One of the important agencies in carrying forward the work is the Ladies' Aid Societies, of which there are fifty-one on the district, all doing good work. There is one W. F. M. S., and seven W. H. M. Societies, all busy with their specific work.
   Periodicals.--The number of subscribers for the Central has much more than doubled this year, and should do the same next year. There has also been a decided increase in the number of Epworth Heralds taken.
   Practically all of our Sunday Schools are supplied with our own literature. This district has had for the past sixteen years a district paper, called the Messenger, which has been of inestimable value to the district in all its work. It is the medium through which the district superintendent reaches the Methodist homes. The subscription price is ten cents per annum, it prints no advertisements, except for Methodism, and they are free, yet it has no deficit in publishing expense, and has over 1200 subscribers.
   Benevolences.--This district has always been loyal to the benevolences. With the rapid increase in salaries, church membership, and property, it has made a corresponding increase in the benevolences, which has been commendable. The majority of the pastors will report all benevolences in full, and the total will be about $8,000.
   Deaths.--For the first time in a number of years, death has visited one of our parsonages and taken a pastor from his work. J. H. Thomas, pastor at Inman, while visiting at his sister's home during his vacation, suffered from an attack of appendicitis, which with other complications proved fatal on August 2nd. His bereaved widow will carry with her, to the home land, in England, the sympathy of his brethren of the conference.
   Revivals.--It has been our plan each year to emphasize some phase of the work, and thus engage the united effort of the district.
   This year it has been soul winning.
   We arranged with one of our conference evangelists, Gerriet Jansen, to give his entire time to the district under direction of a committee, he to be guaranteed a specific support. At the meeting of our Ministerial Association soon after conference, we adopted as our slogan, "1000 souls for Christ on the Neligh District this year."
   Prayer leagues were formed. Both pastors and laymen visited other charges to assist in the meetings. The prayer and revival spirit pervaded the whole district. Decisions were made in the regular services, at the Sunday school, in the prayer meeting, and at the quarterly meetings.
   Our district evangelist assisted in seventeen meetings, while the pastors, either alone, or with help, held thirty, making a total of forty-seven. Nearly every one recorded decisions. Every department of the church felt the quickening.
   Before ten months had passed we discovered that 1,000 souls, which at first seemed too large a number, was too small, for that

was already reached. Then we asked for 1,200, or 100 a month, and over 1,100 in all have been reported. These have not all united with our church. In some instances as many as eight or ten went to other churches, but we rejoice in the fact that they know our Christ.
   The year's work has satisfied us as to the effectiveness of a united campaign, the wisdom of employing a district evangelist, the value of a prayer league, and the fact that the revival meeting is still honored of God in the salvation of sinners.
   I fear there is a danger of our going about our work in a perfunctory sort of way. Souls; may yet be won for Christ if we will pay the price.
   As I look over the field, I can but say, in the words of another, "'So much to do, and so little done."
   Conclusion.--With devout thanksgiving to God, our Heavenly Father, the great giver of all good, for His unmerited mercies and unnumbered blessings throughout the year; and with heartfelt gratitude to my brethren of the ministry for their patient, earnest, and faithful cooperation; and with deep appreciation for the loyal support and consecrated devotion of the laity, I present this report.

Bishop Frank M. Bristol and Brethren:
   I beg leave to submit the following report of the work on the Norfolk District.
   The Pastoral Appointments have remained throughout the year as made at our last conference with two exceptions: Chas. W. Spry, a student in Morningside, was secured for the one charge left to be supplied and in the week following the adjournment of conference an exchange was effected whereby Rev. H. H. St. Louis of Pilger was transferred to the St. Louis Conference and stationed at Monet and Rev. Clinton Senneff of Monet was transferred to the North Nebraska Conference and stationed at Pilger.
   The charges have all had an immediate and a continuous pastoral supervision throughout the year except Rosalie, which has been without a pastor during the last quarter.
   The Health of the pastors and their families has been good with but few exceptions. In the month of March Rev. William Gorst, pastor at Wayne, found his health failing, physicians advised immediate and complete rest from all ministerial work. Accordingly the Official Board granted him a vacation for the remaining part of the year in hope that he might fully recover. Rev. P. R. Glotfelty of the Southern Illinois Conference and a Member of the Graduating

Class of 1913 in Garrett Biblical Institute, was secured to supply the work till conference. Rev. Roy Garlock, student pastor at Rosalie, on account of illness was compelled to give up the work in June.
   Deaths. Two of our pastors' homes have been visited by the angel of death. Rev. and Mrs. W. O. Romick mourn the death of their infant daughter. Martha, little daughter of Rev. and Mrs. E. J. T. Connely, slipped quietly away to be with God. "They shall be mine, saith Lord of Hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels."
   Congregations: The attendance upon the Sunday preaching services has been uniformly good, measuring up to that of other years and in some places going beyond it.
   Devotional Meetings: The Prayer Meeting is maintained by nearly all of the charges, but not largely attended as in the past. It still proves to be a helpful means of Grace toward deepening and keeping alive the spiritual life.
   The Class Meeting is maintained by about one-fourth of the charges, among these are some that have the "Old Time Ring."
   The Sunday School is the popular department of church work. There are 46 schools with an enrollment approximating 4,600 in the hands of competent officers and consecrated teachers. The Graded Lesson Work in whole or in part has been placed in the majority of the schools.
   The Epworth League has thirty-six chapters with approximately 860 members. This work has many discouraging features, while in some places it is ignored. Our Young People who "stay by the stuff" and are doing the best they can to keep the work progressing are to be commended.
   Junior League: There are but a few chapters but they are doing good work. The main difficulty in this work is to find workers, particularly superintendents. In most cases if the pastor's wife does not take up the work it goes untouched.
   Brotherhoods: There are seven organizations with several more charges that lay emphasis upon Men's Work along lines of Bible Study, Social and Finance.
   The Ladies' Aid has forty-three societies which during the year have expended in helpful ways to the advancement of the work $8,000.00.
   The W. H. M. S. has six auxiliaries with a membership of 136. Two Queen Esther Circles with a membership of forty-two. One Home Guard with a membership of sixteen. Two Mother's Jewels with a membership of eighteen. Total cash raised during the year $412.40 and supplies $197.00.
   The W. F. M. S. has nine auxiliaries with a membership of 190. Three Young Peoples' Societies with a membership of forty-nine. Total cash raised $510.00.

  Membership in twenty charges report a net gain of 300 and ten charges report a net decrease of 100 leaving a net gain of 200.
   Revivals: Beemer, Belden, Bloomfield, Central, Coleridge, Dakota City, Decatur, Dixon, Homer, Laurel, Liberty, Lyons, Madison, Maskel, Norfolk, Pender and Thurston, Pilger, Ponca and Martinsburg, South Sioux City, Walthill, Wakefield, Wayne, Wynot, have held revival services and report 285 conversions with 240 accessions to the church. In most of the meetings the pastor or a neighboring pastor was the evangelist.
   Christian Living: There are many beautiful examples of such on the part of both the ministry and the laity, the spirit of obedience to God's will, the response to the call of duty, the sacrifice of personal ease and pleasure, the giving of time, effort and money to that point where it sometimes pinches, the attempt to make the Gospel of Christ a practical one, and to crystalize (sic) it into forms of loving and helpful deeds are indicative of a growing piety such as this .sinful world needs.
   Literature: Eleven pastors have recommended to their young people some forty different books as wholesome and helpful reading. There are 400 Centrals taken; 200 of these are new subscribers secured during the year.
   Pastoral Support: There has been a marked improvement in the method of handling of the finances, which bids fair to continue till it reaches every charge. Most of the charges have paid their pastor's salaries and the other expenses with a commendable degree of promptness.
   The following Charges: Allen, Belden, Central Circuit, Homer, Madison, Maskel, Norfolk, Thurston, Wakefield, Waterbury, Winside, Wisner, added to their pastoral support a total sum of $1,460.00, while three charges reduced their pastoral support by a total sum of $210.00, leaving a net increase of $1,250.00.
   Benovolences: While they will doubtless be somewhat in advance over those of last year, yet I fear that they will not measure up to the expectations of the pastors and the churches. The "Every Member Canvass Plan" was used in a number of the charges, and while this plan involves some organizing and considerable work, yet it has given general satisfaction where fairly tried out. With this plan better understood, more generally adopted, and honestly worked our Benevolent Causes will be cared for.
   New Buildings: Randolph charge completed a new church, modern throughout, at a cost of $15,370.00. Rose Hill appointment on the Central Circuit built a fine rural church at a cost of $2,000.00. The Carroll charge has begun a new church which is estimated to cost $12,000.00.
   Dakota City charge has built a new Parsonage at a cost of $2,100.00. Stanton charge has just finished a new parsonage at a

cost of $4,000.00., Wynot charge has begun a new parsonage which is estimated to cost $1,700.00.
   Improvements: The following charges have made improvements or repairs on church or parsonage property: Allen, Beemer, Blackbird, Bloomfield, Coleridge, Creston, Decatur, Dixon, Hartington, Homer, Laurel, Lyons, Madison, Norfolk, Pilger, Ponca and Martinsburg, Wakefield, Walthill, Wausa, Wayne, Winside, and Wynot, at a total cost of $3,000.00
   Paid on Indebtedness: Allen, Decatur, Dixon, Hartington, Laurel, Pilger, Madison, Walthill, Wisner, Wynot, and South Sioux City, have paid a total amount on indebtedness of $2,200.00.
   Present Indebtedness is approximately $7,100.00, of which $5,900.00 is owing by five charges on church property and $1,200.00 is owing by two charges on parsonage property.
   So far as I know there will be few if any charges which have a floating indebtedness, there has been a persistent effort to have all such out of the way for the new year.
   Property Sold: The property at Crofton has been sold for $1,500.00 and as soon as the trustees can make final transfer of title and settle such claims as should be paid out arising from such sale they will remit the balance to the Treasurer of the Board of Conference trustees in compliance with the Disciplinary requirements.
   In Conclusion: Whatever of success has come to the work this year, is largely due to the faithful leadership of the pastors and the work of the host of loyal people who have nobly responded to their appeals and direction. I humbly submit this report--a leaf torn from the book of their lives.

Bishop Bristol and Brethren:
   Ministerial Supply.--There are at present thirty-three charges on the Omaha District. Six of these are quite weak. Four appointments were left to be supplied last conference, for which the following brethren were secured as pastors: At Arizona and Pleasant Home, R. J. Thomas, a Congregational minister temporarily out of a pulpit; at Craig and Alder Grove, J. W. Henderson, by transfer from the West Nebraska Conference; at Ralston and West Side, H. K. P. Cornish, a young local preacher. In midyear W. W. Whitman was appointed pastor at Douglas, Wyoming, thus making a vancancy (sic) at Hirst Memorial. H. E. Hess of the Indiana Conference, just graduated from Boston University School of Theology, was secured for the vacancy.
   No fatal illness has visited any of our parsonages this year.

The men of Omaha District have worked loyally and faithfully, some in the face of almost overwhelming calamity. A fair degree of success and prosperity marks all of the work.
   At Oakland our pastor, Brother W. N. Wallis and his good wife are to be congratulated upon the arrival of a daughter, born in July. At Fremont, the pastor, Brother F. M. Sisson, was married by the district superintendent to Mrs. Mary Mahanna, a devout and highly esteemed member of the Fremont church.
   Membership and Organizations.--Only a small net increase in membership can be reported this year. Some churches have made good growth, others have stood still or lost ground. Helpful revivals were held in a few places and the Sunday school field is being cultivated as never before. Rigid honesty in the keeping of membership rolls accounts in part for the meager increase in church membership. Our Sunday schools are for the most part well organized, though lack of teachers cripples us in some churches. The graded lessons are now being thoroughly worked and giving unqualified satisfaction. Organized Bible classes are on the increase and are proving a great help in Sunday school and church work. The Epworth League has taken on new life in many quarters and is doing a kind of work much needed. The league flourishes in nearly every place where the pastor takes a sincere interest in the young people. The Ladies' Aid Society continues to be a vital factor in the social and financial interests of the church. What money raisers these good women are! It is to be regretted that so frequently the Aid Societies have to use their funds to pay the pastors' salaries. Such ought not to be. They have enterprises of parsonage improvement and neighborhood philanthropy in which to use every cent they raise. The Methodist Brotherhood continues to grow, and is cultivating the co-operative spirit among the men of the church. W. F. M. S. and W. H. M. S. have not made the progress on the district that might be desired, but they are steadily gaining. The women on every charge would get much good and no harm from pursuing the courses of study offered by these societies. Incidentally, the missionary offerings would be increased. In this new era of administration, no institution should be brought more prominently to the fore than the Official Board. Our pastors should look to it that their officiary are organized into Official Boards and that these boards have a regular meeting night at least once a month. The church and community respect the pastor who has a proper appreciation of the business interests of the church and who insists on good business methods. Nothing is lost by consulting frequently with the laymen who carry the business burdens of the church.
   Property Improvement.--Improvements have been made on church and parsonage property aggregating about eight thousand dollars, this does not include restoration of the churches damaged or destroyed

by the tornado. Such will be reported elsewhere, Improvements were made on the following charges: Hooper, $2,000; Craig, $1,500; Dietz Memorial, $1,400; Ralston, $1,200; Springfield, (debt raising), $535; Lefler Memorial, $322; Tekamah, $300; West Side Chapel, $300; Hanscom Park, $250; Kennard, $200; Richfield, $104; Blair, $80; Pearl Memorial, $35. The old Seward Street church, whose membership was consolidated with Walnut Hill, has been transferred to our colored brethren of the Lincoln Conference of the Methodist Episcopal church; consideration, $3,500. They now have a rapidly growing negro congregation there, and as negroes are constantly moving into that part of the city, the prospect for a strong church is good. Special credit is due Brother H. J. Grove, president of the Omaha Methodist Union, for making it financially possible for the colored people to secure this building. In South Omaha the new building for First church is progressing rapidly. The walls are nearly up, and Brother J. W. Kirkpatrick and his board expect to have the roof on and all inclosed by November 1st.
   Tornado and Tornado Relief.--The story of the tornado need not to be retold here. Suffice it to say that Easter Sunday, March 23rd, 1913, will never be forgotten in Omaha. The green mound in the cemetery and the vacant chair at many firesides will be most poignant reminders to not a few. McCabe church will not soon forget the voice of young Cassius Shinier, nor how he sang in the Easter morning service, little dreaming it was to be his last service with the choir. Nor will Pearl Memorial soon forget Clifford Daniels, choir leader and Christian worker, who led so joyously in Easter song at the morning service, and by nightfall with wife and daughters was wrapt in death. The prayers of the church will follow the lonely young Clifford Daniels, sole survivor of the family. These are the points where the storm most vitally touch Omaha Methodism. But if the tornado will long be remembered, even longer will be remembered the generous sympathy and relief that came to stricken Omaha. From city, hamlet and farm, gifts of money, clothing, food and furniture poured in. The appeal of the Conference Board of Home Missions and Church Extension for our stricken churches was generously responded to. When the drouth in some sections is considered, the giving represents heroic sacrifice. The total fund for the restoration of Methodist churches amounts at present to $6,087.65. The work of restoration has gone steadily forward. Trinity church, under the leadership of Brother Thomas Bithell, has been restored, not as it was, but nearly so, at an expense of $6,000. So far they have received $2,568.33 from the relief fund. McCabe has not begun to rebuild but is making the best use it can of the damaged building. The reason for the delay is that a feeling has grown up that the new McCabe must be a much better church than the old. This society has always been at a disadvantage because of the narrowness of the lot upon which the church was located The demolishing of a dwell-

ing by the tornado, threw on the market at a sacrifie (sic) figure the lots just west of the church. Brother Underwood and his alert trustees bought the ground. No one who looks the situation over with an eye to future Methodism in the growing district beyond Forty-First and Farnam, can doubt the wisdom of the purchase. McCabe has up to date received $2,067.79 from the relief fund. Southwest Chapel is to be rebuilt, work on the basement being already under way. This church was entirely destroyed by the tornado. The new church will be of concrete blocks costing about $3,000. They have received up to the prsent (sic) time, $1.050.00 from the relief fund. Ralston, though the church building was not damaged, was so crippled by the loss of its industries for four or five months that relief of $100 from the relief fund was given the church on pastoral support. In addition, all of the above churches received aid from the general Board of Home Missions and Church Extension at Philadelphia, appropriated out of funds collected by the Board for tornado and flood relief. Deepest the profoundest thanks are hereby expressed in behalf of the stricken churches, to those generous congregations and individuals who gave so liberally for restoration work. Those Methodist preachers and district superintendents who made the appeals in Omaha's behalf will ever be remembered in special gratitude. They strengthened the bonds of fraternity by entering into the "fellowship of our suffering." At this date it is not possible to give a complete report of the relief fund, as money is still coming in. A full report will later be prepared and we hope a sufficient number of copies made, that all may obtain one.
   Institutions.--Nebraska Methodist Hospital has had a good, though eventful year. Standing as it did near the scene of some of the worst devastation by the tornado, our hospital seemed like a haven of God to the wounded and homeless. Though damaged by the storm in the matter of broken windows, this sturdy building stood unshaken. The new wing is now nearly completed and will in a few weeks be ready for occupancy. Dollars invested in this institution will add much to the effectiveness of Methodism throughout the state.
   Crowell Memorial Home is taking good care of about fourteen inmates. None of these are retired ministers, but they are retired and worthy laymen and laywomen of Methodism. Brother Wm. Esplin and Mrs. Esplin are giving splendid satisfaction both to inmates and board of trustees and have been engaged for another year if the Bishop will so direct. It is to be hoped that this worthy institution may receive the larger consideration it deserves. It is ready for an advance in equipment and resources,--in fact must make decided advance if it meets the situation.
   Omaha Methodist Union continues to be the faithful helper of struggling city missions. This year, because of the tornado and consequent relief work, money has been hard to get for our city work. The headquarters maintained by this society in the Omaha National

Bank Building, with offices for the resident Bishop and district superintendent, have been freely used by ministers and laymen.
   Miscellaneous.--Early in the conference year, Omaha heard the appeal of Bishop Lewis in behalf of the debt of the Board of Foreign Missions and nearly $500 were contributed by the churches. During the year two widely known and influential laymen on the Omaha District have been taken away by death. They are Mr. R. B. Schneider of Fremont, Nebraska, member of the firm of Nye Schneider Fowler Co., and Honorable Ralph W. Breckenridge, a prominent attorney of Omaha. Both were lovers of the church, and will be greatly missed. In the withering drought that afflicted Nebraska, Omaha District fares better than some regions. The wheat yield was splendid. The corn crop will be less than half but is good for this year. On the whole we have cause for devout thanksgiving. On the proposition to provide a pastor for Methodist young people at the State University, the quarterly conferences on the Omaha District have voted unanimously in the affirmative. The campaign for the Central Christian Advocate has met a generous response. Every charge has made a healthy increase. Some few have increased two and three hundred per cent. For the most part benevolent collections will be about as they were last year.

Bishop Bristol and Brethren:
   With profoundest gratitude to our Heavenly Father, I bring to you this brief account of the Acts of the Preachers on the Holdrege District, and other things that have been going on among our people. It has been said that if ever there was a book written on the Resolutions of the Apostles, it perished long since. So mote it be with our best resolutions, unless they crystallize into holy living and heroic service.
   This year will go down in history as one of the severest through which our people have been called to pass. For five consecutive years, and in some parts seven, dry summers and scorching winds have blighted the fields where the humble toilers have sown and tilled, with no Pharaoh to dream and Joseph to foretell the seven years of famine. With scarcely wheat enough to pay the expense of cutting and corn a total failure, it looks discouraging enough. Nothing, scarcely is raised; not even the preachers can raise "Cane" out there. But, notwithstanding crop failures and financial depression, and consequent loss by removal, we are still there doing business. We are holding the ground where others have failed, and not a post has been abandoned. The Lord must have had the Methodist Itinerant in

view when he said "The poor you have always with you," for, in spite of drought and devastation, the country is yet full of Methodists and grasshoppers, awaiting another crop.
   Changes.--Brother A. C. Spencer was transferred out immediately after Conference, leaving Oxford vacant. With consent of Bishop McConnell, I changed C. A. Norlin from Hildreth and appointed him to Oxford. He has given splendid satisfaction. Axtell was detached from Wilcox and Hildreth annexed thereto. Brother May has served both charges with great acceptability. Brother Carman of Minden has supplied Axtell on Sunday afternoon, preaching to good congregations. Lowell Circuit was left to be supplied. I secured the transfer of H. C. Burrows, a probationer in the Dakota Conference, who was appointed to Lowell about the first of January. He has done good work. Brother John Gallagher, a retired member of this Conference, appointed as supply at Edison, was compelled by impaired health to relinquish the work about the middle of the year, and the place has been temporarily supplied since. Will J. Miller suddenly gave up his charge at Bartley in the middle of the year and left for Canada. His case will go before the Committee on Conference Relations. Have cared for Bartley best I could. With these changes, the work has gone on harmoniously and with commendable zeal on the part of both pastors and people.
   Deaths.--Sister Luella Jane Carman, beloved wife of Merrill B. Carman, pastor at Minden, after thirteen years of toil side by side with her husband in the Itinerant ministry, and after suffering for several weeks, passed to her Heavenly home, August 20th. She was loved in life and lamented in death by a large circle of friends. The funeral was attended by the district superintendent, several neighboring pastors, and a multitude of friends from far and near. The floral contributions were evidence of the high esteem in which she was held by people both at Minden and the many other towns and communities represented at the service. Brother Carman has the brotherly sympathy and prayer of this conference, both for himself and the stricken family. Brother Harvey Anderson was recently called to the bedside of a sick child in Canada, where his wife was visiting her old home, and reports that two of the children have been called away by the angel of death. May God's richest blessing be upon these stricken parents. C. S. Hawley, our pastor at Alma, and secretary of the West Nebraska Conference, was stricken down in early spring with a cancerous tumor, and is now lingering near the borderland. Brother Hawley is one of the purest and best of men, and his going from us is a distinct loss. We bespeak for him and his devoted wife the prayer of this entire Conference.
   Building and Improving.--Early in the year, L. E. Lewis and his people began the erection of a new parsonage at Republican City, which was completed before the close of the winter. In most respects it is

the best preacher's home in the District. Strictly modern and complete in every part, costing some $2,500, and all paid for. The pastor supervised the work, helping with his own hands. On the Riverton charge, Brother Gibbs, after a good revival at Lohff Creek, began plans for a new church, which enterprise was brought to a completion and the building dedicated June 29th. That prince of preachers, Dr. John Harman, President of McKendree College, dedicated the church, free of debt, raising the last $600 in just seventeen minutes. The church, and in fact the whole circuit, under a sane and spiritual pastor, lives in a continuous spirit of revival. At McCook our church has undergone extensive repairs and improvements, amounting to some $1,500. The basement has been finished up and remodeled, with recoping of the walls and extension of the roof, with interior newly decorated and a new system of lighting put in. All adding greatly to the appearance and convenience of the property. Holdrege has repaired and redecorated the church at a cost of some $300.00. More or less extensive repairs have been made on property at several other places.
   Evangelism.--Some of the pastors began early in the year to plan for revival work, and many were rewarded with good success. The following places were especially blessed: Hildreth, 65 conversions; Ragan, 75; Beaver City, 75; Cambridge, 25; Republican City, 35; Lowell, 25; Riverton records 15 more. More or less extensive meetings were held in nearly all the charges. The district superintendent held tent meetings at Newark on the Lowell Circuit in May, with some fifteen conversions, and the District Camp Meeting was held at Wilsonville, in June, with good results. In all, there have been nearly 500 conversions, with an ingathering of at least 400 members, and I think the report will show a substantial increase in membership. Two weeks ago six young people were converted at one of our quarterly meeting services. Surely the field is always ripe for harvest.
   Benevolences.--Owing to the repeated failure of crops and financial depression, the benevolences will not measure up to former years, though some charges will make a splendid showing. I fear we shall fall below the offerings of last year. Wesleyan University deserves more earnest consideration at the hands of both pastors and people. I have urged the pastors so far as possible to get the claims of the Institution in before Christmas holidays are over, and thus leave the way clear for our connectional benevolences. It is the best time to do it. The Hospital has had due consideration in most places, I think. On the whole pastors have been faithful in spirit to benevolences.
   The Country Church.--One problem that gives me deep concern is the rural church. There are difficulties our fathers never knew. The automobile, country folk visitation, and big dinners, are a hindrance to our work in rural districts. There are whole districts, and even townships, without preaching services of any kind. We need local

preachers and lay workers to help us occupy these fields. If we could enlist some of out laymen in Gospel team work on the Lord's day, it would help to solve the problem. We need at least $500 for Holdrege District, in order to develop this work in unoccupied fields. I wish I could be released from the regular work for at least three months in the middle of the year to travel through and study and develop our outlying districts. In view of our financial condition, growing out of the successive crop failures, we feel compelled to ask for special consideration in the distribution of our Home Missionary Funds.
   Wickedness In High Places.--First among these is the American Saloon; that pirate upon the high seas of commerce; that diabolical institution perpetrated on a Christian nation and fostered by a Christian government; that power that muddles politics; demoralizes business; wrecks the homes; destroys manhood; laughs at virtue; defies the church of the Living God; struts up and down the arena like a Goliath of old, flaunting its colors and saying, "Give me a man." May the great God of Heaven raise up a leader, as in the olden times, and in the crises of our own nation, who will be able to crystallize public sentiment and lead our forces to victory. We have had several municipal battles, winning in some places, losing in others, but every pastor stood firm and made his influence felt for good. The rum traffic does not like the Methodist preacher, thank God. We are also demoralized in some communities by the Sunday baseball. The rum crowd, the sports, and a few weak-kneed Christians are always there. I predict that if this game, worthy in itself and popular with the people, if it's friends are going to trample on the laws of God and the conscience of the Christian community, it's doom is sealed, and it will soon go the way of the race track, prize fights and other Godless diversions.
   There are other social evils that are making inroads upon the church, but generally our people are loyal. The pastors, I think, have done their whole duty and warned the people day and night, with tears, as did that first great Methodist Itinerant preacher, St. Paul the Apostle. Some churches may foster certain amusements, so-called popular, but the world itself has little confidence in card playing, dancing Methodists. Life is too serious, and times call for nothing less than a full measure of faith and consecration to God.
   For myself, I never felt prouder of the old church than today, after thirty years of service. Our pastors stand where others have failed; our noble laymen are loyal amidst severest trials. God has met them at the Altars of the church and been with them in the family circle, and many of their children have been lead to the Saviour.
   Bishop, I commend to you these preachers of the Holdrege district. They have been faithful, without exception, and are here to receive whatever in the providence of God may fall to their lot. I could not say, if I would, all that is in my heart. I have sometimes

thought, when sleep has taken it's flight; thought of these humble toilers, and rejoiced with them in their victories and wept with them in their sorrows, I would rather cast my lot with these comrades of the Cross than to sit at the court of kings.
   Happy, if with my latest breath, I may but gasp His name;
   Preach Him to all, and cry in death, Behold, behold, the Lamb.

Dear Bishop and Brethren:
   In making this my report to the first session of the Nebraska Conference, we desire first to record our profound gratitude to Almighty God for sparing our lives, and for His loving kindness in giving us continued health and strength to prosecute our work. The robe has preceded our merits. God's smile has not waited for our well doing. His smile we have had unwon. His favor has outrun our day. To Him must be given all the honor and credit and praise for whatever good may have resulted from our poor, imperfect efforts. In the same breath we beg sincerely and humbly to express our thanks to the pastors, their wives and the churches. My associations with the pastors and people has been pleasant, and I pray that the Master may have found something in that association that he can use for the helpfulness of some one.
   It hath pleased our Heavenly Father to protect the homes and lives of our pastors from disaster, serious sickness and death. Only in our own home has occurred any serious sickness. One of our daughters passed through a critical operation, and I have been permitted to test the efficiency and spirit of our splendid hospital at Omaha.
   To my mind there is no institution that demonstrates the principles of Christianity and occupies a place of greater importance to our church than the Methodist Hospital at Omaha.
   I was appointed to the District one year ago, and found all the charges supplied except Ord Circuit, one of our best circuits. The fourth quarterly conference of last year requested that they be left without a pastor and the request (strange to say) was granted. Early in the year I visited the charge and tried to persuade them to accept a pastor, but to no avail; so it has gone through the year and so remains to this day.
   Trinity Church, Kearney.--Believing this church has no mission I did not appoint a pastor to it and recommend its discontinuance.
   Ringold.--This charge was left to be supplied. Upon investigation I found a little church building and one man and his wife who

were members. Upon my advice their membership was transferred to Cozad, and lately the house has been sold and I have $166.00 to be turned over to this conference, and I would recommend that the money go to Buryn church. This church was totally destroyed by a windstorm on the night of July 6th. The membership is small and not wealthy, but plucky, and are building and should have help.
   Whitman.--Why Whitman should have been put on the map as a charge I do not know. I announced to begin my work at Whitman--was requested by the man who was appointed there not to come as there was not anything at all there. Later he wrote me that he had organized and had all the officers appointed and elected to make a church, and asked for my assistance in securing help from the Church Extension Board to build. Later I went but found no church organization and but one Methodist, (a teacher in the public schools), and could hear but of one other, (she was out of town). There was no pastor to greet me. About three months ago I received a letter from the preacher saying "He had surrendered the charge and moved away.
   Riverdale and Hamherst.--This charge has been unfortunate in keeping its preachers. But Brother Erastus Smith came in time of need and filled out the year with satisfaction.
   Gandy.--After six months at the request of the church and by the consent of the pastor the charge was declared vacant.
   The Remaining Charges have all been served according to appointment throughout the year and in most cases the pastors have been earnest, faithful and zealous in the prosecution of their work, and upon the whole have had the co-operation of as noble and splendid laymen and laywomen as can be found anywhere, men and women who love the church as they love their lives.
   The Epworth League.--The Senior and Junior Leagues are being maintained in almost every charge, and while now and then you will find some brethren who will say: "The young people are not doing a thing for the Kingdom," I know that it is not true. Our young people are looking on the world through Christ's eyes and taking their place in Christ's league of pity as their fathers never dreamed of doing.
   The Sunday Schools are perhaps our greatest supplementary force. All of them are using our own publications and many of them the graded lessons. The reports will show that they are increasing in numbers all over the district.
   Ladies' Aid.--They are to be found everywhere, as a rule keeping the church and parsonage property in repair, paying largely on church debts, contributing to the benevolences, and helping on the pastors' salaries. Their reports at the last quarterly conference were about as follows: "Amount taken in for year; Amount paid out for the year; Amount in treasury at present time $$$$$. I do not

 know what the church would do without the Ladies' Aid Society. God bless the women of Methodism.
   Salaries and Benevolences.--Only in one instance was the salary of a pastor lowered and in many they were increased, and reports will show that in most instances they are paid. In some instances there will be an increase in benevolences, especially where the pastor took up the collections early in the year, as every pastor ought to do, in other instances where they delayed the matter to see what the crops would do there may be a falling off. There has been a goodly increase in the number of church periodicals: 140 last year, 540 this year. Always where the pastor has done his duty.
   Church Property.--February 23rd, at Ord we dedicated one of the most beautiful church buildings that can be found anywhere. It is 63 by 85 feet, library style, pressed brick and stone, tile roof, finished in oak, full basement, equipped for Sunday school work; a ladies' parlor, Epworth League room, gallery, and the entire building heated with steam. This beautiful and commodious house of the Lord only cost $25,000, and on the day of dedication the people responded liberally and subscribed $9,500, which covered all indebtedness with a good margin.
   Sargent.--August 10th we dedicated the new church at Sargent. The building is of pressed brick with artificial stone trimmings, 54 by 66 feet, with a full basement arranged specially for work of the primary department of the Sabbath school. The auditorium is 40 by 24 feet with chapel connected by rolling partitions, and a pastor's study which is delightful. This building is heated throughout with steam, and cost $12,370. On the day of dedication there remained to be raised $5,500. With joy and gladness the congregation contributed $6,600.
   Gothenburg.--July 20th, we laid the corner stone of the new church building under construction here. This church is being built of gray pressed brick in the Ionic Classic style, and when completed will be beautiful and commodious. The finances are well in hand and the church will be ready for dedication in the near future. There has been something like $1,200 paid on old indebtedness. For improvement of church and parsonage property more than $1,500 has been expended. All our property in this District is well insured.
   Revivals and Membership.--For the most part the pastor has been his own evangelist and there have been some good meetings reported. We do not believe that there is any way of saving men and women only the new way of the Cross, and that means conviction, repentance, faith, clean life and the blood of the covenant. But this is the old way and the sooner we return to it the better. We have suffered greatly by removals--Oregon, Washington, and California as a rule gaining by our loss, but the strong should help the weak and

so we rejoice in this also. Reports will show an increase of membership notwithstanding.
   The Stork has been making the usual rounds and to curry favor with the "Preacher folks" has called at five of the parsonages and left little girl cherubs, the Lord's own, and lambs of His flock--how they gladden the hearts of father and mother. One of these little cherubs is said to favor the District Superintendent. In every way this has been the most interesting, helpful and profitable year to preachers and people I have ever spent upon a district.
   Now, Bishop, I bring to you this desire upon the part of the people. They want you to send them preachers next year who will radiate smiles, knowledge, and success; who will think until they get the think habit; preachers who will dig, stick, believe and win.
   Glad for the successes and sorry for the failures and hopeful for the future, I am yours,

Dear Bishop and Brethren:
   I bring to you a brief report covering the work of the church in the North Platte District during the past year.
   When appointed to this district by Bishop McConnell one year ago, I found four charges without pastors. They were supplied as soon as possible in the year. Twelve pastors who were to move were soon on their new fields, and the work was begun. Most of the men have proven themselves masters of the situation and have succeeded admirably.
   Early in the year we undertook to make a house to house canvass of the entire district. Each pastor was to work his own field. This was not faithfully done by all, yet the men who did complete their part were rewarded by a substantial increase in church attendance, also by an increase in church membership. One pastor received 47 into the church as a direct result of such a canvass. Another pastor found in a home a young lady of eighteen years who had never been inside a church building and had lived within five miles of the church and town all this time.
   Bishop, I have always been a believer in pastoral visitation when it is properly done,--Therefore, I have urged the pastors of the North Platte District to faithfulness: along the lines of ministerial duty and opportunity. Now at the close of the year my faith in this regard is strengthened. I find that the men reporting the greatest ingatherings into the church have also reported by far the largest number of pastoral visits. Likewise those reporting a decrease in membership also report but few pastoral calls. The people are within reach; we must know enough to go after them.

   In the main the men have been faithfully looking after the interests of the kingdom.
   The churches have responded well to our appeal along every line of activity.

   An increase of $1900.00 was made in pastoral support and I think only a few charges will fail to pay in full. I find a willingness on the part of the congregation to pay for what they receive.

   The benevolences of the church have all been presented and the pastors will report an increase over last year, some churches having doubled their offerings. The drought has been felt over a large part of the district but we have encouraged the people to keep a glad heart, to sing a joyful song, to remember God is on the throne, and to bring their gifts to him. So they have come.

   Improvements have been made where necessary. A new church has been built at a cost of $2800.00 at Oshkosh, now a part of the Northwest Conference. The following churches have been improved at a total cost of $2300.00; Scotts Bluff, Gearing (sic), Bayard, Ogalalla, Elwood, Elsie, Kimball, Lodge Pole, Hershey, and Brady. At Curtis a modern eight-roomed parsonage has been erected at a cost of $2500.00, all of which has been paid or provided for. There is not to exceed $1200.00 of indebtedness remaining on the district, This has been an unusual time of debt paying.

   The Ladies Aid Societies are all well organized over the district and are doing splendidly in aiding the work of the church in the sum of $4200.00, and in addition to this, are in many places the social center of the church.

   The Woman's Home and Foreign Missionary Societies are active in some of the churches but are not as well organized as I wish they were.

   There are Epworth Leagues in almost every charge and where properly cared for, their work is proving to be of great value. The Junior work is too frequently neglected, and chiefly for want of consecrated workers, people who are willing to make sacrifices of time to do this much needed work. The District League Convention was held at Bertrand, May 27th and 28th. A good program was given and a large body of Epworthians were present.

   We have but one Brotherhood within the bounds of the district. This is at North Platte. This Brotherhood entertained the Ministerial Association of the District, and did it well. Bishop Bristol was our distinguished guest and preached to the delight and uplift of a large audience in the church, then after the banquet, which was served in the Masonic Hall, gave an inspiring address to men.

   The Sunday School is one of the strongest arms of the church. Here the people find a large field for work and are making splendid advancement. The schools are well organized, supplied with the latest equipment, and are following modern methods. Only a few are not using our own supplies. An increase of 400 is reported in the Sunday schools. Decision day was observed by many with gratifying results.

   The Dollar Central Christian Advocate met with favor. The canvass resulted in more than doubling the circulation. The church at Sidney placed one in each home represented in the church, 64 in all.

   In most of the churches special meetings were held. The pastors in most cases did their own preaching. The results were not what we had hoped for; perhaps we were not willing to pay the price. In some churches great victory was realized. The increase for the year in membership will be above 400, but when we consider that one fourth the people in western Nebraska prefer the Methodist church, this is a small showing. The need of every church. in the District is a genuine revival.

   God has been good to us. No parsonage home has been visited by death. Some have had sickness, but recoverey (sic) has been speedy in most every case. The best of Christian fellowship has existed between us brethren. I have tried to keep in closest touch with each pastor and his. work. I have visited each charge four times during the year, have preached to each of the 78 congregations on the district, conducting 317 services. Have done my best to be a leader in every movement; how well I have succeeded, God knows, and you are to be the judge.
   Bishop, there are fine people in western Nebraska; none more worthy or loyal are to be found, and they love the church and are willing to make sacrifice for Christ's sake.

B. F. GAITHER.