GRAND ISLAND DISTRICT.

   DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHEN (sic): -- I greet you in the name of the Lord.
   Another year of hard fighting has ended and we have come up to this Conference to tell of the battles fought and the victories won. The relation of a Presiding Elder to the pastors of his district in this holy warfare is closer than that of a captain on the battle field, closer than that of a general planning the campaign. He is with his brethren in the thickest of the fight. This relation we have greatly enjoyed. We have not said to these faithful men of God, go, but come. In fighting the battles of the Lord this year, some of us have experienced the hardest trials of our lives, as we have had to march and battle on the scantiest rations of all our ministry. The salaries have been crushingly small. And, the future in this regard is not flattering. Last year we realized much in the way of aid sent us from our more favored brethren in the east; this year almost nothing. While crops are generally good this year, prices are so low that very little is realized from them. There is plenty to eat, but little to buy clothing and many other necessaries of life. Surely our brethren from more favored parts of Methodism will help us. We need it now. But, strange as it must appear, our pastors, surmounting all difficulties, have achieved wonders along the line of building and repairing churches and raising church debts. Our laymen, who also have suffered privations with us, have joined us in a great effort to lift church debts. Many of us have come to believe that church debts are a poor means of grace, and some believe them to be of the devil altogether. Most of our pastors have succeeded well this year in soul-winning. Nearly every charge has had a gracious revival. Not far from a thousand souls have been converted on the district this conference year. Our District Campmeeting was in every way a splendid success. The power of God was with us to convert and sanctify the people. The attendance was large, spirit delightful, results excellent, and not one cent of debt left to annoy or embarress any one. It was indeed an old fashioned Campmeeting, with no sensational or drawing card save Holy Ghost preaching, inspiring singing and a people in earnest to win souls and glorify God. Nearly all the ministers of the district were present and preached with power. Both preachers and laity stood solidly together for success.
   In most instances the benevolences have been well looked after, and some of the reports will show a nice gain. Debt paying day was quite universally observed. We believe in all our benevolences and that our apportionments should be met. The district is in deep sympathy with our Methodist Hospital and Deaconess home in Omaha. It has this year

done great things for some of our ministers and laymen, and we have done more than to simply pray for it; for several of our charges as such, and many of our people individually, have sent it money and other substantials. We were delighted to have Miss Taylor, deaconess, to speak to us at our Campmeeting on this institution.
   We are in vital sympathy with our struggling Nebraska Wesleyan University, and have done our best for it in giving of money and sending it pupils. We welcome among us at all times its worthy Chancellor and agents whenever they may see proper to visit us. Our Epworth League has prospered and still holds its worthily won place as the first of all the districts of the Conference.
   It is with great satisfaction we note that peace and good will everywhere exist on the district, so far as we know, between the pastors and Presiding Elder. Notwithstanding the many imperfections and blunders on our part, the brethren, both of the laity and ministry, have very patiently borne with us and stand right royally by us.
   It is with deep sorrow that we have to record that death has invaded our ranks. One year ago, just as our Brother J. W. Robinson was about to start for his new field of labor in the Black hills, his wife suddenly died, leaving him to go a lonely stranger alone. But the Lord has sanctified this affliction in deepening and enriching his Christian experience. Early in the year, Rev. W. H. H. Pillsbury, D. D., died after a lung and painful illness. About the same time, Sister Elliott, the wife of Rev. E. O. Elliott, passed away to her reward. We all feel very tender and sympathetic toward our bereaved ones. Brethren, let us be faithful, for we soon shall be summoned to join that illustrious throng, which is constantly growing, close by the throne of God. Through tears and trials, conflicts and toils, we have come through this year to this Conference. But we greatly rejoice that it is so well with us, and that we have a home in the church and a place in the vineyard of the Lord.
   We expect this to be a great Conference. We pray for great grace to rest upon the Bishop and the preachers. Our dear Superannuates, Bros. Worts, Adriance, Olcott and Balsan, have been preserved in usual health and Christian experience. Their familiar and noble forms are still with us to bless us, and their Christian words and example still inspire us. Bro. Adriance has been permitted to visit Denver and vicinity, where he did so much years ago to lay the foundations of our Methodism. Bro. Balsan has been blessed with a visit among friends of his former charges in Missouri. The wives of both these veterans of the Lord accompanied them.
   These and all the pastors and laymen of the district have shown many courtesies and kindnesses to their Presiding Elder, for which they have our most heartfelt thanks and best wishes.        D. K. TINDALL.

NELIGH DISTRICT.

   BISHOP MCCABE AND BRETHREN OF THE CONFERENCE: -- In rendering this my last annual report as Presiding Elder of the Neligh District, I wish first of all to express my sincere gratitude to the great head of the Church and the ecclesiastical authorities who six years ago committed this district to my care. Whatever may have been the effect of that appointment on the interest of the Church it has, in every way, been a blessing to me personally. Besides a very great improvement in my health, my six years association with the people and preachers of this District, coming as it has in a period of general financial depression and local distress growing out of the dreadful drouth, have been a benediction to me in every way. I wish to place on record, to the glory of God that in over a quarter of a century of ministerial service I have never seen truer or more self-sacrificing, heroic people and preachers. I have ceased to search the records of the past to find the days of heroism, but simply look around me for specimens. By their kindness to me and their devotion to Christ and His cause they have endeared themselves to my heart as no other charge has ever done. I shall ever cherish in grateful rememberance their kindness and count it a great honor and high privilege to have been associated with them. I need not add that I part with them with a feeling of sadness.
   In giving an account of the years work I shall do so under the two-fold division of Agencies and Results.

   AGENCIES. -- While the Church must ever be the Divinely ordained agency for carrying on our Lord's work, her providential development has from time to time brought into the field of action subordinate agencies such as the ordained ministry, the varied means of grace, the Sunday School, the Epworth and Junior League till it would seem that the spiritual needs of every period of human life, from the cradle to the grave, were amply provided for, and the demand of the future will not be for more machinery, but enough of holy tire and spiritual power to work what we have up to its fullest capacity.
   I unhesitatingly place first in the forefront of all, a God-called Ministry, richly endued with power from on high. It has been my ambition to bring into this field such a ministry, and as I have watched their work through the year, I am grateful to know that, by the blessing of God, I have, in a good measure succeeded. Whatever good results I shall report are to be attributed to them more than to any other human agency. They have faithfully preached an old-fashioned gospel and their preaching has been attended by old time power and glorious results.
   In the Sunday School work we have endeavored to have, whenever possible, a Methodist school supplied with Methodist literature and manned by warm-hearted Methodist teachers and officers.
   Recognizing in the Epworth League a potent agency, we have given special attention to this and it has been rapidly developed in all depart-

ments. Four years ago we held our first District League convention, at Oakdale, with an attendance of forty-eight. At the same place, in June, we had in attendance at least one hundred with an enthusiasm and intelligent zeal that has achieved much and promises more.
   Our two District Conferences have been seasons of great profit and mutual helpfulness.
   Our District camp-meeting was the largest and in many ways the best we ever held. Though we did not employ a special evangelist, God honored the evangelistic leadership of our Brother, E. T. George, and the faithful and efficient co-operation of the preachers of the district, together with visiting brethren; of the latter special mention should be made of the valuable services of Rev. F. M. Sisson who was with us on Epworth League Day, and also on the second Sabbath, preaching three times that day, God greatly blessing him in the preaching of his word and making him a blessing to many.
   A special feature was Epworth League Day at which time there bowed at the altar some sixty young men and women consecrating themselves to God for higher endeavor and better service. That, and many other scenes of wonderful spiritual power, will not be soon forgotten.

    RESULTS. -- First in importance are the spiritual results. Measured by arithmetic we can report seven hundred fifty conversions; but many of the best and most enduring results, the uplifting of believers to higher living, increased consecration and purer and more Christ-like characters, and intensified zeal cannot be set forth in figures, but are recorded on high.
   There has been more or less of revival interest on nearly every charge and if I select a few for special mention it is no reflection on other just as faithful pastors but in less propitious fields. At Neligh, Oakdale, Ewing and O'Neill, the pastors were assisted by Miss Lida M. Herrick, and her assistant Miss Mary Brown, and gracious results in conversions, and in many other ways, attended their labors.
   At Tilden and Elgin, the pastors were assisted by Rev. D. W. McGregor with gracious results at each point, the work at the latter place was made somewhat remarkable by the conversion of the entire choir.
   At Osmond and Plainview, the pastors, Bros. Rouse and McNeil, with some little assistance from neighboring brethren, were wonderfully blessed in their special efforts, resulting in sixty-six conversions and one hundred eleven at the latter place.

   NEW WORK. -- The normal growth. of the Church is constantly requiring the organization of new work. At the last Conference it was found that Battle Creek* had advanced to a point where the interest of the work both in the town and country demanded a separation. We organized Battle Creek Circuit consistirg of four points in a very rich and thickly populated section of the country. Rev. M. M. Branson was employed as a supply, and while he has done his best, our expectations have not been quite realized. With a small missionary appropriation and the right man,

______
*Highlighting added for convenience of viewer.

the present possibility of a comfortable, self-supporting circuit will speedily become a reality.
   Boone, with one other appointment was set off from Albion and in this case our anticipations were more than realized under the leadership of Rev. J. G. Galloway, who has supplied the work.
   Chambers had developed sufficient strength under the labors of Rev. W. H. Newman in the early part of the year to justify the employment of H. G. Kemp as a supply since last June. The country neighborhoods present some of our most difficult problems. Methodism has seemed to have a special mission to carry the gospel to every creature even if they do live out in the country. Without more missionary money we hardly dare to send a preacher, and the thought of abandoning them seems too abhorrent to be entertained, for if we do not send them the gospel they will be as much without it as if they lived in the Jungles of India.

   MATERIAL RESULTS. -- There have been no new churches built. At Boone a fine parsonage property has been purchased with an acre of ground. The house has been greatly enlarged and now has five rooms. There is also a good barn. The pastor and people contributed much of the labor so the cash outlay will be $350.00, of which $47.00 has been paid, but the actual value is $500.00. At Meadow Grove, a building has been purchased and moved onto the parsonage lot. This has been repaired and furnishes a commodious home of five rooms. There is also a good barn. Total cost, $450.00, paid $149.00. At Plainview an addition has been built to the parsonage at a cost of $80.00.
   As to what improvements have been made at Albion those of us who remember the former temple need but look around us. I have just said that we have not built any new churches; but the transformation here has been so complete and the present structure so much more commodious, the seating capacity being more than doubled and the working facilities for all purposes so increased it ought, perhaps, to be ranked as a new enterprise. That this has been done just after the erection of a fine parsonage at a cost of $1100.00, a result achieved during the pressure of hard times, and that this vast improvement has been made at a cost of $1900.00 exhibits great devotion and skill on the part of both pastor and people. All has been paid except $300.00, and that will be paid next Sabbath. At Creighton, $175.00 has been expended on repairing damage done by fire near the close of last year. At Neligh, $20.00 has been expended on the church and an old debt of $120.00 paid, being last of indebtedness. Emerick has paid $20.00 on an old debt which leaves them free. At Osmond a debt of $70.00 has been paid and arrangements have been made for the payment of a debt on parsonage and improvements have been made on the church to the amount of $95.00. At Pierce, $30 00 (sic) has been expended on church and $12.00 on parsonage, and an old debt to the Church Extension Society, of eleven years standing, amounting with accrued interest to $840.00, is in process of being extinguished, which blessed

consummation the pastor, Rev. D. S. Davis, confidently expects next Tuesday night when Bishop McCabe lectures there. At Crawford Valley on Plainview Circuit, $44.00 has been expended on painting the church and parsonage, the result, largely, of the efforts and work of the pastor, Rev. R. N. Throckmorton. At Tilden they have purchased an additional lot at cost $55.00 and are anxiously looking for the time when the pastor, Bro. Rominger, and the people will see erected both a new church and parsonage. The old church is too small. Petersburg is the only exception. Six years ago I found at this place a discouraged and somewhat discordant church with a debt of $350.00 to the Church Extension Society and a debt of $250.00 for money borrowed from private individuals for which they were paying 12 percent. The pastors have labored faithfully, but instead of progress we steadily lost ground. This was largely owing to the fact that the population was rapidly changing from Protestant to Roman Catholicism. This continued until the little society dwindled to a half dozen, and the only possibility of saving the Church Extension Society money and relieving those who were held for the private debt was to sell to the Catholics, receiving enough to discharge all claims.

   BENEVOLENCES. -- The most of our charges have maintained their record of the years and some have gone far beyond, notably, Albion and Elgin. Many facts confirm me in what I have said before, that large benevolent collections do not depend on the church, but have a way of following certain pastors whenever they go.
   A fact worthy of note is that Rev. John Crews is one of the two pastors in the Conference who closes his fifth year. The people prayed for the removal of the time limit, but this being denied them, they bow to the inevitable and reluctantly part with their pastor who has constantly grown in their esteem and respect, and whose last year has been his best.
   You will pardon me if I detain you a moment while I briefly detail the achievements of the six years covering my administration. At the beginning of our term there were 1132 full members and 227 probationers, making a total of 1359. From reports received from the pastors I find there are now 2220 full members and 383 probationers. Total, 2603. Deducting fifty, which the district gained over what it lost by changing of district lines three years ago, would leave a net gain in membership for the six years of 1194. In other words we lack but 115 of doubling our membership during the past six years. This gain does not represent people who have moved into the district, for few, it any, have done so, but was achieved in the face of a loss of population which could not be less than fifteen per cent.
   Of church property we had, six years ago, twenty-two churches valued at $27,625.00, and twelve parsonages worth $7,250.00. Total valuation of church property, $34,875.00. Today our twenty-nine churches represent a value of $43,300.00, while our eighteen parsonages are worth $12,000.00. Total holdings in church property today worth $44,500.00 or an increase in value during the six years, of $9,625.00.

   To appreciate these results and give them their full value it should be remembered that the period covered by this six years was one of continued general depression and at times of great local distress on account of drought, during which the problem seemed to be to maintain our hold at all. But even then there came promptly, words or cheer and beneficent helpfulness, I gratefully remind you that the one who spoke the first words of cheer and who inspired the first contribution was the man of God who now presides over this Conference. He wrote me a characteristic letter, saying, "your preachers shall not suffer if I have to draw on my own bank account to prevent it." I need not repeat the sad story of need nor the glad story of beneficence.
   During my term, seventeen young men have been recommended to this Conference from the Neligh District, and all or them have been received. There are now four more with recommendations awaiting your action which I hope will be favorable. Respectfully submitted,
D. MARQUETTE.

NORFOLK DISTRICT.

   The year opened with a blessed Revival of Religion at Oakland, conducted by the pastor, Rev. F. M. Wright, and D. W. McGregor. Other charges reported in quick succession, until the whole District was soon in line and on the march for God and victory. On the tenth day of October we were ready to lay the Corner Stone of the new church at Norfolk. Disappointed in not securing the presence of the presiding Bishop, we went on with these most impressive services. From that day this great work went steadily on to completion. To say that this was remarkable, in view of the times, is needless. Nothing but the blessing of God resting upon a consecrated pastor and people can account for such a successful issue. The pastor has not only filled his pulpit every Sunday, but has done a full years work in superintending the work of building and raising money to carry on this enterprise. We have never seen a more loyal and self -sacrificing people than these men and women of God at Norfolk.
   Bro. F. G. H. Perry, our pastor at Ponca, found soon after Conference that it would be impossible to remain in this climate on account of the health of his family, and so we relieved him of this work and secured in his place Rev. Oscar Mueller, a graduate of Epworth Seminary, who has wrought well and successfully throughout the year, amid difficulties and discouragements that would have driven some men from the field.
   On January 5th we lost by fire our church at Dakota City. Everything pertaining to it, such as furniture, organ, books, etc., were entirely consumed by the flames. It is useless to say our little society, with their pastor, Rev. Wm. K. Gray, was heartily discouraged. This, however, only lasted a little while, for in a few days the project of rebuilding was on foot. Never have we been made to feel so thankful to God for the Church

Extension Society and the grand men who have managed its affairs as in the time of our great need at Dakota City. We shall never be able to pay the debt of gratitude, we owe as a Church to Dr. Kynett, who has stood guard over this most sacred fund day and night, and this man whose inspiring presence we have with us today as presiding Bishop, who has secured for these poor and needy Churches nearly a million of dollars, being the greatest Church Loan fund in the world.
   Early in the year we found ourselves confronted with the problem, what shall be done with our new work at Emerson? Be it said to the credit of Rev. C. P. Cheeseman, our pastor at Wakefield, that without the hope of reward he consented to take up this difficult work, although it implied the purchase of a team and buggy, a twenty (20) mile drive every Sunday and three services a day. A new subscription was taken, and shortly enough was secured to at least justify the little handful of people composing our membership to begin building. On the 13th of September, a beautiful little temple, all thoroughly furnished, was dedicated to the service of God. And so we were ready to exclaim at the close or the day, what has God wrought? for only a little while ago you could have seen the Presiding Elder and a neighboring pastor going from house to house asking people if any Methodists lived in that house? After being assured that several had been Methodists, that a few lived in the country, others were inclined that way and others were Methodists but had joined a sister church, we were so encouraged by all this that we said to a young man at the next town, go up to Emerson and take it for God and Methodism; and all this because an unconverted soul said to the Presiding Elder, "in the name of God send a Methodist preacher here or we are lost." This may not be a sufficient reason, but just as sure as the Bishop appoints us again we expect to heed these Macedonian cries, for we have got it into our head that Paul and Methodism are synonimous terms, and if Paul were here on earth he would be the senior Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church, and we believe he would encourage preachers to go into new fields and plant the banner of the Cross; and we also have an idea that if this greatest man that God ever made were here he would have by his side the Junior Bishop of our church and we would hear him saying, I have planted, Apollos watered, and McCabe went into a new town, sung the people happy, told them they must build a Methodist church and forthwith proceeded to take up a collection. Rev. C. M. Griffith has cared for the other part of the Emerson work, and while these people are unable to pay very much they are loyal to our church. This man of God has done double service in looking after these poor people on the Indian reservation, a work that would well pay us to prosecute had we the necessary funds to do so.
   The Epworth League work is no small factor of our work and success. We hardly feel that we have a Methodist church on this District if we do not have an Epworth League. So wonderfully has this work grown that

when the District League met last June the gathering was so large that it surprised the most hopeful.
   Our District Conferences which met in November and August were well attended and resulted in much good to the District. These are gatherings of great importance on the Norfolk District, for our people have long ago learned to respect them because the District Conference has always respected itself, our borders have been somewhat enlarged by finding new territory heretofore unoccupied. This is especially true on the Stanton, Pilger, Oakland, Leigh, Humphrey and St. James charges. Our laymen also are true to the spirit of Methodism in that they have gone out into the country and organized Methodist Sunday Schools and Epworth Leagues.
   And here we are sad to record that one of our most noble and self sacrificing pastors laid down the work, for God took him. Rev. J. T. Crooks, stationed at Pilger, passed to his reward on Sept. 10th, after a very brief sickness. He preached at his appointment Sunday morning and while at the country appointment in the afternoon was taken ill, and, being unable to go through the entire service, he returned home to die on the following Thursday. When he was fully aware that he must face death he was perfectly resigned, but few ever have such clearness of mind up to a few moments of their final farewell, After bidding his whole congregation good bye, then his family in a most pathetic manner received his parting blessing. A little circle of friends said, "Brother Crooks, if you can, just before you go over, give us some signal or word, do so;" and he said, "I will if I can." Finally he asked to be raised up and after a moment of suffering he said: "It is all over, I see Jesus coming to meet me; good bye," and he closed his eyes on this world that he might open them to behold the King in His beauty. Just a week before lie died he wrote us concerning the Quarterly meeting, saying: "We had a glorious time last Sunday, first after Campmeeting, three at the altar for salvation at the evening service. We will close up the year in triumph for Jesus. Finances in good shape. You may have to help me out some when you come, but it will be easily done. God bless you in this finishing up of your work."
   The Campmeeting to which Bro. Crooks referred in his last letter was truly a great meeting. Owing to our financial condition we did not see our way clear to secure outside help and so the commission constituted the Presiding Elder the Evangelist in chief. We have never seen preachers so thoroughly united and of one accord as at this meeting. We literally had thousands of people in attendance; the whole district was well represented. This being only the third meeting and the hard financial year, we had our fears as to the attendance, but God is always better than our fears and so this year was the best of all. One night, never to be forgotten, a large congregation remained to seek the Baptism of the Holy Ghost and it came on all, for sinners without invitation exclaimed, what shall we do to be saved? while saints were fairly overwhelmed with the

power of God; as real a penticost as when the Disciples gathered in the upper room.
   Our church at Decatur was badly damaged by a hail storm, but by the industry and push of this noble little band, led by their faithful pastor, Rev. Thomas Bithel, the damage was all made good by new window lights and other repairs. This is the Church where the writer preached his first sermon in the state twenty years ago, and when this good people gave us a reception a few days ago in recognition of this event, we were so humbled by a sense of the divine goodness that we were led to feel in our inmost soul, if we had a thousand lives and a thousand years to live we would deem it the greatest honor God could confer upon us to lot us serve such a church and such a Christ.
   We have been able to visit all the charges, some three and some four times during the year. We have reason to believe there has been good, substantial growth on every charge, and every one of these pastors who present reports to this Conference have reason to thank God and take courage, for the Lord has greatly blessed them. The benevolences will show up remarkably well. If the pledges are all collected we will show an increase over last year. This District sends a large number of students to our University and the number is on the increase, as well as the interest of our people in this great institution. The new church at Dakota City will be dedicated soon after Conference and we here give notice to Bishop McCabe that we want him to dedicate this second house unto the Lord. This building, when finished, will be one of the finest church buildings in that part of the state, being built of brick and of pressed brick on the front and sides, and of the most most modern style of architecture.
   Revivals have been the rule, in most instances not quite so sweeping as last year, but remarkably good and more thorough, so that not only is it true that all the charges have enjoyed a revival, but nearly all the appointments. A great multitude of sinners have been saved this year, a goodly number of backsliders reclaimed and very many wholly sanctified to God.
   Bros. Johnson, Millard and Burch have been greatly afflicted for several weeks past. Bros. Johnson and Burch are still in a very critical condition. None of the above will be able to attend this session of the Conference and they greatly desire the prayers of the Conference.
   And thus a year of hard work closes, after many hard fought battles, out of which the Lord has brought us safely and greatly caused us to triumph. The Holy Ghost has led the consecrated host and under his leadership we have witnessed one of the beat years of our lives, for though the circumstances have been the most trying, the victory has been proportionately great; so that WHAT we have accomplished as a District has been through and by the power of the ever blessed Holy Spirit, to whom be glory for ever and ever, world without end.
A. HODGETTS.

OMAHA DISTRICT.

   DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN: -- The annual time has fully arrived when I am to present a resume of the work on the Omaha District. In giving you a synopsis or its conditions and progress, I may say that the unusual financial depression, everywhere extant, has affected us with unusual severity. Church building is paralyzed, but no new debts have been created; on the contrary a steady tendency toward reducing our indebtedness is everywhere prevalent.
   Revivals have been general. Last year I reported 1300 conversions; this year the number is somewhat in excess of that. There is somewhat of a shrinkage in our benevolences, but on the whole, considering the stagnation of monetary affairs, the report is very satisfactory. As far as the missionary collection is concerned, I think the aggregate is about equal to that of last year. The support of the preachers has fallen off in a marked degree. Reduction of the expenses of the people has been the order of the day; as is usually the case, the initial point of retrenchment is in the pay of the preacher.
   But to pursue the subject in detail, I would say Albright, alphabetically, stands at the head of the appointments on this District. This village is a suburb of the city or South Omaha. It has a church, but no parsonage. A debt on the church to the Church Extension Society, of $400, remains, the interest on which has been paid in full to Oct. 1, 1896. The church is well organized. Its collections for Benevolences are full. Its preacher and Presiding Elder paid. This state of efficiency and organization is in a large measure owing to the devotion and indefatigable energy of its pastor, Rev. J. A. Flowers, who has filled the pulpit and the church with great acceptance during the year.
   Arlington, in the western part of Washington county, an important point in the midst of a thickly settled part of the county, has been served by a probationer of this Conference, Rev. W. D. Stambaugh. He has been alert and faithful, which is the same as saying that he has been successful. The church under his care has developed and strengthened. Its interests in every department have been faithfully served. During the year there has been a gracious revival.
   Arizona completes the list of "A"s. It was consolidated at the beginning of the year with Tekamah, both charges being placed under the care of one pastor; a course which we felt was caused by the inexorable financial depression, low prices for grain and stock, and the universal reign of hard times. Arizona has a very good organization, with one church and no parsonage. It is thought best to continue the consolidation for another year.
   Blair is one our important appointments. A good town, the county seat of one of the best counties in the state. A fine church; a neat and commodious parsonage; with a strong membership; all these adjuncts combined to demand an equally excellent pastor, which this Conference fur-

nished in the person of Rev. G. H. Main, a graduate of Garrett Biblical and Theological Seminary. He possesses in his qualities, natural and scholastic, most efficiently, those things needed to make a first- class Methodist preacher. His excellence of character has been demonstrated in a four years' pastorate. His quarterly conference unanimously wished his return. The only thing lacking in this case, is that instead of one, there is not a half dozen of him.
   Benson is a village of delightful situation and good inhabitants. It contains a "Josiah Giffee Memorial Church." Rev. F. Ellis, appointed at the last session of our Annual Conference as pastor, was transferred to the Upper Iowa Conference. At my urgent solicitation, Rev. E. G. Fowler supplied this station and that of Monmouth Park, until last August, when he went to Utah as a Sunday School missionary. Bro. Fowler served with wisdom, religious ferver and self denial. The church has made a good record. Benson has much reason for gratitude to God for his mercies as a church and individuals.
   Craig Circuit consists of the thriving village of Craig and the prosperous farming community of Alder Grove. Each has an attractive church, a membership of sterling worth. Craig Methodism has suffered sorely from numerous removals of valuable families. Rev. A. L. Gray, the pastor for three-fourths of the year, was compelled to take work in another climate, on account of his throat. He was universally beloved and respected by his flock and the communities in which he labored with fidelity and zeal. With great reluctance they parted from him, only consenting in the desire that his health might be restored; realizing that they were thus deprived of the ministrations of a young man of much promise and a most companionable nature, and very successful in the Christian ministry. Bro. Gray desires to be transferred to the Puget Sound Conference by Bishop McCabe, with the consent of Bishop Cranston. He is stationed at Summers, Washington, on the Seattle District, Dr. T. B. Ford, P. E. I had the good fortune to secure the services of a young English local preacher, A. T. Drinkall, as a supply for the remainder of the year.
   Elkhorn Circuit was served by a probationer of this Conference, the Rev. E. D. Gideon, the first part of the year. He was quite successful at Elk City and well received on the entire charge. Owing to the financial depression he became discouraged, and resigned his charge. Fortunately, by the recommendation of the Rev. Emory Adriance, I secured the service of Rev. W. L. Elliott, who has worked the charge for the remainder of the year very acceptably. Here, as elsewhere, the oppressive financial conditions have burdened the people, but the spiritual condition of the charge is good. The Circuit consists of Elkhorn, Elk City, Spring Grove and Pleasant Valley.
   FREMONT. -- I shall be justified in speaking of this church in the highest terms of praise. Its membership is as large as any church in this Conference. It has no debt on either church or parsonage. The preacher and

Presiding Elder receive their support promptly and regularly. Its membership have suffered severe financial reverses, but still its finances are unimpaired. On "Debt Paying Day" it raised as much money as on all the other charges of the District combined. Of the $294 raised by the North Nebraska Conference, Fremont raised $78, more than one-fourth of the whole amount. Rev. F. M. Sisson is the pastor, and the result and the man happily correspond.
   Kennard is a small station on the Elkhorn Valley railroad, served by the Rev. R. J. Cocking during the year. A good revival. The pastor has been faithful and true.
   OMAHA. -- First Church was served during the fore part of the year by the Rev. Frank Crane: His value may be known by his being changed from First Church to Trinity Church, Chicago. Everybody feared it would be disastrous to First Church, in which apprehension this Presiding Elder shared. But God, who watches the sparrows when they fall, was very kind to the First Church in sending them a pastor to fill the place of Dr. Crane in the person of the Rev. John McQuoid. He has filled the place to the fullest extent, which are the highest words of praise that I can utter. The Fourth Quarterly Conference unanimously requested his return.
   Hanscom Park. -- The Rev. Dr. Murray has filled successfully the fourth year of his pastorate. The Fourth Quarterly Conference at its last session, by a standing vote, unanimously passed for this efficient pastor highly complimentary resolutions upon his worth and their estimate of him. Our affairs at Hanscom Park are on a good footing save for the heavy financial burden resting upon them.
   Monmouth Park. -- This charge was combined for ministerial support with Benson. It has a small but devoted membership. It has been served the last quarter by the Rev. Jas. Haynes most acceptably. It has a church but no parsonage.
   Seward Street. -- This commodious edifice, by a combined effort of the large membership, could be easily freed from the comparatively small obligation resting upon it. While located in a changing residence population, it has been fortunate in the possession of a number of unswerving, faithful laymen, identified with it from its inception. Add to these the present intelligent membership and Seward Street should be as "an army with banners." Rev. H. A. Barton, the up-to-date preacher and sympathizing, thoughtful pastor, has labored throughout the year, "feeding the flock of God, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind." I Peter, 5: 2.
   South Tenth Street possesses a church and parsonage. "The prudent man forseeth the evil and hideth himself," is not exemplified in the mistake, dating back several years, of the neglect to pay the special taxes and accruing interest against this property. But a repetition of the self-denial of the past, and an instant obedience to the old command, "Be

strong and of a good courage," will ensure the prosperity of this beloved church. Rev. J. B. Priest has been assiduous and laborious in his service of this people.
   Southwest Church will be faithful to its record of the past of meeting all its financial pledges for the year. This church is as "A city that is set on a hill which cannot be hid;" its influence goes abroad in the community. Rev. T. W. Mathews has prayerfully and earnestly labored among this people, "laying up treasure in heaven."
   Trinity Church has passed a year of peace and prosperity in its various departments of church work. The financial showing for the expenditures of the current year make a good record. Dr. Sanderson has preached eloquently and is a careful shepherd of his flock.
   Wesley (Walnut Hill) -- Rev. C. N. Dawson is the pastor of Wesley; which statement is a volume of information as to the church being just, and then generous. It has increased in all lines, except its indebtedness, which has decreased. It comprises a large field, white unto the harvest; and the abundant labors of its energetic and hopeful pastor, with God's blessing, have produced a bountiful reward.
   West Omaha. -- This small but beautiful church is a benefactor in a needy situation. Bro. Fleharty has been its experienced and competent pastor, and has won great esteem and love among his people.
   Papillion and Richfield were joined in ministerial support, the pastor, Rev. Jabez Charles, residing in the excellent parsonage at Papillion. Bro. Charles has preached in each place on the Sabbath, and has clone much pastoral visiting. We are deeply grateful to God for the restoration of Sister Charles from a dangerous illness. As the pastor's wife, she is universally beloved. The church at Papillion has been papered.
   South Omaha-First Church. -- Rev. D. C. Winship was appointed to this extensive field of usefulness and has labored most arduously and uninterruptedly. A gracious spiritual awakening was the result of the protracted meetings. This church has not realized all its plans along financial lines; but many have brought their tithes into the storehouse, and the "Lord of hosts" did pour out a blessing.
   Springfield. -- Rev. W. H. Underwood closes the pastoral term of five years. He has labored with fidelity and "patient continuance in well doing." He carries with him the grateful esteem of the membership and denizens of the village. The church is in a good condition. It was sorely bereft during the year by the death of Sister Anna Rice Rogers, the wife of Bro. Wallace Rogers, both of whom had been valuable members of the charge for many years. Sister Rogers was a noble woman of great intellectual force and spiritual vigor. "Being dead, she yet speaketh" in many lives moulded by her influence. She has exchanged earthly praise for the "song of Moses and the song of the lamb." I place this wreath of golden rod and daisies upon her coffin, for a memorial of this pioneer "servant of the church" (Romans 16).

   Tekamah. -- The pastor, Rev. Oscar Eggleston, has led the humble, consistent life of a Methodist preacher, exercising heroic self-denial, and preserving unwearied cheerfulness. The Sunday School has an efficient superintendent. The charge has a church and parsonage. Leaving out a few exceptions, should the membership of this church awaken from the spiritual indifference and lethergy, and give to the pastor and church a hearty and reasonable support, for which they are fully competent and able, it would be a consummation devoutly to be wished.
   Vacoma, served by J. F. Poucher, son of Dr. John Poucher, Professor of Systematic Theology in DePauw University. He is a young man of promise and of industry. This large circuit has been well cared for by the busy pastor. Each appointment has had a good degree of success. It consists of Vacoma church and parsonage, Herman church, Rose Hill church, and Summers. The best year in their history.
   Valley. -- The thrifty village of Valley is in the western part of Douglas county, at the junction of the Union Pacific and Republican Valley railroads. Temporally, it has prosperity; spiritually and Methodistically, it has organized victory, through the wise and efficient leadership of its enthusiastic young pastor, Rev. J. P. Yost. Assisted by a devoted membership, he has compelled success along all lines of church work. Benevolences are looked after, apportionments met, pastor and Presiding Elder paid, the gospel is preached, sinners are converted and the bounds of Zion have been greatly enlarged. It is scarcely necessary to state that his church and the people of Valley will consent to nothing less than his return. The veteran Methodist, J. M. Williams of this church, enriched the Omaha City Church Extension Society, some years since, to the amount of $1000, the report of which will be found in the Conference Minutes. The beneficent and business principles of this fund are equally to be commended. Would that many more, like unto him, might be raised up.
   SUMMARY. -- By way of generalization, I way state in summerizing the work on the Omaha District, it is covered with a net-work of Epworth Leagues, which in most of the charges, are thoroughly organized and actively working for the advancement of the Master's kingdom.
   The Methodist Episcopal Hospital, confined in narrow quarters, hampered for lack of room, and crippled for want of means, has been alert and active in its blessed work of mercy and relief to the unfortunate children of sorrow during the year.
   The Methodist Episcopal Preachers' Union of the city of Omaha and vicinity, save for a short vacation during the heated term, has been in active and efficient operation throughout the year. The attendance of preachers upon its session has been prompt and general. Its discussions of multifarious topics have been spirited and Christ-like. It has brought the preachers closer together, united them more firmly in the bonds of Christian brotherhood and fraternity, diffused a spirit of wider Catholicity abroad, and with the blessing of God, doubtless, has accomplished great good. May the Methodist Preachers' Union abide forever.
Respectfully submitted,    J. B. MAXFIFLD.

© 1999, 2000 for NEGenWeb Project by Ted & Carole Miller