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1847 Louisiana Annual Conference Journal
of the
FIRST SESSION OF THE LOUISIANA CONFERENCE OF THE METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH, HELD IN OPELOUSAS, LA., Jan. 6—13,
1 8 4 7
FIRST DAY
Wednesday, January 6, 1847
Secretary On motion of David O. Shattuck, William H. Crenshaw was elected Secretary.
Roll Call The names of the members were then called by the Secretary and the following responded, to wit:
Byron Benton, William H. Crenshaw, Richard M. Crowson, Charles P. Clark, Philip H. Diffenweirth, Moses Davis, Stephen J. Davies, John ZB. Eddins, Philo M. Goodwyn, Jesse A. Guice, Cyprian Gridley, Wilson W. Jenkins, David Kinnear, Thomas C. Lewis, Frederick P. Nixon, John Powell, John Pipes, Robert H. Reid, David O. Shattuck, John J. Weems, William H. Turnley,
Hours of Meeting and Adjournment On motion resolved that the hour of opening the Conference be nine o’clock A.M. and of closing its sittings at one o’clock P.M.
Committees Appointed On motion the following committees were appointed:
COMMITTEES
Of Examination, First Year – Jesse A. Guice, Philo M. Goodwyn, Cyrpian Gridley.
Of Examination, Second Year – Devid Kinnear, Robert H. Reid, John B. Eddins.
Of Examination, Third Year – William Hines, William H. Turnley, Richard During.
Of Examination, Fourth Year – Charles P. Clark, Philip H. Diffenweirth, Wm. H. Watkins.
Con. Stewards –David Kinnear, John B. Eddins, Richmond Randle.
On Education – David O. Shattuck, Charles P. Clark, Wm. H. Turnley.
On By Laws – David O. Shattuck, W.H. Crenshaw, Charles P. Clark.
On Sabbath Schools – Wm. H. Watkins, Wm. H. Turnley, Wm. F. Brown.
On the Bible Cause – Wm. H. Watkins, David Kinnear, S.W.D. Chace.
On Periodicals – John Powell, Squire W.D. Chace, Wm. F. Brown, David O. Shattuck, and Richmond Randle.
Bishop Soule Arrives Bishop Soule having arrived, the President ad interim vacated the chair, which was assumed by the Bishop.
Noted as Present The following members, not answering to their names when the list was called, now appeared and took their seats:
Squire W.D. Chace, Wm. H. Watkins, John W. Harmon, Wm. Hines.
Concerning Time Limit in New Orleans On motion of David O. Shattuck, resolved unanimously that hereafter in the stationing of the preachers of this Conference the Bishop be requested to consider the city of New Orleans as subject to the same rules with respect to time as other circuits and stations.
Regular Business Postponed The regular business of the Conference was postponed until to-morrow morning, some of the Presiding Elders not being present.
Committee for Examination of “Candidates for Probation” On motion of David O. Shattuck, the following resolution was adopted by a rising vote of 15 ayes, 8 nays:
RESOLUTION
Adjournment The hour of adjournment having arrived, the Conference was closed with the benediction by Bishop Soule.
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Thursday, January 7, 1847 Opening The Conference was opened by reading the 46th Psalm, singing, and prayer by Bishop Soule.
Minutes The roll being called the proceedings of yesterday were read and approved. Com. for Examination of “Candidates for Probation” Named David O. Shattuck, Richard During and Richmond Randle were appointed a committee to hear Christian experience and C of candidates for probation. Admitted on Trial The first question was taken up, Who are admitted on trial? Christopher C. Preston was recommended by the Quarterly Meeting Conference Magazine St. Station, New Orleans District, and was admitted. Alexander E. Goodwyn was recommended by the Quarterly Meeting Conference, New Basin Church, New Orleans District, and was admitted. William C. Chamberlin was recommended by the Quarterly Meeting Conference, Tensas Circuit, Natchez District, represented by the Presiding Elder of the Alexandria District, and was admitted. Zachariah Thompson was recommended by the Quarterly Meeting Conference, Opelousas Station, Attakapas District, and was admitted. Committee on Missions On motion, the Presiding Elders were appointed the Standing Committee on Missions. Remaining on Trial The second question was taken up, Who remain on trial? The following probationers of one year were continued: Henry B. Page, Reynolds Trippitt, Thomas J. Lacy, Uriah Whatley and Daniel G. Watkins. Elders Elected The fifith question was taken up, Who are elected elders? Stephen J. Davies, Frederick P. Nixon and Thompson C. Tinder were elected. Case of Farquhar Mathieson The name of Farquhar Mathieson being called, the Presiding Elder of the Alexandria District presented the proceedings of an investigating committee on charges preferred at the session of the Mississippi Conference held in December 1845. Time Extended – Adjournment The hour of adjournment having arrived, on motion the session was prolonged until the evidence in said case (of Mathieson) was read, after which the Conference adjourned with the benediction by Bishop Soule. |
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Friday, January 8, 1847 Opening The Conference was opened by reading a portion of the 20th chapter of the Acts of the Apostles, singing Hymn 461, and prayer by Thomas O. Summers.
Minutes After calling roll, the proceedings of yesterday were read and approved. Concerning Nashville Christian Advocate Richard During addressed the Conference on behalf of the Nashville Christian Advocate. Report of Committee on By Laws The Committee on By Laws made their report, which was adopted, and is as follows: REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON BY LAWS 1. The Conference shall each day be opened by reading the Scriptures, singing and prayer, and closed with prayer or the benediction.
2. The usual standing committees, viz: On Public Worship, On Education, On Periodicals, On Finances, On Bible Society and On Sunday Schools, shall be appointed on the first day by the President. 3. After the first day the following shall be the order of business – 1st, calling the roll; 2nd, reading the minutes of the preceding day; 3rd, report of standing committees; 4th, report of special committees; 5th, and other miscellaneous business that the Conference may be willing to hear before taking up the minutes as prescribed in the Discipline. 4. The order of debate shall be as follows: 1st, Any resolution shall be in writing and debatable if seconded. Any member offering a resolution is entitled to the first hearing thereon. 2nd, After the first speech upon any question, any member has a right to be heard, and he is entitled to precedence who is first recognized by the President as standing up to speak. 3rd. Each member in speaking shall stand upon his feet and address the President. 4th. No member shall speak more than fifteen minutes at one time without the consent of the Conference. 5th. No member shall speak more than twice to one question without the consent of the Conference. 6th. No question shall be put by the President while there is any member, who has not already twice spoken thereon, who wishes to speak, unless the previous question be called for by three fourths of the members present, in which case the main question shall be then put without debate. 7th. No member in debate shall be permitted to use offensive personalities or be disrespectful, and the President, subject to an appeal to the Conference, shall be the judge of personalities and disrespect. 5. Of behavior in Conference. 1st. It shall be the duty of each member to be present at the commencement of each day’s session and continue to the close, unless excused by the Conference. 2nd. Each member upon the call of the roll shall take his seat and no person shall be permitted to stand but he who has the floor as a speaker. 3rd. There shall be no loud whispering in the Conference nor any unnecessary change of seats. 4th. Finally, while in Conference we will feel ourselves as in the presence of God, transacting the business of his church, and demean ourselves with that solemnity and dignity and reverence suggested by the place and the occasion. Admitted into Full Connection The third question was taken up, Who are admitted into full connection? The names of Lewis A. Reed, Charles J. Hallberg and Edward F. Thwing were called, their characters (were passed) and were admitted into full connection and elected to deacon orders. The name of William A. Gober was called, his character being examined, and he was admitted into full connection, having been previously elected and ordained a deacon. Bishop Soule delivered a most appropriate and paternal address to the Conference and to the candidates for deacons orders while conducting the Disciplinary examination. Discontinued Charles W. Whithall was discontinued and his credentials for ordination were returned by his Presiding Elder. Simeon Waters was discontinued. On motion the Presiding Elder was allowed to employ Simeon Waters and directed to inform him of the circumstances which cause his discontinuance. Deacons of One Year The fourth question, examination of deacons of one year, was taken up. The names of William H. Crenshaw, Thomas C. Lewis, Moses Davis, John W. Harmon, Robert H. Reid, Wilson Jenkins and Byron Benton were called, their character examined and passed. Local Deacon Christopher C. Preston, a local preacher duly recommended by the Quarterly Meeting Conference of the Magazine Str Station, New Orleans District, for election to deacons orders, was accordingly elected. “Stewards’ Call” The Stewards made their call, which was responded to. Report Com. On Education The Committee on Education made their report, which was received, when on motion of John Powell and additional resolution was appended to the resolutions offered, when the whole was adopted and ordered to be published in our church papers. Afternoon Session Ordered On motion it was ordered that when the Conference adjourn it should it do so to meet at 3 o’clock P.M. Adjournment The hour of adjournment having arrived, Conference was closed with the benediction by Bishop Soule. THIRD DAY Opening Conference met pursuant to adjournment, 3 o’clock P.M. Bishop Soule not being present appointed Squire W.D. Chase to take the chair, who opened the session by reading a portion of Scripture and prayer.
Transfer In Richard During presented his certificate of transfer from the Kentucky Conference to this, signed by Bishop Soule. Object of Special Session The object of the special session was explained by the chair. On motion of the Conference resolved itself into a missionary society. The Society having transacted its business, the Conference resumed its character as such, when on motion it was resolved that the chair appoint a committee of three to report on the expediency of establishing a “Preachers Aid Society” and to correspond with the Society of the Mississippi Conference with regard to our portion of the funds of said society. The chair appointed David O. Shattuck, Wm. H. Crenshaw and John Powell on said committee. Adjournment The Conference was then closed with the benediction by the President. |
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Saturday, January 8, 1847 Opening Conference was opened by reading a portion of Scripture, singing, and prayer by Jesse A. Guice.
Minutes The roll being called, the proceedings of yesterday were read and approved. Harp Transferred In The name of Robert J. Harp was added to the roll, he being a transfer from the Memphis Conference. Dubose Located The name of Malachi Dubose was called, when the following resolution was adopted. Resolved, That we disapprove the course of Brother Malachi Dubose during the past year, but in view of all the circumstances of the case, his request for location be granted. Communication from Publishers A communication from Gwirenstedt and Mitchell, Book Agents, Cincinnati, was received, read and entered on file. Weems Declines Election as Elder The name of John J. Weems was called and he, declining an election to elders orders, his case was laid over. Case of Mathieson Resumed The Bishop called up the case of Farquhar Mathieson, which was postponed on Thursday. The following are the charges and specifications as read against him by the Secretary: CHARGES AND SPECIFICATIONS IN CASE OF MATHIESON Charge 1st, Lying. Specification – By telling some brethren that you were engaged to be married to the late Mrs. Bonner and at the same period telling others you were not engaged to be married to said Mrs. Bonner.
Charge Second, Trifling with the sacred institution of Matrimony. Specification – By coming into this Parish some time in August or September last with the avowed purpose of marrying the later Mrs. Bonner, and, on your being informed that she was married, you professed to be greatly afflicted, mortified and disappointed, yet in a few days after you courted Mrs. Dack, and in a few days more you married Mrs. Madden. Charge Third, Attempt at fraud. Specification – By going to Alexandria after your marriage and consulting a lawyer in order to ascertain how much you had made by your speculation. How much property your wife could give you, also to intimate having her property put into a third person’s hands, some one in the state of Mississippi, your intention thereby evidently appears at least to be an attempt to defaud the righteous heir out of that property which Christianity and morality would award him. Alexandria District, Jan. 14, 1846 Signed, Wm. F. Brown, P.E. A part of the testimony to sustain the charges and specifications was submitted in writing, as well as some evidence on behalf of his defense, and is now filed marked A. The following witnesses were examined, viz: William F. Brown, John Powell, John W. Harmon, Thos. A. Smith, whose testimony is written down and is on file marked B. The Conference after much deliberation voted to sustain the specifications under the first charge, and the charge. The second charge and specifications were not sustained. The third charge and specifications were sustained.
Mathieson Expelled When on motion, Farquhar Mathieson was expelled from the church. Time Extended On motion the session was prolonged, the hour of adjournment having arrived. Thomas O. Summers addressed the Conference in relation to The Quarterly Review and the work of Bishop Andrew on family government. Adjournment Conference was closed with the benediction by the Bishop. |
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Sunday, January 10, 1847 Deacons and Elders Ordained On Sabbath, January 10, 1847, Lewis A. Reed, Charles J. Hallberg and Edward F. Thwing, members elect of Conference, and Christopher C. Preston, a local preacher, were ordained deacons, and Stephen J. Davies, Frederick P. Nixon and Thompson C. Tinder were ordained elders by Bishop Soule.
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Monday, January 11, 1847 Opening Conference met and was opened by reading a portion of Scripture, singing, and prayer by William H. Crenshaw.
Roll and Minutes The roll was called and the proceedings of Saturday were read and approved. Reports of Committees Reports of committees were called for. The Committee on the Bible Cause made their report, which was received and adopted. The Committee on the Preachers’ Aid Society made their report, which was received and adopted. The Committee on Periodicals made their report, which was received and laid on the table. Concerning Hours of Meeting and Adjournment A motion was made to change the hour of opening Conference to half past nine, and close at half past one P.M., which was lost. Examination of Elders The examination of Elders was taken up. The name of S.W.D. Chase was called, his character examined and passed. The name of William R. Nicholson was called. His presiding elder reported he had withdrawn from the church and surrendered his certificate of ordination, which was handed to the Secretary. On motion, it was ordered that the name of Wm. R. Nicholson be entered on the minutes as withdrawn. The name of Thomas Price was called. A communication was read from him, his character was examined and passed, and he was located at his own request. The name of William H. Watkins was called, his character examined and passed. The name of Lysander Wiley was called, when on motion it was resolved, “that we disapprove the course of Bro. L. Wiley in leaving his appointment but in view of all the circumstances his request for a location be granted.” The following names were called: Wm. Hines, Charles Brumer, Charles P. Clark, John N. Hamil, Richard M. Crowson, Richmond Randle, Wm. H. Turnley, John B. Eddins, Wm. F. Brown, Robert W. Kennon and John Powell, their characters examined and passed. The name of Daniel Dealy was called, his character examined and passed, and he was located at his own request. The following names were called: Philip H. Diffenweirth, Robert R. Gill, Henry Avery and David Kinnear, their characters examined and passed. The name of Henry B. Price was called, when a communication from the official members of the Tensas Circuit was received respecting his character, which was on motion referred to a committee of three appointed by the Conference, viz: Wm. H. Watkins, Charles P. Clark and David O. Shattuck. The name of William Stephenson was called, his character examined and passed when on motion his relation was changed from a superannuate to a supernumerary one. The name of William G. Gould was called, his character was examined and passed and his relation changed from a superannuate to an effective one. The name of Jesse A. Guice was called, his character examined and passed. Statistics The call for members and other statistics was made and responded to as follows: S T A T I S T I C S
Report of Committee on Sabbath Schools The Committee on Sabbath Schools made their report, which was received and adopted.
Character John J. Weems The name of John J. Weems, whose case had been previously laid over, was called, his character examined and passed. James L. Wright Discontinued The name of James L. Wright was called, when on motion it was ordered that he be discontinued. Adjournment The Bishop introduced to the Conference Brother Gilbert of the New York Conference. Conference was closed with prayer by Brother Gilbert. |
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Monday, January 12, 1847 Opening Conference was opened by reading a portion of Scripture, singing, and prayer by Bishop Soule.
Roll Call and Minutes The roll being called, the proceedings of yesterday were read and approved. Wacher Remains Superannuate The name of Samuel Wacher was called, his character examined and passed. On motion his relation as a superannuate preacher was continued. Report of Tensas Committee The Committee on the communication of the official members of Tensas Circuit made their report, which was received and adopted. Henry B. Price Granted Location On motion the request of Henry B. Price for a location was granted. Report of Committee on Periodicals The report of the Committee on Periodicals was called from the table. The first and second resolutions were read and adopted. The third resolution was amended and adopted. The fourth was amended and adopted. The report and resolutions as amended were adopted. The resolutions were ordered to be published in the Nashville Christian Advocate and Southern Christian Advocate. Summers Addresses Conference Thomas O. Summers addressed the Conference on the business of the Southern Christian Advocate. Report of Com. On Education Reconsidered On motion the vote by which the report of the Committee on Education was ordered to be published was reconsidered, when on motion the resolutions appended to said report were ordered to be published. Report of Stewards Stewards’ report was called for, which was made. See Stewards’ Report on file. Claims, $5380; Received, $4171.80; Con. Col. $180.60; Paid Bishops, $175.00; S. Walker, $260; William Stephenson, $200. G. S. Gilbert Received ??????????? to the Conference the request of Gad S. Gilbert, late an elder of New York Conference, for membership in the Louisiana Conference. By a rising unanimous vote he was accordingly received. Time of Next Session On motion it was ordered, when we adjourn we do so to meet in the Methodist E. Church at half past 9 o’clock to-morrow morning. Concerning Reports of Conference in Church Papers The following resolution was adopted: Adjournment Conference was closed with the benediction by the Bishop. |
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Wednesday, January 13, 1847 Opening Conference was opened by reading a portion of Scripture, singing, and prayer by Charles P. Clark.
Roll Call and Minutes The roll being called, the proceedings of yesterday were read and approved. Location of Henry B. Price Reconsidered On motion this vote locating Henry B. Price was reconsidered and he returned his certificate of location. Place of Next Conference Where and when shall the next Conference be held? By a rising vote the town of Minden, in the Parish of Claiborne, Louisiana, was selected. The Bishop announced the time to be 5th January, 1848. Nehemiah Smith Discontinued On motion the name of Nehemiah Smith was called and he was discontinued. Committee Announced The Bishop announced the following committees: Second Year – Richard During, William Hines, G.S. Gilbert Third Year – C.P. Clark, J.B. Eddins, Henry Avery Fourth Year – David O. Shattuck, Joseph Cross, John N. Hamil. COMMITTEE TO VISIT CENTENARY COLLEGE COMMITTEE
John Powell, William F. Brown, William H. Turnley. Thanks On motion of Richard During, by a rising unanimous vote, the following resolutions were adopted:
RESOLUTION OF THANKS 2. Resolved, That Rev. Robert H. Reid be requested to have these resolutions published in the paper published in this place. Thanks On motion of David O. Shattuck:
RESOLUTION OF THANKS FOR USE OF COURT ROOM Resolved, That the thanks of the Conference are due to the Police Jury and citizens of this Parish for their courtesy in tendering the use of the court room for the session of the Conference and that the Rev. Robert H. Reid is hereby appointed to make known the purport of this resolution to the aforementioned parties a the earliest opportunity.
Committee to Hear Christian Experience On motion the President was requested to appoint the Committee to Hear Christian Experience of Candidates for Probation. David O. Shattuck, Richard During and Richmond Randle were appointed said committee. Concerning Conference Classes On motion of Robert H. Reid the following resolution was adopted: RESOLUTION CONCERNING CONFERENCE CLASSES In Appreciation of the Bishop The following resolution was adopted by a unanimous rising vote:
RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION OF THE BISHOP Resolved, unanimously, That we, the members of the Louisiana Conference, do tender to our beloved Bishop Soule our heartfelt thanks for attending this session of our Conference, and by his ripe judgment giving direction to our young Conference.
In Appreciation of the Secretary The following resolution was unanimously adopted: RESOLUTION IN APPRECIATION OF THE SECRETARY Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference be returned to the Secretary for his attention to the duties of his office.
Concerning Book on Family Government The following resolutions were adopted: CONCERNING BISHOP ANDREW’S BOOK – “FAMILY GOVERNMENT” 1. Resolved, by the Louisiana Conference, That we heartily approve of the work of Bishop Andrew on “Family Government.”
2. Resolved, That we will endeavor to procure and circulate as many copies as possible in our respective fields of labor. Appointments Bishop Soule, after delivering an address of much power, of deep and thrilling interest, which moved our hearts and enlightened our minds, read out the following list of A P P O I N T M E N T S NEW ORLEANS DISTRICT
MONROE DISTRICT
VIDALIA DISTRICT
OPELOUSAS DISTRICT
ALEXANDRIA DISTRICT
President Centenary College D.O. Shattuck
Transferred – Wm. G. Gould to the Tennessee Conference; Wm. H. Watkins to the Mississippi Conference and appointed to Woodville; R.W. Kennon to the Eastern Texas Conference. Adjournment On motion, Conference do now adjourn. Bishop Soule closed the session with the Apostolical benediction. W.H. Crenshaw, Secretary Joshua Soule, President |
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