Bishop Henry White Warren and Members of the North Nebraska Conference:

   DEAR BRETHREN. -- "Grace to you and peace from God, our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." In the life of a Methodist minister strange paradoxes abound. Particularly true is this of the life of a Presiding Elder. Paul fully understood it when he wrote: "As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing: as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things." The five years of my Presiding Eldership have been years of labor and rest, sorrow and joy, conflicts and peace. But the joys have outweighed the sorrows, the trials have been forgotten in the triumphs, and the conflicts have been swallowed up by whelming victories. "Thanks be unto God who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
   Early after the close of the Conference last Fall the pastors of the District were on their charges faithfully at work, and victory of one kind or another has constantly crowned their labors. This has been the most successful debt-paying year since I have been on the District. Debts on church and parsonage property have been melting away all over the District. The burning of mortgages on our church property has become with us a fad, and we expect it thus to continue until all of them are destroyed and our church property is free of debt. And, woe to the Pastor or Presiding Elder who contracts, or encourages the contracting of another church debt on the Grand Island District. We still have some stubborn church debts to deal with on the District, but we expect that they will finally be paid.
   New churches and parsonages have been built and paid for, and others will soon thus be erected. In most instances pastors' salaries have been paid in full, as has that of the Presiding Elder. I have done my best to see that the full claim of each pastor be paid, but have not always succeeded, I am sorry to say. All kinds of church work have been faithfully cared for, and are generally in a prosperous condition. Our women have had a good degree of success in both their Foreign and Home Missionary work. Our Hospital and Deaconess' Home at Omaha, than which there can be no more Christly institution and work performed on earth by human hands and heart, has come in for its just share of our time, money and aid. Our Deaconesses -- God bless them -- know right well how to raise money, win souls and live on the nearest nothing. Bless-

ings on their great work. The District Conference at Palmer, in May, was both pleasant and profitable. The Epworth League Convention at Grand Island, in June, was delightfully successful. Ours is still the banner Epworth League District of the Conference. This young creature of our Church, with its 26,450 chapters and 1,750,000 members has the sparkle of victory in its eye and the swing of triumph in its march, and promises to do much for this old sinful world.
   All lines of church work have suffered greatly from raging epidemics of sickness and bad weather, but many of the charges have succeeded well with their benevolences and revival work. We believe in revivals. Our Churches without them would soon die of deaths and removals. Our District Campmeeting at Fullerton was a most gracious means of revival. Many were converted, reclaimed and sanctified. Evangelist D. W. McGregor more than met our fondest hopes.
   Our Superannuates, Brothers Jacob Adriance, D. T. Olcott and Charles Balson, have been in their usual health and have been of service and delight to the charges where they reside, as also have been our Supernumeraries, Brothers Samuel Cates and Thomas W. Owen. May they live long to adorn our Church with their beautiful lives.
   Rev. J. B. Carns, D. D., has been engaged in the Temperance work of the State with his accustomed zeal, ability and success.
   Rev. F. A. High has graduated at Evanston, and is at the Conference for work.
   Rev. W. W. Shenk, A. M., is attending school at Boston.

   Archer has been successful under the labors of Rev. R. F. Shacklock. He has about completed a splendid subscription to build a new church at Archer. The parsonage has been cheered by the appearance of a handsome babe.

   Bartlett has held to the even tenor of its way with Rev. J. S. Green as pastor. Through many conflicts and trials this Brother has come this year. He has succeeded in purchasing a store building, converting it into a church edifice, and dedicating it free of debt.

   Belgrade has flourished in all lines of work the whole year. Splendid revivals have caused this charge to greatly flourish, and the debt on Pinacle Hill Church has been paid. Rev. Loton R. DeWolf is the successful pastor.

   Cedar Rapids is in excellent condition. The parsonage property has been much improved, the Epworth League flourishes and the Church in general is prosperous. Sickness with the pastor, church and community made it impracticable to hold protracted meetings during the Winter. Bro. J. P. Yost is pastor of this Church.

   Central City has had much to contend with during the year, but is hopeful, and in a measure successful. It has begun the construction of
  

a splendid and long needed new church edifice. Bro. C. O. Larrison is pastor.

   Clarks has triumphed over much difficulty this year, but has finally triumphed by the blessings of God and the genius of the pastor, Bro. R. C. McReynolds. One of the best revivals in the District was held at Pierce Chapel on this charge, and the debt on that house of worship has been paid.

   Columbus is shouting over its many triumphs under the pastorate of Bro. A. L. Mickel. Last year the mortgage on the parsonage was burned, and this year that on the church. Columbus fairly blazes with prosperity.

   Cushing charge has had a good year under the faithful labors of Bro. Elmer E. Day. Bro. Day is one of our most promising young men, and intends to become more so by going to school a few years more, and while I regret to lose him from this District, I heartily approve the wisdom of his purpose.

   Fullerton has done splendidly under Bro. Lewis Campbell. The charge is healthy and flourishing. The membership has been much revived and sinners converted. The church property has been greatly improved inside. Much of the success of the campmeeting was due to the planning and labors of Bro. Campbell.

   Grand Island-First Church, has had a good year with Bro. T. C. Webster at its head. The debt has been reduced from $5,800 to $3,400. We expect to see the whole debt paid in two more years. This Church moves slowly, but it moves. Bro. Webster has done his best and succeeded.

   Trinity has had a pleasant year under the pastorate of Bro. F. H. Sanderson, D. D. But while it has been pleasant to the Church to listen to the fine sermons of Dr. Sanderson, it has not been so pleasant for himself and family to get on under such cramped circumstances, after serving charges of so much easier circumstances. The Church asked for a rest on church debt-raising this year and has taken it. Trinity will bestir herself finally and pay her debt. It is composed of a fine lot of members.

   Grand Island Circuit has had, in some respects, a year of unequalled prosperity under its pastor, Bro. E. B. King. He has raised all the debts on both Alda and Chapman, except $100, which is not yet due. Bro. King has married a wife during the year, who is of great help to him in his great work.

   Genoa has had another splendid year. This dying and almost dead charge has been revived in a very wonderful manner. Some church debts have been paid and everything is prosperous. Bro. R. D. Snyder is the successful pastor. There has come into the parsonage during the year a beautiful babe.

   Greeley has been faithfully served by Bro. R. J. McKenzie, and the

Church has sailed smoothly along. The church property has been painted, the old debt wiped out, and everything is in good condition.

   Mapleville Charge has had another prosperous year under Bro. J. G. Galloway's administration. The Church at Maple Grove has been elegantly papered, the parsonage remodeled, enlarged and made convenient and beautiful, and subscription has been raised to build a new church near Ames.

   North Bend has had a trying year to pastor and people. Bro. R. E. Neal, the pastor, became disabled for his work during the year, and had to go away in search of health. He is now better, but not well. He and his excellent family have our sympathy.

   Purple Cane has done well with Bro. A. L. Kellogg at the helm. They had a splendid revival and improved their church property, and all goes well at Purple Cane.

   Richland, we hear of names without places, very much so is Richland Charge -- it has a name, but it is hard to find much more than the membership, so few and scattered are they; but Bro. J. M. Dressler, the pastor, deserves great credit for holding them together as well as he has.

   Schuyler has had a pleasant and successful year with its new pastor, Bro. N. A. Martin. He has attended to all things in a faithful and masterly manner, and all has gone well. Bro. and Sister Martin are rejoicing over a fine new girl. Schuyler is all right and happy. So is the pastor.

   St. Edward has had another year of success with Bro. Henry Trezona as pastor. It had a good revival, splendidly improved the church property, the debt on Mt. Pleasant appointment is paid, and all matters of the church are in a healthy condition. St. Edward is all right.

   St. Paul has had one of the best years of its history, the fourth year of Bro. Clyde C. Cissell's pastorate there. It has had a grand revival and papered and carpeted its church at a cost of $250. This charge is in excellent condition.

   St. Paul Ct was supplied the first half of the year by Bro. I. Putnam, who left us and went to the Free Methodists. Since his leaving, the charge has been served by Bro. Cissell and Bro. C. Rover, a Superannuate of the Des Moines Conference, Bro. Cissell taking charge of Warsaw and Bro. Hover of Boelus and Bethel. The charge has been well cared for.

   Scotia, under the pastoral care of Bro. W. R. Peters, has done finely. The pastor has been successful in all his work. A fine new babe gladdens the hearts of the parsonage. Scotia is all right.

   Silver Creek has been served this, the second year, by Bro. C. F. Heywood. This is a rather weak charge numerically and financially, but Bro. Heywood has gotten along well with it. He has had a tussle with the liquor traffic this year, and he seems to think he came out on top. The old church debt has been wiped out.

   Wolbach has done excellently with Bro. F. E. Sala as pastor. A new
  

parsonage has been built at a cost of $700 and paid for, and a grand revival has crowned the work of the pastor. Bro. Sala took to himself a wife early in the conference year, and the fruit of this union, is a splendid babe.
   Wood River, served by Bro. R. H. Gammon, has had a good year. The church edifice has been handsomely papered and elegantly painted. inside and out. But all has not been sunshine in the parsonage this year. A lovely daughter of eight summers was suddenly called home by death during the year. These faithful ones of Wood River parsonage have our sympathy and prayers.
   In closing, permit me to say that I rejoice to have been associated with such a ministry and laity as are found on the Grand Island District. I have not deserved the good treatment I have received at their hands., These are a loyal and royal people. I will not say that the ministry and laity of the Grand Island District are better than those of any other district, but I will say that no truer and nobler can be found in any district of all our great and glorious Methodism. Brethren, live forever.

To Bishop Warren and the North Nebraska Conference Assembled:

   DEAR FATHERS AND BRETHREN: -- After another year of earnest contending "for the faith once delivered to the saints." I bring you the annual greeting of Neligh District. feeling myself honored in being the representative of such godly and self-sacrificing men and women as constitute its ministry and laity I beg leave to report 18 follows:

   ALBION: Rev. J. B. Priest has served Albion charge with great acceptability and a goodly measure of success. In the earlier part of the year some revival meetings were held. wherein a number were converted. and just recently Rev. D. W. McGregor assisted the pastor ten days. which resulted in a great quickening of all the spiritual interests.
   The salaries are paid in full, benevolences more than up; the parsonage debt of about $230 has been provided for. and the pastor. by unanimous vote of the quarterly conference, requested to return for another year.

   BOONE: -- At Boone we have had another year of turmoil and strife, intermingled with some splendid work and great determination to succeed. The. pastor. Rev. C. G. Rouse, was assisted in special services by Miss Lizzie Harmon, now the wife of Rev. J. Grant Shick: and later on by Rev. D. W. McGregor. A few conversions resulted, and many of the membership were greatly benefited.
   This little town is in one of the finest localities of Nebraska, surrounded by a noble people generally, but, seemingly with a large enough strife-loving element to keep things stirred up, and make us feel like asking the Lord to take a few of our people to heaven.

   BATTLE CREEK: -- Battle Creek comes to the close of the year in good spirits. with all finances well in hand, and some excellent results from special services held early in the year. wherein Rev. Geo. L. Barker assisted the pastor.
   Rev. R. W. Wilcox has proved himself a good shepherd of the flock, and careful and wise administrator under trying circumstances. His efforts have been seconded by that prince of young laymen. Brother S. K. Warrick. who always sees things in their true light; and with many others of God's elect whose fidelity is worthy of mention, we shall begin the work of another year with brighter prospects, than ever before.
   After graduation from a three years' course of study. under the direction of the Chicago Seminary of Sciences, this pastor wears, with dignity and modesty, the title of Doctor of Philosophy, conferred in recognition of the work done.

   BATTLE CREEK CIRCUIT: -- Rev. D. E. Baldwin has been on the Battle Creek Circuit for his second year. He has been very abundant in labors, visiting and instructing the people from house to house in things of Christ. preaching two and three times every Sunday to increasing congregations. raising money for a parsonage which has been purchased. and caring for all the interests of the church. which is growing under his labors.

   CLEARWATER: -- Clearwater has had a good year. under the pastoral oversight of Rev. H. G. Kemp. About twenty-four professed conversions under his own labors: a

good parsonage of four rooms has been built at a cost of $435, of which about $190 remains unpaid, but there is on subscription toward this something like $100. The benevolences are nearly, if not quite. in full.
   This young minister has wrought wisely and well, and would be enthusiastically received at Clearwater for another year. but he will ask to be left without appointment to attend the Iliff School of Theology.

   CREIGHTON: -- What can not be said of Creighton, where discouragement reigned and dissolution seemed almost inevitable? The old debt of over $ 100 two years ago is gone, and the mortgages have been burned; $889 having been paid this year and $100 expended on improving church and parsonage.
   The benevolences will be in full, or a little more, and every claim satisfied, unless it be the salary, which seems to have but little place in the thought of this self-sacrificing pastor when he is caring for the church. This, however, will be well up. Several have been received on probation and into full membership. The congregations are large, Sunday schools are growing, and Creighton has become one of our most desirable charges.
   Besides these arduous labors, this pastor, Rev. A. J. Markley, has also been interested in some literary labors, and a short treatise entitled "The Source of Law." from his pen, has been issued from the press of our book concern at Cincinnati.

   CHAMBERS: -- Rev. L. Hedden has labored at Chambers with considerable success and to the pleasure and good of the people.
   Our property interests were all well in hand before he went there, and he has been doing a greatly needed work in visiting from house to house at longer distances from the village than any one before him, and the results are an increasing congregation and membership.

   ELGIN: -- Elgin Circuit has been well served by Rev. J. N. Gortner, who, by the assistance of his people, has succeeded in paying off the last dollar of indebtedness on the church property, and in building a new parsonage at a cost of $676. Of this amount about $400 has been paid; $ 45 is in valid subscriptions, while $131 is still unprovided for. It leaves us in good condition, as the plan to take three years to pay for the house has been more than carried out to date. The spiritual interests of this charge are steady: ten were received on probation, six into full membership, and the outlook for the future of our church is gratifying.

   EMERICK: -- Rev. A. E. Fowler has served the Emerick charge with much acceptability, notwithstanding the long weeks that little Olive, of three years, hung between life and death. requiring the most unceasing care of both father and mother: and also that, soon after her recovery, another girl was sent to have a share in brightening the home.
   He has preached and sung the gospeI with increasing power and usefulness. so that all branches of the work have been enlarged. Sixteen were received on probation, and I believe, most of them into full membership.

   EWING AND INMAN: -- Ewing and Inman have been under the pastoral oversight of Rev. W. A. Wilson. Much has been done at Ewing in the way of encouraging and reorganizing the work, which has been greatly depleted and discouraged on account of numerous removals: but we are getting together again, and are in good hopes of being more in the near future than we have ever been.
   At Inman $500 has been raised on subscription by the pastor to pay off the church debt. but the ultimate payment of it will depend upon some other things, over which we have but little. if any. control There are some noble people here, and I hope we shall not be disappointed.

   LORETTO: -- Rev. F. B. Sabine, a local preacher at Niobrara and a young man of excellent character, was sent to the Loretto charge at the beginning of the year; but he soon grew tired of his work, under the growing conviction that he had missed his calling, and resigned his pastorate late in February.
   There being no man at hand, I found a splendid lay worker in the personage of Sister Lizzie Harmon, who had been trained in Moody's Bible School, and by several years' experience in missionary work in Vermont. I sent her to take care of our interests for a few weeks until I could get a student from Garrett. She made a splendid record in house to house visiting, excellent talks, at the Sunday services, and in her efforts for the benevolences. So that though a very able young minister in the personage of Rev. Geo. W. Shick, a member of this Conference, has served since June first it is a question whether the lady has not been the chief of the year.
   Under the labors of Rev. Shick we have completed a new parsonage at a cost of over $500, and the salaries and benevolences are well up. The people are willing to undertake greater things than ever before, and there is considerable enthusiasm to be something and do something for the Lord.

   LYNCH: -- At Lynch, also, we have built a neat little parsonage costing about $350. Rev. E. C. Thorp was sent there under the notion of his fitness for this difficult undertaking.
   This beautiful village is far removed from railroad, and in the midst of a new country. With no house to live in, and no place that could be rented, it has been very difficult to fix it for ministers to go there; but that objection has been overcome.
   Besides this, a little chapel has been built at the Highland appointment, at a cost of between $600 and $700. and has been paid for, except $100 to the Board of Church Extension. All the other interests are well cared for, and benevolences in full.

   MEADOW GROVE: -- Meadow Grove charge has done well under the efficient services of that veteran minister Rev. J. B. Leedom.
   Our old Grove church, standing in a neighborhood deserted by Methodists, was moved to the Motley appointment, improved, at a cost of $230, rededicated under the name of Leedom Methodist Episcopal Church.
   The parsonage debt at Meadow Grove has been wiped out: the benevolences reach the full amount. The spiritual interests are steady, and the people love their pastor and are sad to see him step out of the active work. But, on account of failing health and the burden of a pastorate at his years, is well as a rather serious injury received by Sister Leedom by being thrown from a buggy, Brother Leedom will ask to be removed from the effective list.

   NELIGH: -- The year at Neligh has been one of much head work and corresponding success. It could not be otherwise with Rev. E. T. George as pastor. He builds every department of pastoral duties into a systematic plan. and then Works his plan from the first to the last day of the conference year. Thus, the benevolences are more than full salaries paid, everybody visited, societies well organized and at work, Sunday school growing. congregations held and inspired and instructed, and all full of hope for the future nothing goes undone. At present the church building is being remodeled and added to at a cost of about $1,800.

   NEWMAN GROVE: -- Newman Grove and Lindsay have been served by Rev. Allen Bishop, who is slowly but steadily, adding to the membership and congregations in these towns, where most of the population have known but little Methodism before he came to them. He is conducting himself and his churches wisely and discretely. and we are growing more and more hopeful. The salaries and benevolences are paid in full. A subscription has just been taken to pay the debt at Newman Grove.

   NIOBRARA: -- At Niobrara we have met with some rather severe disappointments, in the way of the removal of members, failures in business and county seat contests, which have served to so deplete our ranks and unsettle and discourage those that remain that the finances will not nearly reach our expectations.
   Rev. E. E. Hunt has labored incessantly and heroically and has made, probably, as much as anyone could out of that which he has had to do with. The congregations have been held together, closing up the depleted ranks and strengthening what remained; the Sunday school and league are prosperous, and this charge, along with several about it will do more than usual for benevolences this year through the personal efforts of this young apostle of our connectional work. We expect to strengthen Niobrara next year with a part of the Verdell Circuit.

   OAKDALE: -- Oakdale has been well served by Rev. David Marquette. D. D., who needs no words from me to this Conference, which knows so well of his abilities and efficiency as a minister of Jesus.
   The close of last year witnessed our property in an excellent state of improvement and repair, with all the debts paid. This left the field open to spiritual work. Several have been received on probation, eight into full membership; the benevolences are in full, and the pastor has been abundant in labors, both as pastor and preacher.

   O'NEILL: -- O'Neill was left to be supplied at the last Conference. Rev. Bartley Blain, a veteran minister of this Conference. rendered them efficient services until the first of January, when I procured as pastor Rev. E. Grant Hutchinson of the Virginia Conference. He is an able and eloquent preacher, having drawn large congregations to his Church. He takes care of the general rounds of a pastor's work, and, by the grace and help of a noble band of laymen and the blessings of God, we are in a prosperous condition at O'Neill. Bishop Warren will be requested to transfer Rev. Hutchinson to this Conference.

   OSMOND: -- Rev. A. J. Warne has served Osmond charge this year. His first special effort was to finish paying up an indebtedness which had greatly embarrassed us for years, the balance being $270; and the second was the revival meeting conducted by himself, wherein about twenty-five professed conversion. and eighteen united on probation. But. owing to some little irritation, which arose later in the year among some of the members. we have not closed up with as great results as were expected. However, the benevolences and salaries will be nearly in full, while we can report the property out of debt. A good year on the whole.

   PADDOCK: -- Rev. R. J. Callow, one of our local preachers, has been on the Paddock Circuit, and his people say he has not only solidified and greatly strengthened the charge, but has made excellent progress as a student and preacher. He goes to Nebraska Wesleyan this year.
   Paddock charge has four appointments, and, with many people coming into the Country, and through establishment of others in the pursuit, adapted to that part of Nebraska. I am looking for considerable development from this on.

   PIERCE: -- We have been holding on to the even tenor of our Way at Pierce. Rev. G. M. Couffer has been a good shepherd of our heroic little flock, and they have nobly maintained themselves and their integrity and effort for the Master, amid an overwhelming population in sympathy with other forms of christianity than ours. Our Sunday-School and League are well attended and being very useful. Congregations have slowly increased. The finances are in excellent condition, no debt, and we are in good cheer, working and growing.

   PLAINVIEW: -- Plainview has had a splendid year under one of our most successful Pastors, Rev. E. E. Hosman. The property has been improved by placing new a furnace and a lighting plant, at a cost of $340. The benevolences reached $210. Twenty-three have

been received into membership from probation and by letter. All the salaries are in full: we have no debts; the whole round of church life is hopeful and harmonious, and the people ask for the return of their pastor

   PLAINVIEW CIRCUIT: -- Plainview Circuit was left to be supplied, and about the 20th of November, I secured the services of Rev. Norton E. Wood. a local preacher. He has faithfully wrought to the satisfaction of the people, and the progress of Methodism, and the Redeemer's Kingdom as the reports will show. He comes up for admission on trial.
   This Circuit is prosperous, and useful, and progressive.

   PAGE: -- Page is now one of our very best small charges. Within two years we have built both Church and parsonage, besides paying off a debt. and greatly improving Maxfield Church. Up to June, the pastor had lived in a hired house -- the only one in the town to be had-- and when the owner, who would only rent it month by month, notified us that he must have it, there were but two things left us, viz: Move away, or build.
   Courage and determination, led by the undaunted pastor, Rev. H. A. Chappell. soon rose to the necessary level. a house was begun, costing $539. and we now have a good home for our preacher. All the other interests have been well sustained with large benevolent collection, and quite a number received on probation and into full membership. A fine growth is prospective.

   SAVAGE: -- Under the care of Rev. E. D. Griswold, Savage has made excellent progress. About sixteen professed conversion: many come to church who are not accustomed to do so, and we have a great deal more to work on than ever before. The benevolences of the charge will show up better than ever, and we shall raise over $330 in salary, including rent, as against $183 last year.
   This young minister came to us from the Baptist Church a few years ago. He has proven himself loyal, energetic, useful, and in harmony with the doctrine, and traditions of Methodism. He comes up for admission on trial.

   TILDEN: -- The first thing of the year was the dedication of our new $3.000 church at Tilden. The first Sunday set for the work proved to be exceedingly stormy, and the next but little better. but the people came, and gave us over $500, which has since been paid. and this beautiful property is entirely free from debt. Rev. W. A. Rominger, the pastor. has just closed his fourth year, and is asked to return for the fifth. He has kept his work in good condition, receiving twenty-five on probation, seven into full membership. and will present excellent financial reports. This charge is characterized by a holy ambition to be useful to the Master.

   VERDELL: -- Rev. W. H. Newman. a local Elder from Dorsey, has had the Verdell Circuit. He has preached and visited abundantly, but the country is new and the population coming and going in such a Way as to make it difficult to feel established in our work. However. at one appointment we purchased a house built some years ago by the Government for missionary work to the Indians, moved it to a new site. and on the 25th day of June, free of debt. christened it Mission Methodist Episcopal Church. We are sure our work on the charge has been useful to the people. though our moorings are not as yet very well defined.

   DISTRICT MEETINGS: -- Three District meetings have been held, the District Conference, Epworth League Convention, and the Camp Meeting. All were largely supported, and accomplished the usual purposes of these gatherings -- about twenty having been converted at the Camp Meeting.
   With this brief outline of my large district, I only wish to say that the spiritual interests generally seem to be in good condition, though the ingathering of members is not large. But, in matters of building, debt paying, and benevolence, we expect to go beyond any previous record.
   The Lord has graciously dealt with us as ministers and people. No deaths have came to the homes of the former. and but few to those of the latter, while our fields are covered over with corn," our faces are toward Heaven, and our hands doing the work He has given us to do.
   My own relation to the work of the year, and to both ministers and laymen, has been pleasant, and I trust, useful. Traveling 8,000 miles by rail, and nearly 3,00) by team, takes a great deal of time, and means much fatigue -- fatigue that sometimes would bring the intensest sensations of drudgery were it not for the consciousness of serving Christ -- a consciousness which sweetens all toil and raises it to the sublimest degree of nobility.

   This sixth and last year of my work its Presiding Elder began with the divine blessing signally resting upon us, for not only did the preachers go promptly to their appointments, but our people just as promptly received them. The battle was soon put in array, and the report came hurrying along by steam and lightning that victory had perched upon our banners; souls were born into the kingdom. backsliders were reclaimed, and believers sanctified; and thus, on and on the battle has been pushed with new and increasing victory right up to the very day of Conference. Surely the kingdoms of this world will some day e'er long become the kingdoms of our God and His Christ, if Methodist preachers continue faithful to God and our glorious Methodism. Depend upon it, ye brave men of the North Nebraska Conference, the Norfolk District

will be on hand when you need them most. and there will be no break in the line where the banner of the Norfolk District waves.
   The Allen charge has had a remarkably prosperous year under the pastoral care of R. Throckmorton, a young man who, from boyhood, has labored among us. By a very ingenious scheme, he has succeeded in paying off an old debt on the parsonage, besides making other substantial repair, on both church and parsonage. As might be expected, a good revival of religion followed, and the benevolent collections are so large that they equal almost one-fourth of the entire salary. With a new and prosperous appointment. and a new church at Waterbury, who will find fault with him if he shouts aloud the, praises, of God?
   Bancroft has been well cared for this year by Bro. J. L. Phillips, who has succeeded in paying off an old mortgage. and beautifying our church property. This charge bids fair to make one of our good appointments in the near future.

   Beemer has experienced the long-looked-for, namely, the formation of another church.
   "Union." ah, what a sweet word that is, when union is all on our side! When will we cease to be fooled by this hollow cry? By this division our little church was temporarily crippled in its financial support. if not in some other ways. Bro. Cheeseman has had a hard time, but has wrought well and, under the circumstances, has accomplished all that could be expected and more besides. Notwithstanding the loss of so many members and supporters, yet the financial condition at the close of the year was the best we have ever seen; preacher all paid up and Presiding Elder over paid. And so that which at first seemed to be against us, God has made a blessing.

   Bloomfield has suffered by a change of pastors occurring a few months after Conference, yet we have had a good revival, and a goodly number added to the Church. Bro. C. H. Hughs, the pastor, who comes to us from the West Virginia Conference. reminds us of those mountains from whence he comes. Coming to us fresh from the Boston University, his culture and piety have greatly helped and blessed this little church. so that it may be said Bloomfield is one of the prosperous charges on the district.

   Carroll could not fail to do well under the care of that consecrated and thoroughly, educated young man. C. W. Davidson. Who dares to say that the students of Nebraska Wesleyan do not rank as the best, wherever you put them? Surely, this school may well be proud of its students. and we are very thankful to God for this great institution. God bless Nebraska Wesleyan University.

   People have heard of the debt at Coleridge, even if they never have heard of the town bearing that distinguished name. But, thank God, we shall never again bear of the debt for it has gone the way of all bad things,. A young man leaving Germany, came to this country a few year ago, dyed and steeped in all the prejudices of German Lutheranism. Somehow, I don't know, but God knows, he was gloriously converted at a Methodist altar, and true to the instincts of a divine conversion at a Methodist altar, the first thing he did was go to school: the next thing he did was to become a Methodist preacher. and the last thing he has done is to take hold of the seemingly impossible, and to pay off that debt with the exception of donated interest dollar for dollar. The Church has been remodeled and is practically a new church. An old church has been paid for and a new one has come in its place. O. P. Mueller is the young man referred to in the above.

   Every one knows that Dakota City is not only one of the oldest charges, but also, one of the best. This year it has been served by one of the best men on the district, and the results are like the charge and the pastor. A good revival; all floating indebtedness paid, and the charge in it good condition temporally and spiritually. I don't know how many horses Bro. Clark has worn out, nor how many buggies he has smashed up, but I do know he has done his pastoral work, and did it well. So that no one may truthfully say on this charge. "No man cares for my soul."

   If I forget thee, oh Decatur, let my right hand forget thier cunning. If I do not remember thee let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth. Although cut off from the railroad yet Decatur has more railroad enthusiasm, and has built more railroads -- on paper -- than any other town in the State. Bro. A L. Gray, the pastor, has purchased a fine parsonage; half the purchase price is paid, and the balance is all practically provided for. Peace and harmony reign, and this faithful man of God has had the divine endorsement in the almost constant addition of souls to this glorious old Church.

   Emerson has been well served this year by C. M. Griffith. who, it would seem, had already more than any one man could do at Pender. We hope, by a new arrangement next year, to take hold of this work more vigorously than ever before. At the beginning of the year, we were financially embarrassed. The property was saved, however, by Bro. Griffith leading the people by subscription so generous that the challenge was accepted by the very poorest of our people. So, one preacher after another gives out of his poverty, until we have this valuable property paid for, with the exception of a small loan from the Board of Church Extension, and Methodism is fairly well established. We could name four or five preachers who have financially, made this church a possibility, and yet we hear it said, "Preachers ought not to have so much to say; they don't pay the bills."

   Bro. Keister doesn't know what it is to get tired. for he has worked incessantly this entire year. The last of an old and troublesome indebtedness on the parsonage has been paid, and some good and substantial improvements made thereon. Good meetings have been held at both appointments. Missionary zeal has greatly enthused our people on

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