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OF THE
OF THE
OF THE
!IETHODIST EPISCOPJL CHURCH
HELD AT
RING-HIlA, CHINA,
NOVEM BER, 26-30,
1896.
FOOCHOW: I !I
1897. I PRINTED AT THE FOOCHOW PRINTING PRESS.
tr
O}'FICIAL MINUTES
OF THE
FIRST SESSION OF THE
BING-RUA IISSION GONFERENOE OF THE
llETHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH
HELD AT
HING-HUA, CHINA,
NOVEM BER, 26-30,
1896.
FOOCHOW:
PRINTED .AT -rHE FOOCBOW PRINTING PRESS.
1897.
TABLE OF CONTENTS.
PAGE.
Conference Directory ........................................................ ..... 1 Organization .................................... .. ........................... ...... 2 ~Proceedings Journal ........................................................... 3-11 Certificate or Ordination......................................................... 12 Special Items ........................................................................ 13 Disciplinary Questions ....................................................... 14-15 Assignments for 1897 ............................................................ 16 (;onference Appointments ...................................................... 17-18
\·V. f" M. S. Appointments ................................................... 19
=--tatistical ,\ables .................................................................. 20-23
Pre!'lidi ng Elder's Report ...................................................... 24-21 Report of the Boys Boarding Schl)ol ....................................... 28
., " Biblical Training School .................................... 29-:n On Education ..................................................................... 32-34
Rules for the Conduct of Da.y 8<.:11001s .................................... 35 On Sunday Schools............. .................................... ..... ......... 36 ()n 'l'emperance .................................................................. 37
On Sabbath Observance ............... ..................... .................... 38 Epworth League ......................................................... ......... 39 Report on Religious Literature ................................................ 40
" of Committee on Self-support ....................................... 41 Stewarts Report .................... ............... ............................. 42 Resolutiions-The Rescue Work ............................................. 43 Bishop and Mrs. Joyce ............. ............................................ 43 Infant Betrothal .................................................................. 44
Resnlution of Woman's Conference on bound feet .~ ................... 45 Instructing the Education Committee .......... ............................. 46
Ohlinger on Rescue Work ........................... ............ ............... 46
Memoir of Na Ming-seng ...................................................... 47 ],Iemoirs .. ................ ...................................... .... ............... 48
Constitution of the Ring-hua Home Missionary. Society of the} 49-6:l Methodist Episcopal Church .................. o 0 o ............. ..
CO?\FERE?\CE DIRECTORY.
The figures in the first column denote the year in which preachers were admitted into the traveling connection. The figures in the last Column denote the number of years in their present appointments.
Elders. , Au Deh Cau ......... {
Monito, o!Bible Trnin- f 1877 ing School and Boys Hinghua City 1
Boarding School ... 188fl Brewster W. N ....... Supt. of Conference ...... P. O. Foochow 1 1878 Ceng Ceong Ming ... Presiding Elder ............ lng-chung District 1 1886 Deng Cih Sing ...... Hinghua City ............ Hioghua City 3 1877 Deng Ga Sing ......... Leng Ceo .................. Sing-iu
" 1
] gi7 Deng Sui Ling ...... Gang Kau .................. Pol eng " . 2 187,'l Li Diong Cui Presiding Elaer ......... Sing-iu t, 1 l~s7 Li Nga Ong ............ do. Hinghua City ,. 1 Hs77 N a Ciog Cing ......... Kis-siok ..................... do. ,. 1 1887 N a l\ling Sang ...... Presiding Elder ............ Poleng
" I
1878 Na Sing U ............. Nang-bua ..................... Hinghua City ,. 1 ] 875 Oi Goh Hing ......... Chiah-cui .................. lng-chung
" 3
1889 Sang Geh Cheong ... Cia-sua ........... _ .......... Sing-iu "
1
18SH Sang Hak Leng ... { Teacher in Bible Train- I Hinghua City I ing School ............ ( ,. 1881 Seong Gong Ho ...... Deh-hua ..................... lng-chung
" ..
1889 Si Sik Deng ............ Gua-au ...................... Poieog 4
Deacons.
18i13 Dung Seng Nger.g .•• Meong-su .................. Sing-iu District 2 1894: Dung Cing Ga ...... Sing-Iu City ............... do. It I 1t194: Li Ko Ding ............ Bing-hai ..................... Hillghua City
" 1
18!12 Na Hong So ............ O-au ........................ lng-chung 1 18!14 Owen, T. B ............. Missionary in charge .,. do.
" 1
If:9t Sang Hak Ming ...... Deng-sing .................. Po)eng ,. I
Probat.ioners.
1896 Au Teng H. ~ak ...... 1 To-tau ........................ , HinghuaCityDistrict 1 1894 Dau Hok Gl ......... Dang-sua .................. 1 Poleng ,,3 ISHfI De Hau Tong ......... Dua-do-kau ............... do. ,,1 1895 Deng Cih Ung ...... Beo-boL. ................... Sing-iu ,,1 HHt6 Ding Hen~ Sing ...... Beh-go-Iau .................. , HinghuaCity" 1. 189!'J Go Ung Gl ............ Ko-bo ........................ do. I, 1 11:196 Na Hoi To ............ lng Chung City ......... Ing-chung " 1 ] 896 N a Sing Deong ...... Dua-ca ......... ............ Hinghua City" 1 1895 I Ng Deng Hong ...... Dua-ong ..................... Sing-iu ,,1 1895 Ng Teng Siong ...... Dang-cia and Ng-cioh ... Poleng ,,2 18!t5 Ng Geh Cheong ...... Leng-hua .................. Sing-iu ,,2 1895 Sang Bang Ciong... Dang-moi ....... ........... Po]eng ,,1
ORGANIZATION.
Officers of the Oonferenoe.
President.-Bishop Isaac \V. Joyce D.D., L.L.D. Secretari~s.-T. B. Owen and Sang Hak Leng. Assistants.-F. Ohlinger and Sang"Hak Ming. Statistical Secretary.-Dung Seng Ngeng. Treasurer.-Wm. N. Brewster.
C QMMITTEES. On Sunday Schools.-Na Hong Co and Go Dng Gi. On Religious Literature.-Sang Hak Leng and Sang
Geh Cheong. On Temperance.-Li Nga Ong. Ng Teng Siong, and
N aCing Cing. On Sabbath Observance.-Na Ming Sang, Na Sing U,
and Ng Deng Hong. On Conference Relations.-W. N. Brewster, Ceng
Ceong Ming, Deng Ga Sing, and Deng Sui Ling. On Education.-Si Sik Deng, Dung Seng Ngeng, and
Sang Bang Ciong. On Fraternal Relations.-Deng Cih Sing, and Li Ko Ding. On Self Support.-Li Diong Cui, Sang Hak Ming, and
Deng Cih Dng. On Epworth League.-T. B. Owen, Deng Cih Sing, and
Ng Geh .Cheong. On State of the Church.-Missionaries and Presiding
Elders.
BOARD OF STEW ARDS~ w. N. Brewster, Au Deh Cau, Na Ming Sang, Li Nga
Cng, Li Diong Cui, Ceng Ceong Ming, and Dung Seng Ngeng.
PROCEEDINGS.
JOU RN A L. -:0:
FIRST DAY
THURSDAY, Nov. 26, 1896.
Opening.-The first session of the Hinghua Mission Conference convened at Hinghua City Nov. 26 (Thursday) 1896. Bishop 1. W. Joyce opened the Conference with the administration of the Lord's Supper. He was assisted by Rev. Li Diong Cui, who read a part of the 53rd chapter of Isaiah, and Rev. Dr. Luering of Singapore. who read the 3rd chapter of Ephesians. Two hundred eighty eight persons partook of this communion.
The Bishop then addressed to the conference a few words of encouragement, expressing his pleasure in being present at the first session of this new conference, after which he announced the names of those transferred from the Foochow conference. These brethren, constituting the first Hinghua Conference, are
W N. Brewster T. B. Owen Li Diong Cui Au Deb Cau Na Ming Sang Sang Hok Ming Deng Sui Ling Ng Teng Siong Sang Bang Cic:).Dg Vi Goh HiIJg,.
Sang Geh Cheong Deng Cih U~g Na Hong Co Li Ko Ding Ng Deng Hong Si Sik Deng Sang Hak Leng Ceng Ceong Ming Li'Nga Dng Deng Ga Sing
Dung Seng Ngeng Go Vog Gi Dau Hok Gi Deng Cih Sing Na Cing Cing Seong Gong Ho. Na Sing U. Ng Geh Cheong Dung Cing Ga
Organization,.-The organization of the conference was then effected by the eleetiall of. Thos. B. Owen and Sang Hak Leng, Secretaries and F. Ohlinger and Sang HakMing, assistants.
Dung Seng N geng was then elected Statistical Secre· tary. "TW. N. Brewster was elected Conference treasurer.
HIKGHUA CONFERENCE.
Introductions.-Rev. J. H Correll Ph.D. of Japan, Rev. C. F. Kupfer of Central China, Rev. H. L. E. Luering Ph.D. of Singapore, Rev. Na Dng Cin~ of Chinchew, Mrs. Bishop Joyce and Miss Lydia A. Trimble were then in· troduced to the Con terence.
Committees. -Comlnittees were appointed as follows. For examining candidates for admission . on trial.-Au
Deh Cau, W. N. Brewster, Deng Ga Sing. For examining Class of 1st year.-Li Diong Cui, Deng
Cih Sing, Sang Hilk Leng. For examining Class of 2nd year.-Na Ming Sang, Sang
Geh Cheong. For examining Class of 3rd year.-Li Nga Ong, Li Sik
Deng. For examining Class of 4th .year.-Deng Sui Ling, Na
Hong Co. For examining local preachers recommended for orders
N a Sing U, N aCing Cing. To Nominate Standing Committees for the present ses·
sion-W. N. Brewster, Li Diong Cui, Au Deh Cau, Li Nga
Ong. Addresses.-While the nominating Committees retired for consultation Dr. Luering, upon invitation of the Bishop, addressed the conference on our work in Malaysia; After w bich N a U ng Cing of tbe Presbyterian Mission of Arnoy addressed the Conference concerning their work in Southern Fukien.
Standing Committees.-The Nominating Committee then reported Standing Committees as follows.
On Sunday Schoola-Na Hong Co, Go U ng Gi. On Reli~ous Literature-Sang Hok Leng, Sang Geh
Cheong. On Temperance,-Li Nga Ong. Ng Teng Siong, Na
Cing Cing. On Subbath Observance.-Na Ming Sang, Na Sing U,
Ng Deng Hong. On Conference Relations.-W. N. Brewster; Ceng Ceon.g
Ming, Deng Ga Sing, Deng Sui Ling. On Education.-Si Sik Deng, Dung Seng N geng, Sang
Bang Ciong. On Fraternal Relations-Ding Cih Sing, Li Ko Ding. On Self Support.-Li Dion&: Cui, San~ Hak Ming, D.eng
Cih Dng.
PROCEEDING-FIRST & SECOND DA Y. 5
On Epworth League.-T. B. Owen, Deng Cih Sing, Ng Geh Cheong.
On State of the Church.-Missionaries and Presiding Elders.
Board ofStewards.-W- N. Brewster, Au Deh Cau, Na Ming Sang, Li Nga Ong, Li Diong Cui, Ceng Ceong Ming, Dung Seng N geng.
13th Question.-The thirteenth question, "Was the character ~f each p1 ~acher examined," was then taken up. P E. Li Diong Cui reported the Po Leng District. His character was passed nnd the conference Sang "We praise Thee O'GoJ.
P E. Au Deh Cau reported the lng-Chung Dis trict. His character was passed. Li Nga Oug then reported the Sing-Iu District (The P E. Na Ming Seng having gone home to heaven.)
The names of the following elders were called and their characters were passed. W. N Brewster, Na Ming Sang, Ding Sui Ling, Si Sik Deng, Deng Cih Sing, Na Cing Cing, Li Nga Ong, N a Sing U, Deng Ga Sing, They each reported their collections as their names were called.
All under-graduates were reported to the committee on conference relations.
Adjournrnent.-Announcements. ,~,rere made and conference adjourned. Dr._Luering pronounced the benediction.
SECOND DAY.
FRIDAY. !\ov. 27th.
Devotions.-The devotional service was led by Deng Sui Ling.
Minutes.-The minutes. of the preceding session were read and approved.
Deaconess Board.-On request of the Woman's Conference, the Conference appointed a Deaconess Board consisting of Li Diong Ciu, Li Nga Ong, Ding Cih Sing, Na Ming Sang, Mrs. E. F. Brewster, Miss Minnie, E. \Vilson, l\liss Phebe C. Wells, Miss Althea 1.\1. Todd· and T. B. Owen,
Committee on Memoirs.-Committee on Memoirs was then appointed consisting of F- Ohlinger, Sang Hak Gi and Na Cing Cing.
Note.-o Miss Todd was afterwards appointed to Hok-chiang.
6 HINGHUA GONFERENGE.
5th Questi9n~-The fifth questio:n was now taken up ., Who ka~ been continu~d on trial "? Sang Bang Ciong, Ng .. Deng Hong, Ng Geh Cheong., Ng Teng Siong, and Ding Cih Dng reported their collections and were passed to the'second year' 5 studies. Go U ng Gi reported his collections and was continued in the studies of the first year.
Tobacco.-On motion of Li Diong Cui the conference adopted the following resolution.
Resolved that anyone of these brethren on trial who shall violate his pledge to abstain from the use of tobacco, shall at the next conference session be discontinued,
Fraternal Delegates.-The conference then received fraternal delegates. ,
The following visiting brethren were presented to the conference Rev. H. Thompson of the Presbyterian Mission of lng Chung, Re~. Chas. Shaw of the English Church Mission of Hinghua, Rev. H. L. E. Luering, Ph,D .. of the Malay.sia ::Mission Conference, Rev. C. F. Kupfer of the Contral China Mission of the M, E. Church, Rev. J. H. Correll of the Japan Conference, Rev. Da Geo Deh and Mr. Da Teng Siong of the English Church Mission.
These brethren each addressed the conference in short speeches of congratulatipn, to which W. N. Brewster responded in behalf of the Conference,
'Adjournment.-Adjournments were made and Con-, ference adjourned to meet at 2.30 p.m. Rev. Shaw Dismissed the Conference with the benediction.
Afternoon Service.
Devotions.-Devotions of the Conference were led by Hu·Caik Hang of the Fooehow Conference.
10th Question.-The Bishop called the 10th question, II Wnat;memberi have completed the course of 8tudy." Sang Geh Ciong reported his colloctions. His character was passed and, he was elected to elder's orders. N a Hong So reported his collections. His character was passed and he was continued in the studies of the 4th year.
9th Question.-The Ninth question "Who are in ihe Bludies of the fourth year," was now taken up. Dung Seng Ngeng's character was passed and he was passed to the studies of the 4th year. Sang Hak Ming's character was passed and he was continued in studies of the 8rd year. '
7th Question,-The Bishop then called t1;le seventh
PROCEEDINGS.-SECOND DA Y. 7
question Who !lave been admitted into full membership?" Dan Hok Gi being ill Was continued in studies ot second year. Li Ko Ding and T. B. Owen were admitted into full membership and elected to deacon's orders .
. 4th Question.--The fourth question" Who are admitted 011 trial" was now called. Au Teng Huak, De Han Tong, Deng Heng Sing, Na Hoi To, and Xa Sing Dong Were admited on recommendation of the Comn1ittee.
30th Question.-The Bishop then called the thirtieth question " Where shall tAe ,.ext conference be held? lIOn vote of the conference it was decided to hold it at Hinghua city.
At this point the secretary read a fraternal letter from the English Presbyterian Mission at Chinchew.
Fraternal Delegates and Correspondents.-The Committe on fraternal relations reported the following delegates.
To Pres. Mission at Amoy.-Li Xga Ong and Na Hoi To. To the American Board lVlission at Foochow.-Na
Ming Sang. To the Anglican Mission.-W~ N. Bre\vster. To the Foochow Conference.-Au Deh Can and Sang
Geh Cheong. Also the following fraternal correspondents.
To Central China l\1ission.-Sang Hak Leng. To the \Vest China Mission.-Sang Geh Cheong. To the Shanghai Mission of the M. E. Church 8outh.
T. B. Owen. '1'0 the Malaysia Mission Conference.-Deng Sui Ling. To the Japan Conference.-F. Ohlinger, Dung Beng
Ngeng and N a Hong So. To the North China Conference.--Deng Cih Sing and
Ccng Ceong Min~. To Mrs. Sites.-F. Ohlinger and Sang Hak Leng. To Bishops Mallelicu, Ninde, ~ and Walden.-W. N.
Brewster and Li Diong Cui. The reason the conference appointed a com. to write to
these Bishops is that they were vitally connected with the Hinghua work. Bishop Mallelieu was the first of our Bishops to visit Hinghua, He also secured a gift fronl America which enabled us to build the present beautiful Chapel in Hingbua City. Bishop Ninde viSited Hinghua and dedicated this chapel. Bishop Walden s~cured the action of the General Conference constituting ,the Hinghua Conference.
Adjournment.-Conference then adjourned Bishop J oyee pronouncing the benediction. ~
8 HINGHUA CONFERENCE.
THIRD DAY
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28TH,
Devotions.-The devotions of the conference were led by Si Sik Deng.
Minutes.-Minutes of previous session were read and approved.
lith Question.-The eleventh question was taken up. It What othe1" have been elected and ordained deaooflB." Under this order Chua Hi Seng was elected to deacon's orders.
Reports.-The report of the Committee on Education was now presented which after some amendments was adopted by the Conference.
The Committee on Sunday Schools presented a report wmch was amended and then adopted.
The Committee on Temperance presented a report which after the addition of another clause relative to Morphia was adopted. .
T.be Committee on Religious Literaturo presented a report which was adopted after some slight amendments.
The report of the Oommittee on Sabbath Observance was adopted without amendment.
The Committee on Self.,support presented its report which was adopted after amendment.
Nominating Committee.-The Bishop then appointed the Missionaries and Presiding Elders to act as a Committee to appoint Standing Committees for next year,
Eveninng Session Ordered,-On motion it was decided to have an evening session of the conference to hear and act on the report of the Committee on Memoirs. " Adjourment.-The Bishop then called the preachers
forward and gave them a few worda of exortation and advice after which they joined with him in prayer for God's blessing.
COllference adjourned with the benediction by Li Nga Ong.
Evening Session. Pursuant to adjournment the conference assembled at
7.30 p.m, W. N. Brewster acting as chairman. After prayer by the chairman the Committee on Memoirs presented the memorials. One concerning the beloved Na Ming Seng who went home to heaven in September. The other concerning ~rother Deng Teng Boi a bright young men of great promise
PROClZElJLVCS-J HIR}) & FOURTH DA Y. .9
who was called to his reward in December of last year. The report was adopted by the 'conference, after which
it adjourned with the benediction.
FOURTH DAY.
l\fONDAY, Xov. 30th.
Devotions.~Devotions were led by Na Sing V. Reports.-Th~ Bishop called for the statistical report.
This was made by the Statistical Secretary, Deng Seng ?\geng. After a few minor corrections were made it was adopted ana the confer~nce joined in singing "Praise God."
The report of the Committee on Epworth League was then read and adopted without amendment.
Central Conference,-The question of the date and location of the Central China Conference was then taken up and after discussion the conference asked that it be at Shanghai in the Autumn of 1897; the exact date, to be fixed. bv the Bishop. Dung Seng Ngeng then presenteJ the report of the Conference Stewards which was adopted without alteration.
COlllmittee 011 Adjustment.-V·t. X. Brewster and Li Diong Cui were appointed a cOlnmittee to confer with a similar committee of the Foochow conference concerning the COlllmon funds and to arrange tor the division of such funds. Hu Caik Hang of the Foochow Conference was asked to assist this committee in its work.
Estimating Committee.-The l\Iissionaries and presiding Elders were appointed a committee on estimates.
Triers of Appeals. -The Bishop nominated and the conference confirmed as Triers of Appeals W. N. Brew'ster, Li Diong Cui, Li Nga Ong, Na Sing V, Deng Cih Sing, N~ Cing Cing, and Deng Sui Ling.
Woman's Conference-The conference at 10 a.ln. Received the Woman's Conference. Dr. Donabue and Ng Iu Ang each spoke a few words of greeting to the Conference, after which Miss Minnie E. Wilson presented a report of the Day'Schools a.nd Bible Women of the Sing-I u and Po Leng Districts; also of the Sing-Iu Woman's Bible Training School. Dr. Donahue reported the l\1edical Work in Hinghua. Mrs. E. F. Brewster reported the V\r oman's and Girl's Boarding Schools'in Hinghua city and lng-Chung District.
10 HI.'VGH[/.1 CONFERENCE.
Miss Li Bi. Cu on hehalf of the \Voman's Conf'erenc~ presented a series of resolutions on foot- bindillg to the Conference for its consideration. These resolutions were made the resolutions of the cOllference on that subject without a dissenting vote. A resolution concerning Infant betrothal was also presented by the ladies. These also were made the resolutions of the conferenc~ by a unanimous vote.
Li Diong Cui on behalf of the Conference responded to the greeting of the Woman's Conference.
Na Uing (''ing and Deng Ga fing were then appointed delegates to the Woman's Conference.
Standing Ccmmittees for 1897.-The Committee on Nominations reported the Standing Committees for next year. The conference confinned their nominations. [See assignments for 1897.J
Deaconess Boar~.-Li Diong Cui reported for the Deaconess Board. The conterence a pproved the report.
Adjourmnent.-Conference adjourned to meet at 2.30 p.m. Li Diong Cui dismissed the assembly with the' benediction.
Afternoon Session.
Conference met pursuant to adjournment at 2.30 p.m. 'V.N. Brewster presided. After prayer the monling's nlinutes were read and approved.
Ohlingt~r.--Rev. F. Ohlinger was invited to address the conference concerning his work for the orphans and lepers.
He presented the needs of these two classes and hjs efforts on their behalf, after \V hich T. B. Owen. and \V N. Brewster presented resolutions commending Bro. Ohlinger to the confidence of those interested in the suffering and fatherless. These resolutions 'Were adopted by a unanimous vote of the conference.
·A vote of thant{s was tendered Bro. Ohlinger for his valuable aid during the conference session. '
Request.-The conference asked Rev .. F. Ohljnger, Deng Ging Sing, Na Sing Heong, and Deng Cih Sing to assist in preparing the conference minutes for publication.
Bible Training School.-flu Caik Hang presented a report of the Biblical School and ofllie Boy's Boarding School.
Home Missionary Society.--The sllbjeqt of organizing a Home Missionary Society was taken uy and -discussed, The conference voted unanimously to ,orgamze such a society whi~ they proceededa't once:to do. ' "
PRo.CEEDINGS.-FOURTH JJA Y. l~
W. N~ Brewster had previously prepared a constitution as a basis from which to work in case the conference decided to organize a Home Missionary Society. This constitution was then discussed and adopted section by section up to the tenth section. The balance of the constitution as prepared py Bro. Brewster was ordered printed in the min utes to be the law of the Society until next conference, when it is to be taken up again and acted upon by.the conference before it shall become the permanent constitution. •
A Board of Managers of the Home Missionary Society. as provided by the constitution was then elected; to wit: Deng Ga Sing, Dung Cing Ga, Deng Cih U ng, N a Hoi To and Seong Gong Ho, Deng Sui Ling, Si Sih Deng, Derig Cih Sing and Au Deh Cau.
Adjournment.-;-The Bishop then took the chair and the conference adjourned to meet at 7.30 p.m. W. N. Brewster dismissed the conference with the beneaiction.
Evening Session.
Conference met at 7.30 p. nl. pursuant to adjournment with Bishop J oyee in the chair. The B.ishop led the conference in prayer.
Minutes.-The Minutes of the afternoon session were read and approved.
Exaluining Committees.-The Conlmittees on eXafflinations for next y.ear wer.e then announced. [See Assignmel}t.s for 1897.]
ResoIut-ions.-W. N. Brewster then presented a rABolution of appreciation to Bishop J oy~~ which was adopted by a ribing vote. .
T, B. Ow~n preseni~ ~ r.esolqtion instruati).Jg the ~ommittee on education to give special attention to formulating a plan of unification of our oobools. This resolution was passed by th~ Conference,
A resolution eencerning the course Jl:1nior Pre~~hers sh~ll take in cases of J~~r~ecu.tipn . w~s pr.e§~n~d Q~ . I:..i })iong Cwo It was 'adopted by tbe Conference wIthout diScussI(}n as division.
. Invitati9n.~ The Bishop announced that all ~ere iawited to att~nd the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of our ~siou work dn Foochow. ~his anniversary to be held in Fo~how one week pr~ed.ing th..e Ae}:t ~p.of t4~ Fp.o~ow 100nference.
12 HINGHl/A COl'-lFERENGE.
Course of Study.-W- N. ,Brewster, Sang Hak Leng, Deng Cih Sing, Au Deh Cau and Deng Ga Sing were appointed a committee to revise the conference course of study and report at the next session of conference.
This committee shall also prepare a course of study for local preachers.
The Bishop then made a few remarks to the preachers after whic\1 he read the appointnlents and conference adjounled sine die.
T. B. Owen, Secretary.
Certificate of Ordination.
Isaac \V Joyce, President.
• , If 1$" . u,u ib4 '¥it' ._
I· This certifies that in the Methodist Episcopal I I Church in Hinghua City, China, Sunday, N0V'I
29th, 1896, I ordained T~omas B. Owen, Li Ko
I Ding, and Chua Hi Song Deacons in the Church of
God. And the same day in the same place,
assisted by Elders, I ordained Sang Geh Cheong
an Elder in the Church.of God.
Given under my hand this 30th day of N0V-I ember, A.D. 1896, in Hinghua City, China.
I Isaac W. Joyce. I .1 It dAn e'AI • ,4 IS IiPii ,.
SPECiAL iTElrIS. •.
SPECIAL ITEMS.
Missionary Sermon.
lIu Caik Hang of the Eoochow Conference but who for the last few years has been in the Hinghua School work preached the Missionary Sermon. It was a logical and forceful presentation of the needs of the work and responsibilities resting upon the church.
The Sunday Servioe.
The Love Feast on Sunday morning was a season of especial rejoicing when over one hundred and fifty Chinese Christians testified of the power of God to save, and of the joy of the Christian life.
Bishop Joyce preached a sermon frQm Acts 16:30, 31, full of power.
l~ HINvElUA CONFERENCE.
DISCIPLINA.RY QUESTIONS. --:0:--
1.-WJw have been received by transfer, and from what Oonference ?
William N. Brewster, Zhom(1JJ B. Owen, Au Deh Cau Geng ~ong Ming, Dang Cih Sing, DengJ Ga Sing, ])eng Sui Ling! Li Diong Cui, Li N~ Dng, Na Cing Cing, Na Ming $ang, .Na Sing 0, Oi Gob Iling Sang G~k Oheotu}, Sallg Hak Leng, Seong Gong Ho, Si Sik ~Jlg, Du:n,g Se1lg .Zvgenjf, J)u~g Oing Ga, Li Ko Ding, Na Hong Co, Sang Hak Ming, Dau Sok Gi, Deng ajh Ung, Ng Teng Siang, Ng Ceh Cheong, Ng Deng Hong, Sang Bang Oiorlrg, Go Dllg GiJ were received from the Fooehow Conference.
2 . ...,-Who have been ,-e.admitted I None. 3.--Who have been received on credentials and from what
,kurtsbesf None. 4.- Who have been received on trial?
(a) In s~udies of. first year: Au Tepg Huak, De . Hau Tong, Deng Heng Sing, N a Hoi To, N a
Sing Deong, (b) In studies of the third year: Kone.
5.-Who have been continued on trial! (a) In studies of first year: Go U ng Gi. (b) In studies of second year: Sang Bang Ciong,
Ng ·Deng Hong, -Ng Geh Cheong, Ng Teng Siong, .Deng Cih Ung, Dau Hok Gi.
,(c) In studies of third year: None. (d) In studies of fourth year: None.
B.-Who have been discontinued 1 None. 1.-Who have been admitted into full membership.~
(a) Elected and Ordained Deacons this year: Li Ko Ding, Thomas B. Owen.
(11) Elected and Ordained previously: None: 8.-What Members are in Studies of Third year'
(a) Admitted into full membership this year: Li Ko Ding, Thomas B. ()wen, Dung Cing Ga.
(b) Admitted into.,full membership previously: Sang Hak Ming.
9.-What Members are in Studies of Fourth Year? Na Hong Co, Dung Seng Ngeng.
JJ/SCIPLIA:4RY QUESTIONS. 15
10.·- TP'hat JJember~ have Oompleted the Oonference Course of Study.'
(a) Elected and Ordqil1~d Elders this year: Sang Geh Cheong.
(b) Elected and Ordained Elders previously : None. 11. - TJi hat others have been El(cled and Ordained DfaCOTlB?
(a) As Local Preachers:-Chua Hi t:ieng. . (b) Under ~iissionary Rule: None.
12.- Whoothe1's have been Elected and Ordained Elders? (a) As Local Deacons: None. . (b) Under Missionary Rule: None.
13.- Was the Character oj each Preacher Examined! This was strictly done as the l1anle of eac~ preacher
,yas called in open Conference. . 14-Who have been Trgllsferred alut to w/?at Con-
ferences.f None. 15,-lVho have Died? Na Ming Seng, Deng Teng Boi, lOI-Who have peen Located at their-own Request! None .. 17.- Who have been Located.rr None. 18.~ Who have withdrawn? None. 19.--Who ha~e been permitted to withdraw ~p~rj~r
Charge$ or Oomplaillt~ ? 1\ one. 20.-- Who have been Expelled? None. 21.-What oth~r pers01J.(11 notation ~401~lti lJ~made ,f
None. 22.-Who fir£! the Slljer'llll111e,-ary P1'eachers? N OBC.
2S.-IVho ar(1 the Superauuuated Preachers! NQIW! 2,·--- Who ar£! the Triers of 4pp.eals? \V - N. Brewster Li Diong Cui, Li N ga Ong, N a Sing U 1 Den.g Cib ~ing~ N a, /Cing Cjng, Deng Sqi Ling. .
25.- W/4at is t4e St(ltisticalllePQrt ff1.r tl~i$ J1ear! See Table.
26.- Tf'hat i~ the A1Kt'(!g.ate of the Benev()lent Collectio1ls as reported by the Conference Treasurer! $61.00 (gold).
21.---- What are tke Claims 01l, til" Cmifereilce Fund? $162,.·
28.-What has been Received on these Cl(lims (l1~d Jw.~ has it been Applied? Question not Answered.
2~.-Where (l1'e tke l.lreq,ch~rs $Jgti(Jlzeti? See the list of Appointments.
30.- Wlter~ sNall the ntxt Oonffi".e~be 1teld? A~ Hit;lg-hua City. .
HL\r;ll~:4. CONFERE.\TE.
ASSIGNMENTS FOR 1896.
EXAlIIXING COMMITTEES.
Admission on Trial, and Local Preachers.-\Vho are Candidates for Ordination.- 'V. N. Brewster, Sang Geh Cheong, Sang Hak Min~.
Class of First Year.-T. B. Owen, Deng Ga Sing, Si Sik Deng.
Class of Second Year.--Li Diong Cui, Deng Cih Sing, Sang Hak Leng.
Class of Third Year.-Na Ming Sang, Au Deh Cau, Na Hong So.
Class of Fourth Year.-Deng Sui Ling, Oi Goh Hing,
STAXDING COMMITTEES.
Sunday Schools.-Li Ko Ding, Sang Bang Ciong, Na Hoi To.
Religions Literature.-Deng Cih Sing, De Hang Tong. Dung Cing Ga.
Temperance.-Deng Sui Ling, Au Teng Huak, Dau Hok Gi.
Sabbath Observance.-Sang Geh Cheong, Ceng Ceong Ming, N aCing Cing. '
Conference Relations.-W, N. Brewster, Deng Ga Sing, Ceng Ceong Ming, NaMing Sang, T. B. Owen.
Education.-T. B.,Owen, Dung Seng Ngeng, Na Hong So, Deng Heng Sing'.
Fraternal Relations.-Seong Gong Ho, Ng Geh Cheong. Self Support.-Si Sik Deng, Deng Cih Ung, Ng Deng
Hong. Epworth League.-Sang Hak Ming, Ng Teng Siong,
Go Dng Gi. State of the Church.-Missionaries and Presiding Elders. 'Conference Program.-W. N. Brewster, Li N ga 'Ong,
Deng Cih Sing.
CONFERENCE STEWARDS.
. 'Yo N. Brewster, Li Diong Cui, Li Nga Dng, Ceng Ceong !\img, ::\ a Ming Sang, Dung Seng N geng,Au Deh Cau.
APPOINTMENTS 17
TRIERS OF APPEALS.
vV. N. Brewster, Li Diong Cui, Li Nga Ong, Na Sing U. Deng Cih Sing, I\a Cing Cing, Deng Sui Ling.
l\lISSIONARY SERMON.
5i Sik Deng, Alternate, Li Ko Ding.
CONFERENCE SERMON.
Deng Cih Sing Alternate, Dung Seng Ngeng.
CONFERENCE APPOINTMENT
Superintendent of the Conference. W. N. Brewster. Post Office, 'foochow.
HINGHUA CITY DISTRICT.
Presiding Elder. Li Nga Ong.
Bak-go-lau Bing~hai Oheng-cai Dang-gau and O-su Dua-ca Hinghua City Ko-bo . Kio-siok Nang-bua Nang-Nik Po-to Sa-hoi Siollg-dai To-tau
P. O. Hinghua City. Deng Heng Sing. Li Ko Ding.
To be supplied. (Geb Sui Cu.) To be supplied. (Sang Gi Hing.)
Na Sing Deong. Deng Cih Siug, Go Ung Gi.
To be supplied. To be supplied. To. be supplied. To be supplied.
N aCing Cing. Na Sing U. (N a Hai Lang.) (Deng Sing Bi.) (Li Siu Heng.) (Go lng Huak.) Au Teng Huak.
ING CHUNG DISTRICT.
l'~esiding Elder Ceng CeoDK Ming.
18 HINGHOA CONFERENGE.
P.O.O-Au. ~Iissionary in charge. T. B. Owen.
P,O., Foochow. Chiah-Cui. Oi Goh Hing. Ching-Cui-Diand To-Ngung To be supplied. (Co-Ko-Cu.) Cui-Kau To be supplied. (Ng long Seng.) Dai-Cheng To be supplied. eNg Bo Seng.) Deh-Hua 8eong Gong Ho. Ngo-bo To be supplied. (D3;"peh Sing.) Gia Tau To be supplied. (Ng Deh To). lng-Chung City Na Hoi To. Ming-O To be supplied. (Geo Meong Chai) O·Au Na Hong Co. Nan~-dia To be supplied. (Deng Seo Gi.) 8i i!i0 do To be supplied. (Ho lng lng,) Si do To be supplied.
PO-LENG DISTRICT.
Presiding Elder NaMing Sang. P.O., Gua-an.
Ang-tau 'Dang-moi Dang-sua Deng-sing Dua-do-kau Gang-Kau Gna-au
To be supplied. (Chua Hi SengJ Sang Bang Ciong. Dau Hok Gi. Sang Hak Ming. De Hau Tong. Deng Sui Ling.
Ng-ciah and Dang-cia Si Sik Deng. Ng Teng Siong.
SING-IV DISTRICT.
Presiding Elder Li Diong Cui. P. O. Sing-Iu City.
Beo-boi Depg Cih Ung. Bua-nia To be supplied. (Na Ung .. Hoi.) Cia-sua Sang Geh Cheong. Dang-hau To be supplied. (Na Ceng Cheong.) Dua-ong Ng .Deng Hong, Ga-deng To be supplied. (Na Chiu Ong.) Ging-sua To be supplied. (Na Deh Seng.) Reo-sua To be supplied. (Ns Hok Seng.) Leng-ceo Deng Ga Sing.
APPOINTMENTS. 19
Leng-heo-sua Leng-hua Meong-su Sing-iu City
To be supplied. (Da Sing Hi.) Ng Geh Cheong. Dung Seng Ngeng. Dung Cil1g Ga.
Bible Training School do. do. do.. do.
Boys Boarding School do. do.
SCHOOLS.
Principal, Monitor, Teacher, Principal, M.onitor,
--:0:--
W. N. Brewster. Au Deh Cau. Sang Hak Leng. W. N. Brewster. Au Deh Cau.
W F M. S. APPOINTMENTS.
Hinghua City District ..•..•............ } Mrs. E. F. Brewster. Hinghua City Girl's Boarding School Miss Lydia A. TrImble.
Hinghua C~ty !V0rn~n)s Train. SChOOl} Miss Phoebe C. Wells. Po-leng lJlstnct, BIble Women and M.iS8 Althea M. Todd.
Day Schools ....•...................
Medical \Vork .•......•..•.....•........•... J ulia M. Donahue, M.D.
lng-chung District, Bible \Vornen, Day} Schools ........... ..••... ............... Miss Minnie E.WiIson.
Girl's and Women's Boarding School
Sing-wIu DistricDt Wornahn's School, Bible} Miss Minnie E. 'ViIson~ omen, ay Sc ools ........... .
20 STATISTICAL
I------------~~I]~~-~E-$~~--~II~I-~--~II~~--rl.~~EIiIl~ HING-HUA "=I;.n c 0 \.... c: 1B CI)
~ '~, ~ ~ ~ I, ~ ; ~ .1 ~I' ~ .g j ~ MISSION GONFERENGEII:.~_ :~_:.~_~. !,=_~ ,;. '0 g j ~ .....; v c: o.!- -i ° u ]
:: > =- ~ I ~ .~ , .n I] V '~' ~ f II~ j? ~ ~ eX - \...::.: <Il ~ ,- 1·- .!::l ;;' c.; - ~ 0 • ..: 1896. .g ~ I ~ C 1 ... ·- (".) I~ i e. c. cC i ~ ~ ~:; :..o:li v,
~ '~I..: ~ ~ ~ ~ I § ,~: ci5 r£ :: I ~: .z-II'~ v: IU5 u:i u:i -- -- , ...... llC\ <:J ·z 1-- ..... ~ b.O C<! '-:- t; 1.-..... .... PO- LE NG .- '.~. ._ t:: I ...0, =,::: tl.I . '" . ~ I tl.Il'O c ~.;:;..;; 0; ''0 ° III --J. ~"O ° C..;: i 0 ° 0
'd '~ 0 0 ~ (3 ..:: I e I ci ci "0 ;=::.:> .~ 6 ZO Zo Zo DISTRICT. Z Z Z Z Z~ --. I c:... Z Z < '-' i < '"'" ~
-1-1--------,---1------1----------
C ·t I 1" 27S! 3001 ,,~i iJ 90 i.( 4.00 1 164 1 H 450 Ring-Rna 1 y ... 5; l("l 57 OJ I I I
Hang Gang ...... , ..... \11 21 3 1 32 35, 31 2(-i HI 3 72\ ... '" ! 1 2 40
I \ 1011 168 9 21 ali 1 201 \ 31
,. 5 80 Qua Au ...•..... ...... 1\ 1 ... 3 8 i) '... • ••
R • 115 280 S 7 ro 51 • 1 300 Bing- 8.1... ..•... ... 21 51 6 4 8 1 126 5 U ... ... ~ 0s\
Ko-bo .................... ! 21 1 7 2 92 llO 4 58 6f, 121 360... ...' 150
I I R 0 Deng-Sing ............ I 2:... ~ ••• 60 147 2 14 24 ... 800... ..• • 5 10
Gang-kau ............ 11 .• .1... 2 1 88 51 .•. 12 15 9 120... •.• 2 2 100
Kio-sauh ............ 21 ~ 2 9 2 9:; 120 2 36 54 10 160.. ... 5 () 80
Dang-sua· ............ ... 3 1 2 ... 46 120 2 16 27 'i 200... ... J] 35
Dang-ngeng ......... ! ... ; 2 ... 1 3 38 120 ... lG 3] 3 SO ...... 8 8 60 i :
Sa.-hoi .................. ! ••• I 2... 8 1 44 86 S 25 18 6 170... .•. 4 4 150
Po-hio ......... ......... 1 1... 7
cheng-oai ............ ... 2 ... S
1
1
36 28... 30 15 S 120... ••• ~ ~ 111
71 110 7 35 lOIS 19 20(l... . .. .. 4 32
N g-cia......... ......... ... ft... 4 1 26 90 2 20 6 1 120 .,. •.. 3 S SO
Siong-tal 2 :2... . ..
Nang-oih ............ 2 1 1 2
24
43
80 ... S· 1 11 60 ...... 2 2 10
92 8 31 19 13 180... • ..
Bak-go-lau .••......... 2 ... 2 ... 16 110 ... 6 16 6 150 .............. .
TotaL .... 15'32 27117 34 1 ,~5411,gg7;;; 518579 lIS S,SS2l 164/« 96 J,m Increase this year ~) 1· .. ... 257 244" 82 99... 4-12'" • 1)" 21)7
*Figures not given last year.
'TABLE. 21
62 ..... . 4 $12,100 4 $1.00 $30 $600.00 $22.10 $469.45 $165.78 $88.60
1 16
1 20 $10.00 1
3 60 30.00 3
1 22
3 60
1 20
• 76
1 17
1 14
2 81
1 ~O
1 20
2 ]I)
1 15
6.00 4
1
14.00 0
S.'JO '"
12.00 1
10.00 ..•
8.00 2
12.00 8
5.00 ...
1
2
200
1,20°1
2741
750 ..•
200
100
soo •••
500
200 •••
160 ...
1
2
9
5
2
2
2
4
8
60
50
50
00
50
50
50
50
50
80
SO
50
20
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
2
2
100 3 60 2
260 ••• 6(1
300 .•. 20
2
2
21.18 1.50
105.001
13.2\.'
51.30 4.00
43.20
56.00
4.1.00
8'.00
2.40
1.00
1.30
2.00
1.90
13.00 .2.00
11.00
25.80
17.00
19.20
20.00
24,-10
8.00
40
1.95
2.56
8.00
60
26.00 66.84
100.00 13-1.10
117.00 3.00
68.00. 15.50
40.00
6,60
58.40
7S.00
25.20
24.00
11.00
100.00
43.00
65.20
50;12
11.00 .. 30.00
20.00
42.30 234:.22
2.00
31.90
2.00
46.65
1.30
81.70
12.00
4.50
80.00
31.30
£0.00
50.00
18.00
66.26
25.26
4.20 .20.00
8.33 9.30 -----1------1·-----------
(i2 284071 $120.6031 t17,14i"B7 $8.10 $60$1,015.78 $60.47$11341.871 $723.S7 $45015
2...... • 8 1.671; 12 I.O~ 807.78... "72.44 M7.S1 2f13.!i!l
·Figures not given last year.
22 STATISTICAL
SIENG-IU DISTRICT.
Siang-in City 1... ••. 1 2 67 44 {) 20 7 1 120 1 100 1 4 100 Ohau-eong ....•••..... 21 2 1 1 2 69 90 1 22 10 4 l?OI ... 3 3 100 Leng-ho-sua ••......• 2 1 2 37 60 2 21 ...... 711]1:::... 2 2 40 j.,
Leng-hua ............ 1 2 3 1 56 60 1 39 1~ 5 92...... 4 ;l 95 Meong-su ••.......... 1... ..• 2 1 43 40 6 24 5 8 70...... 1 2 40 Oia-sua ............... 1 2 1 7 6 84 60 5 52 18 19 ISO 3 60 ~ H 150 Giang-sua ............... 2... 3 1 30 60 5 10 7... 70...... 2 2 00 Bo-boi ... •.. ............ 1 4 ••• 6 3 60 330 2 20 30 I 240...... I) fi 200 Ga-oheng ............... 2 1 -4: 1 62 103 2 12 11 6 100..... 3 3 40 Leng-oeo............... 113 8 4. 93 170 6 39 37 39 200...... 4 8 120 Reo-sang ............... 7 ... 2 45 160 ... Is 84: 11 200...... 8 8 100 Dang-hua .••... ......... 2 13 70 ..• 6 -4: 1 70 2 1 60
-1-1-1- -1---Total............ 828 3 36 24 658 1,247 3S 283 232 95 1,682 4 160 :!8 49 1,095 ,Increase......... 6"" 4 90 182" 53 -12 37 152" * 9" 172
ING-CHUNG
DISTRICT.
Ing~chung City ...... 1 1 2... 45 4:5 ... 13 2 1 90...... 2 2 52 O-au ..................... ... 1 1 2 4 38 8... 29... 'i 11:; I 40 1 1 40 Dek-hna •• _... ......... 1 ... 1 5 1 36 80 1 21. lR 3 120... ... 2 2 50 Chia-oui...... ... . • .•. 1...... ] 1 28 20 .•• 15 6 1 63 ... ... 1 1 28 Dna-cheng............ 1 1 1 1... 29 72 2 5 15 4 120 ... ... 2 4 60 lIang.ho... ......... ...... 1... 1... 23 9 1 2 3 ... 80 ...... 1 IIi) ~bo •••• _--. ...... .•. 1 ..• ... ..• 24 9 ... 8 4 2 :).1 ...... 1 I 13 To-ngeng ............ 1. .. 3 4... 86 ]20... 5 18 HI 180... ... 3 6 52
--------------------------Total ............ ~ 5 7 14 6 259 S13 4 5)-; 6fj 37 750 1 4013 18 :no
. Increase ... ••• ... •••• .. ... 33 208 4 6 38 22 317 ~ 40 2· 70
tTOtaJ for Conf .... 2'1'6& 37167 64 2,071 3,55781 899877 250 5,614 6·86495 168 :1,188 Total Increase·l 2 7"'''' 9 980 684 ... 91 179 59 911'" ... 16'" 509 for the year f
·Statistics not reported in 1~96. tAggregate for Self-Support $6,577.98 Mexican.
iAggregate increase $8,684.S8. In Pas~oral-Support and Home Missions 145 % increase.
, ,.,<
/.
TABLE.
I .1/)
~
28
---------- - ---------·1----1-----1 12 $10.00 1
::: h"f'~ 1 19 1 18 2 30 1 Hi 1 23 2 27
... 2
... 2 20.001' 2 10.00 1 7.00 81 7.20 2
20.0(1 2' 8.00 3 1
18.00 2
$2,500 .•. 1,400: 1
400'1 ... 1,500, 1
400 ... 1,200 1
650 1 1,500 3
SOO 1 1,340 2
8 80 1
$50 50
.50 50 50 50 1)0
50 50 50 50 60
$2.50 2.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 2.50 1.00 2.00 2.00 4.80· 2.00 1.00
830.00 $10.60 34.50 6.88 40.00 1.5l' 45.00 4.00 10.00 4.00 37.00 5.79 20.00 5.00 H.OO 4.40 21.00 1.50 32.50 2.47 93.00 1.75
9.00 2.50
$57.00 62.50 49.50 78.00 40.00 78.00 51.60
145.00 51.00 87.80
192.00 29.00
$50.00
36.00 20.00
118.00 16.60 80.00 80.00 10.00
2<10.00 3.00
$7.45 29.60 22.50 20.00 12.00 31.10
9.60 30.00 10.20 23.75 54.00
4.50 - ----- - ---------------------------
... 12 UI4 100.2021 3 91 * D
Ii ...... ... ] ... ...... ... J ... ...... ... ] ... 2 !28 32.00 2
11,720 2,198
19 6.00 24,.80 4: ... decr.70
520 2 $ 60 2,900... fiO
400 1 1,0(1 653... 50 550... 60
1 40
310 11 so 2 1.00
4.50 4.20 6.00 s.on 4.60 2.00 2.10 5.70
416.00 60.29 416.00 4.01
3,(0 70
1.10 1.10 lAO 2.15 2.00
921.40 613.50 :l59.70 437.40 475.92 89.65
23.00 25.20 28.00 22.50 81.50
5.00 6.40
25.25
13.00 100.00
10.00
5.20 2.00
10.00
60 12.80
------ - ---------------1---- ---- ---17 2 28 32.00 I) 5,333 7 4.90 32.10 Ii...... • 1 533... l.U 8.70
I
11.85 166.85 123.00 30.60 86.54 111.00 *
7937629 252.8058 33,197 63 19.00 116.90 1,431.78 122.61 2,430.121,4.60.87 740.45
19·3 9]'" 9 4,4:16 16 2.79 1.50 1,184.78 ... ],146.38 985.90 361.52
24: HINGHUA CONFERENCE.
PRESIDING ELDER'S REPORT. PO-LENG DISTRICT.
LI DIONG CUI, P.E.
This is my eighth year as Presiding Elder in Hing-hua. A careful review of these eight years shows that there has been a steady advance each year. How do I know? I have looked up the Conference Minutes for these years. At the time I came here, in all Bing-hua, ,both Po-Ieng and Sing-iu combined, there were but 556 church members, al1d 188 probationers; and 16 baptized children, or a total of 960 .. As tQ self-support the entire amount for pastoral support and Missions, was $230.00. Two years ago the Hing-hua district was divided into two. This year these two districts report members 1812, probationers 3,240, baptized children 800, total 5352 or an increase of about 5i times. As to Self-support, the combined cOntributions for pastoral support and Missions Home and Foreign reaches $3,790.00 or 16! times the amount given 8 years ago.
This is certainly because of the great blessing of God, . ,and tbe.~eat help given by the Missionary Societies, which have sent!us missionaries, and opened schools for V\'omen and Girls, Young men and ~oys, a Hospital, anti many other needed helps. They have also greatly increased the number of preachers; so that the church has greatly prospered .
. ', • i will now speak of the work of the past year on my district. We have much to rejoice in, and some things to regret.
" , ,In the peninsula, the people are very wicked, and law-less. ,Therefore it is very difficult for the people to, travel about This year the misery 'of the people has been increased by the drought, and failur~ of crops. . The misery of the people is beyond description. But the greatest calamity that has visited the district waS the ~lack Plague in Hing-hua city last summer; when about 1,500 p~ople died. It has therefore been a very hard year for church work, so that the opportnnities have not been as good as in former years. Many of the people, saturated by the bad customs of the people about them, seek the church not for the salvation of their souls but for help in temporal things. I'
REPORJ. 25
constantly pray for such that they may be led to see their real needs.
But we have also much to be thankful for and rejoice over; chiefly the results of the Revival meetings held in man y parts of the district during the year by the Missionary. l\1any have been truly converted in these meetings. It is unfortunate that so few of the circuits have good church buildings, suitable for holding such meetings. If \ye had the church would soon greatly improve in spirituality.
How do we know this? Look at this Bing-hua City circuit. Since the new church was built there has been a wonderful advance on all lines.
Though the year does not show a very marked advance in numbers, yet there has been a great increase in self-support.
The entire amount raised for all purposes is $,),657.00 being an increase over last year of $2,160.00, The entire membership adults and children this year is 3,669, being an increase of 533.
We have also one other thing to rejoice over, ~the General Conference has constituted the Hing-hua Mission Conference. I hope we will all with one heart labor for the salvation of the people, caring for the church, so that the Hing-hua church may be built upon the Rock of gold, silver, and precious . stone, that will stand forever. This is my constant prayer.
SIENG-IU DISTRICT.
From the tim~ Brother NaMing Seng met with his great sorrow in the death of his daughter he appointed me to take charge of the District and conduct the Quarterly Meetings of the Second·· and Third quarter. By the seventh month, Bro. N a felt much stronger, but still unable to go to the Quarterly l\feeting' at Heo Sang. ,He asked me to go comforting nle with the assurance that in his heart he was ever out on the District, and also asked me to convey the sanle message of affection to all the preachers. I started out feeling no anxiety for Bro. Na, yet that week, 'Thursday at 7 p.m. he died. Alas! the grief; I was not at his side when he died. His record is in heaven, but his example remains with us on earth. I cannot think of -hinl without weep,jng.
26 HfhC}/UA CO.VFERE.VCE
1 was then requested by Rev. W.N. Brewster to hold the 4th Qaarterly Meetiu:!s of the District, Hnd realizing my inefficiency I went forth with fear and trembling.
After much earnest prayer I realized a deep peace of heart and the Quarterly lVIeetings have been seasons of much profit to me.
The condition of the different circuits is as follows:Sieng-iu city charge; ~a Hong-so pastor Bro. Na being young and strong he has done much visiting from house to house· among the church Inembers.
He is an able preacher and very useful. Cia Sua; Na Sing-cu pa3tor. This brother is ver)T out
t=:poken and fearless. He has shown great ability in collecting money from the three classes on his circuit. All the subscriptions of Missionary money have heen paid, and he has built a' church and repaired the parsonage.
Bo-boi; Sang Gek-cheong, pastor. Ten new preaching places have been opened this year. Bro. Sang has four Assistant preachers who are earnest and efficient, both as regards the' internal as well as the external affairs of the church.
Gieng Sua; Deng Cih-ung, pastor. Although this brother is very young he shows excellent judgment in the mana~ement of his circuit. He is fully consecrated to the. Lord's work, and has the esteem of the literary men around him. This greatly benefits the church.
Ga Dengj Na Ching-eong, pastor. This brother has more than ordinary wisdom and his words are few, but profitable. This circuit has revived like a dead tree putting forth new foliage. The increase in members and probationers has been large and one church building has been greatly improved .. He has been very successful in reaching the Literary men of' the region and one man of the First degree has b~come a christian. .
Dang Hau; Deng Ngeng-seng, pastor. Bro. Deng is gifted as a speaker and greatly interests his hearers by his historic illustrations. But he is on a hard fielrl and after laboring 1aithfully for three years there is but little fruit. He has •. however, opened the Hing-tai work, and here upwards of ten people regular1 y attend the services.
Leng Ho-Sua; Da Sing-hi, pastor. Under Bro. Da's wise admimstration the church has ~eeu built up spiritually.
REPORT, 21
Otherwise the condition of the circuits has not improved. The members have shown gre'at willingness to subscribe money for church purposes.
Meong·su; Dung Seng-ngeng, pastor. This Brother's good qualities have not been wasted on this circuit. Although there is as yet no marked increase in numbers his' labors are manifest along many lines. The growth of the church members in wisdom and godliness is highly satisfactory.
Leng Ceo; Deng Ga-sing, pastor. Bro. Deng has both wis:lom and power and is well versed in the scriptures. The church has been like a tree planted among the rocks, but they have had spring time there this year. At O-saua-nia the attempt has heen made several times to burn down our church and the evildoers have not been apprehended. This is no discredit to our preachers there, but simply shows the depravity of the people.
Ho Sang; Ng Yong-seng, pastor. This year nine new places have been opened. They report adult baptisms 84, children 21.
Home Missionary collection 80, pastoral sUPP.ort 192. Though the pastor has a very limited education, . he has great power in leading people to Christ. The work is very thorough and glorifies our Master.
Leng~sua circuit, Ng Gek Ciong, the pastor is a man of loving heart, and . does faithful work.. He has the faculty of keeping in harmony with the church members, and the circuit ~s prosperous.
Dna-ong circuit. Li N ga Ong pastor. I have been there 3 years. There has been no trouble in all that time.
The above is a review of the 12 circu,its of the district. This year there has been an increase of several hundred
mcmb~rs and probationers and a large advance in self-support. The entire work in all directions is in a prosperous con
dition, as a fertile field that brings forth abundant harvests. But.! have not been able to do much for it. I hope you will all pray for thiS' work and the workers; and that the Home Missionary cause may greatly increase so that the church may open many new places, and save the multitudes of people to the .glory of our Triune God. Anlen.
HINGH[TA CONFERENGE
REPORT OF THE
BOYS BOARDING SCHOOL. \V. X. BREWSTER, PRINCIPAL.
The School has had the best year in its history. Early in the year we succeeded in leasing a large Ancestral Ha11, adjoining our Mission Compound on the ~ East. \Ve secured it for eleven years, on favorable terms. It is a . property 145 ft. by 60, in good repair. \Ve supposed that we would have plenty of room in this large property, but we soon found that the school filled it, and indeed crowded it. We are greatly in need of money to buy adjoining ground and put up a ,suit .. able building two stories high.
The teaching has been faithfully done by three native teachers and the monjtor Rev. Hu Caik Hang has spent part of his time in this school, and has examined the work of the week on, Saturdays. ,
Rev. F. Ohlinger has taught Geography one hour a day, and has given general supervision to the work of the school.
Through-out the year there have been generally about 60 pupils in, attendance.
A good class of 5 'or 6 will conle from it to be admitted into the Biblical School next year. Many very promising lads are among the pupils. They are given a daily drill in singing at the morning chapel service, and are making good, progress.
The religious tone of the school is excellent. Many, of the boys give clear evidence of being converted, and are letting their light "shine. ffbey attend ,class-nleetings and the Epworth Leagne, a~d take part in all the exercises. they speak and lead in prayer earnestly and intelligently. Two of their number died of the Black Plague during the summer vacation, and they left good testimony of Christ's power to save.
The scho~)l should have a foreign Principal, whose sole:, work is to take care of its interests; it should have suitable though in-expensive buildings; it should be made a school of collegiate grade as soon as possible to meet the demands of this rapidly growing church that now numbers over 51000 adults,
REPORJ. 29
We could soon have double the nmnber of students, if \ve could ,give them the attention and care that they ~hollld have.
The students are not aided by mission funds except in a few rare ,cases, and that with only small an10unts.
We have good reason to hope that before long an industrial department will be opened which willlnake it possible to aid many. 111 ore to receive an education. The Principal desires here to express his gratitude for the faithful service of the native teachers and Rev. Hu Caik Hang and Rev. F. Ohlinger to whom whatever success has been achieved is due.
--:0:--
REPOI~T
OF THE
BIBLICAL TRAINING SCHOOL. \Y. N. BREWSTER, PRINCIPAL •.
The school fiUs a very important place in the work of evangelizing this region. From it the preachers HlllSt go torth to these white harvest fields. Much depends upon the character of the work done here. This year 51 Students were enrolled.
Practical Training,
In pastoral work has been given by appointing most of the students class-leaders or assistant class-leaders in this large Hing-hua City Church. They go out for work on Saturday~, visiting the members of their class and if possible holding ,a meeting with them. Then on Sundays, the members of each class have certain seats as~igned them in the church, and the leaders sit with their classes. They also receive from them their weekly contribution. On Monday.'evening the leaders meet with the pastor Rev. Deng Cih Sing, and he generally gives a short talk upon some line of their work, and receives from each leader the printed form report filled out with report of his work for the week and the condition of his class. In this .way these young, men are learning to be careful systematic faithful pastors.
, The efficiency of their work is manifest in the nlar1,ed advance this year in contribution,s for
30 .FJI"VGIlUA C05IFERE.\"CE
Self-Support.
Last year this circuit, reported for pastoral support $205.00 this year $449.00. Las~ year t~e ~fjssionary)money HJrne. ~nd Foreign was $125.00 th1s year It reached $5hO.OO• In addItIOn to this about S 100.00 was -raised for paintillg and varnishing the church; besides the usual Epworth League and charity collections. This large sum could not have been raised but for the faithful and well directed work of these students.
Indeed it might well bt said that theil'lwork in this line brings in to the church almost as nluch money as their tuition costs.
These young men get a "ery small~' allowance from Mhsion funds. For the iiI-st and secJnd reus they al'e on trial and receive about ~o cents (Gold), per month for about eigkt moqths, If their work 1S satisfactory and they give promise of future usefulness they are then allowed about 30 cents per month more. They buy their own, books and clothes, and are given no perqui::;ites. This allowance is not supposed to coyer their expenses; but. simply helps them sufficiently to make it possible for them to get an education.
Many of the students stay for only about two years, and then the necessities of the· work demand that they' be appointed out. This is especially the case with those who arc advanced in years when they are received. The' great majority of them are doing excellent work.
An unfortunate case o'f discipline occurred toward the close of the year, The students when received are pledged not to smoke. A committee was appointed to see that the rule was obeyed. Several who form:erly smo~ed were found to be occasionally, when outside of the building indulging in t heir old habit. The monitor exhorted and threatened but to no avail. Finally the case was reported to the Principal. After careful investigation it was found that about half the students were more or less involved. Painful though it was, 23 were suspended for a month or more. I t was a har j lesson, but effective, The sacredness of a vow or promise is one of the most difficult lessons to impress in non-Christ~an lands. The affair Plad~ a protound impression upon the Conference and led to high ground heing taken upon this important matter at the beginning of the new Conference.
REPORT. 81
Our Needs,
As a school are very great. Especially important is it that we have a new and suitable building as soon as possible. The present building is rented for $80 a year. It should be bought, torn down, and a good two story edifice put upon that site. It is admirably located, and the lot is large and well shaped. The old native building contains much material which would be worked into a new building. But in its present shape it is inconvenient and unhealthful. There is much sickness in the school because of this. V\T e have about $400. Mex. on hand for the purpose, but it will require more tlian ten times that much to do it, or about $2,500.00 (G.) at the very least.
The Teaching,
For the year has been done chiefly by Rev. F- Ohlinger, whose long experience in training native preachers in Foochow, has made his aid invaluable; and Rev. Hu Chaik Hang the viceprincipal and Rev. Seng Hak Leng; who have rendered most effective service. The pastor Rev. Deng Cik Sing has taught an hour daily, and Mr. Na Ging Ci a native Bachelor of Arts has given instruction in the native classics and other books. The Principal has had classes three afternoons in the week during the gre~ter part of the year, but the work of these tw<;> lar~e districts, and the death ~f one 1?residing eld~r and the senous Illness of the other, has senously mterfered wIth regular school work. So that the success of the school is due entirely to the work of Brother ;Ohlinger and the crops of native teachers.
Scholarships in the school, cost only $15.00 (G) annually. A photograph of the student supported will be sent the first year.
We very much need BcholarRhip8 nolO. The proposed new building is to be named the .Samuel
A. Brewster Memorial. A share in it costs $10.00 (G.); to name a bed-room $~O.OO, a recitation room $100.00 (G.)
A photograph of the building when completed will be Eent to each donor of $10.00 or more •
..
HIVGHUA CO/I/FERENCE.
ON EDUCATION. r.~CO~CERXII'\G TEACHER~.
1.-These seeking employtnent as teachers nlust have a letter of recommendation from their pastor to the Examining Commit"tee. Said Committee shall examine them in both the native and the Christian books taught in our schools and if they pass classify them in seperate groups according to their .scholarship and issue certificates in this order as teachers rna y .be demanded.
2.-As a rule none but Church members should be employed as t~achers but the Missionary in charge and the Presiding Elder may temporarily employ a probationer if they see fit to do so. But in all cases the teacher should conduct morning prayers with the pupils. . S.-rhe teachers should master the following four years' course of study adopted for the schools and pass examinations therein either before the Quarterly or before the District Conference.
1st year.-Genesis, :Matthew, Catechisen, (with illustrative narrative), geography (Davis).
2nd year.-~xodus, John, Evidences of Christianity, . Geography (Pilcher).
atd year.:.:..-.Proverbs, Acts, China 'and her neighbors, Balance of the true Doctrine .
. 4th y~r.-Romans; Ephesians" History of Ci'vilizatioll • >,.' (Faber); Primary Astronomy. .,
The teachers must also show satisfactory progress in .reading romanized books. . "'~' •• J ~4.-If an, applicant for examination does not average 70 in the prescribed studies ,he shall be continued in the same another year. .
5.-THere are to be five grades or classes of teachers tho~e received last constituting the fifth class. Those whot'hav-e taught successfully one year, showing good results in their ~pool~ ap~. pa~~ing the required .examination in theit: studies may on recommendation .of the Quarterly Conference be put .in the next higher class of teachers by the superintendent of 3chools or the proper school authorities.
REPORT 33
6.-Applicants for Examination shall first carefully read these regulations before they come before the Committee.
7.-Tea,chers shall bring their pupils regularly to church on Sunday.
S.-Teachers shall not leave the school at will. In emergencies they shall report to the preacher who shall write a notice of the close and date of reopening the school and post on the wall in the school building. Should a teacher be called away suddenly then he should write a letter to the preacher and inform him as a specified above. If he fails to do so his pay shall cease for the time he is absent.
n.-CONCERNING PUPILS.
1. -On entering school each pupil shall deposit with the pastor one Dime and jf the conduct of a pupil is blameless and he passes a satisfactory examination this alnount shall be returned to him, otherwise it shall be used to ,provide re\Y~rds for the other proper pupils.
2.-The pupils are to be examined in the course of study semi-annually by the Missionary in charge, or by the pastor, or by the Superintendent of Schools who shall advance them in the course, or, continue them in the studies pursued in the past six months as they may see fit.
If the books here given are in the Foochow colloquial and cannot be used at all places they may be others substituted by the school authorities.
1st Year; 1st Quarter.-Memorize and interpret the Three Character Classic, and the Lord's Prayer. '
2nd Quarter.-l\1emorize and interpret the Four Character Classic) 1st Part, and the Apostles' Creed.
8rd Ouarter.-Memorize and interpret the Four Character Classic, 2nd Part, and the Ten Commandments.
4th Quarter.-Memorize and interpret the Five Character Olassic.
2nd Year; lst Quarter.-Menlorize and interpret. the Ii'ive Character Classic with commentary, and the Part 1st of the Peep of Day.
2nd Quarter.-:Memori.ze and interpret Fifteen Superstitions Exposed 'and Parts 2nd and 3rd of the Peep of Day.
84 HIJtlGHUA CONFERENCE
3rdQuarter .-l\Iemorize and interpret the remainder of the Peep of Day, and the Ode on Descendants.
4:th Quarter.-Memorize and interpret ilnd the Catechism, and the Tract on Faith, Catechism of Christian Doctrine.
3rd Year; 1st Quarter.-Bead and interpret the Chinese Primer Vol. I, and memorize and interpret Matth. 1-7 chap.
2nd Quarter.--Menlorizc and interpret Matth. 8-14 chapters; and, read and explain Chinese Vol. II.
8rd Quarter.--Memorize and interpret Matth. 15-21 chap. and read and explain the Chinese Primer Vol. III, Part 1st.
4th Quarter.-Memorize and interpret Matth. 22-29, read and explain the Chinese Primer Vol. III, Part 2nd.
4th Year; 1st Quarter.-Primary Geography, Religious Allegories, 2nd Part.
2nd Quarter.-Physiology, Religious Allegories, 2nd Part.
3rd Quarter.-Memorize and explain Catechism on Astronomy, lst Part, Read and explain Lady Su's Family Instructions, 1st Part.
4th Quarter.- Memorize and explain Catechism on Astronomy, 2nd Part; read and explain Lady Su's Family Instructions, 2nd Part.
Reading the romanized colloquial must be continued during the whole course, quarter by quarter.
8.-The pupils are to read Chinese (native) books one half of the time, but the teacher and paStor are to use all diligence in explaining those things that are not in harmony with the Truth.
4.-The school is to re3t on Sunday, the pupils reading and singing hymns only.
, 5.-A standing of 70 in the eXaIninations ,. passes" a pupil, but the final examination of the year should include all the studies of the year.
6.-The above prescribed books should be taken to every school by the book carrier.
REPORT. 55
RULES FOR THE
CONDUCT OF DAY SCHOOLS. I.-No school shall be opened with less then tifteen pupils,
nor before a definite sum towards the teacher's salary has be pledged to the missionary or presiding elder.
2.-The pastor of a given circuit i5i personally responsible for the schools on his charge and has authority to change. the teacher or close the school as he may see fit. He must report .its condition faithfully to the missionary and presiding elder on pain of being called to account at :the Distqct Conference.
a.-on. Sunday afternoon a Sunday School shall be conducted in school by some one appointed by the pastor and the teacher shall invite the neighbors to come in and hear preaching.
4.-The dates for the semi-annual examinations shall be fixed by the pastor who shall early inform the missionary and presiding elder in order that they may be present if they so desire.
5.-The certificates of examination should be written out with great care giving the standing of the pupils, nanle of place, number of pupils examined, and bear the signatures and seals of the members of the Committee. Reports not so drawn up should not be received.
6.-The date for opening schools should correspond with the Bing-hua custOlTI-:namely the beginning of the 9th m®ili. .
7.-The parents of the pupils should pay the amount they owe the tea~her before the close of the school year and not carry a debt mto the next year.
8.-The salary paid to teachers by the mission shall on no account exceed the following scale.
Teachers of the I class shall receive $9 per quarter; teach~rs of the II class, $8; teachers of t!lC III class, $7; teachers of the IV class, $6; teachers of the V class, 85.
36 HINGHUA CONFERENCE
9.-The teachers shall draw their allowance from the mission at the end of the quarter provided the prescribed certificates of the examinations have been received.
10.--The pupils must complete the studies of a term before they can be advanced to the studies of the next term.
11.-0nly Christian teachers shall be employed. 12. -The pupils of the High School should be selected
with great care and those not giving promise of scholarship should be excluded.
l3.-In the Biblical Institute the Scriptures should be taught by the. missionaries and more christian books should be studied.
14.-The pastor of the charge from which a student comes shall be security for his conduct but if a student fails in his studies the security shall not be holden.
15.-Each pastor shall preach once a year on Education recommending Higher, Theological, and Ertglisl~ Education.
16.-AppIicants for admission to the Theological School shall have held Exhorters license for at least one year and have the approval of the D~trict Conference.
DUNG SENG-NGUNG,
F01' the Oommtttee.
ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS. Sunday Schools are a great benefit to the church for in
them the religious teacher is brought face to face with the pupils and questions and answers are exchanged. It is therefore totally different from public worship in which one man teaches the silent congregation, and desel'ves the care and effort of the church. We therefore have these Annual Committees on Sunday Schools.
Having been appointed a Committee we have agreed on the following:-
I.-Let the individual ,pastors introduce portions of Scripture, the Catechism or other christian books as he may consider most suitable for his Sunday School.
REPORI. ~1.
2.-Let the pastor or superintendent hold a teachersmeeting Saturday night, Sunday morning or whenever most convenient and prepare for the efficient teaching of the prescribed lesson.
a.-Let the Sunday School be held on Sunday morning or in the afternoon as may best suit the local circumstances.
4.-Wherever practicable the Sunday Schools should be organized into purity or temperance societies having special regard to abstinence from wine and tobacco, the constitution of such society plainly setting forth the evils resulting from tlle use of these poisons and urging upon everyone the benefit of cheerful abstinence.
5.-Let the instruction be thorough, omitting nothing and going to the root of the matter.
6.-Let these rules be printed in sheet form and posted in every chapel.
-'-:0:--
N A HEONG-SO,
Chairman.
ON TEMPERANCE. Having been appointed a committee to draw, up reso
lutions concerning the use of opium, wine and tobacco we beg to submit the following:-; I.-All applicants for Local preacher's and for, Exbort~~s license should first be carefully exalllined by the preacher in charge as to their abstinence from these poisons.
2.-All H supplies I, appointed by the Presiding Elder should be free from the~e three evils and if they are not willing to wholly abstain from them they should on no accou.nt be continued in the work. Their exmnple is sure to tempt others to violate church rules and discipline.
a.-Candidates for admission on trial should promise not to touch, taste or handle these things and if at the end of the Conference year they are found to have violated this pledge they should be dropped.
4.-These three evils should also be rigidly prohibited in all our church schools.
HINGHUA CONFERENCE.
S.-Essays should be read or sermons delivered on temperance at all preachers meetings and District Conferences.
6.-All members of Conference have giyen their sol~mn promise not to indulge in the use of any of these things. We recommend that the presiding elders carefully inquire whether any are violating their pledge. It any are found who do so and claim that it is a matter of small moment the presiding elders should report their names for action at Conference.
1.-Every preacher should preach at least 'once a year to his people on temperances.
8.-Whoever belongs to the Methodist Church should Dot be allowed to sell morphia in any fonn whatever.
---:0:--
LI NGA-ONG,
Ohairman.
ON SABBATH OBSERVANCE. Inasmuch as many do not know the facts of the creation
it becomes necessary to set forth the meaning of the. word Sabbath. This word names the day 011 which God rested after the completion of his creative scheme Establishing this day of rest he had regard to the perfection of man's intellect as well as regard for his body, relieving him of worldly toil and cares, and preventing his forgetfulness of things etel·nal. He therefore commanded all unaer the heavens to keep holy the Sabbath day and thus set forth the tendel' love of our Heavenly F~ther. The Sabbath, ordained of the Lord, is not only a blessing to the human body, but especially beneficial to the soul. ·But people of this world .have regard to .the body only and neglect the soul, not knOWIng that the soul is the more precious of the two and largely dependent on the nourishment 1t receives on the Sabbath day. 'l\Te exhort our church members to receive faithfully this bread of heaven in order to grow up into etenlal felicity.
We consider the following of great importance. 1.-That the preachers be early in the chapels on Sun
day morning and in the afternoon insfructing the rilelllb~rs in the Holy Bible and in other approved books. This is one way'
REPORT. • of helping the laity overcome the temptation to go to their fields on Sunday.
2.-The preacher or classleader should keep a careful record of the attendance on divine worship, morning and afternoon, calling the roll of members and probationers and thus preventing irregularity.
3.-The preachers should investigate and see whether the members keep tbte whole day or 11ot, if not, then they should call on them at once and inquire into the circumstances. The excuses offered should be carefully noted and all diligence used to persuade the delinquents to observe the commandment.
4.-All should be admonished to come early ro the chapel taking an example from the heathen who rise early,. go to their fields and return late in the evening faithfully earning their daily bread. How much more should we christians be early and late at the chapel on Sunday seeking spiritual food.
6.-The preacbers should diligently prepare for the Sunday services in order that the christians may have the good savor of the doctrine with them to the next Sunday.
6.-The rules issued by Mr. Brewster that those who do not keep the Sabbath shall not be bapt~ed nor received into full membership should be followed on all the circuits. We would recommend that these resolutions be circulated on all the charges during the first quarter.
NA NEING-SING,
NA SING-U.
NG DENG HEONG.
-._')o¢()C:t:>~ •• ---
EPWORTH LEAGUE. Your Committee has carefully looked into the working
of the Epworth League and find that-it is of great benefit to the church. Its rules greatly benefit the young by directing them in all their efforts to be useful and kind to others, by increasing t.he.ir knowledge and. their efficiency in the perform-. a~ce of chnstmn duty and makmg theln ·valuable assistants to the pastor. After due consideration we have drawn up the '0110 wing resolutions:-
HINGHUA CONFERENCE
1.-That inasmuch as the Epworth League has proved a great blessing in America and.also here in Hing-hua city it should be introduced in all parts of our work.
2.-There should be District Epworth Leagues organized by the presiding elders as provided by the Discipline '325 3.
S.-Each circuit should have branch leagues as provided in Discipline, '327. " 4.-The pastors should F.et forth the benefits of the ~gue as required in the Discipline ,3i.} 2 so that our people may understand what is nicant by this name and learn to appreciate it.
5.-The presiding elder should inquire into the condition and work of each league at the respective qual·terly conferences and assist in the organization of leagues on all the circuits as ~equired in Discipline, ~326.
6.-Let all obey the 325 pararaph of the Discipline in this matter.
7.-We ask the mission to prjnt the rules for Epworth Leagues and distribute them among the churches.
•• IICI.I
REPORT ON
T . .B. OWEN,
Okairman .
RELIGIOUS LITERATURE. 1.-W e recommend that the work on Homiletics and
Pastoral Theology used as text book by Mr. Ohlinger formerly in the Biblical School at F oochow and this year in our Hinghua Biblical School b~ put into proFer shape and printed for general use and thus avoid the repeated loss of· manuscript ilnd valuable notes. We recommend that the Conference either from its Home Missionry Collection or from a special Tract collection provide the necessary funds for the final revision and publication.
2.-We rocommend that instead of usin~ both capital and smalI letters in our system of romanizing only smaIl letters ....
J?EPObT. 41
be llsed and that some simple mark be adopted to distinguish proper names.
3.-The new system of writing the colloquial should be printed in silnple form and circulated in the country circuits to be tested by our churchmembers. If it is fonnd easier than the romanized we would recommend that the Scriptures, Dis .. cipline and Hymn book be printed in this character. •
4.-We recommend the establishing of a Printing Pres'S at Hing-hua.
5.-We recommend the publication of a monthly, church paper in "romanized" for mutual instruction and encourage ... ment. It should contain all important church news and ,announcements from other parts of t he world. It should also have a special department for translations from the best tract publications of Western countries bearing especially upon Rev1yal Work.
6.-Whereas l\{r. Ohlinger has secured from the Chinese Religious Tract Society a grant of $20 worth of books for this Conference we recommend that a Committee be appointed to dispose of the same in accordane with the rules of said society and to express our thanks to the sGciety for this generous donations.
Signed, SANG HAK-LENG.
-:0:--
REPORT OF
COMMITTEE ON SELF-SUPPORT. The general Conference having this year authorized the
organization of the three districts (Buo-dieng, Sieng-iu and lngchung) into a Mission Conference and they have raised $2,429 mexican for the support of preachers, $1,482.88 for Honle Missions, making an increase in the amount raised for the support of preac~ers of $1,045 and for Home Missions $1,159.45. This looks like arriving at Self-Support.-
I.-Among the rules on Self-Support adopted last year by the Foochow Conference we would specify Nos. 2 and 3 and ask that they be 'printed in our Conference min utes.
HINGHCA CONFERENCE
-2.-In order to make the church self-supporting it is necessary that the preachers become desirous of doing so. Inasmuch as the present ~e of $4, $2, $1 affords a too meager support we ask the circui~ that are self-supporting not .to-follow this scale butJ if possible allow a better support. As a mi~mum we would specify $6 $2, $1 as a prqper scale.
D.-We exhort all the preaohers to be diligent in t~aching the members the doctrines of salvation persuaqing them by the love of Christ to consecrate themselves to the ~ord, andJ
thus helping them realize both th~ duty and the joy of giving self-support will become easy. -
4.-We urge the stewards ~n~ 1eaders to use tbe bamboo check system regularly every S~nd~y jn order to meet the .~ full financial requirements of each charge. Should ~his be impossible in one or two in~tances t~~n let t~~J;Il see t9 ~t that the due proportion is received monthly. Do D9t lag be4in4 until the FourW quarter, a..nd then i~terfere with Ule pastor's work.
5.----:-W e wO,Qld urge upon tb~ pre~chers ~nd offlcj~ry of each charge to establish for theJIlselves the r-nle of tithing ·allq then use all diligence in leading th~ IPe~l>~rs g~n~rally to adopt the same rule. If this is done self-support will be accQmpU~~d,
LI DIONG-CUI.
SANG HAK-MING.
DENG CIH-URG.
--:0:--
STEWARDS REPORT~ The Board of Stewards respectfully submit the follow
ing report •. CLAIMS ON CONFERENCE FUND.
p~r mo~~q. ~rs. Na Cing Teng . *,.pO ao.oo
" :pengGi~g Gong 2400 24.0.0 Mrs. Na Ming Se~g 6..00 72.00
" Sia ~eng Li's two children 8.00 86.00
Total •.••••.•..... 162.00
REPORT 43
On account of the financial ~djustments not having been made with the Foochow Conference, we are not able to rep()rt the receip~s and assets of this fund.
Respectfully submitted,
~:o:--
W. N. BREWSTER, Treasurer.
RESOLUTIONS
THE RESCUE WORK. Aft~r listening to Bro. Ohlinger's presentation of 'the
ile~d for sqme provision to be made by the Church for the care of orphans of Christian parents and others who by their con~itiop have a claim on God's people we are convinced that something ought to be done to help them. Therefore resolved,
l.-Th~t W~ as a Conference are in hearty sympathy with the work Rev. F. Ohlinger has been doing along this line;
2.-That we commend his work to the careful consideration of all who are interested in caring for these little ones, and especially to those who have already shown an interest in his efforts.
3.-That Bro. Ohlinger has our love and confidence and that" it is our sincere desire that hemay be enabled to carry out his plans to build up a work here to aid and train these fatherless children ..
T. B, OWEN.
W. N. B~l!:WSrER. --:0:-
BISHOP AND MRS. JOYCE. R~solv~~ that, in the coming of Bisbop Joyce to organize
our Conference, we have been greatly bencntted and blessed. His Counsel bas been wise and kind. His exhortations have ~tirred US t.o deeper consecmtion,'and gFeater earnestness in Q~r ~ork. for Christ. ~is Sabbath Sermon and praise service ~i,llliye, ll?- our memOIles and effect oar lives for years to come.
JiINGHOA. CONPERE.VCE
,Ve especially rejoice that we are to have him and Mrs. Joyce "tjth us for another year (D.V.).
We win not cease to pray that they may be kept in health and safety during their long and perilous journeys during the year that is before them.
'\ .... N. BREWSTER.
--:o!--
INFANT BETROTHAL. 'Vhereas;God has instituted the holy state of matrimony
whereby two are made one body and should be one heart and one mind, and whereas no one being able to divine the dis .. position, mind and he?rt \\'hichwill be manifest when two babies are grown up, therefore no one ean decide this and meet the conditions G()d has instituted. Many unhappy and unprofitable marriages have been the result. And
Whereas, This custom arose from, covetousness, and teaches all to despise girls, and we, as a church, by following this custom, say to the heathen that 'we look upon girls in the same light they do, and
Whereas, Girls thus betrotlled are of all people most miserable, worse off than slave girls, for with slayes there is the hope of sale for profit, so people treat this class of girls well, but there being no such hope for little daughterB~iD-law, they are therefore treated shamefully. Therefore
Resolved, I.-That our preachers must not take little girls as daughters-in-law.
2.-That our Christian workers men or women, must not take such girls.
S.-That Christian workers who from this time on take or give away girls for this purpose, cannot be employed or have their licenses renewed.
4.-That Christians should not take or give little daughters-in-law.
5.-That it is the duty of all pastors and Christian work;.. ers to teach, exhort, and prevent infant betrothals.
6.-That if Christians will not receive this exhortation, it shall be the duty. of the pastor to report such miscreants to the quarterly Cenferences of the circuits to which they belong.,,·
RESOL UTIONS. 45
RESOLUTION
OF
WOMAN'S CONFERENCE ON BOUND FEET God says-What know ye not that your body is the tem
ple of the Holy Ghost. If any man destroy the temple of God him will God destroy. 1 cor. 6.15 3.17.
Whereas foot-binding not only retards physical and mental development, but is a sin against an all wise God, who created us in his own image, and made our bodies to be temples of the Holy Ghost, and is contrary to the command, Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord.
Therefore resolved.
I.-That we make incessant war upon this cruel, sinful custom.
2.-That no woman having bound feet be employed as a school teacher or bible woman.
a.-That no one be recommended to enter a woman's or girls boarding school unless she expresses her willingness to free herself of this accursed custom.
4.-That the binding of the child's in the home of the members of the church be considered an offense deserving first private, and if that be not sufficient, public reproof.
5.-That the sons of Christian parents should not be.~ betrothed to bound footed girls.
6.-That we heartily recommend that every woman in the church unbind her feet and we shall use all our influence to bring this about.
Respectfully Submitted,
LYDIA A. TRIMBLE.
Mas. Hu CACK HANG,
MRS. lONG DAlK CHEU~
H fA GH (fA CONFERENCE
INSTRUCTING THE EDUC~TION COMMITTEE. A COllI. TO PRESE~T A PLAN OF CONDUCT
FOR OUR SCHOOLS.
Resolved.that ,ve instruct the Committee. on Education to give espeCial attention to fomlulating a plan for the unification of our schools so that we shall have a uniform system throughou~ tA~J Confereqce.
T. B. OWEN.
--..,-:0:--
OHLINGER ON RESCUE WORK. THESE LITTLE ONES.
During the year I ·have been enabled to look into the matter of rescueing and "receiving" those whom our blessed Lord has spe~ial1y and earnestly commended to the kindness' and care of his people. My call to. this mission' of mercy dates from a beI:eavement too great to be expressed, suffice it to say that every kindness I can show "the least. of these little ones" has a wonderfully healing, reflective infl.u~nce on my own, bleeding heart. But for my knowledge- of the urgent needs. of. thi~ mQst. chri~tlike wprk. .. aJ}.4 but _ for the interest.I have felt in itth~se. t~venty;-six years_.! cannot tell nor a'are I ~~.~gin wPj+t the result" of OUf igreat ~~~tion might. have been .. God -has many w~ys, of making those" who. need
.tconsolation minister to each other. - -' I have found that there is an increasing number of
Christ~an orphans~Jor,_wbpm .. proyision ,ought, to be made at OIlce~ . I~ .some c~s~s both .P3:r~nt~ are .. d~ac;t; and th~ relativea.are' heathen. In some, the mother is still living but, unable.~ to provide for or to govern her children. Women of no more intellectual maturity than an A111erican,girl of ten or twelve years are left alone. in this dark land with two or three orphans on theirlhands .(1 . could cite a case where one of our Christian women the widow of one of our deceased preachers has a' group of six, she beirig mentally but the largest and seventh child among them. )-One of our little girls fell into the hands of ,heathen relatives before I had the funds to provide for
RllSOL UTIONS 47
her. Her case not only caused us considerable fruitless labor. but also much sadness of hearts. vVe have accepted one of Christ's little lambs a' poor· crippled girl. the daughter oLChristian parents, who is supported. by Miss Bertha Hoersch of Davenport Iowa. This exhausts our present fund for this.c1ass.
One foundling was offered to me by a man who had picked it up out-doors but while· I was castin~ about; for· funds he gave it to the Roman catholics. ,Ve· have- not been so' situated that we could greatly urge our people- to look after· this class of Christ's little sufferers and He only knows· how many perished ;during this year, of grace; 1896.
One blind' little girl-named "gold"-is among us. Her history, published in World Wide Missions so touched the hearts of friends in Miss Wilson's home that her support for one year was immediately provided. God bless them. There is anQther one at the· south gate begging her bread in "rain and shine," and my heart' has been· bur-denea for her; Whence wil1 help come? .
For the reSC~Ie of the healthy children, from the leper village the Foochow community has given me $227.70 Owing .. to 'the prevalence of the plague in the city wo have not accom.:.. plished all we hoped to do; but the way is 'opening now for- a' work of mercy that must touch the heart of aU f~iends of, hu;. manity. There are from 15-20 healthy children in the'village exposed te the danger of contracting' t11is loathsome disease~ Competent· medical authorities -assure us that leprosy is' 'not . hereditary, nor contagious 'except as' one is' subjected -to ·the . native conditions and circumstances. The two children of lepers re~cu~d,'several years since"by Mr. & Mrs. Brewster are doing well in every respect.
As Christian men and women we must heed the injunction of our Saviour and work. and plan to .carry out his blessed will concerning "these little ones."
F. OHLINGER •
. II e I a .1 M-EMOIR OF' NA M.ING-S&NG.
. . Na Ming~seng"t4e late presiding, elder of the 'Siemg-iu dIstrlct from hIS earliest child460d '!hared the 'lot of the itinerant preacher.. He was witl1' his . father,., the' sainted Na
48 HLVGHUA CONFERENCE
Cing-ding (Sing Ching Ting) on the various districts to w hicl).: the latter was successively appointed. The Bible and the hymn book. were the first books he saw and many of the church members learned to know and to esteem him as a true disciple of Christ. He was still quite young when his father died and yet the church sent hinI forth as a preacher of the Gospel. He realized his youthfulness and inexperience as he. undertook the management of church affairs~ Hi~ mother took great pains to teach him how to preach and to expound the holy Scriptures. She also taught him to esteem very llighly his call to the Master's yjneyard, to be regular in his. family devotions, and to adopt rigid rules ofliving. l\iing-seng said: Very well! Very well I and proceeded to his appointment. Amid all his work he never forgot his mother's godly admonitions. Weariless he toiled for many years.
A few years since he was called of the Lord to the Sieng-iu District where notwithstanding the excessive heat of the past summer he continued his "rounds" with unbroken regularity.
On the 4th day of the 7th moon he had an attack of fever. On the 26th at noon he saw in a dream twelve angels clothed in white who came to receive him. When he awoke he took leave of his family-half joyfully, half sorrowfully. The aged mother and the babe in arms wept together at his bedside. At 7 p.m. he entered the heavenly mansions. ~Hssionaries, preachers and churchmembers of both districts (Buo-dieng and Sieng-iu) deeply mourn his early departure.
NA CING-CENG. } Oommittee.
F. OHLING ER,
I~"
IN MEMORIAM. DENG TENG-BOI.
This brother was the son of our venerable teacher, Deng Meong-su. He was naturally intelligent, :nd of good disposition. He was earnest in the Master's service and, though very young, exhibited the qualities of one advanced in years and of much experience. On leayjng the Biblical Institute he 'was appointed to the Ka-bok circuit where he labored with great
RESOL UTIONS 49
diligence and efficiency. The church observing his rare quali .. ties he was admitted on trial in the Annual Conference hoping he would become a true soldier of the cross. But very myster .. iously while returning from Conference last aut~mn he took cold on the way and at once became very ill. No nledicines !eemed to avail anything. Suddenly he passed to his reward; his death Was a II returning home." Alas! that God should <AllI our Teng-boi so early J
On the day on which he died he prayed and wept much because he felt that his work was not done nor was there any ODe to take charge of his circuit. He said not a word of his private affairs. He quietly entrusted his aged mother, his wife and child to the keeping of our Heavenly Father. Because of the interests of the church he forgot his own affairs. His memory will long be cherished among us.
----:0:--
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
HING-HUA HOME MISSIONARY SOCIETY
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .
.Article L
The name of this association 'shall be the cc Hing-hua Conference Missionary Society of the Metho~ist EpiscoEal Church!' Its object shall be to spread t~e blessIR~s .of Chnstianity throughout the bounds of the Hmg-hua MISSlOll Conference, by assisting in the pastoral support of new charges and of weak circuits that are not able to support their pastors in full,
.Article II.
BOARD OF MANAGERS.
The managemen! and disposition of the affair~ ?f the Society shall be vested In a Board of Managers, consIstIng of
uO HIl'iGHUA COlolFERENCE
-the foreign:Missionaries of the' Conference, and the native pre::siding elders, who shall be ex-officio members. of said Board; -and Qne-minister for each five (5) circuits or fraction thereof :from each pT~siding'elder's district, elected annually by the 'Conference from its own number; and one local preacher ap.poiuted under Elder elected by each. District Conference and .t\vo;laymen from each district, elected by the several district missionary conventions at each annual session, and two women elected by the'Voman's Conference.
The Board shall have authority to make by-laws not inconsistent with this Constitution; to elect from its own number, a President, Vice-presidents, a Treasurer, one Foreign -Recording and one native Secretary and two corresponding Secretaries, one foreign and one native and shaH present a statement of its transactions and funds to the Church in its Annual Report to the Hing-hua Conference. .
Article ill.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
At the regular meeting of the Board next succeeding the adjournment of the Annual Conference, the officers to' be elected by the Board shall bechoscn,'and 'hold their office for the term of one year; or: if a; vacancy occurs during the year by death, resign.ation or otherwise, it may be filled at any regular meeting of the Board.
Article 117.
PRESIDING . OFFICER.
. At all Meetings of the 'Board, the president, or In his .absence, one of the Vice-Presidents, and in the absenc~ of the President, and of all the Vice-Presidents, a member appointed by the m~eting for that purpose, shall presi~e.
Article V.
QUOR:UM .•
Ohe :half of the members of the Board of Matra'gers at any meeting shan .be a quorum. . .' ...... ~
CONSTITUTION,
.A~iclt VI.
MINUTES~
The minutes of each meeting shall be carefully kept- by the Recording Secretary - signed by the Chairman of the, meeting, at which the same are read and approved.
Article VIL
l\1EETINGS OF THE BOARD.
Two regular meetings of the Board shall be held Semi-annually.
The first shall begin the second day after the adjournment of the session of the Ring-hua Conference, the second session shall meet the last Thursday of June.
At these regular meetings, the Board shaH make appro'priations for the succeeding half year, from the funds collected 'for that purpose and delivered to the treasurer at the Annual Conference, provided that the sum of the, semi-annual appr~priations shall in no case ex-ceed half of the annual contributions, and provided. that 20 per cent of the total amount be reserved as a Contingent Fund, to be at the .disposal of the Executive Comnlittee during the interim. '
Article 17111.
EXECUTIVE CO lVIl\fITTEE.
There shall be an Executive Committee, consisting of the President, 1st arid 2nd Yice-Presidents, Treasurer, recording Secretaries, and corresponding Secretaries, and three others who mayor may not be members of the board of Managers, elected annually by ·the Board at its first annual meeting. '
The Executive -Committee shaH meet monthly, the first Mond,ayevening of each month. It shall be presided overby the ,President or one ,of the Vice-presidents, and the Recording Secretary shall keep on accurate record of its transactions.
It shall have authority to appropriate money from the rContigent Fund, as provided in Art. VII 'for the opening: Cff n~w ,,:ork, '~r unforeseen ~ntingencies, and emergencies, pro_vlded It shall not appropnateany money ~for purposes that the Board of Managers could not legally appropriate for; and pro-
HINGHUA CONFERENCE
vided that in no case has it power to involve the Society in' debt, by appropriating more than the Contingent Fund provides, which is 20 per cent of the total of the semi-annual ;appropriations.
.Article IX. AUXILIARY SOCIETIES,
It shall be the duty of the Missionaries and Presiding Elders to organize auxiliaries in each charge, one for adults and {)lle for chiIdren~
These auxiliaries shall be organized under a constitution 'as otherwise provided. The Senior auxiliaries shall have an annual membership fee of fifty cents. The Junior societies a membership fee of ten cents annually. The Senior and Junior 'Societies shall hold meetings alternately the afternoon of the last Sunday of each month.
There shall be a printed program provided for each month, by the Executive Committee. It shall be the duty of the pastors to aid in preparing the children and adults in carrying out this program.
Article X.
SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
All the Sunday Schools shall take a basket collection at least twice a month, for the benefit of this Society, and the money collected shall be reported as a sepa~ate item by each preacher-in-charge, at the Annual Conference.
Article XI.
MISSIONARY DAY.
As soon as the date of the Annual Conference session is known, the Executive Committee shall fix a Sunday, not more than four weeks previous to the Conference session which shall be observed by all the charges as Missionary D~y.
The Executive Committee shall prepare and issue a suitable program for the day. On that day the people 'shall bring their contributions in money, or its equivalent. All the membership fees of the Senior and Junior auxiliaries shall .be paid at latest upon that date. It shall be the .duty of each class-leader to wait upon each member of his class previously and secure his pledge for whatever he is willing to give exclusive of his membership fee.
CONSt'ITUT!ON.
.Article XII
PUBLISHli\G I~ THE CONFEREXCE 1\1JNUTES.
Each preacher";in-charge shall bring, with him to Conference a full list of the names of, and anlounts given, by each 'Contributor on his charge, including themelnbership fees of the auxiliary societies and these lists shall be published in full in !the native minutes of the Conference .
.AJ,tide XIll.
DISTRICT MISSIOXARY CO:::\VEXTIO~.
A District Missionary Convention shall be held annua11y, -on the. afternoon and if desired the evening of the first day of the meeting of the District Conference. The Presiding Elder .shall be ex-officio President of said Convention, and shall preside at its sessions.
It shall be composed of delegates elected one for each .society on ·the District, elected by the members of the senior auxiliary society of each society respectively, provided, that .no person under the appointment of the Bishop or Presiding Elder is ,eligible to such election, nor any who have not been received into full connection in the church. It shall be the business of this convention to elect one .layman for every 5
,ci.rcuits or fraction there of members of the Board of :Managers., to receive reports of the work of the Auxiliaries during the ,year, to devise means for extending and stimulating th~ work of the Society, and to send recommendations for the use of the appropriations of the society to the Board of Managers. However the Board will have power to reject or modify any such plans or petitions, as it may see fit.
Article XIP.
Any Auxiliary may assume the support of such ,,·ork as:it d~sires, ~nd its c?ntribntion may be applied to this w().rk, pro .. v~dec;l, saId work IS approved by the Conference authonties and
,the Bo~rd of Managers, and provided that whatever surplus ,there nlaybe of s~id .contributio~ ,above what is deemed " advisable and necessary. for suc):! special work, shall be" at the >q.isposal of the Society, as other funds; nevertheless all such ~,.$peQials .shall be subject to the final approval of the Executive -~9~it~ee! .'
54 HINGOlJ.4 CONFERENCE
Article Xv.
The Hing.:.hua Conference can cDa:nge anyarticIe of this Constitution or add new ones, at any session, by the vote of two-thirds of its members present and voting, provided notice have been given of said change the day previous to voting upon it.
By-Laws of the Board of Managers of the Hing-hu~ Conference Home Missionary Society.
I.
DUTIES-OF THE OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY.
I.-President and Vice-President. The duties ·of 'these officers are defined in the Constitution. The President ~r one of the Vice-Presidents shall -preside at 'all meetings Jof ~the Executive Committee. They shall hold,their respective.offic~s during the year for which they are elected, unless the Board othenvise determine. If the' President -and Vice-l~resident be absent then the Board may elect a president 'pro. ;tem.
"~.-Corresponding Secretaries. TbeCorresponding 'Secretaries shall, unaer the direction of the Board of Manager~, and the lExe'cutive Committee, conduct the 'Correspondence ,of the Sometywith its Missionaries. They shall 'soliCit the 'monthly reports from'the various preachers aided by the 'Society arid send them to . the ,auxiliaries from whiCh -the money is 'received. They shall endeavor by voice and pen 'to increase the income and usefulness of the society .
. . TREASURER.
The Treasurer shall' keep proper books of accounts. Showing all the receipts and disbursements, and all other financial,affairs connected with the treasury of the Society. He
'shall keep all uninvested moneys of the Society ondeposi~: in -some'safe bank, subject to the "rder of the Treasurer. LHe ~shall hOnor-all orders of the Board dn the treasllty, and within :tbeseveraI appropriations inade by the Bdaro, or the Exooiltive '-Committee:shallpay'allor'ders ,hy ,the Presiding ;Elders,~r : other' properly :at1thorized persons for'the SUPP()rt "ofthew-ot-k -of the Society. He-shall be subject- to the direction '-0f:'tbe Executive Committee, and of the Board in respect tOJaUiln'Vest ..
CONS11TUTION.
ments, loan,and other financial affairs of the ·SaGi~ty. He .shall report the state of the funds, and whenev~r required .el'hibit his books, vo_ucb_ers _and securities, at .ea~h regular monthly meeting of the Executive Committee; .( aijd ft)h~l1 repor.t monthly-to the £xec.utive.committ~; thecstate of the tr.easury.) lIe shall keep accounts ,of all receipts by Districts and Circuit$, and all e~penditures:by StatiollS and, particular appropriation.
He ~sbal1 give-to each :preac1Jer-in-ch~Ee a receipt f01 the amount received from his circui.ts.
4.-Recording Secretary. The .Recording Secretary /Shall· notify all meetings of the Board aQd of the .Ex~cu~ive . Committee,: and shall reeord themin,utes of ; their . procee~ngs. 'Heshall certify to the Treasurer all moneys gra~ted or .expenditures authorised in ,pursuances of the action of .tlleBoard .or of the Executive Committee.
Ii . . FINANC1AL ';R,EGULA:TI{)NS.
Appropriations made by ,the Board or by the Executive Committe'e for the payment of salaries of preacher~, shall be ,paid to the Presiding Elder,of the respective districtsl!pon the 'requisition of the 'Rec9rdi~g Secretary arid the . Presiding .Elder .must procure a receipt signed by the Recording Steward of the . ci.rcui~, and the said 'preacher and .present it to' the" Treasurer as -hiS voucher, before' the Elder can' draw, the aIlow,ance for the \ succeeding quarter. . Office aDd ,incidental expenses shall be audited by' t~e
.. Corresponding Secretaries, and paid to. their ord~r on~, the pre-sentation of the accounts. ' '
It I STANDING \COMMITTE~S :AN:D 'I.HEI'R 'DU:IIJ~S.
,At the-regular.meeting . of ithe ,Board . .aft~r -Conference the following Standing Committees. sha11. be. app6inted.
(1.) On Estimates.-One Committee, for ~'each District on: Estimates,. consisting: of the menlbers .0£ the:. BoanLfrom ~eaCh District, ex-officio intluding,.the·':Presiding Elder .who ,shalLbe ex-officio .chairm~n, and ,:the Missionary .. jn ~~ge, ,~and two
-other imembeIs one :e1eri~a.l Jl:lld .qne ,lay :,~PPWll.t<;d by, the Board.
H/kGilUA CONFER.8NCE
It shall be the duty of these Committees to prepare an 'estimate of the needs of the work 'upon the,irrespective districts, anqpresent them to the Board for action at its semi .. !annual meetings.
(2nd.) On Audits.---,ThisCommittee shall consist of two, 'one foreign and one native, who shall audit the accounts of the Treasurer, semi-annually, or of tener jf they deem it necessary, 't>r if ordered by the Board; and such other accounts as may be referred to it by the Board. , Card.) .on Missionary Programs and Literature ,-This ~Committee shall be appointed by the Board from persons :in or near Hing~·hua City. It shall be responsible to and under the
'supervision bfthe Executive Committee. It shall be its duty -to prepare and distribute the program for the monthly. Missionary meetings of the Auxiliaries, and Annual Missionary Day, and to prepare and circulate Missionary Literature.
( 4th.) On A pportion'ments. - This Committee shan consist of the 'Missionaries and Presiding Elders. It shall be . tJ:1eir duty to apportion annually to each charge, the amount it deems a reasonable sum that it should raise the current year for the Society.
(5th.) On.Opening New Work.-This Committee shall consist of the President, Corresponding' Secretaries, and Treasurer, and two other members appoint~d by the Board. It shall be t~e' d~~y of this Colllmittee to carefully consider all propositions made for application of funds to open new worl\.,
,presented by Presiding Elders or others; and report on the same to the' BQ~d at its regular meetings, and in the interim
-to {he "Executive Committee.
IV " Meetings of the Board of Man~gers, and Executive
Committee. Order of Business. And Rules of Debate. 1.-,-The Board' shall' hold its meetings. as provided in
the Constitution (Art. VII.) " .. , It shall hold,two sessions daily morning and afternoon 'from '9 to 12 o'clock' and 2 to 5 respectively until ,the busine~s :.before it shall! have been satisfactorily arranged. i. '. 2.-The' Presiding Officer· shall preserve order, keep the speaKer to 'the point under consideration, and appoint:Committees not otherwise provided for.
CONSTITUTION 57
3.-Each session shall open with reading of Scripture and prayer.
ORDER OF BUSINESS.
At the l\ieeting of the Board of Managers the Presiding Officer shall call for reports, and dispose of business in the following order.
I.-The report of the Treasurer, containing statement of receipts disbursements and balance on hand.
:2.-..Reports of each of the Corresponding Secretaries. • These shall include statements of what preachers are supported
bv what societies, and the corre~pondence he has carried on between them.
3.-= Reports fr\}m the Presiding Elders as required in Sec. V
4.-Reports from standing Committees, in the following order.
(1.) E~ecutive Comlnittee. (2.) On Audits. (3.) On Program.s and Literature. ( 4..) On Estimates-,.the Committee from each Dis
trict reporting separately in order, beginning with the most distant.
(5.) On New Work, (6.) On Apportionments.
The reports of each Committee to be made by reading the Minutes of its proceedings, upon which the Board shall take such action as the caEle nla.y require. When anyone of the Standing Committees imay be called in the regular proceedings of the Board, it shall be in order to present any miscellaneous business pertaining to the particular matters of which that Committee has charge.
5 .. -~ Reports of Special Committees. 6.-U nfinisbed business. 7.-:Miscellaneous business.
II.-l\-1EETINGS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
1.-This COll1mittee as provided in the constitution (art YIII) shall hold its regular meetings on the first Monday even-
HINGH(JA CONFER£NCP
ipg of each month at 7.30 p.m. at such place in. Ring-hua City as they rna y agree upon.
2.-The President of the Societ)f shall be ex-officio ~hainnan of the meeting.
;3.-All meetings of the Executive Committee shall open with reading of the Scriptures and prayer, and_ dose wjth prayer or the benediction, under the direction of the Chairman.
4.-A Corresponding Secl'etary, or the Treasurer or any three members of the Conlmittee may call a special meeting of the Committee.
5.-0rder of business. (1.) Reading of Scriptures and Prayer. (2,) The minutes of the previous meeting shall be
read, and when approved, signed by the presiding officer.
(a.) The Treasurer's Monthly Statement. (4.) Report of Corresponding Secretaries to be pre
sented in writing. (5.) Reports frolll Standing ConlInittees, in the
following order. Programs and Literature.
ON XEW \VORK.
(G.) Reports of Special Committees. (7.) Unfinished business. (8.) Miscellaneous business.
II.
Ru1es for the Transaction of Business, in l11eetings of the Board and the Executive Committee.
(See p. 358 of .-\.nnuaI· Report· of Missionary Society for 1895) f
III.
REPORTS FROM MISSIONS.
Each Presiding Elder shall present a report in writing at each semi-annual Meeting of· the Board of the state arid prospects of the work under the charge of each preacher ai~ied by the funds of the Society.
•
COJvS1 r!UTION, 59
CONSTITUTION OF AUXILIARIES.
I.
~AME OF SOCIETY. , The name of the Societv shall be the Auxiliary of the
Hing.:.hua Conference Missionary Society.
II.
ITS OBJECT.
The object of this society shall be to promoteiI'lterest and knowledge on the subject of self-support, and the work of evangelization in the Ring-hua 1\1ission Conference, and to collect funds for the Home Missionary Society of said Con-terence.
III.
OFFICERS.
The officers of the society shall consist of President, a Vice-President, R03cording Secretary, Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer.
IY
ELECTION OFFICERS.
The officers shall be elected annually by the members of the society at its first monthly.nleeting after the session of the Hing ... hua Conference; and shall hold office for one year.
V.
DUTIES OF OFFICERS.
I.-President. It shall be the duty of the President to preside at all the regular and special meetings of the society, to preserve order during the sessions, to follow the prescribed programs and order of business, to hold a meeting of the officers and chairmen of Committees, monthly meeting on the afternoon of the Sunday preceeding the monthly meeting, and to do all in his power to carry out the objects of the society.
2.-Vice .. President. It shall be the duty of the VicePresident to preside at all meetings in the absence of the Pre-
60 HINGUUA CONF£RENGE
sident. He" shall also be ex-officio chairman of the Look-out Committee, and preside as its meetings, doing aU in his power to increase its efficiency, and shall present in writing, at each monthly meeting.a report of the work of this Committee.
, 3.-Recordin"g Secretary. It shall be the duty of the Recording Secretary to record the names of all members in a roll-book, and keep a record ot'the attendance of the members, also to keep the minutes of the nlonthly and special meetings of the society and of the cabinet-
4.-Corresponding Secretary~ It shall be the duty of the Corresponding Secretary to receive and reply to all official correspondence of the society, to keep on file all letters received. and a copy of replies sent, and to send a sellli .. anntlal report to the Chief Corresponding Secretary, of the work an d condition of the society, and shall be ex .. officio Chairman of the Literary Committee, and render a report of his work and that of said Committee at the monthly meeting of the Society.
5.-T,easurer. It shall be the duty of the TreaStlrer to receiv~ the regular dues of the members, and record the amounts with names in a book. He shall make a statement of receipts and disbu,rsements at each regtllar monthly meeting. He shall turn over all the money in hand to the preacher-in ... cha,rge each month, from whom"he must receive a written receipt whiGh he m.ust ~eep as his voucher. He shall also be ex.,.officio Chairman of the Finance Committee, preside at its meetings ~nq do a:ll iIl his power Illa,k~ it efijcient in its work.
Vl. STAXDING QOMMITTEES,
The following StaDQing ComIl1ittees shall- be appointed Annqally at the first lv.tonthly Meeting after Conference, They shall be nominat.ed QY the retiring Cabinet, and Confirmed by a vote of t4e society, \VIto §4all have. pow~r to make any changes they m,ay s~e fit. .
l·-Lqolr-=out Cprqmittee. This Cotnirlittee s4all consist Qf the Vice-President~ wQo
t5hall be c~~offlciqCp'airrnan~ a:nd P.<?t less than 5. nor more than lOlllelllQ~r~.
" It shall b~ tqe4~ty of tqis QOlllmitte~ to endeavor to J?ersuade ¢v~ry ';Oqfch member and probationer, to joiIl t~e so~ietr, tQ w~l~me s~ran~er~ WQo.\ .~4Cl:nce to" ~tt~D.q ~lw
CONSTITUTION 61
meetings, and to note the absentees fr0111 the meetings, and ; to hunt them up, and secure 'their attendance and interest in future. To this end the entire Church membership should be divided an~ assigned to certain members of the Committee.
I.-Literary Committee.
This Committee shall consist of the . Corresponding Secretary who shall be ex-officio Chairman, and threememb~, whose duty it shall be to arrange for the carrying out of the programs for the regular hi-monthly meetings sent out by the Executive Committee, and do all in its power to make these meetings interesting and profitable.
a-Finance Committee.
This Committee shall consist of the Treasurer who shall be ex-officio Chairman, and 3 or more members, being as far as possible the class-leaders, whose duty it shall be to collect the regular dues from the members, and hand the money to the Treasurer with names and amounts for record in the Treasurer's book.
,btlcle yo. CABINET.
The President and officers of the society'shall constitute the Cabinet. The Cabinet shall meet at the call of the President, but shall have a regular meeting the afternoon of the Sunday before the bi-monthly meeting, at which each member should present the report intended for the hi-monthly meeting, and transact such other busjnessas may come before it.
Artica VIlli
DUES.
Each member shall pay an annual membersnip of fifty cents. This should ~e ~d as early;in the yea~ as ~onvenient, but must be all paId In by the re~ar meetuig ill the 9th month. When paid in full a receipt will be given by the Treasurer. The membership fee shall be i~cluded in the amount of the Missionary subscription for each member reported by the preacher in charge for printing in the Con· ference Minutes.
'1111!mllll~lm'li'IJlmmll~111111111 ; 3 9002 05441 2144 ! • ""0 or', •• -_. __ •. , _, , ;..;,;;.1. ~ •.. ,, ___ •. , __ , ___ .. ____ ____
, ,ttl q·qfi!r' L..I' 'f£ ,·tt , ' ~ .-.K;:':~~m;.i··' ""CI~C .' .,
:.:{~; :!<\> -' ••. ~\- MEETINGS.
held';~ Ithe~~t~rttEi~~~~f:~!s~~J~; M=fngS~~~i~e~ qJ:l tne ·~{StfiidaJf: of every alternate. monU.}:, namely. 1st, ardt·~hi7titl;ldna~h·'moMhs.,
:.'.' .' ';~:I " ORDER OF BUSINESS.
:.:: .,r[' 2.-A~ 'thcibi~Irloriihly ,»ie<'tiog the Jpilowing shall be. the order of Business. . . .,', .
(1) H " '.' , , ', 'p ymn. . .'. ; .,r .. ! ·;';·\l:·t~ :Prayer~cl<:>sitfgwith the Lord's Prayer~iri~o~~~~ •.
, (3} Roll-Call by the Secretary. ' (t). l\llA~,~f previoU$ meeting.
';(5) Repcrt {l{,Look-out Co~e~ .i. . \.',
(6) Report of Treasurer. ".' .~ .. , . ;:. ~.~ ,]
(7) Report 011 CQ1l~IK>~ding. Secretary, ~ith letters fro Ill. p~e.~ch~rs supported by the socIety.
(8) MiscellaneoUs WsiBesS. ~J1fJJi;rej (~~\~~pti9,,;ofnew ~Ifl»~r~l" - '. . : .... .. ie$':« !:i': (l,())iih-egratn,··as provid~dby ,the. ~MC,ij~ e)nJ "10 (t4;Go"i~r .' , :' '.' ~S{f!i1!tltf (11) DiSYDiisalWitllthe ~x0tegy; and B$ne(ij(l~~'~ ,2UiJt.tot 'i' t' :;-; ":
DELEGATE TO :DISTBIGi' CONVENTION.
At the regular m~; \l,mmediately preceding the P~,' rict,. CQllf~.r, en.,ye, the, ~9cjety ~.11. ~J1.;~I.~J~t,. '. ~ ,<;l~lega. te to the ~~ct ~~S'~(ttja):Y' ~t)~fition. f \1l-n.~' . dele , t¢ '11l~ have Cr¢d~Iit}a'S sfgn~d by the 'Recotding; f3ecteta~:, . .,;.' .. '; ' . .-' '
" t • I.' ., '; I";,,} • . " .! , .~ '.' ~
\.:~ .A7,ticle Xl;·l . 11 : ~.: .. t ~ .I ~ I. ; ~; ". •
'l~dft" ... ~hC;lng~ ill ,the. ~~titu_tion «ny.' article in this COllstitutlq~d~,11¥J-5~ b~~ch.ftng.~9fl1>RJjsq~fl9r)li~)Y attj~.l~s a.dded by a, twotmr s vote of the Board of Managers at any r~lA1".l11e~ting .. \l
