lJ~ ~\ 53 d

!lINUTE8 OF TlI&

FIRST SESSIC)N

OF TilE

MEXICO ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF TilE

~rEXlCO CITY~ .JA~. 1:)-1~1. 1,\~.~ •.

EDITJW UY

S.urrEL P CHAVEH, ENGLI~ll ~Jo:C1lET.\HY.

AND ADOPTED

BY THE CO:~FERENC~~ Af'. TIII<: OFFICL\l. HECORD OF 11'1' PHO<:EEI>l~(;:':.

~J E:X I C () : ~rET[JO!}I~'l' EPISCOPAL ~JlSSJO~ PHI~SS.

OFFICERS OF THE CO:\TFERENCE.

PRESIDENT,

BISHOP WILLIAM L. HARRIS, D. D., LL. D.

SECRETARIEf'\:

ENGJ,ISH SECRETAUy-SAMUEL P. CRAVEH, QUEUETARO,

~PANISH SECRETARy-CONRADO A. GAMBOA, GUANAJUATO,

ASSISTANT-SIMON LOZA, ORIZ..\.BA,

STATISTICAL SECRETARy-DUSTON KEMBLE, Sn.Ao.

TO PUBLISH CONFERENCE MINUTES:

THE SECRETARIES

AND ;0;

.Jorr~ W BGTLER, PUBI.ISIIlNG AGENT.

M E CnU~C:H

~~ \..\f8R~,~~ !J:tt~-::-

ST,-\};DIXG CO)IJIITTEES.

1. PCBLIC \VOHSHIP. J. "r B:ltler, AlHII1t1io TO\'ltl" C. "\V- Drees.

If. EDUCATIUN. S. P. Ora.ver, O. A. Gamhoa., Simon Lo· za, Abundio TovHr.

III. SELF-SCPPORT. O. A. G,tlnho:t, S. P. Ora\Tcl', C. W Drees.

I\T SABBATH OBSF.RVANCE. J, M. ElIl',)l';ct, A. \Y G!,pell man, P. F. Valderrama.

V 'l'r~)IPERANCffi. A. 'Y. GI'eenman, C. A. G,lIl1\)Oll,

Abllndio Tovar. VI. BIBLE AND TRACTS. S. P Oraver, Simon l,ozH, .\~IIS·

ti n Palacios. VIr. SUNDAY SCHoau". p, F. V,tl(let'!'am"l, J. \Y B Itlt!!',

S. P. Craver. VIII. ·WORLDLY AMUSEMENTS. Duston Kemble, ,J. ~I. Ell

roza, S. \V Siberts. I X. To VISIT THEOLOGICA L SEYIN A J{Y. SlInOll L()~a,

Duston Kemble, 1. 'Y Butler', X. To VISIT GIRLS' ORPHANAGE. S, 'V. Sibert.s, Agllf.:till

Pulacios, Abnndio 'Tovar. XI. EX.,uIINATIONS.

For ~'\dmifilRion on Trial. A. ,r Gre!~IlIl1:1Il, S'irnull rJoza.

First Year. SeC!ond Year. 'l'hi I'd Year.

J }L .Ellroza, S. P Craver U. A. Gamboa, J, \V Ell tiel'.

S. \Y Siherts, S. P Craver. FOllrth Year. C. W Drees, Agnstin Palaeioi!,

To PltEACII AXNUAL MTssro~.o\.JlY SEI:~lON. Ahlllltlio ']'O\'lIr".

nCtES OF OltDEH.

ART. 1. After the customary religiolls (~xe1"l~h.e!', 1he Secretaries in tum shall read the miuutes 'Of the previous session for correction and approval.

ART. 2. No motion shall be admitted for discussion unless it has first been seconded.

ART. 3. All Tesolutions !"hall be presented in writin/!. I\S well as all other motions when the President or !Secretaries shall ask it.

ART. 4. Every member of the ()onfNence desiring to !"peak 01: any suhject shall rise ani! address the Prf'sident, anti the one first rising and .addressing the Pret;ident sb~ll be entitled to tbe floor.

ART. 5. No member shall speak more than once on the same sllhjl'c~ t.i11 all who may desire to speak shall have spoken; nor more than fifteen minutes at a time without leave of the Conference.

ART. 6. The vote on every question l"hall be taken hv a show of hands, except when by express 'agreement it shall be !.llken'by ayes and noes or by ballot.

ART. 7. All questions of ortier .shall he decirled by the President, suh­ject to appeal to the Conference, without debate.

ART. 8. When. any question is under debate, no·motion !lh»l! he re­ceived but to adjourn, to pOHtpone. to commit, to amelld, or to Huhst i_ t.ute; but a motion to adjollrn shall always. be in orfkr, anti this as well as a motion to lay on the table shall be,decided without ·debate.

ART. 9. If the question before tlleOonference be capahle of divi!o'ion, upon the call of auy member such question shall ue divided.

ART. 10. The busineRH of the Conference f'hall he conducted with open doors, unless othervrise ordered uy the Conference.

ART. 11. Any qucHtion may be'reconl'lidered on the motion of Hny member who mlly h&ve voted with the majority.

ART. 12. If any mf'mher call for the prf'violls qlle;;tilln, find ~llf"h call ~hall be'RIlDctioned by a two-thirds vote of the conference, the mai 11

question shall then ue put.

ART. 13. EV€ry member f:hllll·he allowed the ql1Pst.ion of pl'ivi~('J.!:e, provided he ,manifest the nuture of it, and it ue approved by a majority of the conference.

ART. 14. The luellllwl"tI of'lhe Coufereucl-' shall a,..HPluhle'I1 Ihe con fet'euce rOom punctually at the hour to which Cunfprenee adjournNi. and no mpmhel' Rhall absent himself f.rom the place of UPlIference !"{'!I­sion wit.hout It'Rve of ausence.

DAttY JOURNAt OF PROCEEDINGS.

FIHST DA Y.

Mexico Cily, Thursday Jan. 15th 1885.

OPENLNG EXERCISES.-The first Annnal Sessi-on of the M ex ioo Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Mexico, was opened nnder the presidency of Bishop \V L. Harris lit 9. A. M. in ~rrinity Cllurch situated in Calle de Gante No.5. '1'he saCl'ament of the Lord's Supper was celebrated with mild} s{o)lemnity, after which Supt. Chas. 'V, Drees read the 7211d Psalm anll the 20th chapter of Act!;, and the Bishop follow(·1! with prayer.

OnoANlzATION,-The President announcpd the uct.ion (If the last General Conference by virtue of which the Mexico .M issioll was erected ·into an Annnal COllference~ composed of the following minister's, who wel'e for that pnrpose trall~ft:'J'I'erl I,y him from their !'especti ve conferences to tb(~ Mexico COllfl·l'\·w·I'. to wit:

Ch~fl, W. Drees from the Cincinnati Couferenee. Felipe N. Cordova Samuel P. CraTer I()~'a Sllmnel W, Sibert!; John W. Butle!' :: New 'England Agustin Palacios Almon W, Greenman :: North'Indiana Duston Kemble " Oentral Ohio Simon Loza .. 'Wyoming .Justo 1\1. Ellr()za Conrado A. G!l'mh()n, Eo I;'uente!'; y Betancourt ,. :: Ne,,:'\'I'ol'k East A bnndio T()var Pedro F. Valdel'l'!lma

-ROLL C.\LL.-rrhp Pre"j,lf'nt call~d Upol) S P. Cl'urel' Ollt-' d the seCl,!·tl:l.l'ies (If thA laRt Annnal Meetillg to c:lIl the )'011, lInd aU the ahllv .... rnpntlonell memhers nn:"werpd t.o t.heir nam('!';~ pxoept F K. C,'II·.!ont who is spning ill the Nt>w M .. xi(~N ~I i:'sJOIl.

6

ELECTION OF SECRf<~TARIJ!:s.-The Conference then pro~eeded to the election of secretaries, one to keep the recoros .in Eng­Jish and anoth~r in Spanish. S. P. Craver was elected English Seuretary.

A RESOLUTION.-Penc1ing the election of a Spanish secretary S. W. Siberts offered the following resolution:

"We humbly recognize and confess the hand of God in the remarkable providence which has watched over our dear brother Conrado A. Gam­boa, preserving his life, and permitting us to see his face and hear his voice again in our Conference. Truly "this is the Lord's doing, andit is marvellous in our eyes." Resolved therefore, that Bro. C. A. Gamboa be elected second secretary, and that there be named an assigtant secretary to aid Bro. Gamboa in the discharge of his duties in the First Session of the Mexico Annual Conference of the M. E. Church."

The resolution was unanimously adopted and Bro. Gamboa being authorized to name his assistant, he appointed Simon J~oza as such.

STATISTICAl, SECRETARY.-The President announced that by order 'of the General Conference a statistical secretal'Y should be elected. Duston Kemble W;tS then elected to that position and anthorized to avail himself of such assistance as should be required.

INTRODl"CTIONCI.-The President introduced to the Oon­ference J. M. Phillips, Esq., Ol1e of the Book Agents in New York, and TreHsurer of the MissionHry Society; Revs. Curter und Norwood of the Mission of the M. E. Chllrch, South, ",nd Dr. Love medical missionary of the same Ohnreh. Also L. O. Smith of our own Church who has been serving as pastor at Pachnca during most of the past year.

EXPLANATIONs.-The President then explained at lengt.h the relation that Bro. Smith sustains to the conferf'nce grow­ing out of a series of anomalous circumstances. He also stated that, owing to some mistake or oversight, the recommen­dations of Bros. Francisco Oordova, Benjamin Velasco, Severo I. Lopez and Lucius C. Smith for their admission on trial, had not been pr~sented to any Annual Conference.

The President then set forth the powers of the Conference and the reasons why some members of the Annual Mcetillg are not members of the Annual Conference.

LADY MISSIONARIEs.-T.he President invited the missionaries of the W. F. M. S. ~o attend the conference and take part in the discussion of all matters related to their work.

PUBLIC WORSHIP.-The Committee on Public Worship reported a programme of public exercises for the Confm:ence week which was adopted.

STANDING COMMITTEEs.-The committee appointed at the last Annnal Meeting to nominate the Standing Oommittees for this year reported the following list which was approvf~d, to wit:

1. "- II.

III. IV. V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

7

...'klf-Support. S. Loza. J. ,r. But.ler. A. ,V. Gn'enman. Sabbatl~ Observance. A. Tovar, S. W. Sibel'ts. Jaclllto Her·IlIlIHlt·z. Temperance. D. Kemble, Joaquin Hernandez, S. 1. Lopez. Sunda:u &lwols. A. Palacios, F. COl·dova. R. Medina. BiblfJ and Tract Gause. L. C. Smith. J. M. Euroza, B. Vl~ll\~eo. To Visit Preparatory and Tlwologic(J,l ScJwol. S. 1>. Craver. C. \\'

Drees, A. Palacios. To Visit Girls' Ol'plw,/w,fJe. E. Fuente~ y Betancollrt, L. C. Smith,

M. Fernandez, D. Kemhle. EJxtmi nation.~:

Local Pl'eaclwl'.'1: C. A. Gumboil, F. N. Cordova. Admissi01t on Trial: S. 'V. Siberts, D. Kemhle, ~, Lm.ll.

First and Second Years: A. W Greenman, S. P Craver', ,1. M. Euroza.

Third and }ibu'l'th Yeflr.~. C. 'V. Drees, J. W. Butler, A. PalueiuR. IX. Public WUl'ship. J. W Butler, A. Palacios, S. P. Craver.

RULES OF ORDER.-On motion of O. 'V Drees the rules d ol'(ler adopted by the'last Annllal Meeting wel'e I'Pud al\(I tht'll adopted as the rules of order fol' the prel:)ent COllference.

Tun OF SESSIONS.-On motion of 1, 'V. Butler tht· CIIII­ferenee voted to meet at 9 A . .M. and adjoll rn at 12: 30 P 1\1.. the first half hour to be spent in devotional exercises.

BAR OF THE OONFERENCE.-On motioJl of J. \V Blltlt'I' the Oltt' of the Oonferenee was fixed at the fOllrth Beat on e~i.I·h side of the middle aisle. It was annon need oy the Preflidellt that the lady missionaries ann the eancl idates for ad IIIi81:'ioll 011

tt'ial were entitled to seats within the bal'.

DISCIPLINARY QUESTIONS.-rrhe Presiclent expluilH'<l that all the regilial' business of an Annnal Uonference is concilwt,pd ill answer to a regular series of questions, thirty llll'ee ill llumber.

THE rrWENTIETH QUESTION, "Was lite clUll'acter of eaclt Preacher examined?" was taken Ll p. .

The name of 0, W. Drees was callen, his character WHS

passed and he presented RiR report as Superintendent. The names of S. P, Oraver. S, W. Sibel'ts. and J. W. BlItler wPI'e called, theil' eh!tracters were passed ~llld they reported the work in their respective circuits.

VOTE OF THANKs.-On motion of E. Fuentes Ii. r~com· mendation in J. \V Butler's report that Ii. vote of thanks he tendered to F. N. Robertso.n, Esq" of Mirufiores, for his vaillable assistance to the canse in that place, was approved by the Con­feJ·enee.

L. O. Smith was appointen to open Coufel'ence antl lead the devotional-exercises at the next session.

After singillg the first hymn the Oonference H(lj0111'ned with the benediction oy C. A. Gamboa,

8

SECOND DAY

Fl'iday Jan. 16th lSS:>.

CONFERENCE OPENED at 9 A.M. with a half hour's devotional service led by L. O. Smith. .

llr~UTES ApPROVEfl.-The roll was called and the minutes in English and Spanish were read,cerrected and appro-ved.

AN AMENDM.ENT.-On motion of P F. Valderrama the 3rd article of the Rules of Order was amended so as to read:

"All resolutions shan be presented in writing, as well as all other motions when the President or Secretaries sllall ask it."

SPECIAL OOMMJTTEE.-On motion of S. P. Oraver a special committee was appointed to report on Worldly Amnsements,

. and the President constitllted it by lwming as membel's S. P. Craver, A. Palacios~ J. M. Euroza.

THE TWENTIETH QUESTION was r8sllllle<l, and the name of A. W. Greenman WaS called, his character was passed and he presen ted his report.

REPORTS OF PREACHERS IN CHARGE.-Snrne discll~sion ha.ving arisen respecting certa~n expressions in the repoH·t just presented, the President explained that the reports of Presiding ~Jldel's and Preachers in charge are not 8U bject to action hy vote of the COllference, but are only the personal record of thei!' work.

THE THIRTEENTH QUESTION, "Who are the T'J'avelling Deacons of tlte sec(md clas/s?" was then asked, and the names of E. Fuentes and P. F Valderrama were called and they report­ed their work verbally. The Committee of EXHmination report­ed fa.v{}rably, their characters were passed Hud they were aavanced·to the Deacons of the Second Class.

The name of Duston Kemble was caHed ann he presented It

written report of the GnHnnjuato Oircuit. The Superintendent explained. the reasons why Bro. Kemble did not present himself for examination, and being satisfactory. his char~cter was pRssed Rnd he was advancrd to the Second Class, with the privilege· of passin[! examimltion in. the thiro f,-ud fOll rth years a~ the next C(iuferf'llce.

9

,<'rHE FOURTEENTH QUE8TLON was Hotike.J, \'i~: •. W!tat ,Travelling .Deacons ha'l}e been eler:ied Eldel's?" The nHoIll~8 Ilf O. A. Gamboa, J. M . .ffiuroza, and S. Loza were cHoIIt·d. 'l'lw first was excused from reporting owing to physical disahility, the second reported verbally ano the lHost gave a written repoJ'L. 'fhe Examining Committee reported favorahly and their cha/" actel'S were passed. Having been already elected to elder'g orders by the 'Vyoming (Junference no further actiOIl was refp,jr. ed in their case.

AGUSTIN PALAClOS.-Agustin Palacios passed all eXalll·

ination of character, and ill view of his special circIl1U8taJJ(·t·~, and having been an Elder in another evangelical church, hl· was passed to the list of Effective Elders withou t fll rther eXtiJII·

inHotion. He reported his work verbally.

FELIPE N. OORDOVA.-The uame of Felipe N. Conlov/t w LS called and the Superintendent made Ho statemellt of the cil'Cllmstances connected with his cllse. On motion of C. W Drees he was passed to the list of Effective Elders. The Bi"hol' then announced the trallsfer of F N. Cordova to the Colontl.1I Conference.

'fHE SECOND QURSTION was askotl, VI;!,: •• Wlw a1'e (ul· mitted on Trial?" 'l'be nallles of L. C. Smith lind Se,vew 1. Lc)pe7.1 were cHolled, and, after repres'!ntation hy the Superill' tendent, they were ad mitted on triul in the Cuufurence.

P. F. Valden'ulllHo Was appointed to open the next session ~nci lead the religious exercis(>s.

The see()l~d hyilln was sling Mnd C()nf(~I'ellee ucljolll'lI(lcl with t.he belledietioll h,r S, W Siberts.

TIHRD DAY.

Saturday Jan. 17th 1885.

PURSUANT Tt) ADJOURNliENT Oonference met at 9. A. M. and was opened by P. F. Valderrama who conducted the devotional exercises.

MINUTES ApPRovED.-The minutes in both languages were read and approved.

REPO'RT OF PACHUCA OIRCUIT,---:The report of L. O. Smith, missiollary in chHorge (If Pacbuca Circuit, not having been called

101' yesterJay when his case was considered was now presented and l'ea(i.

10

'rHE THIRT"~ENTH QUESTION Wl!b resumed and the name of Abu ndio Tovar called. He presented a verba) report of his work, the examining committee reported favorably Rnd, after due representation, his character was passed and he was ad­vanced to the Deacons of the.Second Class.

THE SECOND QlJ~STION WIlS again taken up and the name of Benjamin Velasco was called. The Superintendent statell that he had been examined last year, and after dne representa­tion he was admitted on trial in the Conference.

Certificates of recommendation for the admission on trial of J aeinto Hernandez, J oaqllin V~, Hernandez and Sixto ·Bernal, were presented from the Pachuca Quarterly Conference, and a similar certificate from the Puebla Quarterly Conference ill favor of Roman Medina. After due represt~nttltion Ly the Superintendent they were all admitted. .

INTRODUCTIONs,-The Presioent t.hen fOJ'mally introduced the. Lady Missionaries, Misses Le HlIl'ilY, Hastillg~, SWlLIWY, \Varner and Loyd.

RECOGNITION OF ORDlms.-A cel'titieate was read from tlw Pachuca Quarterly Conference recommending the recognitioll of the Elder's Orders of Jacinto Hel'Uandez and Joaquin V. Hernandez they having come to llS from the Protestallt Jijpis­copal Church. After they hao taken the oniiIUttiol1 vows according to the disciplinary reqllil'eHlf'nt. they wt'l'e udJ)Jittt-~1 u.s Elders in the Methodist El'iseopaJ UhllJ'('h.

FRATERNAl" RECEPTION.-The hOllr fixen fOJ' the reCf~ptiHn of fraternal delegates from the other Evangelieal ChllfC,hes of Hle city having arrived, the President intl'odnced to the Con­ference the Revs. Greene and Morales of thf> PJ'esbyterim) Church, and Green of the Baptist Church. These brethrell all spoke words of fraternal greeting ann desire fqr harmoniol1s effort 'for the redemption of Mexico. At the request of the President,C. W. Drees replied in behalf of the Oonference.

W. F. M. S. REPORTs.-The business of the Conference WHS

resumed, and Miss Swaney presented a report of the work of the W. F. M. S. in Puebla, and Miss Le Huray reported the work of the same Society in Mexico City.

PLACE OF NEXT SESSION.-At the invitation of J. W. But­ler the Conference voted to hold its next annual session in Trinity Church, Mexico.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEEs.-The Committee on Self Support presented its report, and pending the motion to adopt,the President explained at some length the relation of the ministry' to the Church and the reasons upon which the cllliJll for

II

SUppOl·t is foull,led. He lliao expitlined tile .JI'iuciple whid. guides the Missionary Society ill its help to .Mission tieldri.

,'£he report Wtl8 then lldopted . . K Fuentes reported for the Committee to vi8it thtl Girll!!'

Orpbanage ILnd the report WllS adopted.

PHOTOGRAPK OF THE CONFERENcE.-The photogl'ltplWI' - having arrived according to previous arnmgement, the (Jun­

ference took a recess of tl few minutes.

EXTENSION OF TIME.-On reassembling it was voted to l'X

tend the time of session till one o'clOCk. The Committee on 'Vorldly Amusements pl'esented its I'toPUl"t

and pending its adoption a spirited discussion H.l'ose, ant! lhe time was again extended. The report was adopted.

The President appointed S. 'V. Siberts to open COnft'l'ellc'e and conduct the religious exercises of the next session.

The Conference u(ljollrned with the benediction Ity A. I'a­Lwios.

FOlJRTH IL\ Y .

.Monday Jan. 19th 1885.

CONFEH.io~NCI<~ WAS OPENED at 9 A.. M. hy 8. W Siherts wI ... led the devotiunal exercises.

CERTIF£CATES OF ORDINATION.-The following certificHte~ signed by Bishop HalTis were pres~nt,ed to becoUie a purt Hf the record:

"Tllis is to certify that in the city of Mexico, in the Republic (If Mex­ico, on the 18th day ef January 18B5, the following persons wer~, by me, ordained to the order of QeacoDs in the Methodist Episcopal Church, namely: Abundio Tovar and Pedro F. Valderrama. And in the f:lllDe city, on t.he same day, several Elders a8Risting in the service, the follow­ing persons were ordained to the order of Elders in the Methodist Epis· copal Church, to wit: Conrado .A.. Gamboa, Justo M. Euroza, and Simon Loza.

Given under my hand at Mexico City, Mexico, this 19th of January A. 1.>.1885.

WILLIAM L. HARRIS.

W. F. M. S. REPOR']' -Miss Hastings presented her report of the wD.rk of the W- F. M. S. in the Pachuctl Circuit.

COll}[UNICATIONS.- Letters were read from Revs. HUfllilton and Ca.rter rell:ltive to the reasons for their absence fl'om th~ f,:a-ternal reception on Suturday.

1 J

J. M. PHILLIPS, ESQ.-The Presidellt agaill introuuoed J. M. Bnillips, ESQ., Tl'ea::!urer of the MissionaJ y Society, ano he Rpoke at some length on the wurk of the fSociety allll of the Book Concern.

J. W. Butler, Publishing Agent, pres(>nted a report of the work done by the Press, anu it was ordered to be placed in the arch i ves. .

The Committee bll Temperance presented its report whieh was adopted.

A SPECIAL COM1IITTEE.-J. W. Butlel' and C. A. Gamboa off~redthe folJo.wip,g resolution:

"One of the undersigned having received various manifestations from ministers of other sister Churches, 'relative to the propriety of a general assem.lJ]y~'or Conference, of the laborers in the evangelical cause in this Uepublic, in order to discuss matters of common interest to pH; Resolved that t,~e,r~ ~e, appointed, hy the President, a comlllittee of five members of this Ooilferetic'ei to confer with 'representatives of the other Evangel­ical Churches, for the purpose of trying to al'range for such an Af;semhly or Oonference at the close of our uext UouferCllce, 01' of the following one of 18t!7."

The l'e~olution WltS adopted and the President appointed C. W. Drees, J. 'V. Blltler,.C. A. Galllboa, A. rrovur and S. P. Cravel' as members of the committee.

REPO'UTSOF 'COMMITTEEs.--Tbe I'{'port IIf 1.l1P corn lIIittee on Sunday Schools was read by A. Palacios. and was adopt.ed.

T·heCommitt-ee on Salibat.h ObseJ'vall(:e pl'er-ented its report which was adopted.

CdURSE OF STGDY.-The rev ised COli )'~e of Conference Studies was presented by the committee charged with its prep­aration, and after being approved by the Conference WHS

authorized as official by the Bishop.

COMMITTEES OF EXAMINATION.-The Committees of exami­nation and appointee to preac,h the Annual Missionary Sermon at the'next Conference, were announced by the PrelS'ident us follows:

Candidate8for Admission.-A:W. Greenman, Simon Loza. First Year.-:-J. M. EurozR, S. P. Oraver. Recond Year.~C. A. Gamboa, J. W. Butler. Tltird Year.-S. W. Siberts,S. P. Craver. Fourth Year.~O. W. Drees, A. Palacios. To preach the Annual.Mi8swnary &rmon.-Abundio Tovar.

The Committee on Bible and Tract Distribution gav~dt8 report which was approved.

J .. j

RESOLUTIONS.-The fullowing resollltiulls w\!I'e (,ff~red hy S. Loza and D. 'Kemble and adopted by No unallimons risillg vote: , "In the rlii;charge of the holy duties which are surely incumhent upon.the servants of God. and memuers of this Oonference. we re~pt~ct­fully pr()~ose and ardently desire that proper and ample consideraLioll niay be given to the following resolutions.

First. That this Oonference recognizes with feeling" of gratitllrle to God the signal divine providence in the preservation of the live~ of mil' dear brothers, A. W. Greenman and his companions in Oelaya the 24th of last June. and C. A_ Gamboa, neal' Silao the 8th of Decemuer lagt.

Second. That we earnestly be~eech the Supreme Being for the entire and permanent restoration of our dear brot.her Gamuoa, who is "till suffering, and perhaps not altogether out of danger to his health and life.

Tkird. That we hold in profound esteem the memory of the faithful lay brother, Donaciano Saldana, who perished, as a.. martyr in the LOI'd, in the ditlcharge of his duties as the pa40r:s assistant, neur 81 h~o on the 8th of December last, and that we send,a copy of this resolution wilh the expression of our fraternal sorrow, to his widow in Silao."

A COMMUNICATIOK.-C. A. Gamboa presented a CI)lUllllt· nication expressing personally his profollnd gl'atitllde to seve­ral members of the Conference for their attelltiollS to hilll during his recent affliction. It was prdered to he placed ill the archives.

COMMITTEE CONTI~TEf). -The COllllllittee nn Edllcatioll having been instructed to pl·ep.u'e a PPl'lIHtllent COLI "Sf-! of studies fur the Mission schollis asked til he all(,we,l allot-hpl' yeal' and it W.tS g)'anted. It c()IlRi~ted of S. p, CnlVel', C. A. Gambo!i, ~. Loza, A. Tovar, S. W 'Val'ller.

COlnnTTEg ON NO~1[NATroNs.-On motion the Prt'si,lent was requel-ted to appoint a committee to Ilomillate t,he Stailli­lIlg Committees for next year, allll he appointed C. W. ()ree~, C. A, Gamboa and A. Palacios.

A MKMORIAI •. -On motion of B. VHlasco and A. ,\V. Green· man it was voted th1Lt C. 'V I)l'ees be all thorized to prepare a snitable memorial of the life and labors of 011 I' deceased hroth­er Prudencio G. Hernandez, to be published with the COli·

ference Minutes. 1'he Committee to Visit the Theological SeminHr,v ga\'e a

verbal report of their great satisfaction With the teaching and examinations in that institution.

BISHOP HARRIs.-The following resollltion WHS .pl'esentcd by S. W. Siberts and D. Kemble, and adopted by a unanimons rising vote:

"We de"ire to manifest the grefit pleasure we have had in receiving the Rev Bishop Harris and our Bro. J. M. PhillipR the Treasurer of the Missionary Society, in ollr homes and in' this Oonference during theil' viRit to Mexico. Their presence in o Ill' midst has greatly consoled and comforted uSi their observations and remarks about our work; their profound interest in our common cause and in its final triumph; t.heir wise snggestions and counloels; their earnest prayers for the rapid pl'O· gress of the Church in Mexico, and their promises of future aid and sympathy; all this has greatly animated us in the midst of our illOlation and of the arduous struggle we have undertakan for the evangelization ofthis country. Their visit will he always remembered witk pleasure,

14

and its memory and inflllence will help to su~tf.iu and cheer us in the midst of the many trials of a missionary life. We offerJervent prayers' for their safe return to their homes in the United States, and that God may grant them long years of life and of service in his cause. ,.

The Bishop replied feelingly, expressing his conviction that it was the last time he would ever be with us on earth.

RECOGNITION OF ORDERs.-A certificate was presented ft'om the Mexico Quarterly Conference recommending the recognition of the orders of Jose P. N evares who comes to us from the Presbyterian Church. After the customary qnestions and answers required by the Discipline, he wa.s represpnted hy the Superintendent and admitted as an Elder in the Methodhl!; Episcopal Church.

RECONSIDERATION.-On motion of C. 'V Drees the report 9n Worldly Amusements wail reconsidered, and was then amended in two particulars and received an additional recom­mendation to the effect that petitions be sent to the Stnte Legislatures, where 'it was deemed practicable, ll~king for the suppression of bull-fights and cock-fights. As thus amended the report was adopted.

TIME EXTENT>ED.-On motion the time was extended so as to conclude' the work of the Oonference.

PUBUCATION OF MINUTEs.-On motion of.J. M. Ellrozfi it was ordered·thttt the Minutes of the Cunfl'rellce be puhlished~ together with the reports of Committees.

OFinCIAL REooRD.-On motion of O. 'V. nret's the rninutf-8 as published were declared to be tIl ~ offi lial )'('curd of the proceedings of the Conference.

PUBLISHING OO~DIlTTE!<;.-The St~cretal'ie8 aBel Pllblifo1hing Agent were appointerl a Committee to pllblish the mintltes ill. English and Spanish.

IJOQATION.-A petition was rl'e~f'llt,ed from E. Fuentes y Betancourt asking for a location, and it was granted hi rn, with the corresponding certificate.

ADJOURNMENT.-On motion of A. W. GI'eenmall it was voted to adjourn sine die after hearing the appointments.

The President then addressed the Confel'ence on the duties of the ministers in reference to the admin:stration of discipline.

r:rhe minutes of the morning's session were reud and upproved. The appointments were read, the first hymn wa.s sung. and

Conference adjourned with the benediction by Bishop Harris.

S. P. CR.~ VER J O. A,. GAMBOA

WILLIAM L. HAHRIS, President.

Secretaries.

S. LOZA, Assistant.

DISCIPJJNAHY QUESTIONS.

1. Who are received by 'l'ran.ye1", and from what CU1~fe're1!(:et~? C. W. Drees and F. N. Oordova from the Cincinnati Con­

ference; S. P. Oraver and S. 1V. Siberts front the Iowa Con­ference; J. W. Butler and A. Palacios fl"om the New England Oonference; S. r~or.n, J. M. Euroza, and O. A. Gamboa f"om the Wyoming Oonference; E. Fuentes y Betanconrt, Abn ndio 'rDVal' and P. F. Valderrama fl'om the New York East COli

ference; A. W Greenman from the N Qrth Indium~ OOnferl'1I0e; Duston Kemble from the Oentral Ohio Oonference. 14. • f!. Who were adm itted on Tdal?

Lucius C. Smith, Severo 1. Lopez, Benjamin Velasco, .Ja­cinto Hernandez, J oaq uin V Hel'llanuez, Sixto Bernal, Rlllllan .Medina. 7.

3. fVlw rem.ain on Trial? None. 4. TV/tO are (li8COniimletl? None. ,Ij. Who are (UZlIliited into Full Connectz:on? None. 6. Wlw m'e 're-admitled? None. 7. Who are recdved with credentia!,~ from otlter ChurcheR'! Jacinto Hernandez and .Joaquin V lIernanuez from the

Protestant Episcopal Ohurch. 2. 8. What Travelling Preachers Itave been elected Deacons? None. 9. What Travelling Preaclters have been ordained Deacons'! Abundio Tovar, Pedro F. Valdel'raina. 2. 10. What Local Preachers have been elected Deacons? None. 11. Wltat Local Preachers have been ordained Deacons? None. 12. Wlw are the Travelling Deacons of the First Class? There are none. 13. Who are the Travelling Deacons of the Second ClasR'I E. Fuentes y Betancourt, Pedro F. Valderrama, Abuntlio

Tovar; Duston Kemble. 4. 1'4. What Travellin.q Deacons have been elected Elders'! None.

16

1;;. fVhltt Travelling Deacons luwe been, o}'dained Elders? lJonrado A. Gamboa .. J lIsto M. Euroza, Simon ['OZ~. 3. NOTE. Agustin Palacios and Felipe N. Cordova having heen pre-

viously orda.ined wete, by vote of Conference, passed to the list of Effective Elders.

16. What Local Deacons have lteen elected Elders? None. 17. W1tat Local Deacons Ita've been ordained Elder~?

None. NOTE. Jacinto He,rnnndez and Joaqnin V. Hernandez having been

ordained Presbyters in the Protestant Episcopal Ohurch, a.nd Jose P Nevares having been ordained a Presbyter or Elder in the Presqyteria,n­Church, were all duly recognized as Elders in the Methodist Episcopa.l Church.

18. Wlto are tlte Supernumerary Preacll,ers? 'rhere are none. 19.Wlw are the Superannuated Preachers? There are none. 20. Was the Oharacter of eaclt Preacher Exwnined?, 'l'his was strictly done: as the Ilame of each Preacher w-as

caIJed in open Conference. 21. Have any died? None. 22. Have any been Transferred, anll to what Uonfel'ence? Felipe N. C()l'dova to the Colol'ado C()lIfeJ'Cll('~e .•

2J. Have any 'loithdrawn? None. 21,... Have any Located at their own 'I'eque~t? Emilio j1'uentes y Betancollrt. ,fJ5. Have any been Located? None. 26. Have any bem~ pm'mUted to 'Witlldrawulldel' C7targe~? None. 27. - Have any been Expelled? None. 28. Wlw are t7M Trier.fjJ of Appeals? None were appointed. 29. Wltat is tlte Statistical Report? (See tabulated statement.) 30. Tf7l,at are tlte Olai'lns on tlte Oonference Fund? Not answered. 31. What has been received on these Olaims and /tow has 'it

been applied? $ 105.00 which has been applied to the claim of Mrs, Rod-

rjgne~ and .the liquidation of-the debt. 32. Where are .the Preaclters Stationed? (See Appointments.) 33. Wltere shall tlte next Oonference be hera? 'l'rinity Church. Mexico. .

,.

APPOI~T}lE~TS.

NOTE. :Effectiv(' Eldpl's in ila/ia.

~IEXICO DISTIUCT.-O JV. Dl'ee.'i. P. E. l' O. Bux IG3, ~h'xiell Cit)· .

.MJ<~XlCO CIRCUIT.-.J. tV. Butle/', Pl'eacher in eh,tl'gt-·, \\illl assi8tants as follows; AJToyozarco, one to ue SII Jlplit~d; jI (>xi'·I. Oity and Ixtacalco, A. Palavios alll} olle to he 811 pl'lit·d; JI i I'Hflores and Ayapango, A. 'l'oVCll' and one to be SII pplit"'tI; :-01,1/1

Vicente llnd Uoatlinehan, olle to be su l'plied.

PUEBLA CJlWUI'f.-A. TV. Oreemnan, Pn'Ht'h"r in ('h·lrg-l'. with assi~tallts as fullows; Apizaeo, olle to he ISII pplit·d; 1'111"

Itla and San Martin, Belljarni n Velascl); 'l\·tela. Lt'.IIJaIl JI I'

diua; Xoehiapulco, one to ue slIpplied.

ORIZABA. CIRCCTf.-S;nwn Loza, Prp;rcht"'l' ill CIl:tl'gt', wit II ~'·ll aS8istallt as follows: lXH'tlova, olle to be 811 Pl'lwd.

PACHUCA CIRCUIT.-L. C. Smith, Pl'elwhel' ill Chlll"gr', wit;l assi8tants as follows: EI Uhiuo. olle to be 811l'plied; ~I i Ileral flel Monte and Ornitl::.n, P. F. Valderrama: Paehllea. ~ix to Bel' nal; Tezolltepec and Aeayuca, Jal'illto Hemalld,·/:; Tulalt<:illgn, .J oaquin V. IIernallde;".

Pii.ChliCa ami J[i 11e1'al del ).[ollte, E/~gU,.,lt TfiJ/'k, to be Sl; pl'lied.

QUERETARO CIIWIJIT.-S. P. Craver, Preaeher ill Charge, wir.h alSlSistants »8 follows: Celaya., olle to bt~ supplied: Qlle­J'{~taro and COI·ta:t.al', olle to be 811 Pl'lied ; Sail J lilt 11 del Hio, olle to be snpplied.

GCANAJUATO CIRCUIT.-ntlston Kemble, PJ'e~whel' in Charge with aSi'listHnts as folluws: GtlanHj lIato. O. A. Gam­blltt; Leoll, J ... lll, Enroza; Salamanca and hap"ato, S. 1. L(')· pcz; Silao and Ctlerarneru, olle to ue sllppiied.

S. TV. 8iberi8- P"esiJent of t.he Prt'paratory and 'l'heo)og inal S ~ho()l at Pllehla, m.elllbel' of the Pup-ullL Quarterly Uonft'I'Pllce.

J. TV. Blltlel'.-Agf.'llt of the )IilSsion Press and of the HOlIk I )ep0l:litory.

C. TV. Dl'ee.'l'.-· Rlitol' of El Aoogadu Cn:~tiano llustrallo. and of Books.

Mexico Oity-GiJ'lQ Sehool 'and Orphanagl', Mal'Y De F Loyd, Eleonora Le RnrHY.

Pachuca-GiJ'ls' School, Mary lIastings.

Puebla-Girls' School, Susan M. Warner, Mary F. SWiI)WY.

Guanajuato-Girls' SchoQ\ Laura JI. Latimer.

ALPHABETICAL DIRECTORY OF THE CONFERENCE.

NAME.

HernAl Sixto. Butle!' John \r CI'aver, S. P. I) I'ees, C. '\r ~1nroza, J IIsto M. Garnbcra, Com'aclo A. (j'reenmall, A. 'V Hernande:r., J aei nto, Hernandez, JonqllillV * Kemble. Duston. L6pez, Severo 1. T.~oza, Simon, Medina, Roman. ,Palaoios, Al!lIstin. Siberts, S. W. Smith, L. C. rrOval'. Abundio. Valrlerrama, P. F. Velasco, BenjRmin ~beoea.ed,

CrHCUIT.

PachucH. Mexico Qllel'etal'o Mexico District Gnunajllato Gllanajuato Pllebla PachncR Paehl1ca GllanHjul1to Gllanajllato Orir.aha PlIebla Mexico 1'heologieal Seminary

, Pachnca Mexico Pachnca Pnehla

l'OS'l' OFI<')Clll ADDREt'lS.

PlH.!hllCH

A pHI'tado 291. Mexico A pal'tado 6. Queretaro A [lIll'tado 1 fi3, Mexico Hantllario fi3. Lpon San Fran. 47, Glumajllato Calle Refol'lIIu 1, Puebh Tewntepec 'rlllallcill~o Cinco de Mayo 2, Silao SalamRnC'H. 4~ Santa Rita 16, Orizaba rretela del Oro A pal'tarlo 291, Mexico Pta.F. de los Gallos 3, Pueblo PaehHea Mil'8fiores Omitlan Ca.lle Rrforma 1. PI1~hlR

STATE.

Hidalgo Distl'i to }'e(leral QlI~retaro Distrito }'edel'ftl Gnsnajllato Gllanajltuto Pllehla. Puehuca Paehuea Gilsnajuato Gnanajnato Veracruz Pnebla Oistrlto Federal Pllebla Hidalgo Mexico Hidalgo Pnehla

'VO~IA~rs FORElt~~ MlSSIO~AltY SOCI ETY'S

DIR1£CTORY

N.nIE. POST Ol<'~'ICI~ AIlDRESS.

MlLry Hastings Pnchllell LIi.l1l'a M. LatirnP-l' (.l-lIulIHj !lato Mary De F. Loy,l .\pal·tudo :£)9, Mi'xico Mnry F. Swaney Calle de Pefias 2, PllehlM 'Susan M. Wnl'ller iCnlle de Pefias 2. Pllehl:, EleonoJ'a Le HIII'ayi Apartaoo 71:i!), Mexico

I ••

~'l'A'l''':.

Hidal~o GIUI,ll/ljlHlt,(I Dist.rito Feli('J'al PllehlH Pllehla I )ist.rit,o F.·dnal

tOeA L PHEACHEHS' lHRECTOHY

I NAME.

i POS'I' OFFICE ADDRESS.

- I

Auam, Enrique A rriebl, Caniilo Benite7., Suntos Chave7., Jose FefnalJrlez, Manuel *Fuentfs y Betan· ('()lut E. GlleVarlt, N. Lopez, Jorge ,Mendoza, D. *N evares, .J ose P RHmjre7., C. Rille, 1Villiam n.

*EI,ler.

A p:u:tado 6, Q.IIC'retaro S. Vicente Chico)oHpHn C6roova 21!- Parra 6, Cehtya Xochiapu)co

Apiu·taclo 291, Mexico Apartado 6, Qlleretaro Coatlinchan

I ~exico I Mexicc I Ayapango EI Chien

S'J'ATE.

Queretaro Mexico Veracruz GnnnHjllato Puebla

Distrito Fe/leral Queretaro Mexice Distrito Feo{'ral Distrito Fe/leral' Mexico Hidalgo

STAT ISTIC.S NO. 1. ~lEllGO DISTRICT,

NAMES

OF

CHARGES.

MIiXICO CITV CIRCUIT:

Trinity, American congo La Santhlima Trinidad. Ixtacalco. San Vicente. Coatlinchan. ArroyozaTco.

MI RAFLORES CIRCUI T:

Mira60res. Ayapango.

PUEBI.A CIRCUIT:

Puebla. Apizaco. San Martin.

Xochiapulco_ Tetela.

ORIZABA CIRCUIT:

Orizaba. Cordova.

P ACHUCA CIRCUIT:

Pachuca, Eng. Congo Pachuca. ' Tezontepec.

~~:rd~f~lonte. Omitlan. 1£1 Chico. Tulancingo.

QUERETARO CIRCUIT:

Queretaro. San Juan del Rio. Celaya. Cortazar.

GUANAJUATO CIRCUIT;

Guanaiuato. Silao. Salamanca. Leon. Irapuato. Cueramaro.

Totals.

M~mbersbip

~ ~ "

Q) Q) c .J::J 0 e ClS m-.. 0 ... C!! Q) OQ) e .J::J -.c: ~

"'0

~ 0""

0.. .Q)' ... 0'-... Za. 0 0 ci 0 Z Z

J,I 15/ i 25 25; ri

I i

I

:1 I'

7; 19;

251 i

!

9\ 4":

"I ' I

,,; -5

C!! Q)

"0 -0

ci Z

I·

I

2

, 5 I,

Baptisms

= Q)

~ai .cOol CJ·~

... 0. 0C!! ..0

0

Z

1

19 1

I' 58: 4'

5 ::i.e "OQ) C!!N ~.';:;

00. .111

O.Q

Z

17'

ui Q)

:@ ;3

.c: U ... :>

ci ...

Church

Q)

:Co 111;3

.J::J-001 ...1> p..

I 21$35.000

II .. 100,

I,

!

I' 5'0001

1

t.oon

I

i I

2.5001

I

I 3,0001

I'iool 5,000

I 2,5

001

I

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-en 4.l b( C!! c 0 :e C!! a. ... 0

0 Z

G.i ;3

Cd ~

011 :c III

.J::J 0

=i:

I

·I··~ I

~I I

18.000 1,000

7.000,

6,000

}lI~X-1C{)CONFERENCE FOR 1885. 'property. I Sunday Schools I Benevolent Collections. I Minist. Support

3530

.22.08 12830

300 0')

12.00

55 1.001

J

" 10

I I

I

~ I

,I II

35 20,

15 3°

5°

i

I ~~i

I

Fo~ MISSIONS

20 cc

I

j i I ,,! 40; 6.00/

... o r-

2100

2·47 2.50 ,

I I I

! t

12 50 ]

I I I

1

$ 196.00

3.00

I I I

19 '5°1

I !

I I

,.001 .. ~I I I (k)1

II! I

i I ~ '~i :~I 60.0'1

I 30! !

I I 20.00 I 271.96 1

6' 72 1

6'5°1 ' 3600 i

i I ;

I I I "'i I 3! 25i i 1:.~~1 2.2) 19·14~

! I 1 75j 2.1l11:

i I

... :.> c . CI)'" ...... ... c ...... ce 0._ l,;.!'! .. ;,,) o r-

20.00

800

5 00

12.00

.5-35 2.15

SO ! ! 4°.

,J i·. ,I wi; j 6.501 , .. 6, " ,0 I ! :; ~:t;1 :'~I i:E 7,0

;';'~:J~If;;:;I~ -;0 -;; ~ ~ ~ , .,,;; ~~. $668;; ~

STATISTICS NO. ~.

CIRCUITS

ANn STATIONS.

MEXICO CIRCUIT ••.••.•.•..

Trinity Eng. Congo ....... . La Trinidad .............. . Ixtacalco ....•....• San Vieente ...•............ Coatlinchan ............... . Arroyozareo ...•......•.•..

l\{lRAFLORES CmcuIT •.•••••

Miraflores ................ . Ayapango ................. .

PUEBLA CIRCUIT ••

Puebla .................•.. Apizllco ................. . San Martin .......•......... Hllatusco ....•............. 'rete1a ................•.... l::)an Juan ................ .

OmzABA Cm-U1T .•••.••••.

01'izaba.... . .... . Cordova .................. .

PACHUC.\ CIRCUIT •.•.••..•. I

PA.chuca Eng. Congo ...•. } 1

Pachuea................. I 'fezontepec ............... . AeaYllcn. .................. . Real del Monte ...••........ Omitlan .......•....•...•. E1 Chico .............. . Tulancingo. . . . . • ... • . ... ..

QUERETARO Cmcurf .••••.•

SQueretaro ...........•......

an .Tnan ...........•...... Celaya ..•...•.............. Cortazar ..••..•....•.......

GUA:N' AJU ArI'O CIRCUlT.. • •.

~.Ilanajull.to. • ............. . 811ao .................... .

;SalamancA. ................ . Irapuato ................... . J.:.eon ...••..•.•.•.•••.••. Cueramaro ..•••••..•.•..•.. San Pedro ................ .

1 4 35 51301251400 1 10200150 :,)0

1 14°\ 1 1 15 5 1CJ 12 1 1 20 10 10 30j

1 1 40 20 20 4l 1 1 50 20 30 -10i ']1 20 10 101 ~Ol

1 5142 15

1

2711

I'

1 II 1~1

I I . i

I I

4 .!(. ~ol 20 HOi

2 10 7f) 1 4 40

4!1 30 50 :WO 21 20 25

130, 1(1 20 25

3 25 12 13 18

1 4 611 20 40 50 1 1 12 4 8 !; 1/ 2 30 15 15 25

I 4 2'

i 1001

1 15 I

1 25

i r<r, 10 30\ 4 351

20

S

20

1

I

\

4' 48! 1 12 2 2,

.j

II.

REPORTS OF CO~iMITTEES. REPORT ON BIBLE AND TRACT DISTRIBUTluX

Honored hy t.hiR hody with the dilly of pr('Rf'n1ing a report rt'lative lil ,thf' circulation of Ihe Holy Scriptures ulid religious TractR, We l'eRp('(~t­fully submit the following:

In view of t.he npcessity whi~h exiRt,,, that the pMple be thoronp:hly rm~tructed :n t.he t.ruthR of onr holy religion, we believe it opport.une I ()

indip-at.e the following resolutions which we desire to Ree elevHlf'd to T,he rank of a pl'e~l:riptive duty, not only for all the memherR of this COII­

ference, but for all our local preachers and the other offidary of our Methodist Episcopal Church:

T. That all our prea('llPrs delivpr diRconrRf'R npnn the theme: "The necessity for the circnlution of Bibles and TractR." for the purpose /If awakening among our people the df'Rire to extend the King-dom of (tod by tbiR means, and not only so, but to excite them to aid ill reality in extending it.

II. That. the pft.RtorR in ('harge of circllits di;;:trihnte among thf'ir colahorers a nnmher of t.rar,t.; prl)p')rtionat.e to the nllmher of inhah­itants in the townR or cities where they l'eRille, in order that these as· FliRt-a.nts, having received from the rJl'l~acher in chargp of the circnit, these re1igiou~ tracts Rnd hook~, may distrihnte them among the attenrl­R.nt.; upon their congJ'f'glltions, 1';0 that t.hese in tJiPil' tllrn may distrihllle them to the people in the most prudent, and alse the most profitable, wny.

TIl. Thllt. 10 aid in the fnlfilJment of the second resolution, the Agent of Pnhlication .. of onrChurch in Ihis Capital be rf'qnested to Rend supplies of tracts to the pretl.chers in charge as often as possible.

IV. That in the ('diting of new tracts find the reprinting of those already published, the preferencc be givl-ln t,o those that are (If grt'1l1est imporlance, an i especially such as tend directly to the promotion of experimental religion.

V. That in aIJ 0111' congregations an Rnnllal collection he hlken for the purpose of promoting the publication of religiolls tracts.

VI This comrrittee being in harmony with the re~ollltions Il.ooptpd in former years relative to the circlllution of t.he Holy Scriptures, abstains Rt this time from prcs:enting any further propositions on that point, hut urgently recommends the observance of those already adopted.

LUCIUS C. RMJ'I'JI. ) HEN.JAMIN VEV,RCO. t Commit.tl'e . • Tus'l'o M. EmtozA. J

---~~ .• ------• REPORT ON ,\VORLDLY AMUSEM KNTR

The Holy Script.ures tpach us vf'I'y cleRr1y that there is a mRl'ked and very radical difference between the worl,i1y or sinful life. a.nd the ppil'it­ual and christian life; Ht:d that it iR the dllty of christ.ians to come out of

24

t.he 'World in order not to be pal'taket·s of it~ plagnes. We underl'tand, therefore, that this separation from the world !Should, be manifest in all those who profess to be believers in the Gospel, hut especially in those who are, or desire to become, members of the Church.

It pains us deeply to have to confess that., up to the present time, not all our brethren in thc faith have attained to as "omplete a I'eparation from the corruptions and perverse habits of society as is highly to be deAired.

We mention among the unbecoming and cem~urable practices of Rome brethren, attendance upon and part.icipation in those worldly amuse­ments which neither conduce to the morality of meG nor to the glory of God. The habit of I.ttending the theatre, t.he circus, the ballroom, cockfights and bull-fights, is general in society, and we are pained to know tha~ ~lIme believers in the Gospel, frequent those places.

Being thoroughly persuaded of the essential immoralit.y of all the a.bove mentiolled amusements, Rnd of the brutality and barbarity of the last two of them, we desire to make a frank, and at t.he same time, serious manifestation to our brethren in the faith, concerning the illl· proprielY and even sinfulness of attendance upon such amnsements.

While the thealre in the beginning may have had for its object the improvement of social habits, in our times it has come to be 8 powerful agency for "he corru ption of good customs and of good mora!R. R owever much its friends and defenders may proclaim Ihe theatre as a sign of civilizat.ion and an institution beneficial to society, it is, nevertheless, immoral in its effects and prejudicial to every pious feeling and impulst'. We have searched in vain in the annals of the tht>atre to find proof!> IIf its moralizing effects, but thert: is no lack of numerous pXlilllple" of t.ht' great demoralization that has befallen multitudes of penmns from their auentiance upon theatrical representations. The indecorotlt- cost\lme~, the indecent suggestions and the circumstances well adapted to excile evil passions, all of which predominate in the theatre of th~ period. afford a powerful motive for urging everyone who hOld" in any esteem his spiritual intere~ts and the claims of practieal piety, to complelEly abst.ain from attendance upun this form of umusement.

What has been said of the theatre may ill greater or less degree be applied to the circus.

The dance is somewhat different in its nature from the amusements just melltioned, but not less injurious to morality sillce, in the generality of cases, accompanying circumstallces Rre of such a nature as to corrupt good morals, and destroy every feeliug of religious seriousness in those who attend.

As for cock-fights and bull-fights it seems to llS unncces@ary to S~ly more than this, that even unbelievers and wicked'mell recognize thern as barbarous and brutal amusements, and therefore, whoever regard's his religious life as of any value, ought never to PUlCO his foot inside the places where they are held. . ' .'

In view of the foregoing observatIOns and olhers too extemHVC to be presented in this report, we beg leave to make the following recom­mendations:

I. That we urge upon all the attendants at our services the import­ance of avoiding all participation in the above named diversions, and ot never even attending them.

II. That the ministers preach one or two sermons each year on the suhjec t of worldly amusements.

III. Taat the pastors, preachers and official members carefully wa.tch over the probJltioners in the Church, and endeavor to ha'le them understand, before t.heir admission into full memberhhip, thnt, the vows they take when received as members of Ollr Church, ~lrtc' Iy prohibit all participation in "such diversions uS cannot be used in the name of the Lord Jeslls."

S. P. CRAVER. ~ A. P.U,ACIOS. Commtnec. ,J. :M:. EUROZA.

The following recommendation was added by the Conference on reconfOidering the reporl:

1 V. That wherever it i8 deemed practicable our brethren be invit.erl to present petitions to the Legislatul'eR of t.heir respective Stille!', Ilsking for the sUllpression of cock-fights and bull-fights.

----~ •.. ~ .• ------IlEPORT O~ SUNDAY SCHOOLS.

In fulfillment of the duty with which we were honoreel hy the Annlllll Meeting of Ia...;t year, we have carefully stllrlied this subject, alld amollg' the numerous and excellent reports on Sunday Schools which have helm presented for adoption, the following recommendutions ha ve cllllel! our attention:

I. That as soon as a congreglltion if! established. let a Bunriay SdHlO1 also be organized according to the ~ystem already in lI"e in our Church

II That Sunday Sehools be given the place of preference in view IIf the fact that they afford the best meallS of nourishing the children wit h the doctrine of Christ.

III. Tb~t the children be stimulated to attenrl our SUtldtty Schools, by means of cards, large and small, and also tracts.

IV Tb.at Teachers' Meetings be held every week \Jnder the rlit'ccfioll of the Pastor, for the study of the les80n so that better iustruetiou mny l)e imparted to the children.

V. That those who can well do so. should suh~crihe for the English publication entitled "The Sunday School Teacher's .Jollrnal," fur the necessary instruction concerning the lessons.

VI. That the teaching in the Sunday School be not only oral, hilt also object-teaching by the use of the blackboard.

vn. That, beside the study of the Berean Leaves, let there he alflo instruction in all classes of religious knowledge ac;cording to the require­ments of Ollr di"cipline, relative to the dugmas of' OU1' faith, Its set forth in our catechisms No. 1 and 2.

A. PALACIOS. I ~,. COM~lI'r'l'F.E.

BOMAN MEUfN.\. ~

-------. ...... ---

IL~PORr O~ S.\.BB.\.TH OI3.,~-:RVA~OK

All the memhers of this Conference are well aware of the origin and institution of tlte f .. ord's Day; as well a.., also of the fact that among the lnemhers of our .congr('gations there are many who are borne by the current of the customs of their ROlmm Catholic neighbors to profane the day of rest; and since it pertains tn, us to preach the Gospel by our example, your committee submits the following Iecommendations for the approval of this Confer-ence:

'First. That the ministers of our Chl1rc;h endeavor to observe strlotlv U,e r .. ord's Day together with thdr families, in order that they mRY };e models of right conduct among tile brethren of th(·ir congr('gHtion".

Second. Let the ministers be recomme'nrleu t.o preach four times a year on the theme: "T.he importance and obligation of observing, and secur­ing the observance of, the Lord's Day."

Third. We recommend 'the Press Oommittee to publish suitable tracts devoted to this-divine precept.

Fourth. We beseech and charge the brethren in the min ist.ry to estab­li'!h experiencemeeting~ on Sunday ·afternoons in order that the holy day may be consecrated to prayer and meditation.

A. TOVAR. } S. W. SIBERTS, COMMI'l'TKE. JACINTO HERNA.NDEZ.

REPORl' O~ SELF-SUPPORT.

Takin'g into consideration the good results prorluced hy the sys:tem of, Self-Support followed up to the present time, in accordance with a previous report, in virtue of which there has been a significant increase in the various branches of finance to which the Ohul'eh gives attention, notwithstanding the monetary peri ury of all our congregations: .

Resolved, 1. That the report on Self-Support approved by the last Annual Meeting be reaffirmed by this A nUllal Conference.

2. That we make every effort to fulfill to the utmost tliP- obligation of firmly planting the principle of Self-Support in the Church.

s. LoZA. } .J. W BU'l'LH:R. Comlllitt(~e. A. W GRE£I<;lUIAX,

.. REPORT ON TE}IPEHA~OE.

Whereas. Drunkenness is one of the vices most injuriolls to man, by reason of the ~errible consequences which, follow it, dulling the under­standing, dethroning reason, dishonoring the man, destroying his -bodily health, undermining his earthly existence, and hurling him into t.he horrible darkness of eternal death, it is the sin which ought most to call t.he attention of the Ohrist,ian Church in general, and of minist.ers of the Gospel in particular, in order that t.hey exert themselves to the ut.rnORt in searching out, and employing the means that shall conduce to the extirpation of this vice from this Republic, and from all the world..

We therefore recommend: 1. Let the greatest possible circulation be given to all the books an(i

tracts that relate to this subject. 2. Let the ministers of our Church make special efforts to com hat

intemperance, showing themselves perfect models of sobriety and tem­perance, and preaching at least three sermons each year fur the purpose of corr,ecting this evil.

3. There being atill, unfort.unately, some per$ons who, notwithstand­ing their desire to belong to t.he circle of G.,spel believers, continue in

the pathway of t.ho sin of intemperan'ce, to the ilnlloyaU( 0 of Ule faithful and to the shame of the religion that they profess, let us all unite in making. use of the necessary mean,.; fot' Ihe cOl'rrection ot these persons or their separation from the number of true evangelical christians,

D. KEMBLE. I J, V, HEI~NA.NDEZ. I" Committee. b. 1. LOPEZ. }

------.... ----

REPORT O~ \TISIl.' TO GIJ~LS' ORPHAN AG K

The Committee ch:uged with visiting the Girls' Orphanage loc'llled ill this Capital, has disclull'ged its obligation, and is able, therefore, t,o report to ~his Con~erence that it has ll!~d the satisfaction of findillg that estab hshmen t III the state of clean 11Iless, good order, an d repai l' that are demanded by the ends and purposes to which it is dedicated,

Perhaps the Committee might be allowed to recommend the propriety ofremoving the institution to some olher more appropriate location Blld

building, whenever it can be effected, as there by the girls who are therein supported would perhaps gain greatly, as well as the young ladies jll charge of the establiRhment. .

Eo Fy~~TEA'1 '. D. IU.'f.BLE. ( CommIttee. L. C. b)lITH. ]

REPORT O\f COURSE OF STCDY I.

FOR Candidates fot, AD.MISSION ON TIUAL ill the Tt'avellillg Oonnection.

1. The Bl'I:tnehes of Primary an!l SecotJ flal'y Ill~tl'lIctioll; e,~peciully:-Al'itllrnel.ic, Gramilll:l,r, Geography and History of ~.:[exico.

t. Book of Did\;ipline of thfi ,Methoc1ist Episuopal Chlll'eh.

H.

FfltST YEAR.

1. Elements of the lIi.:;tot·y of the Christian Cltlll'dl­Hll1-st.

2. Ancient History.--Cornpendillrn by V. Duruy. 3. Demol1stnttion of thl' Trll th of the Cll"istian Heligiotl.

-Lesl(ie.

4. Bpitome of Didactic Theology.-Text (to he published in EL ABOGADO CRISTIANO IL"CSTRADO) by Longking.

5. Written Sermon. Books to he read:-Life of Wesley; Lucile; Kirwan's LettCl's;

The Pope ana the Civil Power.

lIT.

SECOND YEA n.

1. Compendium of Theology.-Binney. Part 1. 2. Divine Authority of the New Testament.-Bogue. :~. Sacred History.-"rhe Bible, Oorn pendiu m hy DU,1'UY. 4. Rhetoric,- Goll y 17 ehi,-s. Wesley's Sermons. 6. 'Vritten Sermon, Books to be read:-Memoit,s of OarV()8~O; Ohl.ll'l'h Histol'Y.

Milne1'; The Church in Spain; The Flilfilllllentof Prophecy.­Keith.

IV

THIRD Y I~:\ H.

1. Compewlinm of Theology.-Binney. Part II. 2, Evenings with Romanists.-Seynunlr. 3. History of the Reformatinn.-D' Aub(qne. 4. Logic. Text designated by the examining OOll1lllittt.'e. 5. Written Sermon. Books to be 1'ead:-Snit'jtl1al Stl'l1g~les.-Belludl'y [trans

l.tted by S. P. Craver;] Natural Theology.-Paley.

y

FOU It'l'H Yi~A It

1. Compendium of Theology.-Binney. Parts III. & IV 2. Homiletics.-Text and Method of examination pre-

scribed by examining Committee. 3. Philosophy.-Paltl Janet. 4. Written Sermon. Books to be read. Canse and Cure of Inficlelity.-Nelson;

Universal History. [Anthor at the option of the OttndidateJ Memoirs of Hester Ann Rodgers.

NOTE. It is taken }or granted that the Bible will be a text book tllt·ough the whole course.

O. W- DRlmS. } E. FUENTES. Committee. A. PA LACIOS.

IX JIEJIOllLL\L

PHUDE~CIO G. HEH~A.~DEZ.

ProtestA.ntism in ::\fexico, although regarded by mftny of it~ enelllies as only a.n abnorma.l excrescence on tile religiolls life of the :\[exicl:lll peo­ple, and destined to shortly disappear, without leaving behind even a trace of its existence, is nevertheless conquel'ing a position in the social life of the Nation; the circle of its infiuellce continues to Widen, 9.nd its triumphs far exceed all that was to have heen expected from the elements and resources which have favored its developement. The

-Evangelical Church in i\[exico already has a history, a history which reveals the providential ·hand of Gud, which ellluraces events that would he romantic were they not so true, allLi which records names which Elhould and will be, imperishable.

Among the names that ought be preserved in the.first rank fimong the most failhful and undauntel1 champilllb of the true religion of Chri,;t in Mexico, sl·ands that of Prudencio G Hernandez, to whose memory we dedicate this memorial in the name of the Church to whose ministry he dedicated the last months of his life, and from wllOse fold he passeLl into the Church triumphant in Heaven.

This faithful minister was born ill the city of Guanajuato the 19th of l\lrty, 1828, and during his early years had the mi:-;fortune to lose his flttiler and mother. Of humble position, and obliged by his circum­stances to labor for his support, he had not in cbildhood the means of acquiring even the first rudiments of an education. He learned the weaver's trade; formed industrious, frugal and temperate habits, and, having removed to the Capital of the Hepublic, he succeeded in establishing with the fruits of his prudent ecunomy a factory for the manufu.cture of nbuzo8, ZWl'apes and mantas.

A.t the age of twenty one years he cOiltracted marriage with Miss Tri­_nidad Velazco, a native of Toluca, and found ill her a helpmeet for himself, a virtuous and faithful companion in all the vicissitudes of his life, a loving mother to his children, and a sharer in his beliefs, his faith, and his hopes.

Although he had lacked the means of education at an opportune age, he realiz.eJ the importance of a man's possessing the means of informa­til?n, and conceived an ardent thirst fur knowledge. A.t twenty three he learned to read, and itcquired the most indispensable rudiments of an elemental'y education. Fl'Om that time forth he was very much given to reuding and study, and this later on put him in possession of the priceless treasure of the truth. Religion imp:lCdiately became his fa­

'v,orite subject of study, bu.t the manifest falsity of Romanism and the corruption of its ministers alienated him from the Ohurch which then dominated with an all-pervading power, while his ignorance of evan­g~lical religion, and the friendship of men little inclined to be religious, caused him to remain for some time indifferent to al1religiun. Never­theless, he never lost his belief in God, whose holy name he never ceased to inyoke, and "dlOse love he sought. to inculcate in his family.

30

[{is native Ian lowes him the !tImor which she cOnftH'S upon the­pa.triots, the democra.tic and liberal men, and the soldiers who risked their· lives to crown her with her greatest glories. He was a soldier of the Reform movement and won from hiB superiors such marks of confi­dence as to be promoted to the rank of major of the "Batallon dB Indus­triales. ,. In the sphere of politics he acquired influential relations during the first term of President .Tuarsz; he was personally acquainted with the Great Pa.triot and Liberator of his countl'y, and rendered faithful service to the cause of progress.

At that time Protestantism began to be spoken of, bllt without ser­iously attracting the attention of Mr. Hernandez. But this; man was a chosen instrument of the Lord to carry the knowlt·dge of the-truth to many, In the year 1863 he was invited to some religiollsmeetings held hy Hev. Francil'lco Aguilar. a Homish ex-priest, in his own house, Oalle de la Hermandad, No.5. He took with him to these meetings his two small boys nnd some of his workmen, among them, one wiio later on was assassinated in the Capital for the sake of the Savior will/ill he ardently proclaimed.

Since that time he hecame in a certain sen"e i(lentitien with t.lH~ evan· gp,lical movement, but rather with the amI of opposing the. Homish priesthood, and counterbalancing the fanaticism and the ahuHes of the dominant Church. III the year 1864 MI'. Aguilar establi..:hed public ser­vices and MI'. Hernandez attent!ed the third service. He was very much moved and under t.he influence of the Spirit of God resolved to dedicate himself to the service of the Lord. From that time WaS dated his true conversion, and his adhe'lion to Protestantism not so much to oppose u. ae~potic hierarchy, a~ f!'OIll It personal conviction of the truth and the desire to extend it to all his fellow beings in order to seeure the sal vatioll of their souls.

Shortly after this Mr. Ag'li1ar dien, having "aid to )lr. Hernanrtez t.he

evening previous: "'rllis," pointing to the BillIe, "il-> t.he Divine Code which we have adopted. 'Viii you promise me to he faithful and not alJandon the cause?" ,To this question he replied affil'lnati vely,

This first congregation having been suspended in consequence of the Riege of the Capital, its members were scat.tered abroad, carrying the Holy Gospel with them to every plaee to which they journeyed. Among other towns, ~<\.mecameclt, Ozumba, Zoyatzingo, Tlalmar.alco and ,J()ql1i~ cingo were the theatre of Mr. Hernandez' efficient labors. Returning to

. Mexico he became at once identified with a new congregation forllled hy Mr. Sostenes.T uarez nnd others, and was honored with the responsi bilities of the treasilrership. In the same year, 1867, he removed to Toluca, where his active labors in behalf of the Gospel made him the object of hll.tred and persecution to such a degree that he was obliged to leave that city, and established himself upon a small property which he owned in a neighboring village, There he also held christia.n Rervices which were now indispensable to him, There the same results followed as elsewhere; the people beca.me riotous and matters came to such a piL'ls that he was obliged to leave that place. '

The Providence· that guided him had already prepared him another field of1abor, and at the petition of numerous citizens of Joquicingo, Ite e"tablished an evangelical congregation in that town, where he resided foJ' several years. During this period he was many times-exposed' to the wrat.h of fanatics, /J.na not a few times escaped from the hands of his enemies iu such .wonderful ways that he could but believe that the direct or mediate intervention of God was the cause, of his escaJile, .

Having been invited by the late Rev. Manuel Aguas t.o unite with the ChiIrch of Jesus, he did so with Nle approval of the Joquicingo cQngre:­gation. At once the theatre of his llibors wa.s greatly-extended; I;le

3 1

WitS commissioned Lo visit the whole Chlll'ch, an,l fill' that pU"l)()~e vi. t:lited Nopah\ and the congregations o'f the Valley of ,\[exicn, t.l'ILvellilqt; so much on horseback that he contra.cted a disease which aflel'wlIl'(\ carried him to the grave.

In. the year 1875 he was called to Mexico where his honesty, .firmness and piety caused the Church to honor hun with her confidence. He wus elected Deacon'and Elder, to which orders he was ordained by Bishop Alfred Lee. Finally, he was named Bishop-elect of the CU<:lrnavaca diocese which he himself had formed. He fixed his. residence in Cuerna­,vn.ca and dedicated himself ardently to the arduous task of its organiza­tion and the developemellt ot tile Uongl'cgations under his care.

Grave tl'oubles and difficulties having arisen in the Church, ~I r. Her­nltudez was called to bring into. play hiS powerful persoDal intiuellce and gool judg.nent to remedy thM gmve evils that t.hreat.ened. The

I danger havl1lg passed !tud the Li-ellera.1 ltules of the Chllrch havillg beell flJrlued, he relurned to Cu~ru4.vaca, where the diseuse which finally z:.IH\whed llilJl aWiLY from his flLlnily, first Illade itself kllowu.

While Bishop Hiley was in England after his consecration t.o the e~iscopacy in tlte United ~tal.e8, seriuus disorders arose in the Uhurch ill -'lexico, au accollllt of which ~lr Henundez Was again called to remedy these new evils At length lie cstaulisbed his family in I he Capitul. Hisl;ons Were put in charge of t.he preaching services in r.he principal Ullurch, and he by rnean~ uf hit! ctJlTespon<ience, repurts and other Jauol's sllcceelied ill partlltlly l'cestaudohtng the Ultlll'ch.

"There came, at last. ft time of trilll for lVIr. Hernancle7.. since realizing a" he did that Bishop Hiley wa."; the cau~e which had produced all the c\'ilt! and dbturbrinces whieb the Uhur.{,;h had suffered since itl:! found· al.ion, that be \Va!:! an OilS /tcle to I.he evangeliz.lIltioll of Mexico and to tlle complete organizatioll of the Church uf Jel:!lls. he began first to hint it LO I;a.id Bishuil, thcll to C()Ullsel him, and finally energetically to· oppose his unwise actiolls. Bi,;lwp l~iley who Was I,Ot accustomed to being contradicted. and much less to ueillg counselled, sought to sup­plunt MI'. He rrHLI1r!CL. , by C1'eetillg diuceses, appointing Bishops who would readily yield to bi::; ca.priee~, tru.mpling on the laws of the Ghurch alld l'iJilig down every tllim; tll'Lt would not yield to his views .

• "Th,is called forth the protest of Mr. Hernanciez, as well as of the rnajol"ity of the min:l>try, who sent l.heit· complaint to the Episcopal Cllllrch in the United ~tlLte:;, which called .Mr. Hernalldez til New York to giv~ compleLe iuforlIllLLioll cOlleel'lling t.l!e eveuts that had ·occurred, uud' the ecclesiastical conduct of Bisholl Riley."

At this lime the ~alllries of ~lr. Hernandez and the other minister~ who W,.,I·C !t..s"H)(~I,Lte(l Wltl! l1im. were uujllstly su.;penlied. The churches "'dre do,c·t ttgltiust them; tlley Wtlre deprived of the very means of l:lubsisteuce.

Doring thi;; crisi~ Mr. Hernandez mant.ained a Worthy attitude which won the re-lpeCL lo)f the rellresentatives of' the other eViLllge,ical denomi·

,1H1.tions, who furni~hed him, in a most disinterested way, the indi.::!­pensable ptlClln~ary at:lsistallce he required.

"Th is fact attract.ed very seriollsly the at.tention of Mr. Hernandez, WQO, deceive,i by Bihop Hiley, h1'lli attltcked them ill good faith; and from th"tt time he re.,olved to examine .heir religious principles, their organization and their methods. He became satistied witl! the results of his eX}lmina.tion, and wliling to offtlr his little grain of sand to aid in the ft,1J'lJ'l'Ilnciizem'mt of the eallse or H.,d in M~xi~I), and to "undo, he Haill, ~~)JnewluU t.he eVillh'1.t. I h>l.ve sO'lghr. t.o do."

.!

In conse~uence of this very justifiable change in his views, at the middle of the year 188a, be united his labors with those of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and in January 1884 was appointed to take.charge of the difficult work of planting the Gospel in the city of Celaya.

He left Mexico on the 23d. of January, arriving the same day at. Que­retaro. Here he felt a renewal of his disease, which was diabel.is. and tried to drive it off with his customar~ treatment. B.ut all his efforts were in vain. The disease became complicated by an affection of the brain. and he daily grew weaker and weaker in spite of the attentive care of the physicians.

He had sufficient strength to preach once in Queretaro, but it was his ast opportunity to proclaim the Gospel to sinful men. He manifested

strong desires to recover his health so as "to bring," he said, "much fruit, much fruit, much fruit," to the Lord. His· last wortla were expressi ve of his perfect trl1st in Ohrist. lIe said that he died satisfied, that he did not fear death, and that he felt and was Sl1re that J e~ms was waiting for him in his Heavenly Kingdom.

On Tuesday Jan. 25~h. 1884, he yielded up his spirit to his Savior, and went to enjoy the home of the righteous. His memory is a precions treasure for hil'i children and his brethren in the faith. He reRt.!' from his labors, and his works do follow him. Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord.

CnAS. 'V DREES.