adopted.
Kentucky Conference boundary was adopted; also Pittsburg, New Jersey, Illinois and Kansas Conference.
Conference resumed the revision of the Discipline. The special committee having charge of section II. reported.
At this stage of the meeting, the fraternal delegation from the M.E. Church arrived. They were introduced by the Chairman of the Committee of Delegation, B.T. Tanner who said:
Venerable Bishop: I have the very great pleasure to introduce to you and to Conference the chairman of the committee on fraternal delegation. Not since 1864 has such a delegation arrived; but, Bishop, the delegation then sent had not the significance that his has. That may be credited to the overflow of good feeling toward the colored man, everywhere felt by reason of the goodly part he had borne in the war. But this delegation comes bearing the well matured expression of good feeling. As such, the delegation is partnership significant, and as such should be received by us. Not only so Mr. Chairman, but we are peculiarly honored in the person of the delegate, Dr. Sherman, a man whose praise is in the mouth of all the churches. It is with pleasure, therefore, that I introduce to you Dr. David Sherman.
The Bishop taking Dr. Sherman by the hand, said of him to the conference in a few pertinent words:

DR. SHERMAN'S ADDRESS.

The Dr. Said: He had experienced greater pleasure than he had ever before been honored with, in being appointed to convey fraternal greeting to the honorable body. He said, I when a boy read of your session from our church, and ever since that time I have kept my eye upon you.
He said he had greater pleasure in visiting this great body, and coming not as his namesake and relative. Gen. Sherman came with fire and sword, but in the mission of mercy and love.
He said if there was anything in which he rejoiced, it was that the gospel was preached to the poor - and if to the poor, then the rich, for the rich man of today is the poor man of yesterday.
He said as to his mission that ever since the A.M.E. Church had left her good mother there had been a room kept in readiness for them. He said the mother church wanted them to come in and be as near as possible. He said they could come into the house, but if they would not do that they could come into the yard. We want you to come as near as possible. We want to work side by side. Courtship in marriage is just the same in church matters, and I am glad of it, for I have come down for that purpose. The color-line may be in [ ] way a little; but it is finding sway North so that we can hardly recognise it. There I had the pleasure of recommending a grand man to conference and after being received, he was sent to a white, and afterward had a white congregation to petition for him, but did not go, simply because he did not want to go to it. We want to be nearer each other.
Rev. J.C. Tate said: I come here as a fraternal delegate to this conference, but it was the least of my expectation, I was between the plow handles when I was informed that I was to report here as a delegate. It astonished me for I wondered how any body in Baltimore knew anything about me. Three times in my life I have been stood upon the auction block and been sold. I have been exchanged from one man to another, and so when I was informed of my appointment it astonished me, astonished that I should be selected to come to such an honorable body as this. I have never had any education. My old master allowed me to go to Sunday School three Sundays in succession; but after the third Sunday, he said, “Look here you are learning to much it will make you a fool.” You just put down that book. I was astonished that I was chosen as a delegate with Dr. Sherman who is by his opportunities able to meet any body of men. But perhaps it was wisdom on the part of the Bishops to arrange in this way. I look upon myself as the Moses and Dr. Sherman as Aaron. I have been sent to lead and he to talk to you. Now in presenting the business upon which we have been sent he has used a word which frightens me as I attempt to bring it on my tongue. Fraternal greeting! I can hardly utter it. Now as to myself I will relate an anecdote. There was once a rich old planter down South who had some very fine birds, and concluded to present some of them to a friend. And so he put some of them in a basket and closely put a cover over it, and gave the basket containing the birds to his boy Bob, and told him not to dare to look into it. The basket was covered so closely Bob could not see into it so he kept peeping and peeping. He held it up to the light and kept looking into it until he saw something move. Now when we are told not to do a thing, we will do that thing or die, and so Bob took out his knife and out a hole in the cover just big enough for all the birds to escape. Then Bob did not know what to do, and finally thought he would return home; but then he thought of the letter, and went and delivered that. When the gentleman read it he said to Bob, tell your master I am much obliged to him for the birds. Bob said, Look here Mr. are these birds on that paper, and he said, Yes. Well says Bob, I am glad of it, for they are not in this basket. Well now, what I wish to say is this, if I have said anything worth putting on paper, let it stay there; for it is not in me.
At the conclusion of the speeches, Rev. James A. Handy offered the following:
Whereas The General Conference has received in the persons of Rev. Dr. Sherma and the Rev. James C. Tate, [ ] very cordial fraternal salutations of [ ] M.E. Church; therefore,
Resolved, That highly appreciating the Christian utterance of these distinguished representatives of our American Methodism, which touches a chord in our heart, bringing vividly before us the days of Embry, Whatcoot [?] Asbury, Allen, Strawbridge, and Coker.
Resolved, That hand, head and heart under the great head of the church we stand today with the M.E. Church, our mother, laboring that our common Methodism may grow into the one great Methodism of the earth, thus blessing the world from generation to generation.
The response was made by Bishop Ward:
“These are great events today, It was in Georgia that the glorious frontier of Methodism first preached the gospel that saves. The bondmen heard him and were strengthened for the task before I need not refer to the causes that made it necessary for Richard Allen to secede. We all know it. But today we have the representatives of that same church here, in the person not only of one who is thoroughly Saxon, but one who, like myself, has passed through the fire. Yet today we as a church stand amidst all our sufferings, our poverty. Yet we today stand strong, not in the elements the world calls strong, yet we are strong in the strength of God. But when our mother shall thoroughly push caste aside, we shall be found close by her side. But all over this land our banner is unfurled. We are engaged in the common work, and while these representatives come from a church that takes in all the world; but let it be known, that while the mother is thus engaged, let her know that we shall not fail to get in all the black children of the South and of the country under our banner.
Bishop Payne spoke of the past, that he was born in the Methodist church. His father and mother both went to Heaven out of it. He loved the Methodist Episcopal Church. He had made its history a study, and having reached the summit of Calvary, he loved men, not as a black man nor as a white man, but simply as men. He felt honored in the representatives present. God bless them.
Bishop Campbell said: He felt full, even to overflow at the remarks made. He had been taken back over many a page of history, even from Oxford in England to this day. Some great names had been called - men engaged in the great work of preaching scripture holiness over the land. Indeed we have been called upon to trace the whole hundred years of Methodism in the land. Richard Allen had no intention to separate from the “Mother.” They meant no such thing. They well knew that something was to be endured, and were prepared to take their share. But God overruled it. We do not consider ourselves as seceders. We are your oldest and most earnest daughters, and we rejoice in your success. The thing to be done is, let the mother educate herself down to her black daughter, and let the daughter educate herself up to her white mother; and all will be well.

RESOLUTIONS OF CONDOLENCE ON THE DEATH OF MRS. EUGENE GRACE CARE.

Whereas, we have heard with profoundest sorrow of the death of Mrs. E.G. Carr, late concert of the Rev. A.T. Carr, who departed this life on Monday afternoon, last, May 8th, 1876, a little before one o'clock, at her late residence in Charleston, S.C., in the 66th year of her age, therefore,
Resolved, - First, That is fitly becomes us, as Christian ministers and brethren, in General Conference assembled, to enter, heartily, into sympathy wish our bereaved and most highly esteemed brother Carr.
Second - That we recognise the extent of the loss he has sustained in being thus separated from a companion with whom he had walked life's pathway for forty-four years, amid joys and sorrows, and the various changes consequent to a long life in this world.
Third - That in her death he has lost a faithful companion, the Christian religion a bright [ ] and African Methodism ...
And that the song she sang in death, even while fording the dark river, as well at her excellent and exemplary Christian life - showing how abiding was her faith in the Lord Jesus - and how completely she rested her all upon him, who is able to save even to the uttermost.
She died singing that hymn of hymns, “Rock of Ages, [ ] for me, let me hide myself in thee.”
Fifth. - That we enter heartily into sympathy with our highly esteemed Brother Carr, who is now bereft of her who aided him, and sympathized with him while he pioneered in opening up the work, under our church, for Jesus, in the State of South Carolina.
And lately, That we do hereby request our senior Bishop, D.A. Payne, D.D., to lead the General Conference to a throne of grace in prayer, for the comforting and sustaining of our venerable Brother and Father in the work of the Lord Jesus Christ, in this his hour of sorest trial and disconsolation.
And may the grace of our Lord and Saviour comfort, preserve and bless him now, and evermore. Amen.
Moved by Wm. F. Dickerson, accorded by Wm. B. Derrick.
Conference adjourned.
Benediction by Dr. Sherman.

TWELFTH DAY.

May 13, 1876.

Conference met. Bishop D.A. Payne, of the Third Episcopal District, presiding. Religious service conducted by Rev. Paul Jefferson of South Carolina Conference. - Hymn sung; “Jesus Lord we look to Thee.' Prayer by Prof. Lee, of the Ohio Conference. - Scripture lesson read, Psalm xcv. Religious service continued. Minutes read and approved.
Unfinished business taken up: the report of the Committee on the composition of the Annual Conference.
Rev. Weston offered an amendment in reference to an Annual Conference treasury. Ruled out by the chair. The report was adopted.

SECTION II.

THE ANNUAL CONFERENCES.

201. Who shall compose the Annual Conferences?
(a) All the traveling preachers in full connection, and all preachers on probation.
(b) All local preachers who have been licensed four full years, been recommended by their quarterly conference, passed an examination at the Annual Conference, and have given satisfaction in the course of studies prescribed in the Book of Discipline. Nevertheless, members coming from another Annual Conference in our connection and probationers in the conference who may participate in the deliberations, shall have no right to vote.
2-2. Who shall appoint the time for holding the yearly conferences?
The presiding Bishop shall appoint the time, and allow a conference to sit at least a week.
2-3. Who shall appoint the place for holding the yearly conference?
It shall be done by the conferences.

MODE OF PROCEDURE IN THE CONFERENCES.

2-4. What has been collected for contingent expenses?
5. What has been collected for pastoral support?
6. What for the support of presiding Elders?
7. How much Dollar Money has been collected for the following demands? viz:
(a) For missions.
(b) For the salary of Bishops, the Editor, the [ ] Manager, the Financial Secretary, and the aid of the Publishing Department.
(c) For superanuated Bishops and preachers.
(d) For widows and orphans of itinerant preachers.
(e) For those who have not obtained their whole allowance at their stations and on their circuits.
(f) For Wilberforce University and other educational purposes.
8. How much percentage has been received of the Church Treasury for the following local demands of the conference? viz.:
1. For superanuated preachers.
2. For widows and orphans of itinerant preachers.
3. For those who have not received their salaries.
9. How much collected for Home Missions.
10. How much collected for incidental expenses?
11. What has been collected for building purposes or repairs?
12. How much collected for charitable purposes?
13. What has been collected for the Bible cause?
14. What numbers are in society viz:
(1) Of members?
(2) Of probationers?
(3) Of local preachers?
(4) Of Exhorters?
15. What is the number of churches?
16. What is the number of school-houses?
17. What number of parsonages?
18. What is the value of the church property?
19. How many Sabbath-schools in your charge?
20. How many superintendents?
21. How many teachers and officers?
22. How many pupils?
23. How much has the schools given for missionary purposes?
24. How many persons have been baptized this year? 2. Infants? 2. Adults?
25. How many have died this year?
26. What is the present indebtedness?
27. How many subscribers for the Christian Recorder?
28. What has been collected for the support of Sabbath-schools?
29. What has been collected for ministers' traveling expenses?
30. What preachers are admitted on trial?
31. Who remain on trial?
32. Who are admitted or re-admitted to full connection?
33. Who are the deacons?
34. Who have been elected and ordained deacons and elders this year?
35. Who have been elected by the General Conference to exercise the Episcopal office and superintend the African Methodist Episcopal Church?
36. Who are the supernumerary preachers?
37. Who are the superannuated preachers?
38. Who have located this year?
39. Who have died among the preachers this year?
40. Who have withdrawn from the connection this year?
41. Are all the preachers blameless in life and conversation?
42. Who have been expelled from the connection this year?
43. When and where shall nor next Conference be held?
44. Where are the preachers stationed this year?

J.H.A. JOHNSON.
G.H. SHAFFER,
G.B. JONES,
[ ]
[ ]

W.H. Hunter asked that time be allowed him to dispose of his paper, that he was $25 behind now, and it was impossible for him to dispose of them as at present restricted.
A resolution was passed allowing him full time to dispose of his papers.
The committee on Book Concern reported. It was received, but ordered to be adopted by sections.
A motion was made to adopt section first, locating it at Philadelphia.
A motion was made by William A. Johnson, of South Carolina, to locate it at St. Louis, which was laid on the table.
W.H. Noble, of Georgia, moved to move it to Nashville.
W.D. Johnson of Georgia, spoke in favor of retaining the Concern at Philadelphia. Also J.T. Jenifer.
The author of the motion (W.H. Noble) defended it in strong words.
J.E. Haynes, of South Carolina spoke in favor of the motion.
F.J. Cooper opposed the removal.
S.B. Jones spoke dispassionately, desiring it left.
J.C. Embry failed to see the progress made; also, he failed to see how it could be said that $13,000 was not practically given.
The speaker spoke strongly against the concern remaining in Nashville.
J.H.A. Johnson opposed removal. He was unwilling to take the step.
R.H. Cain desired it to be understood that he did not want the concern moved from Philadelphia, for really he did not know anybody who wanted it. He favored Branch Departments.
The motion to amend, by striking out Philadelphia and inserting Nashville, failed.
The main question settling the headquarters at Philadelphia, item second was taken up, providing for a General Manager and an Editor.
H.M. Turner made a speech in favor of item second, and moved for a traveling agent to be appointed. Carried.
R.H. Cain offered an amendment creating his additional Publication Houses, one at Charleston and one at St. Louis.
After a most protracted discussion, the amendment failed, by a vote of 66 to 73.
J.C. Embry offered a resolution, providing for Branch Houses at Charleston, Atlanta, St. Louis and New Orleans. Carried.
Section fourth passed with the proviso, by striking out the words “provided the funds will allow.”
Article fifth carried.
Article sixth adopted.
Article seventh adopted.
Article eight. Rev. J.H.A. Johnson moved that this section be stricken out. Failed. Article adopted.
Ninth article, relating to the compulsory taking of the church paper, created quite a discussion.
H.M. Turner spoke strongly in its favor. It passed.
Article tenth was adopted.
Article eleventh passed.
Article twelfth adopted with a slight amendment.
The report was adopted as a whole.
Conference adjourned.

THIRTEENTH DAY.

May 15, 1876.

Conference met. Bishop A.W. Wayman presiding. Religious services conducted by Rev. J. Strange, of the Virginia Conference. Hymn sung - “Lord in the morning thou shalt hear.” Prayer by Rev. W.B. Derrick. Scripture lesson read, Psalm ssiv. Minutes read and approved.
Rev. W.B. Derrick offered the following:
WHEREAS, The General Conference having a few days ago adopted a motion for an adjournment on the 17th, and whereas, there is yet a large amount of important business to be done; be it therefore,
Resolved, That this General Conference, on and after Monday, shall hold two sessions daily, until final adjournment; first session commencing at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; second session commencing at 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
An effort was made to reconsider section 9th, relative to compelling preachers to subscribe for the RECORDER. It failed, and on motion of Rev. John R. Scott, it was clinched.
A motion was made to reconsider section 8th, failed. Rev. Haynes made the motion, but the fact appearing that be voted in the affirmative for the purpose of being able to move a reconsideration, the Bishop ruled it out. An appeal was taken from the decision of the chair. Appeal sustained, vote, 49 to 35.
The Fraternal Address of the A.M.E. Church was read.

ADDRESS.

The letter of the delegates of the British Methodist Episcopal Church of Canada, to the General Conference of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, being held at Atlanta, Georgia:
Dear and Reverend Fathers and Brethren in Christ: We, the representatives of the British Methodist Episcopal Church, regret, that owing to the great distance between any point of our connection, and the seat of your General Conference, the cost of traveling, and other circumstances, we cannot be present with you in your deliberations at this session. But by command of our Bishop, we pen you this communication, which is only a feeble intimation and acknowledgment of our fillial affection and brotherly love entertained for you, representing, as you do, the great Parent Body, that brought and fostered Methodism in this part of Her Majesty's dominions. We rejoice that the ties of national and ecclesiastical brotherhood and union, which existed in common with the fathers, at the time of of the founding of our church, have not grown less, but are ever increasing as our connection expands, and grows in interest, education, and popularity.
We are happy to be able to report that notwithstanding the universal stringency of the times, during the past year, our churches and conferences are progressing favorably through the blessings of God, and the plans of our late lamented Bishop, and the indefatigable exertions of our itinerant brethren.
The Ontario and Nova Scotia Conferences hold their own with an increase in the itinerant ranks.
God has blessed the Isles of Bermuda with a glorious revival of religion, and many hundreds have flocked to the standard of Emanual. Churches have been organized, and a bright season of prosperity is foreshadowed in that District. Also in the British Guiana District, the signs of prosperity in the future are promising.
Death - stern agent of God's justice - has borne away many Christian fathers from our midst, both out of the ranks of the laity and ministry.
Our late and much beloved Bishop, Right Reverend Willis Nazrey, has finished his mortal career and gone to rest. He fell asleep I Jesus at Shelburne, N.S., on the 22d of August, A.D., 1875. Subsequently, at a called General Conference, which convened at Hamilton, Ont., November 12th, 1875, and was presided over by Right Reverend A.W. Wayman, Rev. Richard Randolph Disney was duly elected to the office of Bishop, and on the 21st, he was duly ordained by Bishop Wayman assisted by five regularly ordained Elders, according to our discipline.
The Missionary Messenger is still “on the wing,” and the Wilberforce Nazrey Institute is a success.
And now, brethren, in conclusion pray for us, and many success crown your efforts, and the grace of God keep you in the bonds of peace forever.
(Signed.)

Josephus O'Banyoun,
R.M. Miller,
Walter Hawkins,

Delegation from the British Methodist Episcopal Church, Canada, to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, United States.
Saint Catherines, May 5th, 1875.
The committee on Episcopacy reported a majority report, it was signed by twenty one members.
To the Bishops and General Conference:
Your committee to whom was referred the subject of Episcopacy, have investigated all matters relating thereto, and most respectfully beg leave to submit the following as the result of our inquiries:
The Bishops appeared before the committee in order, and we examined them per Discipline and find them standing fair. The condition of their respective districts indicates spiritual and material prosperity.
Permit us further to submit to your consideration the following recommendations:
1. That the present number of Bishops be considered sufficient for the next quadrennial term.
2. That the present mode of presiding four years in each Episcopal District in the best suited to the advancement of our church.
You will please allow us further to state, that it is the opinion of your committee that there is sufficient law regulating the traveling expenses of the Bishops, and that we commend its enforcement in future.
We most respectfully refer paper B. to the General Conference.
3. We further recommend that the General Conference pass a law requiring each of the Bishops to reside within the bounds of their respective Episcopal Districts, and that each district be required to provide a suitable Episcopal residence.

D. DONNELL, Ch'm.
J.A. HANDY, Sec'y.

J.F. Thomos, J.P. Shreeves, W.A. Dove, G.W. Bryant, W.H. Offer, J.W. Asbury, S.T. Jones, W.R. Carson, W.D.W. Schureman, W.P. Sampson, J.B. Stanbury, J.M. Townsend, H.A. Jackson, N. Mitchen, F.J. Cooper, W.J. Davis, J.W. Randolph, E.H.H. Pettigre, M.Z. Thomas.
R.H. Cain offered a minority report, signed by four members, R.H. Cain and S.H. Robertson.

REPORT.

To the General Conference. - The undersigned respectfully state that they fully concur in the report of the majority, in all of their recommendations, except that which relates to the election of an additional number of Bishops. From their opinion, in this regard, we present the following reasons:
1. The wide spread of our church over the whole expanse of the United States, with the constantly increasing duties, incumbent upon the Bishops of our connection, demands that we increase their number to meet the demand. Our connection stretches the whole length and breadth of this continent, and over the sea to the Bohemia Islands, and West Indies. The vast territory cannot be traversed and properly attended to by six men.
The labours are too great, and especially as some of our present number are already advanced in years, and already show signs of inefficiency, by reason of their over exertion to their duties. Our Senior Bishop has announced to the Conference that he is engaged in perfecting the history of our church, which has completed the fortieth year of our existence. He has twenty years more of that great work to complete. To do this he proposes to resign the Presidency of Wilberforce, and devote the early hours o fthe morning to this work; to do this he will need leisure and rest; his advanced age and physical condition would suggest, to our consideration, the importance of assigning to him the largest liberty and require the very least amount of traveling from his residence. The completion of the church history by him will be of incalculable value to the church. Can we in reason, impose upon him the duty of traveling and presiding over conferences, which embraces such vast territory? We think not, the church ought not so burden our bishops at to break them down by the vast amount of labour imposed.
The church demands efficient working Bishops stationed in the midst of the people, and especially in the South and Southwest, where our work is literally all missionary, and where there are constantly occurrences in the administrations, which requires the presence and oversight of the highest officer of the church who with the council of the Elder can settle all vexed questions. The presence of the Bishops in the midst of the great body of the church essential to its growth and perpetuity.
As to the additional cost of supporting two more Bishops, we believe that would be amply met in the increase of our finances by the general satisfaction with which it would be hailed by the people and the renewed efforts of encouragement given to additions to our church and its revenues.
In view of the above facts, we commend the election and ordaining of at least two more bishops to this great work of evangelization of the thousands committed to our spiritual care.
We would not fail to impress upon this conference, that we are now constantly gathering into our church a class of new material, who seek our organization in preference to others, because we have the inherent principles of Christian liberty, which is infused into our very system of government. The people love our organization, because it lifts aloft the banner of National character, and individual manhood, it opens wide those avenues to our youths, which lead to deeds of heroism and of Christian progress, such as they find nowhere else. A freedom which exalts those who are its votaries, and honors those who labor and suffer for its maintenance. And we should be earnest in occupying this vast territory which is offered to our occupancy. To our church and our race, we believe, has God given this special work of gathering the lately enslaved millions into an organized Christian power. And we should spare no means or expense to fulfill our destiny.
The people will pay the money if we deal well by them, if we give them good beneficial labor, enlightening their minds, developing the latent powers which have lain dormant and uncalled for these hundreds of years, we shall be fully compensated, by the willing contributions of warm, true and grateful hearts, which now wait in hope of the coming of our brethren to enlighten, strengthen and save them from superstition, ignorance, crime and death.
Respectfully submitted,
<< RICHARD H. CAIN>> ,
S.H. ROBERTSON.

The minority report was laid on the table by a vote o f70 to 48.
A motion was made to lay the motion to adopt the majority report on the table. Failed. Vote 75 to 45.
A motion was made to adopt by sections. Was lost.
On motion, majority report was adopted. It was “clinched” by a vote of 71 to 34.
The committee on Temporal Economy, reported. It was received.
Conference proceeded to adopt by section. Section I. page 282.
F.J. Peck offered a substitute, which by vote was laid on the table.
J.V. Early wished to amend by allowing miners, if in full connection, to vote. Failed.
J.H.A. Johnson offered the following amendment, to answer A of question second:
“And have a treasurer of the Board, elected by the Board.” Passed.
Theo. Gould offered the following as a foot note to answer 5th, made to question third, page 282:
WHEREAS, Some of the States and Territories have special Acts on their Statute Books, governing religious bodies, therefore, the meaning and intent of this chapter, whenever it refers to the law of the State or Territory, is to be subject to said Statue law, and not to any individual church corporation, that is now, or may be incorporated.
At this stage of the proceedings, Dr. Sherman made the following farewell report:
“I have been greatly pleased with the experiences of the last few days. I wish that we could come closer together. My prayer is that god may bless you, and make you a thousand times more numerous than you are.”
A warm shake of the hand followed, and the delegation courtesies were concluded.
Section I of chapter II, as amended, was adopted.
Chapter III, on “Church Property,” was adopted, by striking out that portion abolishing the stewardesses.
Chapter IV was adopted with an amendment, making it necessary for each church to have not less than three, nor more than nine, stewards.
Chapter V, “Ministerial Support,” was taken up. A motion was made to retain that portion of the report, striking out the provision relating to Presiding Elders.
C. Burch and C.H. Pearce made strong speeches in favor of striking out that portion of the report.
A motion was made to take it without further debate. Carried.
The section, as amended, passed.
Conference adjourned.