Bishop Bristol, Fathers and Brethren of the New Nebraska, Conference:
   With devout gratitude to our Heavenly Father for His ceaseless mercies we bring you the final report of the work of our district. As though the ordinary changes of the itinerary were not enough the superintendent has twice been rearranged; once when the General Conference of 1908 changed him from a Presiding elder to a District Superintendent; and once when Bishop Nuelson relieved him of the Beatrice District and placed him in charge of the greater Nebraska South District. I bring you my second report of the third shift, and my sixth report of the first shift.
   Changes.--F. C. McVay, one of our supernumeraries, was persuaded early in the year to take up the light work of the Holmesville charge. He has wrought well and recovered his health at the same time. We will ask that he be made effective.
   West Dorchester has been supplied during the year by R. B. Carey, a senior, now an alumnus, of our Wesleyan.
   J. T. Lee, a retired member of the Northwest Iowa Conference, has supplied the work at Reynolds, creditably to himself and satisfactorily to the charge.
   In November, T. J. Shrode transferred to the Gulf Conference and somewhat later Edgar G. Hibbens, of the Illinois Conference, was placed in charge of Swanton and Tobias. He has more than met all expectations and each appointment earnestly petitions his return.
   Paul B. Wright resigned the Ong-Lakeside charge on June 1, and our own brother C. W. Wells has filled out the year at the request of our people at Ong, while Brother Hull, of Edgar, has cared for Lakeside.
   C. E. Austin resigned the Ohiowa pastorate on August 28, to become a teacher in our Baxter Seminary, Baxter, Tenn.
   Elof Anderson, a local preacher, took charge of the work at Daykin, when B. N. Kunkel, in his fifth successful year there, was relieved on February 10, to assume the duties of the pastorate at Dorchester, Brother Mastin's illness at that time making it imperative for him to lay down the work.
   In Memorian.--The saddest experience through which our district has passed during the year, was when on May 9, we bade earthly farewell to Charles Angel Mastin, a man whose labors and life have laid the whole state of Nebraska under lasting tribute. Strangely enough, though not a "mover," yet the demands of the work had carried him within the bounds of each of the three conferences now represented in this greater Nebraska Conference, and everywhere he left the same mark of constructive service.
   The sombre grief of those who knew and loved him best, his devoted wife and two sons, is irradiated by the light of his blameless

life; while his high service and stainless name will ever adorn the annals of the Methodist ministry.
   Sickness.--The health of Sister Street, mistress of our De Witt manse, has been sorely tried during almost the entire year. Her husband took her to our own hospital, to Rochester, and finally was forced to take her to a quiet spot in Iowa, where she began to rally and is now convalescent.
   Personal.--In June Brother Joseph Tuma brought to the parsonage at Steele City, a bride in the person of Miss Adah Wood, of University Place. Sister Tuma adds culture to sterling good sense and refinement and has already therefore won a place in the hearts and judgments of the people.
   Evangelism.--De Witt, Friend, Fairmont and Dorchester enjoyed the most visibly fruitful meetings of the district, though virtually all of the churches held meetings which resulted in greater or less ingathering. The results tabulate somewhat as follows:
   Conversions, 375; received on probation, 200; received after recommendation, 230; received from Sunday schools, 200. It is all pitifully small when compared with our aspirations, our facilities or our labors.
   Membership.--The membership of our churches has been augmented by the incoming of 230 after recommendation; 375 by certificate; 75 on confession of faith; a total of 670. Yet we have dismissed 317 persons by certificate, 70 have died and 12 have withdrawn, so that our net gain is reduced to about 275 souls, or a net average gain of almost 7, and a gross gain of 18 for each pastoral charge.
   Nearly every year some discrepancies appear in the totals of membership. These arise largely from the purging of the records.
   Sunday Schools.--Forty-eight Sunday schools enroll 8,425 students of God's Word. Out of this vast army of more than eight regiments but two full companies, or two hundred souls, came into the church. Oh! that this great evangelistic field might be made to yield larger returns to the husbandman!
   Fairbury has led the district this year, both in point of enrollment and in average attendance, the first being 830, including Home Department and Cradle Roll, and the second 360 for the entire year!
   Epworth Leagues.--Twenty-nine senior chapters enroll 1,300 Leaguers; ten Junior chapters have a membership of 365, while three Intermediate chapters have 85, making a total of 420 Epworth Leagues with an enrollment of 1750. The work done by these young people no one can accurately estimate. Our devotional meetings are more intelligently devotional than ever, and in all the gatherings of our young people such vital matters as systematic beneficence, social service, the value of higher education, the relation of Jesus Christ to the individual and to society, are being presented and discussed with unusual freedom and interest.

   Kindred Organizations.--A few Brotherhoods are still maintained on the district, though the organization seems not yet to have "won its spurs". The W. F. M. and W. H. M. societies are doing patient, persevering and withal far reaching service in the business of the King. Some thirty organizations are reported, besides Standard Bearers, Queen Esthers, etc.
   Forty-two Ladies' Aid societies have raised more than $5,600, the greater part of which has been used in improving church and .parsonage property and otherwise "lengthening the cords and strengthening the stakes."
   Ministerial Meetings.--Three ministerial meetings convened during the year--one in the spring when the four districts of the old Nebraska Conference met in joint session in Lincoln, and two quiet council meetings in the autumn--one at Blue Springs and the other at Geneva. These latter meetings were designed to afford pastors and superintendent an opportunity to discuss, plan for and unify the work of the year on the district.
   Pastoral Support.--It is gratifying to be able to report that eight more charges advanced their pastoral support this year in sums totaling $880.00, and yet our pastors and their frugal wives must be financiers of a high order to stretch their salaries so as to cover the advanced cost of living.
   Church Property.--We have 48 church buildings on the district, estimated to be worth $291,200, an average of above $6,000. They are all insured in reliable companies. Our 34 parsonages are valued at $66,450. On these $1,303 has been expended in improvements.
   Sixty-two hundred twenty-five dollars have been expended in improving and beautifying our church property.
   At Fairbury, repairs, improvements and frescoing totaled almost $2,000; at Ohiowa the recently remodeled church is being reseated at a cost of about $400. At both Steele City and Endicott basements have been excavated under our churches, affording greater Sunday school and social facilities.
   At Chester a fine pipe organ was installed in December with appropriate ceremonies. On Sunday in early March the beautiful building was discovered to be on fire. By heroic efforts on the part of pastor, church people and citizens in general, the flames were extinguished with a total loss of less than $2,000. In a few weeks the building was in better condition than ever, and the furnace defect that occasioned the fire entirely removed.
   Our church at Western has been both strengthened and beautified with a new ceiling. This church had a very narrow escape from fire in late October, but an early discovery and prompt work saved the day.
   The long standing parsonage debt at Exeter has been paid, to the joy of pastor and people.

   Five Hundred dollars has been paid this year on our church debt at Hebron.
   A total of $3685, has been paid on church debts, and $85 on parsonage debts. Our churches are now encumbered with $3,109 of indebtedness, virtually all of which is covered by subscription; our parsonages carry $1,316, much of which is covered also. Our total property liabilities therefore amount to $4,425 only, most of which is amply provided for.
   An elect lady of Fairmont, in memory of her sainted husband, has just presented to our church there, a most beautiful simultaneous communion service.
   Conventions.--The Annual Epworth League Convention at Edgar; the meeting of the W. F. M. S. at Exeter and the W. H. M. S. at Edgar, were all notably successful and are still bringing forth fruit.
   Benevolences.--Many offerings were taken in our churches for our stricken Omaha Methodism, after the memorable Easter storm, and the response was ready and sympathetic. The figures are not at hand.
   Concerning our regular benevolences, one month ago, Bishop, our hearts were heavy, for it seemed inevitable that the long continued drought and heat, with its consequent crop shortage, would cut the collections to the very heart. I am myself amazed but gratified that by the ceaseless devotion, patience and perseverance of our pastors, I can report to you and this great conference this morning that in spite of hot winds, drought, heat, corn failure and general depression, our benevolences are actually in excess of last year! We had urged the brethren, circularized them and pleaded with laymen, but it was needless--our pastors were alert and undefeatable, and our laymen were sympathetic and responsive, and I here chronicle the result with a sob of gratitude and praise.
   Concluding.--I lay down the duties and responsibilities of the district with this regret only--that I have been able to do so little for the work committed to my care; and that I shall no more experience the unspeakable joys of the finest fellowship in all this earth--exceeding even that of David and Jonathan--the fellowship of Methodist preachers and their families.
   Bishop and brethren, I wish to lay this parting tribute upon the altar of the affection I bear these princely men and their families, that with all the comradeship I had enjoyed and prized during the years of my pastoral life, I really had not known the faithful, sacrificial, self-effacing devotion of these men and their gracious wives and children. I know it now and I cannot outlive the fragrant memory. Multitudes of the laymen also are of the finest, clearest type of folk, and upon preachers and their families, and upon all the household of faith, I pray the richest benisons of heaven.

Bishop Bristol and Brethren:
   Another year has passed. Its record is made, its history recorded. The story of these months is a magnificent one of conquest and defeat, of joy and sorrow, of laughter and tears. Men have compardoned with God and contended with Satan. They have been cheered by success and humiliated by failure. But the book is closed. "What is written is written." Nineteen hundred such periods have come and gone since the advent of a world's Redeemer, yet sin flourishes. May God forgive our shortcomings. Yet it is not with a wail of pessimism that I come to you. Sin, indeed, thrives in places, yet God triumphs. Jehovah is on the throne. His hosts are marching on. Sin is doomed. Did not space forbid I would gladly give a detailed report of every charge and pastor, but they force me to generalities.
   Pastoral Changes.--Almost immediately at the close of conference one year ago, J. M. Darby, who had been appointed to Harvard and Inland, at his own request and with the consent of the proper authorities, was relieved, appointed to another charge, and he vanished from our supervision into the jungles of the South District. J. A. Rousey was taken from LaSalle St., Beatrice, and appointed in his place. About the same time a more lucrative charge than Lushton was found to be vacant in Central District. With his consent, Leander Morrison, who had been appointed to Lushton, was released and disappeared into the wilds of that District. Through the courtesy of J. W. Embree, J. A. Murray Was soon afterwards appointed to Lushton. He served the charge for about six months, when on account of a nervous disability he felt himself compelled to change his vocation. Early in June I secured a young man, a student at Evanston, Ill., Geo. Weber by name, to supply for the summer. Not long after conference last fall Dr. Alexander Bennett of York was transferred to the Northwest Kansas Conference. After a few weeks of anxiety on the part of the good people of York, Dr. W. C. Wasser was transferred from the Northwest Iowa Conference and appointed to that charge, beginning his work the second week in January.
   Early in April last, Brother W. C. Braymen of Gresham, on account of failing health and for family reasons, was compelled to surrender his charge. After consultation with Bishop Bristol, Ralph Miller was taken from Marquette and Alvin and appointed to Gresham. He served with great acceptability until just a few weeks since, when he also, broken in health, was forced to quit the work. We secured Geo. Morey, a retired minister of this conference to care for the work to the end of the year. John Anderson, a retired minister of the Free Methodoist (sic) church, took up the work at Marquette, and Frank T. Hoon, a retired member of one of the Indiana conferences, at Alvin. All who knew Geo. P. Trites of Superior, were truly grieved on learning that his health had failed and that he was forced

to give up his work, which he did June first. Dr. Geo. Wright, a well known member of this conference, has done excellent service at Superior since the 'retirement of Brother Trites.
   Supplies.--The conference last year left Deweese, Spring Ranch, Fairview, Grace Chapel, Hampton, Lawrence, Mt. Clare and North Blue to be supplied. Boyd Walker, a son of our S. T. Walker, was secured for Deweese and Spring Ranch; Eugene Markley, from the bounds of the West Nebraska conference, for Fairview; T. H. Worley, a member of this conference, for Hampton and Grace Chapel; J. H. Bankson, who has been doing supply work within the bounds of this conference for several years, for Lawrence and Mt. Clare; and John Anderson of Marquette for North Blue. All of these men have done good service.
   Central Christian Advocate.--Most of the pastors made a determined effort to increase the list of subscribers on the various charges to the Central Christian Advocate at the reduced rate. We feel that the district as a whole is entitled to the credit of having done its share in the increased circulation of that valuable periodical. Yet there are individual charges and official boards which need strenuous persuasion along that line.
   Death and Sickness.--I think the angel of death has not visited the home of any pastor on this district this year. Thank God for that. Not so with the home of the superintendent. On last Thanksgiving day, Rev. Jeptha Marsh, of precious memory to many besides his sons and their families, took a severe cold after or during his attendance at divine service at University Place church. For two or three weeks he was seriously ill, the physicians holding out no hope of recovery. He rallied, however, and for a month or six weeks it seemed that he might overcome the malady. But the machinery of the body was worn with the labors of eighty-eight years, and again began to fail. On the seventeenth of February he returned home from a visit with a son at Gibbon, Nebraska, in a very enfeebled condition. From that time the functions of his physical organism gradually failed. On March twenty-second, the day before Easter Sunday, God sent His angels with a heavenly chariot to his room. Father stepped in and passed from our sight. He died penniless, but rich.
   There have been cases of sickness among the brethren, some quite serious, but as all have recovered or are convalescent I shall not specify.
   Improvements.--Sunday, December 1st, Bishop Bristol was with us at Gresham and re-dedicated their beautifully remodeled and enlarged church edifice. It was a great day for Gresham. The people highly appreciated the presence and labors of the Bishop and were greatly edified thereby. We trust that others of our small charges may have the same joy in the near future. The total cost of the im-

provement was $500, which was fully provided for at that time. Lushton and Lawrence have erected beautiful and commodious additions to their church buildings, and otherwise improved them. The former at a cost of $1,700, and the latter of $1,500. There have been improvements added to the property on the district at a total cost approximating $9,000.
   Finance.--Drought! Dearth! Distress! These words express, in the mind of many of our members, existing conditions when church finance is mentioned. This condition is more imaginary than real. Yet it is true that a large portion of the West District has been devastated by hot winds, scorching sunbeams and lack of moisture. This means retrenchment, and almost invariably retrenchment begins at the house of God. Stringency of the money market is felt in ecclesiastical circles sooner and more forcibly than in any others. This, I fear, means a shrinkage in benevolences. Last year Nebraska conference reported a decrease in benevolent collections from the year before. Notwithstanding this, and in spite of short crops, the West District last year reported an increase in these as well as in ministerial support, value of property and membership. I am confident that, speaking generally, the pastors have been faithful in their presentation of the apportionments, and we still hope that when the final returns are in, the shortage will not be large. The total ministerial support this year was a trifle more than two thousand dollars above that of last year. The prospects indicate this item will be met nearly in full. A little more than five thousand dollars has been paid on indebtedness of church property this year. There are on the district 67 church buildings and 41 parsonages with a valuation practically the same as reported last year, viz.: $366,275.
   Organizations.--Sixty-two Sunday schools are reported with an enrollment approximating 6,700 exclusive of cradle rolls and home departments. These schools are doing estimable work but are handicapped by a lack of faithful and devoted teachers. There are thirty Epworth Leagues with an approximate membership of 1,300. The Junior Leagues are few in number, largely because of difficulty in enlisting proper superintendents.
   The Woman's Foreign and Home Missionary Societies are doing a noble work where organized. There is room, however, for more of them within the bounds of the district. The Ladies' Aid Societies on nearly all charges are up and doing. Apparently they are the most solvent organization among us. Their reports are a veritable inspiration amid the dreary routine of a quarterly conference. While others are discussing shortages in ministerial support, in benevolences, in incidentals, etc., the president of the Ladies' Aid steps graciously in and reads her report. It fairly jingles with money--money on hand at the beginning of the year, money raised, money expended, and money in the treasury.

   Conventions.--The Woman's Foreign and Home Missionary Societies held interesting and profitable conventions. The former at Trumbull, April 23rd and 24th. The latter at Aurora, May 21st and 22nd. The District Epworth League assembled at Bradshaw Tuesday evening, June 24th, and continued over Wednesday. The opening number of the program was an illustrated lecture on Yellowstone park by pastor Earl Tompkins of Red Cloud. The closing number was Chancellor Fulmer's illustrated lecture on "Life at Wesleyan." Both these events were thoroughly enjoyed by a crowded house. The hours of the day were packed full of good things. The superintendent has heard an unusual number of compliments concerning this gathering. The Ministerial Association joined with three other districts of the conference in a meeting held at St. Paul's church in Lincoln. Of this you have already heard from the superintendent of the Central District. The Mother's Jewels' Home at York has had an uneventful but successful year. The smiles of God seem to rest upon the children of this institution. His guardian angels to a remarkable degree protect them from serious illness. The Woman's Home Missionary Society is planning larger things for this home. We trust that they may be enabled in the near future to carry their plans to a successful issue, and that Sister Dobson will not be disappointed in the crop of Nickel Trees.
   Religion.--The spiritual condition of a large portion of our people is not what it should be. The standard of religion in the home and in the church does not measure up to the standard of the New Testament. The pastors as well as the superintendent have been disappointed in many instances in the number of conversions during the year. For some reason there seems to be a dearth of religious fervor, of holy enthusiasm, of spiritual power in many communities. The prevalence of joy-riding, the wild craze for amusement and pleasure, seem not only to have largely depleted the treasury of the Lord but to have sapped the religious life of the people. In the county seats and larger towns, the work of the church seems to prosper in a material way, as far as numbers are concerned, congregations are good, Sunday schools succeed, finances are kept up and prosperity is evident. But many of the country charges and those in the smaller villages are having a hard struggle. Unless a change comes soon many churches that are now known will be known no longer. These places, to be held for God, need men of ability, of culture, of devotion, of courage, of a spirit of self-sacrifice, who will willingly take hold of the work with a determination by the help of God to win and hold them for Him. To this end we must have more missionary money. The amount now for distribution is too small to cut much figure in the support of a family. I find it impossible to determine the number of conversions. The probationers received do not tell the story, for some pastors fail to enroll them as such, and some who are converted go to other churches. As nearly as I have been able to obtain the

figures there have been received on probation 216; enrolled in full membership from probation, 287; by certificate, 355; total 642. We have lost in various ways, 321; leaving a net gain of membership of 321.
   With thanks to the brethren, one and all for their universal kindnesses and courtesies, and with gratitude to Almighty God for His mercies, and with a wish that much more had been accomplished than has been, this report is respectfully submitted.

To Bishop Bristol and the Nebraska Conference:
   Greeting: I have been loyally received by the pastors, their families and the congregations. My predecessor, Brother Main, rendered great help by his brotherly counsel and advice.
   As in the parable spoken by the Christ, in spite of choking thorns, stony ground, and devouring fowls, some seed fell on good ground. So the year's work I herewith report. In spite of scorching suns, biting blizzards, and other hindrances more directly traceable to Satan, some seed has fallen on good ground, and brought forth fruit.
   I will not say much of the failures (they speak for themselves), but gladly tell of some of the successes, small as they are, which have cheered. The year began with Alda, Bartlett and Ericson circuit, Richland and Silver Creek to be supplied. For Alda I secured Robert Daugherty. He has not accomplished all a recent issue of the Central credits him with, but he has done great things. He has gathered a scattered congregation that was riven, and he has collected ninety-seven dollars for benevolences where last year they had fifteen.
   For Bartlett and Ericson I found John H. Bishop. This man has not considered his own conveniences or comforts, but having put his hand to the plow, he has plowed through, not counting his life dear unto himself. He has done valiant work. There is work and welcome for such men.
   For Silver Creek, I have had a harder time to keep it supplied; the third man is there now. This will likely become a part of a circuit, as this seems the only plan possible.
   For Richland it has been worse still. Four different men have advanced on Richland this year, but it is still impregnable, with no promise of better things.
   Salaries.--Seven appointments have increased the pastor's salaries as follows: First Church, Grand Island, three hundred dollars; Purple Cane, two hundred and fifty dollars; North Bend, Schuyler, St. Edward, Archer and Wood River, one hundred dollars each, making a total increase of ten hundred and fifty dollars.

   Improvements.--Alda has put a new roof on the church; Cairo has put a new roof on the church, also painted church and parsonage. Belgrade has put new sills under the parsonage, and new floors in part of the house, graded the lot and started grass, making a very pleasing change in the appearance. The pastor, Brother Taft, himself showed others how to accomplish it by doing much of the work.
   The same is true of pastor M. W. Rose at Genoa. He has raised the parsonage and put an excellent cement basement the full length of the building, and the house itself has been remodeled into a beautiful six room cottage parsonage with nice porches on east and west side, at a cost of nine hundred seventy-five dollars.
   Greeley, where Romanism revels, has gone dry, and pastor W. R. Warren has been credited with being chief offender in bringing it to pass. And, as the saloon languishes, the church flourishes; he again became agitator and the parsonage has been improved with good cellar and front porch.
   St. Edward parsonage has been overhauled, rooms papered, furnace made new, premises and barn straightened up and new walk laid.
   First Church, Grand Island, has put in new furnace system, rearranged rooms and otherwise improved the parsonage.
   Columbus has installed electric system of lighting to supplant gas.
   Purple Cane has papered the church, installed new gas lighting system and put in new hymn books.
   New Churches.--North Bend, a desirable appointment, becomes "better yet," having built a beautiful new church worth seventy-five hundred dollars, without debt or dissention as an aftermath. This fine property was dedicated February 2nd by Bishop Bristol after a remarkable sermon. Nearly eight hundred dollars was raised in twenty minutes. In the afternoon Jacob Adriance, first preacher on the charge, and pioneer preacher of Nebraska and Colorado, addressed a large audience. In the evening Bishop Bristol again preached to a crowded house. One young man and two young women accepted Christ as a personal Saviour. Wm. Nichols, a loyal pillar in the church, rejoiced that he was spared to see the new church dedicated, but God spared him a little longer and he saw the last dollar paid. He now worships with the Church above. His home for years contained "The Prophet's Chamber," (2nd Kings 4:10). Brother Elliott, the pastor, showed himself a master in the arrangement of everything. No hitch, no hindrances; he is closing his fifth year with a united people, a strong official board, and no debts. What years must roll before North Bend will forget this good man and his family, his sorrows and his successes!
   Brother H. G. Parker is in a building enterprise at Cedar Rapids, and by his careful, business-like methods, has commended himself to the confidence of the whole town. The church will cost approximately four thousand dollars. Thirty-two hundred of this amount was cash

in the bank before ground was broken, and three hundred dollars have been added since. They expect to dedicate in November.
   The moving of Pierce chapel is the romance of church experiments on the district for this year; it has required much of my time and attention. For two years it has stood with doors locked, the premises overgrown with weeds. Vandals carried away the bell. The old problem born with the building of the church twenty-seven years ago was again agitated, moving it four miles northeast where the people were going to have a church even though an independent society be organized. I spent several days, going from house to house, meeting the people and talking with them to know the extent of their earnestness. They appointed canvassers for the expenses, who brought a subscription list of six hundred fifty dollars. The district committee on church location gave unanimous consent for the moving. It was moved four miles and newly -plastered throughout, painted inside and out, a new well dug, substantial hitching racks put in, a cement step and walks laid, and every dollar paid as it came due. After paying six hundred fifty dollars, a fine new piano was added and we had thirty dollars cash on hand when we came to dedication. This fine country church was dedicated August 17th, and will be an excellent supplement to Clarks appointment, seven miles away.
   Clarks has been sailing in troubled waters during the year, the pastor having resigned. But when a man refuses to comprehend what it involves to be an ambassador of "King of all Kingdoms," when he "craves the gain but despises the getting," when his self-valuation nauseates his supporters, when he demands preferment far beyond his merit, there is yet one thing he can do with commendation, that is quit.
   Favors.--C. W. Ray of Columbus was given two months vacation to visit Europe. Virgil C. Wright was given one month to visit the sunny south among the soul's scenes of his childhood days. George F. Mead of Scotia was given a month to spend among his relatives in Colorado. R. F. Shacklock of St. Edward wag given a purse of money and a vacation. He spent both with his family at Epworth Assembly. John Grant Shick of Fullerton was presented with a heavy- framed, leather upholstered rocking chair to remind him that he had grown another year older. He has merited it by his untiring devotion to the developing of the interests of Methodism. He has raised, actual cash, thirteen hundred seventy-five dollars on debts and improvements this year.
   St. Paul, Greeley, Schuyler, Central City, Purple Cane, Grand Island, First Church and Trinity all voted their pastors vacations, which they made use of in various ways.
   The people, the donors, are made bigger in heart, better in soul, fitter for service, by these kindnesses, and also become the beneficiaries themselves.
   District Meetings.--Early in November the pastors and district

stewards met in Central City to counsel together and plan the work, keeping in view revival meetings over the district, and how we could best benefit Nebraska Wesleyan. Chancellor Fulmer was with us and was very helpful and much appreciated.
   In May we had our district conference at Columbus. This was well attended, and well carried out by all who were assigned places on the program. A delightful banquet was served by the Methodist Brotherhood and Ladies' Aid Society of Columbus. Bishop Bristol was present and made the address on the closing evening. He so captivated them that the people of Columbus are longing for his return.
   The District Convention of the Epworth League was held at St. Paul, in June, and was very helpful to the delegates from all over the district.
   Revivals.--First Church, Grand Island; Fullerton, Genoa, Columbus, Central City, Munroe, Alda, St. Edward, Belgrade, and Walbach, have each held protracted meetings with varying degrees of success, running from three conversions at Belgrade to sixty-five at First church, Grand Island.
   Afflictions.--Brother J. H. McDonald's little boy was badly burned by fireworks and had to be hurried to the hospital in Omaha to save his eyesight. He is now fully recovered with nothing worse remaining to afflict him than a wholesome dread of fireworks.
   Brother Bing's daughter passed through a serious operation, but is now fully recovered.
   Brother J. F. Webster's wife has been ill much of the time, so much so that he will ask for supernumerary relation that he may be able to give her his undivided attention. He has wrought faithfully this year under trying circumstances.
   Twice I have been prevented from keeping appointments by blizzards and twice by rain storms; once lost in the sand hills. "Out of it all hath the Lord delivered us."
   No pastor has been taken by death, no pastor's wife, no pastor's child. What are our light afflictions when our dear ones are yet with us and ourselves spared to protect them and provide for them.
   Miscellaneous.--I have represented the Advocates on every charge on the district. The four appointments showing the greatest number of subscribers to the Advocates are: Central City, 52; Fullerton, 37; St. Paul, 24; and Scotia, 18. I think every appointment will show some increase.
   The district contributed approximately eight hundred dollars to the Omaha churches wrecked by the tornado, only three appointments on the district, failing to respond to the appeal.
   This year, in the main, has been just like other years. It has sunshine and shadow, joy and sorrows; songs of praise and mutterings of discontent. Some churches have grown, some have dwarfed. Some membership lists have grown longer and some shorter. To

some persons the vision of grateful, joyful service has enlarged, to others the vision has faded. Who but God will know in a few years which side of our dual nature we heeded the most.

Bishop F. M. Bristol, and Brethren of the Conference:
   Supplies.--With the opening of the year we had two charges, Marquette Circuit and O'Neill, to supply. We secured a pastor for O'Neill, H. J. Armitage, who had been disappointed in his plans for school, so decided to take work again. He now considers his disappointment providential, for he found himself a wife in the person of Miss Crouse, one of W. H. M. S. deaconesses. For Marquette Circuit we secured G. A. Almond, who came direct from England to the charge, and has been doing good work.
   Changes.--D. E. Moffett, who was appointed to Winnetoon, looked over the field, decided it was too big for him, and within two days promptly disappeared. T. B. Cave was transferred from the North Dakota Conference and stationed at Winnetoon. Shortly after conference J. A. Johnson had a severe attack of homesickness for his old conference, the Northwest Nebraska, and finding an opening he hastened to accept it. We supplied the pulpit as best we could until early in August, when Bishop Bristol transferred A. L. Norfleet from the Northwest Iowa Conference, and stationed him at Lynch.
   F. J. Aucock, on account of ill health, was not able to care for the work at Bristow, and W. N. Mecay, a student at Garrett Biblical Institute, supplied the charge from June until Conference time. Brother Aucock is now in good health, has taken unto himself a wife, and is ready for work again.
   C. L. Dix transferred to the Northwest Nebraska Conference in June, and that left Battle Creek without a pastor until the close of the year. Instead of becoming discouraged the Battle Creek church has asked to be made a station, and has made provision to support a pastor at a better salary than the entire charge paid before.
   Finances.--Half of the charges increased their estimate for salaries this year. Ministerial support has been increased on an average of over $2,000 annually for the last five years. More systematic business methods are making possible advances along all lines. The Disciplinary Financial Plan, with some modifications has been adopted on a majority of the charges, and is proving a success where worked.
   Debts.--Albion and Oakdale have paid up all their indebtedness this year, and Brunswick, Page, Marquette, and Tilden have reduced theirs. But for the crop conditions the last few years, about all of the indebtedness on the district would have been cleared up.

   Improvements.--McLean has just completed a new church, 30x40, with basement, at a cost of over $2,200. The building was dedicated free from debt, on September 7. This includes a donation to be received as soon as the credits to our conference will permit.
   Over $2,500 has been spent in finishing a basement under our church at Spencer, installing a furnace, and putting in new pews.
   Inman has also placed new pews in their church, and O'Neill has installed a furnace in theirs.
   A modern, nine-room parsonage has been built at Plainview, at a cost of over $3,300, nearly all of which is already provided.
   Plainview Circuit has also build a nine-room parsonage, modern in every way except the heating, at a cost of $2,250, which is all paid, and there remains a balance in the treasury.
   Albion has remodeled, enlarged, and made modern their parsonage, with all cost provided for.
   Lynch is in the midst of a remodeling and enlarging of their parsonage.
   District Meetings.--The District Ministerial Association was held at Lynch, was well attended, and proved very helpful and inspiring to all. Dr. Schreckengast's sermon and addresses to the ministers were greatly appreciated.
   The District Conference was held at Battle Creek and was attended by the laymen, who took an active part in the program. The District Conference on this district is one of the strong elements in unifying the connectional spirit of the church.
   Our Conference W. H. M. S. Convention, and that of the Neligh District were held at Albion, and were instructive and helpful.
   The District Epworth League Convention was held at Oakdale, and was one of the best attended and most helpful held in recent years. Dr. W. C. Clinton's lectures and addresses were especially instructive and inspiring.
   Departments.--The fifty-one Methodist Sunday Schools are doing good work and are better attended than ever before. The graded lessons are gaining more favor, and class organization is proving helpful in holding the scholars, and making the attendance more regular.
   The Epworth Leagues show a decided improvement over a year ago both in attendance and aggressive work. There are twenty-nine in all.
   The Junior Epworth Leagues are also making a better showing. We have some ideal chapters, but we fear the importance of this work is not appreciated by many. Teaching and training for experimental and practical Christianity are essential at this time. There are eleven Junior chapters at present.
   Brotherhoods have been organized on seven of the charges, with good results in interesting some men who have not been reached, and in giving work to some who had not been active.