MINUTES OF THE EIGHTH SESSION

0' THE

METHODIST EPISOOP AL CHUROH,

HELD IN

PUEBLA, JANUARY 14:-18, 189~.

EDITED BY THE SECRETARIES

AND ADOPTED BY THE CONFERENCE.AS THE OFFICIAL

RECORD OF ITS PROCEEDINGS.

MEXICO. METHODIST EPISCOPAL MISSION PRESS.

CALLE DE GANTE NUM. 5. 1892.

OFFICERS OF THE CONFERENCE

PRESIDENT,

BISHOP CHARLES H. FO"\VLER, D. D., L. L. D.

SECRETARIES.

ENGLIAH SECUETARY:-'V.M. GREEN Nunlb~r9, Tmnariz, Puebla.

SPANISH SECRETARY:-C. A. GAMBOA, Number 12 Sallas, Puebla.

STATISTICAL SECRETARy:-F. D. TUBBS, Number 3, Tamariz, Puebla.

C01IMITTEE 'ro PUBLISH THE CONFERENCE MINUTES.

THE SECRETARIES AND FRANK BORTON, PUBLISHING AGENT.

STANDING COMMITTEES NOMINATED FOR THE YEAR 1893.

I.-PUBLIC WORSHIP: The Pastor of :Mexico, and the Presiding Elder of the :Mexico District.

n.-EDUCATION: C. A. Galnboa, P. F. Valderrama, A. Tovar, :Misses Parker and Hastings.

III.-SELF-SUPPORT: L. C. Smith, B. N. Velaseo, J. lI. Euroza.

IV.-SABBATH OBSERVANCE: S. P. Craver, P. V. Espi­noza, A. Rivero.

V.-TEMPERANCE: P. F Valderrama, H. G. Limric, J. Chavez.

V1.-BIBLE AND TRACT CAUSE: L. B. Salmans, B. N. Velasco; L. G. Alonso.

'TIL-SUNDAY SCHOOLS: F. D. Tubbs, V. D. Baez, D. Garda.

VII1.-STATE OF THE CHURCH. S. 'I. Lopez,1. C. Cart­wright, J. RU111bia.

IX.-To VISIT THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY: '\Tm. Green, A. Toyar, J. 1\'1. Euroza.

X.-FINAXCE: Presiding Elders and Treasurer. XL-PRESS: J. W Butler, S. P. Craver, Wm. Green,

I. C. Cartwright. XII.-CONFERENCE STEWARDS: C. A. Gamboa, J. lL Ell~

roza, B. N. Velasco. XIII. - EXAMIN ATION~.

For Admission on Trial: 1. C. Oartwright, P~ V Espinoza, Doroteo Garcia. . ."

First Year: C.A.Gamboa, H.G.Limric, J. Rum­bia.

Second Year: A.. Tovar, L. B. Salmans, V D: Baez.

Third Year: F. D. TubbR, B. N. Velasco, J. M. Euroza.

Fourth Year. S. P. Oraver, P. F. Valderrama, ~. 1. Lopez. '

To PREACH THE SERMON ON MISSIONS: Levi B. Sal­luans. Alternate, Jose Rumbia.

rro PREACH 'rHE OONl<~ERENCE SERMON: B. N. Y t'­lasco; Alternate. Ira C. Cartwright.

To PRE.H'1l 'rHE SER~ro~ ox EnucATlOx. Harry (~ .. Limri<,; Altel'llah'. C. A. <3amboa.

RULES OF ORDER .

. <-~~ --------.. ~.~.--------

ARTICLt I. After the customary religious exercises. the Secretaries in turn shall read tlte minutes of the pre,vious session for correction 2nd. approval.

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

A:RT. 3. All resolutions shall be presented in writing, as well as all other motions when the I)resident or secretaries shall ask it.

AllT. .+. Every member of .the Conference desiring to speak on anv subject shaH rise and address the President, and the one first rising and addressing the President shall be entitled to the fioor.

ART. 5. No member shall s~k more than once on the same subject till all who' may desire to speak shall have spoken, nor more than fifteen minutes at a time without leave of the Conference.

ART. 6. The vote on every question shall be taken by a show of hands, except when by express agreement it shall be taken by ayes and noes, or by ballot.

ART. 7. All questions of order shaH be decided by the President, subject to appeal to the Conference, without debate.

ART. 8. When any question, is under debate, no motion shall-be reo c.eived but to adjourn, to lay on the table, to postpone, ~o commit, to amend or to substitute; but a motion' to adjourn shall always be in order, ane this ~$ well as a motion to lay pn the table shall be decided without debate.

ARn. 9. If the question before the Conference be capable of divisior. upon he call of any member such question shall be divided.

ART. :0. The business of·the Conference shall be conducted witl; open doors, unh;ss Qt~e~se:or~ered by the Conference.

ART. II. Any. question may be reconsidered on the motion of any member wh~may~havevoted.withthe majodty.

ART. 12. 1£ a1,lY mem~r ~U for the previous question, and such call shall be sanctioned by a two thirds vote of the Conference, the main question shall then be put.

A·RT. 13. 'Ev~ry member shall be allowed the question of privilege, provide,d be manif~t the nature of it, and it be. appro\'ed by a majority of the Conference.

ART. J4. The members of the Conference shall assemble in the Con­ference room punct:lally 8:t the hour to wltich Conference adjourned, and no ~~I!lber shJJll .. a,b~ent ~imsel,f from, the pla~e of Conr~Tence se!r sion withont leave of abse~ce~ .

I

JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS.

FIRST SESSION.

Thursday, January, 14, ~89~'

THE EIGHTH SESSION OF THE MEXICO ANNUAL CONFERENCE con­vened in the large room of the Ladles College in the City of Puebla, Jat). 14, 1892. The Conference was called to order by Bi~hop Charles H. Fowler D. D., L. L. D., at nine A. M. Conrado A. Gamboa an· nounced the 30th hymn. The Bishop read a part of the fifth chapter of St. Matthew, and led the Conference in prayer. The Bishop appoint­ed \\'m. Green and C. A. Gamboa to conduct the Sacramental Service.

Interpreters.-The Bishop appointed L. C. Smith his interpreter, and S. W. Siberts assistant.

Roll.-The roll \vas called and the following brethren responded to their names; Lucas G. Alonso, Victoriano D. Baez, Plutarco Bernal. John W. Rutler, Ira C. Gartwright, Samuel P. Crayer, Jose Chavez, Pascual V. Espinosa, Justo M. Eur:lza, l\lanuel Fernandez, Conrado A. Gamboa, Doroteo Garda, \Vm. Green, Harry C. Limric, Severo I. Lopez. Nor~rto Mercado, Juan Patino, Manuel M. Perez. Edmundo R1C·OY. Abel~rdo Rivero. Jose Rumhia, Levi B. Salman~. Saml!el \V. Sibert5, Lucius C. Smith, Abundio Tovar. Frank D. Tubbs. Benjamin N. Velasco and Eduardo Zapata.

SecretCl,ries.-On motion of A. Tovar, \"lm. Green was elected En­gli:ih Secretary. On motion of Samuel \V. Siberts, C. A. Gamboa was elected Spanish Secrc-tary. On motion of S. W. Siberts. F. D. Tubbs was "elected StatistiCal Secretary; On motion of Wm. Green. H. G. Limric was elected his assistant.

The Regular Standing Committees were read and confirmed by the Conference. .

The appointments of the brethren who were to preach the sermon on Education, the Conference sermon and the Missionary Sermon were confirmed by the Conference.

On motion of S. W. Siberts it was ordered, that the sessions of the Conference commence at nine A. M., and close at 12.30 P. M, the "first half Rour to be given to devotional exercises.

Bar.-On motion of John W. Butler the bar of the Conference was fixed at the third pillar from the front. The ladies of the \V. F. M. S. the wiv~s of the -missionaries, and the wife of Bishop Fowler. w~re in-vited to se.ts within the bar. "

Reporter.-B. N. Velasco was appointed by the Conference.to re­port the proceedings for "El Abogado Cristiano."

The Committee on Public \Vorship read their report, and after a few alterations, it was adopted. On motion of F. D. Tubbs,the Rules of Order of last year, were adopted as the Rules for this year.

Twentieth Question.-The 20th Question was taken up. "Was tire cltaracter of each preacher ~xamined;? The name of S. P. Craver was taIled, his character was passed, and on account of sickness, his report of the Puebla District was read by F D. Tubbs. On motion of S. P. Craver it was ordered, that when the name of each preacher is read, he shall state the amount received by him on his circuit, for the regular Conference Collections. The name of P. F. Valderrama was called. He was reported sick. His Presiding Elder represented him, 'and his character was passed. The names of F. D. Tubb3 andH. G. Limric were called, their Presiding Elder represented them, and their characters were passed.

The Northern'Dbtrict was r.alled. The nam~ of S. \V. Siberts was. called, his character was passed, and he reported his District. The Bishop a~ked brothers Siberts and Craver if the requirements of the Discipline with respect to Missions were carried out on their respeC'tives Di::.tricts. They answered. Yes. The name of L. B. Salmans was called, his ch3racter was passed, and he reported his wor k. The names of J. Chao vez, M. M. Perez, S. L Lopez, A. Rivero, D. Garcia a!ld J. Patino, (Traveling Deacons,) were called, their characters were passed, and they,reForted th-;::ir collections.

The Central District \\. as called. The name of L. C. Smith was called, his character was passed, and' he reported his District. The transfer of W 111. E. Me. Lennan was announced from this Conference, to the North-West Indiana Conference.

The names of 1. Chagoyan, and D. Romero, were called and they did not respond to their 'names. L G. Alonso, reported his collections: The c:haracters of all were passed.

The Coast District was called. The character of Wm. Green was passed, and he reported his District. The names of V. D. Baez, P. Bernal~ M~ Fern~ndez" A. Tovar, and J. Rumbia were called, their characters Were-passed, and they r~ported their collections.

Tbe Bishop addressed the Conference on the importance of our work at t~is,ear.lY,Btage of its history. He spoke of the magnificent outlook of. the future in this land, ~nd the hope he entertained of its tinai con­qu~st for Christ. The Committees were called, and the announcements were made. The Bishop stated to the Conference that he had in his possession.a draft for $i~o4 in gold, which was the Book Concern Divi­dend for the 'Conference' Claimants. On motion of S. \V. Sib.erts i~ wa~assed to ,the Conference Stewards.

~,~

,Or,

B. N. Vela!'co was appointed to conduct the:;;(tevotional exercises Friday morning. i;''-::~~' .

The Conference adjourned by expiration of time, The doxology was sung, and the Bishop pronounced the aenedictior.!.

"

SECOND SESSION.

Friday, January' IS, 189.2.

The Conference was called to order by Bispop FowIerifpromptly at nine A. M. B. N. Velasco conducted the fievotion~l exerci~es. The minutes of yesterday were read and approved.

The n,!mes of 1. Chagoyan, D. Romero, J. Rumbia, and' A .. , Rh'ero were called, and they reported their collection~. . ... , . The ~idalgo District was called. The name of J. ~V. •. ~~JlerrW~ called, hIs character was passed, and he' reported h'i'~ District. The names of J. l\.!. Euroza, 1. C. Cartwright, B. N: Velasco, P.:\t: Egpi. nosa and E. Zapata were called, their characters were p<ll~ed, and,~hey reported their collection~. " ':~".' .. .

Introductions.-Rev. Frank Borton and wif~; Misses t.irriburg~r, \Valton, and Neiger, Mrs. Bishop Fowler. Rev. VY. T. Green and wife, of the Baptist Church, Mrs. B. N. Velasco, 'and brother Portug~l of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, were 'Iritroduced to the Con-ference. .

Fifth Question.--The 5th Question was taken up. " 11l'ho are admitt­ed z:nlo Full Comzec/ion.?" The names of L. G. Alonso, .M. M; Perez, Juan Patino, Domingo Romero and V. D. B.lez were ~alled. The committee in the case of L. G. Alonso reported his examination satis­factory. On motion of S. P. Craver, it was ordered·. that a book, ~ procured by the Secret.uy. in which the grade of the .examinations ~f each man entering the Conference shall be registered, on a scale .of from one to five. Thl! Presiding Elder represented L. G. Alonso, he was passed in his studies, admitted into full connection, and elected to Deacons' Orders. In the case of M. M. Perez it was ordered, ·that in view of his sickness. S. P. Craver, S. W .. Siberts, J. ~V. B,utler, and C. A. Gamboa be appointed to visit him, and report to the Conference on his studies. The committees reported the examination of V. ,D. Baez satisfactory, his PreSIding Elder represented him, he was passed in his studies, admitted into Full Connection, and elected to Deacon's Orders. Domingo Romero was reported satisfactory in his studies, his Presiding Elder represented him, and he was continued on Tri~1 in the Second year. The committee in the case of Juan Patino reported his examination satisfactory, his Presiding Elder represented him, he was pa'ssed in his studies admitted into Full Connection, and elec!ed to Deacon's Orders.

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Delegates.--On motion of J. M. Euroza the Conference proceede.d ~o. t,l1~ .~Je«;tion of Delegates to the General Conference. The Bishop stated the manner in which, the election should be conducted. L, B. Salmans and]. M. Euroza were appointed tellers. On motion of Wm. Green it was ordered that the roll of the Camference should be called. and as the na~e of ea~h man was read. he should deposit his vote in a hat on the Bishop's table. On the first ballot, 2S votes were cast and as no one received the number necessary to elect. the Bishop de­clared that there was no election. On the second ballot, C. A. Gamboa received 17 votes out.of 25. and was declared elected.

On motion of S. W. Siberts his election was made unanimous. The Conference then proceeded to elect a.n alternate delegate. On the first ballot 25 votes were cast .. and there was no election. On the second ballot S. P. Craver received 14 votes, and was declared elected.

Constitutional Questions.-On motion of}. W. Butler the Confe­rence proceeded to vote on the questions submitted by the General Conference. First on the general question, "Sltall tlte wumen De ad­","it'ed'tu tlu Gmeral and Electural Cunferences'" and second. "S"a~l tke Second Restrictive rule De-ammded su as tu read." "Said diJegaies may De '"en ur !"omen." It was ordered that the Conference vote on "the general questIon first. and that the ballot shall read. "fur .dMissiOII,·' or "against admissiun." L. B. Salmans and J. M. Euroza were appointed tellers. The vote stood for-II-against- 14. The Conference then voted on the second question. On motion of L. B. Saimans,the baliots were ordered to read "for tlte cltan~e," or "against llu change,'" The vote stood, for-9-against-16.

Fourteenth Question. -The 14th question was taken up. If Wltat Traveling Deacuns Ita'lle bun elected Elders'" The name of S. I. Lo­pez was called, his ~residing Elder represented him, he was passed in his studies, and elected to Elder's Orders. The examination of P. Bernal was reported satisfactory, his Presiding Elder repre~ented him, he was passed in his studies, an~ elected to Elder's Orders. I n the case of M. Fernandez, his Presiding Elder recommended that he be conti­nued in the four~pyeart and granted a Superannuated relation. It was pmed; The examination of J. CQave~ was reported satisfactory. his Presiding Elder represented him, he was passed in his studies, and eleCted to Elders Orders. The committee in the case 9i F - D. Tubbs reported his examination satisfactory. his Presiding Elder represented him, and hecwas passed in his studies~ The same action was taken in the case of ·H. G. Limric as in the case of brother Tubbs.. .

On motion.Of J. W.Butler the case of M. Fernandez was recommen­ded to the '-'Conference Stewards, and they were instructed to report to the Conference to morrow.

Thirteenth Question.-On motion of S.P. Craver the time wasexten­ded. The 13th question was taken up, II Whu are tke Traveling V,a-

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Cbns of tlte Second Class?" H. G. Limric was reported satisfactory in :hi's examination, his Presiding Elder represented him, and he was passed in his studies. The committee reported the examination of D. Garcia satisfactory, his Presiding Elder represented him, and he was passed in his studies. The examination of J. Rumbia was reported satisfactory, his Presiding Elder represented him, and he was passed in.his studies. A. Rivero was satisfactory in his examination, his Pre­siding Elder represented him, and. he was passed in his studies. 1. C. C",rtwright had not passed his examination, and on motion of J. W. Butler he was granted the privilege of passing the two examinations next year.

Tenth Question.-The loth question was taken up. Sixteenth Question. - -The 16th question was taken up. Nineteenth Question .. --The 19th question was taken up. Eighteenth Question.-The 18th question was taken up. Second Question.-The 2nd question was taken up ..• Who arc ad~

mitled OJ/, Trial!" The name ~f Frank Borton, recommended by the Mexico City Quarterly Conference was presented. The committee reported his examination excellent, his Presiding Elder represented him, and on motion of L. C. Smith he was admitted on Trial. He was also elected to Deacon's and Elder's Orders under the l'lissionary Rule. on motion of J. \V. Butler.

J. W. Bmler presented the report of the Conference collections. It was recommittd. C. A. Gamboa presented the report of the Confe­rence Stewards. It was recommitted. The Bishop recommended, that in view of the fact that he had received no notice from the Treasurer of the Episcopal Fund of the amount apportioned to this Conference for the support of the Bishops, the Presiding Elders be instructed to assess the same amount as last year. On motion -of \Vl11.

Green it was so ordered. The committees were called and notices read. On motion of J. \V. Butler, it \\"as ordered that we med to·mor~ow morning at 8.30 L. B.Salmanswas appointed to conduct the devotional exercises. The Conference adjourned, and the benediction was pronoun­ced by Rev. \Vrn. T. Green of the Baptist Church.,

THIRD SESSION.

Saturday, January 16. 1892 •

Bishop Fowler called the Conference promptly to order at nine o'clock. L. B. Salmans conducted the devotional exercises. The jour­nal was read, corrected and approved. L. G. Alonso, V. D. Baez, and J. Patino Were called forward and addressed by the Bishop, on the nature and importance of the christian ministry in the Methodist Epis. copal Church. He laid stress on the importance of pastoral work, thorough prepar~tion for the preaching of the word of God, and person. al consecration to God. as the three elements of pastoral efficiency.

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Reports. - T~e report of the Girls school in Pachuca was presented by Miss. M. Hastings. On motion of Wm. Green, the Secretaries were instructed to edit ~Il matter coming intb their hands. F. D. Tubbs re­ported for the committee on Self-:mpport. The Bishop addressed the Conference on the importance of the subject of the report, and urged the duty and necessilY of all christians doing their utmost for the financial support of the church in their midst. The report was recom­mitted.

Fifth question.-The 5th question was resumed. The name of M. M. Perez was .called. The special committee reported that his studies were perfectly sati.,factory. though he was unable t? pass his examina: tions on account of sickness. On motion of B. N. Velasco it was or­dered, that in view of the fact that he had not passed his examination, he be continued on Trial.

Third question.-The 3rd que~tion was taken up .. , Who remain on Tn'alt" The names of E. Zapata~ 1. Chagoyan. N. Mercado and E. Ricoy, were called, the committee reported their examinations satis­factory, their Presiding Elders represented them, they were passed in their studies, and continued on Trial.

Reports.- The report of the Girls school in Puebla was presented by Miss T. A. Park-::r. The report of the Girls school in Tetela was presented hy Miss A. Van Dorsten. The report of the Girls school in Guanajuato was presented by Miss A. Walton. The report of the Girl.; school in Mexico was presented by Miss !\of. De F. Loyd. They were all adopted, and ordered printed in tht! minutes of the Conference.

Miss Warner.--J. M. E14roza presented the following paper on Miss Warner.

llr. President and Brethren: For the period of e:ghteen years we have had in our midst as one of our

most faithful and successful laborers, Miss. Susan N. Warner. During these years she hlS been the Director of the Orphanage in the city of Mexico, Prin­cipal of the Ladies school in Pachuca. and the Foundress of the Ladies Nor~ mal School in Puebl:!. and its Principal for nine years. In the order of Di· vine Providenc;e. she has left us to fill.other duties not less honorable. We desire at this time to send her our kindest greetings, and to express our hope that the new relation into which she has entered, may be the crowning glory of her life. From this hour, the name of Susan M. Warner will occupy a large place in the annals of Methodism in Mexico. We shall always remember with joy and pleasure the worthy and indefatigable professor. the self-sac· 'riiicing worker, who consecrated the most precious years of her life, to the . uplifting and instructing of Mexican womanhood. .. Resolved Jst. That we send a copy of this instrument to our warm friend, and'sister .. Susan M. Warner .

. ResolvIQ ~D4, TlJal we f~u~~t i~' ~f'r'Jl~9 ~9 plJblj!fh this paper 1Q tq~ fflm\J~'~· ' .

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Resolved 3rd. That we request the Editor of II El Abogado Cristiano" to publish it in the column"s of that paper.

C. A. GAMBOA. } J. M. EUROZA. A. TOVAR. • P. F. VALDERRAMA. Signed. B. N. VELAZCO. S. I. LOPEZ.

Theological Seminary.- B. N. Velasco presented the report of the special committee on the Theological Seminary. A warll) and earnest discussion on this report followed. On motion of W m. Green the pre­vious question was ordered. The report was adopted. On motion of ]. 'V Butler it was ordered that when we adjourn, it shall be to meet at seven o'clock this evening.

P. F. Valderrama presented the report of the committee who were charged with the duty of preparing a Provisional Constitution for the Theological Seminary. It was ordered read without discussion.

On motion of ]. W Butler the time was extended.

Introductions.-The Bishop introduced to the Conference brother Toshiro Fujita, Consul General of the Japanese Empire to this Repub­lic. Also brother Kunio Inonye. Secretary of the Japanese Consulate. The Bisho~ stated that both Were members of the christian church. The Conference received them standing. and they were requested to take seats within the bar of the Conference.

The roll was called, and the preachers stated the number of copies each would sub~cribe for, of "El Defensor del Hogar." Bro. C. A. Gamboa read the report of the Conference Stewards. It was adop­ted, and on motion of A. Tovar was ordered printed in "El Abogado Cristiano," and in the journal of the Conference. C. A. Gamboa read the report of the commitee on the tombstones of E. Castillo and G. Gutierrez. "Report adopted.

The balance of $6.20 still in his hands, was passed to the credit of the sick sister of G. Gutierrez. J. M. Euroza, H. G. Limric and S. I.

II Lopez were appointed a committee on Complimentary resolutions. F. D. Tubbs was appointed to lead the devotional exercise~ this evening. On motion of S. P. Craver, the Conference adjourned. J. M. Euroza pronounced the benediction.

FOURTH SESSION.

Saturday Evening, January ~6, 189%.

The Bishop called the Conference ~o order promptly at 7 o'clock. F. D. Tubbs conducted the devotional exercises. The minutes were read, corrected and approved.

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Thirty Third Question.-'-The 33rd 4uel)tion wa~ ta~en ~p, .. T-fI'luY& shall tke ltext Confcrmcc be held!" The '~ity of Mexico was selected,

F D. Tubbs presented the Statistical report. (See report.) On motion of J. W. Butler it was adopted and ordered printed in the minutes.

J. W. Butler stated that the collections of the Conference for the following objects were as follows.-Bishop $37.00 Children's Day $100.09. Missions $484.00.

S. P. Craver read the report of the Theological Seminary and Prepar­atory School, and on motion of B. N. Velasco it was adopted, and or­dered printed in the minutes.

P. F. Valderrama presented the report of the Committee on the state of the Church. On motion of F. D: Tubbs it was adopted and ordered printed in the minutes. J. Chavez presented the report of the Commi­ttee on Sabbath Observance. On motion of F. D. Tubbs it was adopted and ordered printed in the minutes.

Petition to the General Conference.--On motion of S. P. -Craver it was ordered, tnat the petition of this Conference of four years ago, to the General Conference, with reference to the validity of Catholic Baptism; and article N ~ 23 in the "Articles of Religion," of the Meth­odist Episcopal Church, relating to "The Rulers of the United Sta­tes of America;" be respectfully presented to the next General Confer­ence.

On motion of S. P. Craver it was ordered, that we recommend to all our preachers, that all persons coming to us from th,e Roman Ca­tholic Church, shall be rebaptized.

On motion of J. Rumbia it was ordered, that the following petition be presented to the next General Conference.

::\[E~IORIAL TO THE GENERAL CONFERENCE.

In view of our limited field, and at the same time, the great importance of sustaining ana increasing as far as possible the circulation of the Offieialorgan of our church in Mexieo, we hereby respectfully memoriali~e t.he Gene­ral Conference which convenes next May in the city of Omaha, U. S., to authorize the Book Concern Agents ill New York, to furnish free of cost, the necessary paperfol' the publication of "EI Abogado Cri~tiano" during t.he next four years.

Candidates. -On motion of F D. Tubbs it was ordered, that all candid~tes for examination before this Conference,. shall be required to present themselves before their respective committees on the day before the opening session of the Conference. -

F. D. Tubbs reported for the Committee on Self-support. On mo­tion of B. N. V tllasco, it was adopted, and ordered printed in the min-

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utes;' On motion of F. D. Tubbs, the reports of the Presiding Elders were ordered printed in the minutes. A. Tovar presented the report of the committee on Sunday Schools. On motion of P. F. Valderrama, it was adopted and ordered printed in the minutes. J. M. Euroza pre­s~mted the report ofthe committee on Complimentary resobtions. (See Report)~ They" were passed by a rising vote.

S~~fia.1 com~ittee.-The speCial committee on the Provisional Con­stit\1tion, of the Theological Seminary !eported through P. F. Valderra­m~, t,-,afthey had cO!1sulted with th(~ Bishop. and that they had deci­ded to revise their report in accordance with his suggestions, and that they would fQr\,'ard it to him to be forwarded to Bishop Hurst, for his sugg~sti()ns and corrections. On motion of J. \V. Butler the same com­mittee was continued.

Schools.--On motion of A. Tovar it was ordered, that all our schools shall be made legal schools, according to the laws of Mexic~.

P. V. Espinosa was appointed a committee to raise funds to erect a monument over the remains of Joaquin Hernandez. On motion of P. Bernal the Conference extended its sympathy and thanks to brother Mucio Sanchez and his estimable wife, for their fidelity in all christian laQor, in th~ mi~~~ of trials and persecutions.

p; F. VaJd~r:rama moved th~t the case of M. Fernandez he referred to the Presiding Elders. S. P Craver moved as an amendment, that the Presiding Elders be authorized 'to deduct from the salary of all the w~r:k.~r.s ill. the Cq~ference, pro rata, the amount designated by the Conferen~e Stewards for his support. It was so ordered.

P. F. Vald~rra~a moved, that \\'hen we adjourn it shall be to meet at nine A. M. on Mond~y. It was so ordered. On motion of B. N. Ve­lasco; the Secretaries and the Publishing Agent were authorized to publish the minutes of the Conference. H. G. Limric was appointed to COll(t~.ct th~. devotional exercises on Monday morr.ing.

On motion of J. \V. Hutler the Conference adjourned. The doxology was sung, and S. \V. Siberts pronounced the benediction.

FIFTH SESSION.

Monday morning, January 19, 1892~

The Bishop called the Conference to order promptly at nine o'clock. H. G. Limric conducted the devotional exercises. The minutes were rea(,i, corrected and approved.

The Bishop deposited on the Secretary's table the following Certificate of Ordination. It was ordered spread upon the Journal. "This certifies that on January 17th. 1892, in the city of Puebla, I ordained to the Office of Deacon. Frank Borton, Victoreano D. Baez, Juan ·Patino, and Lucas G. Alonso. On the same date, and in the same place with the

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assistance of several Elders present, ~ or~ained to the Office of Elder, Frank Borton, Jose Chavez, Severo 1. Lopez,Pluta-rco Bernal,- and, Pascual V. Espinosa. "

, C. H. FOWLER.

On motion of J. W. Butler it was ordered that the ladies of the W. F. M. S. be requested to send their estimates for the year 1893, to the Finance Committee meeting held in September next. On motion of A. Tovar it was ordered that the Conference continue the publication of "El Defensor del Hogar." On motion of B. N. Velasco, the roll was called, and the members of the Conference stated the number of copies of the above paper each would take. B. N. Velasco moved a vote of thanks to the railroads which had so kindly granted us favors.

Preachers.-The Conference approved the appointments of the men who are to preach the Conference, the Missionary, and the Education. al sermons at the next Conference.

On motion, the following vote of thanks was extended to Brother John D. Flint, of Fall River Mass.

FLINT RESOLUTION.

WheTeas, the members of the Mexico Annual Confe­rence have heard of the continued interest manifested in our work by Brother John D'. Flint of Fall River, Mass. therefore be it

Resolved, th~t we place on record our sincere apprecia­tion of this dear brother, and most sincerely pray that his munificence towards different interests in this Confe­rence, may yield such abundant fruits as shall greatly increase his joy, and add to the number of "stars in his crown of rejoicing."

Resolved also, that the English Secretary be instructed to. forward a copy of this resolution to Brother John D. Flint.

The Bishop announced the various -official committees. The Bishop appointed Frank Borton, Publishing Agent. J. W. Butler was appointed Editor of "El Abogado Cristiano," and P. F. Valderrama his Assistant. S, W. Siberts moved that the Board of Conference Stewards and the Fi~ance Committees arrange all matters relating to the support of brother M. Fernandez. It was so ordered.

Miss Effie Dunmore was introduced to the Conference. P. F; Valderrama was appointed Editor of" El Defensor del Hogar." S. W. Siberts moved, that after reading the minutes, and the reading

of the appointments, the Conference adjourn sine dti.

WM. GREEN, ~ C A G

Secretaries. • • AMBOA,

C. H. FOWLER.

President .

15

DISCIPLINARY QUESTIONS.

1. Who a're Received by Transfer, and fl'om what Con-ferences?

None. 2. Who were Admitted on Trial? Frank Borton. 3. ''Who Remain on Trial? 'Eduardo Zapata, Ignacio Chagoyan, N orberto l\Ierca-

do, Eduardo Ricoy, Manuel M. Perez, Domingo Romero. 4. Who are Discontinued? None. 5. Who are Admitted into Full Connection? Lucas G. Alonso, Victoriano D. Baez, Juan Patino. (). lVho m'e Re-admitted? None. T Who are Received on Credentials from other Chm'ches? None. 8. What Traveling Pl'eachers have been elected Deacons? Frank Borton, (*) Victoriano D. Baez, Juan Patino

and Lucas G. Alonso. 9. What Traveling Preache1's have been ordained Dea­

cons? Frank Borton, Victoriano D. Baez, Juan Patino and

Lucas Alonso. 10. What Local Preachers have been elected IJeacons'? None. 1 t. What Local Preache1's have been ordained Deaeons? None. 12. Who are the Traveling Deacons of the First Class? Lucas G. Alon1?o, Victoriano D. Baez, Juan Patino

and Ira C. Cartwright. 18. Who are the Traveling Deacons of the Second Clas;:;":' Doroteo GarCia, Jose Rumbia, Abelardo Rivero. 14. What Traveling Deacons have been elected Elders? Frank Borton, (*) Jose Chavez, Severo I. Lopez, Plu-

tarco Bernal and Pascual V Espinoza. 15. HTkat Traveling Deacons have been oJ'dainedElder:;? Frank Borton, Jose Ohavez, Severo I, ~ope~, Pluta~-:

co Bernal and Pascual V ~spinoza. ~ , ,

~"'~ ~J~~eQ ~ld~r ~Hdef the ~js~jon~rr Rl-ll~r

16

16. What .Local Deacons have' been elected Elders? None. 17. What Local Deacon."i have oeen ordained Elders? None. 18. Who are the Supern~tmerary Preachers? None. 19. Who are the 8uperannuated Preachers? :Manuel Fernandez. 20. Was the Character of each Preacher Emami'i'ted? This was strictly done. as the name of each Preacher

was called in ope~l Conference. 21. Hat~e an;lj Died? None. 22. Have a'Jl;lj been TUI it·o..;ferJ'ecl, and to what Confereilces? Wm. E. :M:c-Lennan to the North-west Indiana Con-

ference. 23. Hare ((It.'/ Withdr{tlon? None. 24. Hare any Located at their own 'request? None. :la. Ha(;e any been Lo('((tecl'f None. 26. Have any been permitted to Withd'rau: under Char-

ges'! None. :!7. Ha've any beeJl E;x'peZled'~ None. :!8. Who llre the 'Priers of ..;.lppeals·? None. 29. What is the 8tati.o..;finf.l J//>Jwrt? [See tabulated stateInent.J .!IO. What aJ'e the Claims on the Conference Furtd,? $353.50. B.t. What lta8 been Rfcei:ved on these Clai1Tl,s, and ho'w

has it been Applied? $353.50, which has been Applied under order of the

Conference. 32. Where a're the Preachers Stationed? [~ee' Appointments.] , ' . 83. Where shall the ne:d Con/erencf!Qe li~'d'~ Mexico City. .

17

APPOINTMENTS, MEXICOANXUAL OONFER~CE

Blf;HOP C. H. FO'VLER PUESIDING.

1892.

COAST' DISTRICT.

'Vm. Green, Presiding Elder, 4.-Post Offioe;­No.9, Calle de Tamariz, Puebla .

Cordova Circuit.

Cuicatlan Circuit. Oaxaca Circuit

Orizaba Circuit.

Tuxtla Circuit.

Tetela Cireui t . Teziutlan Oircuit. Tuxpam Circuit.

Xochiapulco

. . To be supplied by 4delaido Bribiesca.

To be supplied. · Lucius C. Smith, Severo I.

Lopez. Three to be supplied. · Abundio Tovar .Miguel Arrie­

ta and Herminio Fonse.ca. Supplies.

To be supplied. by G.ab~i~~ Rumbia.

Victoriano D. Baez. · Plutareo Bernal. To be supplied by Francisco

Diaz. o Jose Rumbia. 1.'wo to be sup­

plied.

MEXICO DISTRICT.

John W Butler., Presiding Elder, 1.-PostOffi.ce,. Apartado.291, Mexico.

Ayapango Circuit. . Lucas O. Alonso. Huehuetla (Rafael Vigueras.) Supply. Mexico Oity and Ixtacalco ... Pedro F. Valderrama.

" "English Work .. Frank Bo'rton. Mira1iQres Oireui t: .. Edua'rdo Zapata and (Luis.

Acosta.) Supply. P.achuca . Justo M. Euroza. (G. Vaz~

quez.) Supply.

18

Pachuca. Circuit ~tl1d English work ;', 11'aC. ('arl7f'}'igllt. [David

Santa Ana Oircuit, San Vicente. Tezontepec.

Tulandngo ... Zaeualtip311

Yerduzeo.] Supply. ,Supplied by D. 'Mendoza. ,Ignacio Chagoyan. 1. ,Benjamin N. Velas('o. 4 One

to he supplied. ,Dom-ingo Romero. 1. -' YOl'oeJ'to Jlfm'('(tdo. :?

FRANK BOR'fON, Pllblishin~ Agent . • JOHN'V. BFTIJER, Editor of "EI Abogado Oristiano." f.Jj;DRO :F. \r ALDERRA~U., As~istant Editor of "EI Abo-

gado Oristiano."

NORTHEHN Dlb'rRICT.

Levi B. ~al111ans. Presiding Elder, 1.-Post Office, TeJuplo Evangelico, Guannjuato .

Oelaya Oircuit,

OUel'amaro Oircllit Guanajuato Circuit.. (~ueretaro Circuit Salamanca Oircuit, Sila.o Cireuit.

. Jose Ohayez, ~. One to be supplied.

,Juan Patblo. ,'J. · Manuel M. Pe'rez. 2. · Pa.scual V. Espinosa, 1. · Abelardo Rive'J'o. ,J. · IJoroteo Garcia. ,'J.

PUEBL) .. DIRTRICT.

Samuel p, Oraver, Presiding Elder, 4.-Post Office, Apartado 55, Puebla .

Apizaco Oircuit. Atlixco Oircuit, Atzala Circuit., Puebla . San Martin Oireuit rrlaxca]a Oircuit,

. Harry G. Limric. 1. , To be supplied. 'To be supplied. · Oonrado A. Gam boa. 1. To be supplied.

,Frank D. rrubbs.

'VO~IANS INJREIGK MISSIONAHY ~OCIE'l'Y.

MEXICO ••.••...•....••.•••••••••••• Mary de F. Loyd, Harriet L. Ayres. PUEBLA •..•••••..•.•.•.•••••••••••••. Theda A. Parker, Anna Limbur2er. PACHUCA .. '.. .•....•.•••. • ••••••••••••.••••••.••• Mary Hastings TETELA •.•••••...••..•.••... : •• Amelia Van Dorston, Effie M. Dunmore. GUANAJUATO ••• , •• ' ••••••••• ~ •• , •••••••••••••••••••••••• Lillian Nei2er.

NAME.

Alonso, Lucas G .......•....... Baez, Victoriano n .............. . Bernal, Plutarco ................. . Butler, J obn W.............. .. Cartwright, Ira C ....•.•.......... Craver, Samuel P ......•......... Chavez Jose .......... . Espinosa, Pascual V .... . Euroza, Justo M ................ . Fernandez, ManueL ..•........... Gamboa, Conrado A ...........•. Garda, Doroteo ....... . ...... . Green, William ........... . .. . Limric, Harry G ... . Lopez, Severo I . . .. . ..... . PatiFlo, Juan ..........• Rivero, Abelardo .... , ...•........ Rumbia. lose .................. . Salmans, 'Levi B.. . . • . . .. . ...... . Siberts, Samuel W '" •..•...... Smith, Lucius C ......• , ........ . Tovar, Abundio ..•.............. Tubbs. Frank D ................. ' 'VaJdermma, Pedro F ... . Yelasco, Benjamin N..... ... . ..

. . (Borton, Frank ................... . . ~ I Cbagoyan, Ignac1O .• , •.......... g Mercado, Norberto .............• ·,' ~ .{ Perez, Manuel M .......•..... ' .. . '8:1 Rieoy, E9mundo ................ . :t Romero, Domingo ..........•...•

t Zapata, Eduardo.... " ........ .

DISTRICT.

Mexico ........•............. Ccast ...................... . Coast ......................•. Mexico .......•...•..•.. r.lexico ..... , .....•.•.... Puebla ..•......••....•.... Northern ..•..•..... , Northern, ................. . Mexico ...................••. Coast ...................... . Puebla .. . .•........ Northern.... .••....... . .. . Coast ..................... . I'uebla. . . ... . ............. . Coast ... " ..• . ....... " .. . Northern. .. ., . . . . . ...... . Northern .... " ....... .. Coast .... , ..•........•..... Northern ...•.•............. Puebla, ...... , ..........•.. Coast ..••....... : .......... . Coast ......... '. . ............ . Puebla ............ . 7vfexico...... ..... .. ...... l\[(fxico .....•. ....... .. ..

'l\texico ...•............•..... l\[exico I........ . ......... " . Mexico ................ ; .. .

. Northern..... .. . ........ . M;e?Ci.cq.,~ ..... , .... . l\iexico ..................... . Mexico ..•...............

POST OFFICE ADDRESS.

Ayapango .......•............ Tetela de Ocampo ..... . 1'eziutlan. . . . . . . . . . . .. . .•. Mexico, Apartado 291 ......... . Pachuca .................... . Puebla, Apartado 55... • ••.... Celaya ........... , ......•. Queretaro ................... . Pachuca ................... . Puebla, No. 9. Tamariz ....... . Puebla, Sallas No. 12 ..••....• Silao.............. . ....... . Puebla, No. 9. Tamariz ....... . Puebla, Apartado No. 55 ...... . Oaxaca, Templo Enngelico ... . Cueramaro •..........•••.... Salamanca .......... . Xochiapulco .....•............. Guanajuato, Tt-mplo Ev~ngelico Puebla, Apartado 55 ...... '" ". Oaxaca, Templo Evangelico .... Orizaba, Templo Evangelico, .. Puebh, .Apartado 55 ...... . Mexico, Aparta.:!o 291 •.••..•• 'fezontepec ......... , ....... . Mexico, Apartado 291.. .. • .•• San Vicente Chicoloapam. • .•.. ~acual~ipan ................. . CruanaJullto, .. : . . . . . ; .....•. .Mexicd.-vante: 5,···.··.·.····· Tulancingo ... '. .. l\1iraflores. . . . .. . ........... .

STATE.

.Mexico ................. . Puebla .......•............ Puebla ..........•..•..••. Distrito Federal .•••......•. Hidalgo ...•..•.••.•..• ,' .. Puebla ................. . Guanajuato .......•........ Queretaro ..... , .. Hidalgo.: ....•..•.•..... Puebla •..........•..... Puebla .........••.. ' ..••• Guanajuato ............... . Puebla ..............•.... Puebla... . ............. . Oaxaca ......•....•.•..... Guanajuato ..••.... ' ...... . Guanajuato ............... . ~uebJa: ........... ~ ..... , (;,uanaJuato .............. . Puebla.... .. . ........ . Oaxaca ................ . Veracruz ............... . Puebla ..........•......... Distrito Federal .... . Hidalgo ................. . Distrito Federal •........... Mexico .......••.......... Hidalgo ......•..••....•.. Guanajuato .............. . Distrito FederaL .•......••. Hidalgo ................ . Mexico.. . ..........•..

~o

LOCAL PREACHERS' DIREOTORY. ,

I NAME. . POST OFFICE ADDRESS. I STATE.

I ':A.costa, .Luis . . . ,. Mirafiores . IMexico Aguilar,;~Nabor ,Atzala. .. .' iPuebla . Arrieta; MigUel.. Atzacan, . San ta·Ana.. . 'IVeracruz ;·:-Bonilla, . Hilarion; Jayacatlan. : Oaxaca :BtibiescaAdelaido Cordoba. . [Veracruz "Bribiesca, 'Macario Cuilapam . . [Oaxaca .. Citbrera;Andres .. Puebla, Tamariz 3. . \Puebla Diaz,~·],'·rancisco ... Tuxpam. . IVeracruz Diaz;Trinidad .... Xochiapulco. . Puebla L6p.ez, Pedro. : Oriza:ba. : IVeracruz Luna, Ii'eneo... .; Chietla. . Pue bla ).I·endoza; Doroteo. Mexico. . D. Federal...

·l{'Onjaras, ·Manuel. Jalapa. , .. Veracruz -Rumbia, .. Gabriel. .- San Andres Tuxtla. . Veracruz '-Tovar, Miguel.. . Puebla. ... .. Puebla . Ya;zquez, Gabriel. Pachuca, T. Evangelico'IHidalgo Vigueras, Rafael. Tulancingo. .~_ Hidalgo

ENGLISH LOOAL PREAOHERS.

NAME. POST OFFICE ADDRESS. STATE.

'Barlase, T. H... . Pachuca . . . Hidalgo. Dunstan, T. H.. . Real del Monte. . Hidalgo.

,'Jenkins, ·Henry .. Pachuca . Hidalgo. :=-Rule,·Walter.. .. Pachuca . Hidalgo. >Sobey, ·Richard .. Pachuca . . Hidalgo.

"WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONA'RY SOCIETY DIRECTORY.

NAME. POST OFFICE ADDRESS • STATE.

• ; . .Ayres'·Harriet L .. Mexico, ..Apart.ado345 .. D. FederaL .. :i ·Ha-s.ti;ngs, Mary . Pachuca... . . . Hidalgo .. :::,Dllmrtore, Effie. . Tetela "de . Ocampo. . '.' Puebla .' Limburger, Anna. Puebla', Tamariz 11 .. ;- Puebla .' ·.Loyd;::M~y .De F. Mexico, ~:partado 345, . D.Federal . . " Ne.iger,.-Lillian ... , Guanajuato,. . . Guatlajuato :~~ker,:Theda A., Puebla;TaIiiariz:ll.· Puebla '.·Van:})or.sten, A ... Tetela de.Ocampo. . Puebla

21

II REPORTS OF COMMITTEES.

NOTE. The following reports were prepared and presentell in Spanish, and are here published as translations.

REPORT OF THE OOMMITTEE TO VISIT THE SEMINARY.

Mr. Pre:iident and Brethren:

The~lethodic;t Episcopal Church in Mexico has in the City of Puebla a Seminary that it honors, and which promises for the future to be a source of great blessings, both Civil and Religious. The President and his Assistants have made a marked step in the direction of progress, in tbe Social and Scientific education of its students.

The committee appointed by this Conference to visit the Seminary had the honor of visiting it in the second wet:k of December last, and were gratified to find that much goo<;l work had been done during the last year. Your com­mittee noticed however, with pain, the small number of students who are studying for the ministry in our Church. In the class in Theology there was only one student to appear for examination. It would he better in the opin ion of your committee-(and \ve hereby cordially nrge all our ministers, to find if possible in their respective charges, all the young men who have a de "ire to preach the gospel-) if more young men were now in the Seminary preparing for the ministry in our church. Your committee also noticed a cold. ness in the religious life of the students, and even in the Professors. To prove this assertion we will mention one instance in which your committee attended a Class Meeting, which is held weekly by the stbldents in the Semi­nary. It was near the and of the year, and while there are more than thirty students living in the College, less than half were present. We should have been pll!ased to have found all the students, and all the Professors present. Your committee understand. that the presence of any person at any religious service, whether Christian or of any other religion, should he spontaneous and free on all occasions; but at the least in our schools, the students should have the example of their Tedchers, for their absence is capable of a bad interpre­tation, while their presence would be a great stimulus. The kind of educa­tion that our Seminary implies, is first of all religious Your committee de­sire to say, that they fully realize the fact, that the School must teach the Arts and Sciences, that our future ministers m3Y be men of learning and intelli­gence; but we believe that we only interpret the just hopes that this Confe­rence has with respect to this' In<:titution, when we say, that the unfolding and practice of religious truth in the hearts and lives of the students, is your most earnest desire. \Ve believe that it is your desire that many of the students in the Seminary, though at present they do not feel called to the work of the ministry, shall, by.;the influence of the Holy Spirit of God, be made to feel an impulse to consecrate themselves to the blessed work, of preaching the glo-

22

rious gospel. Iu our Seminary there is plenty of science, but above and beyond all we want more virtue and religion ..

Respectfully submitted.

J. W. BUTLER. } 1. C. CARTWRGHT. Signed. B. N. VELASCO.

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE STATE OF THE CHURCH.

We have many reasons to thank God for the favors he has bestowed upon us in the discharge of our dutieli in the year that has past. We have an in­creased number of congregations, an increased number of members. an in­crease in the enthusiasm of our workers, and the success that has crowned the efforts of the greater part of our brethren, and above all. the faith of our people has been increased, by the influence of the Holy Ghost shed upon us. These things clearly prove beyond a doubt, that the presence and power of Christ is in the helirts of our people, and at the same time it fills us with joy to know "that our labor has not been in vain in the Lord," and that "GQd is our shielJ and defence." \Ve record with devout gratitude to God, among the triumphs of the year 1891. th.lt of our Brother Hillarion Bonilla, pastor in Jayacatlan, on the Coast District, in the State of Oaxaca. In that town our brother suffered fierce persecution. He was imprisoned. threatened by his enemies and OJrs, but God who can do all things. suffered not his faithful servant to be over-whelmed by the machinations of the blind fanatics of Ro­manism, but delh'eted him safe and sound out of their hands, and made him the instrument of His grace in the founding of an enthusiastic church in their very midst.

It is the opinion of your committee that this, and all other experiences of this kind, should but animate our hearts, and give more vigor to all our efforts for the complete evangelization of our beloved country, and that they ~hould shm\' us that the day is not far distant when the Divine promise shall heJulfilIed. and all the ends of the earth shall see the light of the truth, and every sinful soul shall feel the influence and power of Divine mercy: It . .is our duty while this happy day delays, to redouble our efforts, to be more a~­tive in the discharge of our christian and ministerial duties. to be vigilant, assiduous, and·constant in the discharge of all our obligations to the fl~k over which God has made us overseers. Let us concecrate aU our facnlties and powers to the glorious work that God has laid upon us, and~ with' an ar­dent and unquenchable zeal, inculcate in all our members the true spirit of Christ, the spirit of wisdom, of intelligence. of rectitude and of justice. Only in this way shall we ever build upon the immovable "Rock of A,ges" a holy, pr.osperous church, whose members shall be pure and hoI)'. and shall study and love the word of God. To be a true disciple of God, requires holiness in heart and life, and with this we shall have the hope Il~d the consolation in our lives, promised in the gospel. Respectfully submittd.

P. F. VALDRRRAM:\ f ,." d . A., TOVAR.. )' ~lgnf',

23

REPORT OF THE 00l\:fl\HTTEE ON R~\BB.':\_TH OBSERV ANOE.

Mr. President and nrethren: The observance of the Sabbath is of the most vital importance to all peo­

ple. Those who do not realize its benefits, treat with marked indifference this divine precept. The constant violation of this Holy Day, by engaging in business, by intemperance, and in the pursuit of forbidden pleasures, fill the righteous soul with sorrow. It b the privilege and mission of the Chris­tian Church to so instruct the people, that they shall know the truth, and be saved by it. ¥le notice with sorrow and alarm, that some of th~ members of our congregation violate the Sabbath Day. Each pastor is responsible for the congregations over which he _presides, and for this rcason he should be zealous and active in the performance of all his duties, particularly with re­spect to the observance of the Sabbath Day. He should admit with great care, any person into full communion in the church, who is not in sympathy and conformity with all the requirements of our Book of Discipline, particularly baptism. In administering the ordinance of baptism. it should be the duty of all who perform it, to -emphasize to the recipients of the same, the language of our Discipline; viz; "Wherefore after this promise made by Christ, you must also faithfully. for your part, promise in the presence of this Congrega­tion, that you will renounce the devil and all his works,and con~tantly believe God's holy word, and obediently keep his commandments." In the 4th Question of the Baptismal service it is asked. "Wilt thuu then obediently keep God's holy will and commandments and walk in the same all the days of thy lifer' And the answer given is, "I will endeavor so to do, God being my helper." When being received into the church the candidate is asked.­"Do you here, in the presence of God and of this Congregation, renew the solemn promise contained in the Baptismal Covenant, ratifying and confir­ming the same, and acknowledging yourself bound faithfully to observe and keep that Convenant?" His answer is "I do." Again it is asked "Do you believe in the Doctrines of the Holy Scriptures as set forth in the Articles of Religion of the 1\fethodist Episcopal Church!l" His answer is-"1 do" And moreover, again be is asked. ",,;iIl you cheerfully be governed by the rules of the Methodist Episcopal Church, hold sacred the Ordinances of God, and endeavor, as much as in you lies, to promote the welfare of your brethren and the advancement of the Redeemer's kingdom?" His answer is. "1 will." In view therefore, of the fact, that our Discipline requires, and that each candidate for admission promises, that if admittelil to full communion into the fellowship of the church, he will "cheerfully be governed by the Rules· of the Methodist Episcopal Church." any violation of its Rules, should be regarded as a most serious fault, and of great prejudice to the cause of the Gospel, we therefore recommend the foilowing.

(1St.) That we read and explain the Doctrines and General Rules of our Church, at least once in three months, so that the people may the better under­staud and appreciate them.

(2nd,) That we teach with diligence to all probationers under our care, the warning, of the Scriptures, and the blessings promised those who keep holy the Sabbath Day.

(3rii., 'yereconimend, that in the case of any Probationer who voluntarily desecrates the Sabbath Day, this desecratioh shall be regarded as one of the principal reasons why he shall not be admitted into the fnll communion of the Church, as his example w0111d be demoralizing to the Church our Saviour bought with his own precious blood. .

Finally, in view of all these things, we should use our utmost cal'ein carrying ouUhe spirit of the words. "We now propose, in the fear of God, to question them as to their faith and purposes, that you may know that they are proper persons to be admitted into the Church."

JOSE CHAVEZ H.G. LIMRIC. P. V. ESPINOZA.

ANNUAL REPORT OF THE THEOLOGIOAL SEMINARY AND PREPARATORY

SOHOOL FOR 1891.

Another year of favor and prosperity has been granted this Institution. Ge· neral good health and good-will have prevailed among patrons, professors and students. No gre:lt changes, but a general effort toward improvement has .ch&racteiized the year.

Religious Spirit and Work.-Both the Tuesday evening class-meeting, . led by the students, and the Sunday afternoon prayer-meeting led by the profes­sors, have been well attended during the year, although such at tendance is voluntary. Frequently those meetings have been seasons of precious commu· nion with God and of helpfulness to all present. All the students of-the Theological Department and several other candidates for the ministry have been' regularly employed on various circuits of the Puebla District where they have done faithful work.

01'de1' and Disciplim.-Except for two cases, one of immoral conduct and one of insubordination. which received prompt and vigorous attention, the ye~r;has been one of general harmony and good-feeling on the part, of the students,

Boa,d of Direction. - The Board, appointed by order of the last Annual Conference held two sessions in Oct. and Dec. at which a provisional constitution for the Seminary was formulated. Tile Report of this Bo~rd will be presented at the proper time.

Apparatus and D"parlmmls.-A considerable quantity of new apparatus has been purchased, or prepared by the professors, for the Object Lessons, Phy~ics and Chemistry classes. Numerous improvements have been introduc­eq,illso into the other departments.

ZifJrary and Readi1zg-Room.-About 100 new and. valuable historical, sCientific and 'reHgous works in Spanish have been added to the Library in-the course of the year. But still the eager inquir es of the· students for other standard works show how much is yet to be done. It is' to be expected that the many friends of the Institution, especially in this Conference, will tak~ some- measures to help thts'important department.

Various secular, political, scie~tific and reli&ious papers also 'have 'been .at

··'25

the disposal of the students, 'all which have been 'eagerly read. Preparafibns are being made for a great improvement in this department the comingyea'r.

Special Ministedal Cout'se.-Inview of the short time, due to tlieir age or the necessities of the work, that many students can spend 'in school,' the Fa¢. ulty, has prepared a short course which embraces the most essential'stumes"of the Preparatory; Collegiate and Theological·Coul'$es. Students wtto, cannot pursue the regular course and who are prepared to take up advanced' Arlth. _. metic, Geography and Grammar, can enter this course.

Statistics. -The number of students in the Theological Department .. has been 3; in the Normal 8; Collegiate 7; Preparatory '35;' Primary 72;1'Otal-i2S. which is a small increase in the higher departments and in the Primti1. The Faculty has been increased to ten members; ,Prof. RQdiles ~g been secured as instructor in French, and Mrs. Limric in Music. StP.-dents from the higher departments continue t,o teach several cla,sses in the ~riQJary and Preparatory Schools. ,n J

Pt'o,Perly.-:-Besides a number of useful improvements in the original:.map­erty, all will be glad to learn that the, house spoken of in last year's repprt, as purchased through the kindness. of, Mr. ]. D.· Flint, ofFa,ll Ri,er •. Ma~~.; U. S. has been transferred to the Missionarv Society throught the generouslty of the same' gentleman. . ' '. ' , -", " 'K

~elf Support. -It is a great satisfaction to al~ the.friends of , the Ins~j~~~ipn. to note from year to year the steady increase in income,iuid espedally SO ast~is increase is chiefly from the patrons in Me~ico'whose ititefest ritust' IiafiI'fillI:y be strongest in its success. The receipts from this course in 1891 were $2505.r6,those of 1890 from the sames course $3505 74. an increase of a round $rooo.oo. The receipts in r891 from patrons in the U. S. including the BFrd,of Ed~cation wa~ $660.04 and from miscellaneous sources $9410'cD:lak. ing a total of $10,2:1-9,80. ' ..

It is a great pleasure and satisfac~ion to me to state in conclusion the COD­

tinued and uniform harmony in the faculty as well as their devotion to their departments and to the several interests of school.

To Him by whose favor .a11 success has been .attained be. the. praise.

Respectfully submitted, SAMUEL P. ~R~ VER.

REPORT OF PUEBLA GIRLS' SCHOOL & NORM.!L INSTITUTE. :. : ~

We have the same number of pupils as last year. Some who were in ,the primary course have moved away, but the number in the t..,tidergaftenaJid elementary school has increased. .

Miss. Annie R. Limberger arrived in . February. and since the mt·nth 01 Mar h~~ been in charge of the kindergarten and elementary school, assisted by some oftbe . girls,' who, this year, have. completed the secondary cours ••

26

Two of these girls, Adela Ruz and 9atarin~ Munguia, return as assistants to Miss. Limberger.

The greater part of the girls who have comple~cd this course will return to pursue more advanced studies, ,and to practice teaching under the direction of Miss Limburger.

Miss Guadalupe Rodriguez who, during the past year, has labored with -good Sllccess in the kindergarten, will remain as assistant in the primary grade. , Tpe Misses Pataeios still rem~in with us. We do not need to say anything )0.. regard to the excellence of ,their work, for all knowhow faithfully they have labored during the past ye~rs.

Mr, Garcia directs the classes in Music, with the ex~eption of one which is taught by Miss Adelia Palacios.

The number of boarders has reached thirty-eight. \Ve need more dormi­tories. and for that reason we shall open communication with the lower rooms of the adjoining' house, NO.9, to whIch the elementary school will be moved.

The matron, Mrs. J. V. Rodriguez, to whose fidelity much of the success 'O~ the school is due, will remain another year.

Several of our girls have become members of our church during the past year, and others are thinking of uniting wjth us .

. Giving thanks to God for blessings received, we look forward with enthu­si'asm to the work.of another year.

THEDA A. PARKER.

REPOHT OF PAOHUOA GIHLS' SOHOOL FOH 1891.

Gratefully we recognize the loving kindness of Our Heavenly Father in bringing us safely through the vicissitudes of another year, and in giving us some degree of prosperity in the work which He has committed to our care.

For a time, disease among our pupils threatened to interfere seriously with our work. but through the interpositioQ of a kind Providence, we closed the year in the enjoyment of health and many temporal and spiritual blessings, and with the expectation of greater usefulness in time to come.

Our school lists for 1891 contain three hundred and twenty one names, more than three times the number which our crowded little building can accomo­date; and scarcely a week has passed without the necessity of refusing admit­tance to some little girls who 'desired to join us.

The same as~istants employed in former years have given us faithful iabor, except when prevented by illness. .

We see evidence of spiritual as well as intellectual progress among the girls. Respectfully submitted,

M .... R'l HASTING5.

27

REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON SELF-SUPPORT.

Your committee finds that the following amounts have been raised for self-support in the congregations and schools of the Mexico Mission in the year r89r: .

To repair and build churches .. .$560.00 For current expenses, sexton, light, For missions.

etc. 978.00 558.00 114.00 109.00 426.00 184.00

For tracts. For education [Ohildren's Day] . For bishops and pastors For conference claimants. For other benevolences, etc. For Sunday Schools.

.1770.00 150.00

For Theological Seminary and Prepara-torv School. .3505.00

For day-schools. 300.00

Total. . $8654.00.

Further, your committee has consulted with most of tre pastors in al\ parts of the Conference on the Iesults of the plan for self-support adopted by the last session of this Conference, and finding them in general satisfactory. re­commends that the same plan be continued the coming year, subject oniy to such modifications as special cases may require.

Respectfully submitted, F. D. TUBBS. ?-I. FERr-;ANUEZ. P. F Y ALDERRAMA.

RESOLUTIO~S OF THANKt; TO THE V ARIOrS RAILROADS.

Resolved {st We, the Members of the :"IIexi~o Annual Co.derence of the l\lethodist EpiEcopal Church, assembled for onr Eighth annual session in the City of Puehla, desire to express to George Foot Esquire, our sincere thanks for the many favors and kindnesses he has shown us, in coming to this Conference, and in reducing to us the rate of fare on the railroad of which he is Superin­tendent. And it is hereby ordered that a copy of this resolution be presented to Mr. Foot, by the Rev. J. W. Butler D. D. on behalf of this Conference.

Resolved 2nd. That we in like n.anner extend our thanks to the other railroads in Mexico, that have granted us similar favors.

P. F V ALnERRAMA.

A. TOVAR.

B. N. VELASCO.

]. M. EUROZA.

OO:¥PLI!\~iEN')? .ARY -~SOLUTI ON.

. The_ cOlnmittee appoil1t,edby this Conference to prepare its testimonial of gra.ti{ude at;l4 appreciation to -those persons \\"00 have fn any manner coniri­bjied to m"ak~ our Confe-rence session a success, as \\~ell- as a pieasure, have the hOPQ~ !t~'.~ubmit the following for, your _app'rova t

ResOWed "ist. That we express the joy and pleasure it affords us to have in our midst, our Beloved Bfshop C. H: Fo\vler, D. D., L. L. D. We'desire to expf~sSoutthanks for his wise counsels and- kind words, for the wisdom and inlfJar~i~lity of his presidency over this Conference. 'We hope and pray to Alrritgh't~iGod,that He wi'll bless him and his estimable family, and that he wiIi~gci'~th 'them to their di~tant home.

ResOl~ed-2~d_ That we also tender our thanks to the Pastor of this Church;'R~v. P. F. Valderrama, to the ,Presiding Elder of this District, Rev. S. P. Craver. D. D. and to his e!>timable - wife, to ali the young la'dies who have so kindly waitedupon us, and to all who have in any way showed us attentions. - ~rany whose names we do not mention, have made our stay here pJeasartt, and we will take away with us to our different fields of labor, plea­sant memories of this, our eighth annual session of the Mexico Conference held iii' -Puebia;

J. M. EUROZA.

H. G. LIMRIC.

S. 'I. LOPEZ.

CHILDRENS DAY

1891. June. 16 Tezontepec. Collection Oct· 1 Pa;~huca. "

16 Mexico. Sa.n Vicente.

,. 'Ooatlinchan. Nov. 6 Pachuca. Evg.

11 Puebla. Dist. GU,an.ajuato. Silab: ' Queretaro.

" " " .,

., ,.

" ,.

"

Enero. Orizaba~ Collection.

Cash in hand. Puebla, MEXIco.-Jan. 10, 1892.

$ 6

" 4 " 22

150 " 2 " 18 " 33 59

5 ~, 3

$10009 994

$1+003

10009

$ 994

JNO. W. BUTLER. Treasurer.,.

pec .. 1891

Jan.1892~

~9

EPISCOP.aL SUPPO~T.

Puebla Distid. Mexico. Coast Distriet Hidalgo" " Distrito del 1\ orte

$ 11

" 4 ,..

" • .. " 10

5

$ 37

JNO. W. BUTLER. Treasurer.

MISSIONARY COLLEOTIONS.

Dec. 1891. 4:' Puehla District 2\iexico.

Jan. 1892. 12 Ooast. District. Hidalgo District ..

15 Northern District. Mexico. Adt ..

$ 122 " 40 " 90 " 150 " 75 " 4

JNO. W BUTLER. Treasurer.

484

Al.~NU.AL REPORT OF THE OEKTRAL DISTRIOT MEXIOO CON"FERENCE.

1891

At our last Annual Conference Bishop Ninde saw fit to divide the Central District into two parts. The northern part embraced the work in the ~tate uf Hidalgo and the southern part, the work in the valley of l\Iexico. This south­ern part of the District retained the old name, and the undersigned was placed in charge of it. It consists of five pastoral charges, besides the English work in Mexico City. We will give some account of each of them in alphahetical order.

1st. Ayapango Oircuit. Ignacio Chagoyan Pastor. At the beginning of the year this Circi{i~ consisted of four appointments, namely Ay~pango, Poxtla. Zentlalpam ahd 'Zoyotzingo. During the year two new appointments have been added-Los Reyes, a hamlet of nine families, four of which make up Our congrega~ion, and Cnijingo, a vil1ag~ of some 800 inhabitants. In the latter place a~ old soldier called Mucio Sanchez, had established a school at his own expense, and with the help of his good wife, had carried it on fo !everal years, untit it embraced nearly all tbe·childrenof the village. He had received for tile purpose the olll books of our school at Ayapango. had ~au~h~

30

the children our catechism, and done' what M could to spread the gospel among the people. While doing this work for the Master he had supported himself as best he could, by workin~ at the carpenter's trade out of school hours. This year we have given him five dollars a month out of funds which we have begged for the purpose, and have supplied him with books. This was neces­sary as he was reduced to extreme proverty. A few weeks ago Bro. Chago. yan began preaching in the school room. and there is every prospect of estab­lishing there an excellent congregation. Such men as Mudo Sanchez, and such women as his wife, deserve the unstin ted admiration of all their fellow men.

\Ve have a good boys school under the auspices of our Missionary Society at Ayapango, and an excellent girl's school at the sa,ne place under the aus­pices of the Wo.nan's Foreign Missionary Society. During the year a flourish ing school has been established in conection wit h out work at Zoyotzingo.

The Pastor has been active and faithful, the teachers have done good work, and altogether the Circuit has seen a prosperous year. We should not forget to mention the little church at Poxtla whose foundations have been laid and which will be completed, no doubt, within a few weeks. The building is be ing constructed for the most part with funds contributed by the congregation, and the brethren of the Circuit.

2nd. Chicoloapam Circuit. L. G. Alonso, Pastor. Notwithstanding cer· tain difficulties at Chicoloapam, the Circuit has held its own. The pastor's wife has rendered valuable aid in the school at the place mentioned. In Coa­tlichan a school was established in November, which promises to be instru­mental for good. There are only two appointments on this Circuit.

3rd. Mexico Circuit. C. A Gamboa, pastor. The work in all of its depart­m~nts, including congregation, boy's school, and girl's boarding school. has seen a fairly prosperous year. All the workers have been faithful and active.

4th. ~1iraflores. Our large school at this place has held its own. The con­gregation has been sadly decimated by Spiritualism and indifference. Spirit­uality has been in a low state. Bro. Domingo Romero is pastor.

5th. Nextlalpam. Bro. Doroteo Mendoza, supply. This is a very interesting and hopeful congregation. It has held its own during the year.

6th. English Work. Mexico City. Bro. McLennan, the pastor, left for the Unitfild States in April, and since then the congregation has languished. The coming of Bro. Borton recently, revives hope for next year.

Taking the District as a whole we have abundant reason to thank God that the work has not suffered more than it has. The lack of progress bas been due in part, to the mistaken policy of making the Presiding Elder, at the same time, Press Agent.

Respectfully submitted. LUCIO S. SMlTH.

Mexico, Jan. I3th, 1892. Presid1ng Elder.

REPORT OF GUANA.JUATO SCHOOL 1891.

The history of the past year while not presenting a brillant Sllccess, has we believe, laid h~peful foundations for greater suceess.for the year. to come.

31

Many people of the better class have had their favorable attention attracted to the school.

During the last few weeks of the ~enn, some fourteen or fifteen such persons brought their children for matriculation, but finding the school so near its close, promised to bring them at the beginning of the next year.

The average attendance has been 35. total enrollment 65. In the month of March we organized a night school, beginning with our

cook. It soon numbered twenty, total number enrolled during term ..J.O. Miss Fermina Ruiz had charge of the advanced Hpanish classr the examin­

atons at the close of the term showed excellent work done by her. --MisS'Lugarda Chagoyan has had full charge of the primary department for

which he is specially fitted, being a very sliccessful manager of little children. The drawing taught by Professor Chagoyan is a very pleasing feature of the

school, and One which has been the direct cause in many instances of bringing girls to us.

Respectfully submitted. IDA C. \V ALTON •

. REPORT OF TETELA GIRL'S SCHOOL FOR 1891.

We believe the past year has been a successful and profitable one. Although the work does not enlarge as we could wish; yet it has more than maintained its o\ ... ·n. The large~t number enrolled at one time during the year was forty three, an advance of seven over the previous year.

We believe the school is in a condition for a more rapid advancement du­ring the coming year if we can retain our pupils.

Our work is greatly retarded by the withdrawal of our girls, just as they begin to realize in what the school consists.

While we wish Ollr girls to obtain that secular education which shall enable them to be wise and capable we also bear in mind the om object. If the knowledge of the \Vord of God is the foundation of true education, we intend the foundation shall be well and firmly laid.

We consider our work incomplete, until our pupils are brought into a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior. \Ve have an ·organization of Kings Daughters, that meets once a week i~ which they are the most active workers.

The Bible is taught daily, besides three hours weekly in catechism. Miss Barbara del Valle has reudered good service in our school at Canada. The people there are pleased with her work. A children's Bible Class was

organized there recently, which in the seven weeks of its existence has grOWIl

to a membership of thirty five. Thus ends the year. Isolated as we are, we are still in the front of the

battle. Werealize that our work is far different from that of many, but we are happy to be privileged to carry to these mountaineers the story of Christ.

Miss Hewett, who has labored faithfully here, gaining the loying confidence of the people, has returned to her home in the United States. We believe it can be "be truly said nshe hath done what she could."

Altogether the results of the year' are encouraging, and we are looking

32

hopefully' forward to a prosperous future, believing that ere many years have gone by, we may see Mexico "a nation whose God, is the Lord,"

Respectfully'Submitted, AMELIA VAN DORSTEN.

Jan. 6, 1892.

REPORT OF THE SOHOOL "HIJAS DE JUAR.EZ'."

There is but little new to say of our school work, as it is about tbe same year by year.

1Sc)1 has had its trials and its difficulties, but its has had its triumphs and victories too.

On account of sickness among teachers and pupils during the firs't months of the year, the studies were very much interrupted. but the lost time was redeemed during the last school months.

It is but just to say, that both teachers and pupils improved their opportu­nities. The public examinations were satisfactory, and the following branches were presented: Reading. Spelling, Arithmetic, Geography. Grammar, Catechism. English Bible. History, History of Mexico. Geometry. Trigo, nometry, l'latural Philosophy. Science of Government, and Moral Phi1osop~y,

The entire school gave fronl memory 12 Psalms in concert. 150 children were enrolled.d,uring the year. The average daily attendance

was I}O, of whom 84 were present for the public examinations. In regard to religious interests, we believe progress has been m~de. The

young ladies belonging to the second year of the Preparatory schoo', have aided t.heir Pastor in the Suaday school and children's meetings.

In the school, in the home. and in the Society of christian End~vor, they have. exerted a christian influence . . ,4Dlong the instruments that God, in His Divine Providence, h~s .~d to d~ve,1op the character and the christian life of the girls under our care, ,the the principal one is om Pastor Rev. C. A. Gamboa, who, for fiveye~rs, has been most fajthful both as Pastor and friend.

Humbly and gratefully we say, "Hitherto hath the Lord helped us."

Respectf ully submitted,

Conference at Puebla, 1892,

MARY DE F. LOYD.

HAR1UET L. A YRKS.

HIDALGODISTRIOT

.REPORT FOR 1891.

At the last Session of our Conference what was tben kno\vn as the' Ce~tral Disttict, was diVided, and seven circuits, with :28 preaching.appOintiil~ts

33

were. llet apart as the Hidalgo District. Most of these appointments are in the State which bears its name, though two of them are in the State of l'll~bta, and one or two in the State of Veracruz. The State of Hidalgo alone, accOr­ding to the latest statistics, contains somewhat over half a million of pec)"pl'e, ana is generally recognized as one of the mast Iibenll sections of the 'whole Republic. Perhaps no other State is as completely open to Evangelistic work, as the State which bears the name of Mexico's immortaI'hero.

The present authorities of the State maintain the commendable determi­nation of the past,to protect every citizen in the exercise of his religiOUs rights.

Though sickness and death have both visited the homes of our worke"" ,the workers themselves have all been mercifully spared, and for the most .part,,:in good health. In August, Bro. and Sister Espinoza had the pain of parting with their youngest child, but were graciously sustained in their sc)rrowby their christian faith and hope. Bro. and Sister Euro:za have had many anxious days during the illness of both their little ones, but have been mercifuUyspared the blow.

Bro. Cartwright \Vas temporarily laid aside by a fall from his horse, aruhhe consequent injury, but good care and his excellent constitution soon brought him around, and before he was able to ride -horse back again, he walked to some of his appointments, so that his people should not be without the preacft­ing of the gospel.

Bro. Velasco is now more thoroug Illy furnished for "every good word and work" having taken unto himself in the early part of the year, a most excel­lent helpmeet.

The Presiding Elder takes pleasure in again placing on record his sincere thanks to all the workers of the District, for t!te affectionate cordiality with which he ·has been received into their homes. as well as hearty and prompt co­operation in the plans proposed, from time to time. for the furtherance of the work.

The good will and harmony existing between the laborers and the P,E. have been a constant encouragement to the latter,

In order to avoid repetitions and economize time and space, we Will not represent each charge separately but the several points of most interest ina general way.

DA Y SCHOOLS.

Of these we have seven. In Tezontepec we have enrolled 150 children; in Pachuca 560; in Real del Monte 92; in Zacualtipan 43: making a tota( for the District of 804. After two unsuccessful attempts in EI Chico. onr limited funds compelled us to temporarily dose the school there. It should be re­opened at an early date. With slightly increased financial help we might 'haVe 1.000 children in the schools of this District next year.

The Bible and Methodist Catechism are in constant use, and many of theSe children are persuaded to attend our Sabbath School and preaching services.

SABBATH SCHOOLS.

At'l the principal stations have Sabbath Schools, and all the smaller coilgre­gations wouldbave if we' had enough workers~ Most of the Pastors havc'so

34 ~

many appointments to visit, that they cannot ~ive the necessary time to this department of the work. From our Day Schools the young people should be trained for this work. Our Quarterly Conference in Tezontepec had a special committee during part of the past year, who walked to an adjoiningtowl1, and conducted a Sabbath School with good results. \Ve have 17 schools and 392 scholars.

CHAPEL AND OTHER DIPROVEMENTS.

In February last, on handing over the southern part of the original District to the new P. E .• Bishop Ninde dedicated our new chapel in Santa Ana Nex­tlalpam, in the District of Zumpango. It is a plain substantial building, large enough to answer all purpo&es for many years to come, and was built mostly by donations and contributed work of the people there and a few sympathiz. ing friends. With the site it is worth nearly a thousand dollars and has still a dt'bt of over two hundred.

On the 5th of May we dedicated our new church in Acayuca, some four leagues from Pachuca, and about the same from Tezontepec. It is built mostly of stone and is worth oyer a thousand dollors, all paid for, except about three hundred .

. As the dedicatory services took place on a national feast day, many friends from Tezontepec and Pachuca attended. All our people were invited to the civil festivities in the Plaza, held at 11 A. M, of that day. The Pre9iding Elders and the preachers present occupied seats on the platform with the town autho­rities. At the close of these patriotic services, and after we had rendered "unto Cesar" his due, we extended personal but cordial invitations to the authorities to attend our dedicatory services. They accepted, and at the hour of worship, our church was full to overflowing.

The people are very happy in their new place of worship. In order to help Bro. Velasco with the rapidly growing Circuit of Tezonte­

pee, this charge was handed over to Bro. Euroza, of Pachuca, on the day of dedication . . Early in the year, under the direction of Bro Euroza, our chapel in Pachu_

ca was repainted on the inside, and ireatly improved in appeai'anl~. After Bro. Cartwright, arrival and appointment to the English work, he

thoroughly renovated the interior of our Missionary's home, doing a great deal of the work with his own hands. Thus. by the efforts of our two Pastors, the value of our property has been enhanced some five hundred dollars, at a eost to the Missionary Society of about half that sum.

The Pastors residence at Real del Monte has also been considerably im­prayed.

GROWTH OF WORK.

The original District last January, contained 41 appointments. Thirteen of these went with the Central District, and 28 remained with us. Since then, preaching services have been established in 9 new appointments, giving 37 at present. We might easily have 50, inside of three months if we had more workers to put into the District.

The Tezontepec, Zacualtipan, and Huehuetla Circuits are exceedingly pro­mising fields. After several years of abandonment, services have been re-estab­lished in Omitlan, with a fortnightly attendance of from 15 to 25.

35

Family services have also been held in Velasco and in EI Grande In the former place we have about 20 friends, and in the latter 6 or 7. This second place we regard as important, as it wiII make a connecting link between the Real del Monte and Zacualtipan Circuits, where Bros. Acosta and Mercado are working with marked success.

SPIR.ITUAL CONDITIONS OF THE WORK.

While not all we could wish, we believe that it is better than it was a year ago. The cottage meetings established in l'achuca, Real del Monte, and Za­cualtipan, have contributed to this end in the three places named. The im­provement is seen in the attendance and spirit of our meetings. Some of our quarterly Love Feasts have been seasons of "refreshing from the presence of the Lord."

One of the greatest drawbacks to the growth of spirituality among our peo­ple, is, the universal desecration of the Sabbath.

With Sunday bull-rings, cock fights, theatres, drinking saloons, gambling dens and other places of amnsement, temptation~ are on every !>ide for the weak and indifferent. Besides all this, in many of the towns through the District, Sunday is not only the best but the sole market day of the week. Xece!>sity seeming to drive many of our people to this kind of trading, the door is open for all kinds of disregard for the Lords Day Clnd neglect of his house.

The fact that our preachers and some of our best people are studying this problem, is a sign of spiritual improvement. Would to God that our entire conference and church might be as one man on this vital question, otherwise we cannot hope to be the the spiritual power which God has made us in other lands.

The week of prayer recommended by the Methodist Ecumenical Conference was observed throughout the District, and in some places with most grati­fying results.

SELF SUPPORT AND OTHEIt COLLECTIONS.

For self support proper,we have collected $463; for Missionary cause, $15:;; for conference claimants $48; for tracts and Sunday Schools $31; for'Epis­eopal support $10; for church building and repairs $183; for Gen. Conf. expen­ses $5; and for other local purposes $335; making a total of $1I23, a gain of $211 over the former year.

The workers in the District hope to improve the Self Support proper about SO per cent neKt year, a good part of this proposed increase having been pledged in the 4th quarterly conference

WORK OF THE W. F. :'1. S.

The work of this Society is carried on at two points on the District, Tezon· tepee, and Pachuca. At the first named, our indefatigable Bro. Velasco has direct charge of this, as all other departments of the work. '

The Assistant Teachers employed by the W. F _ M. S. are doin,,!" good work in connection with some of the older girl~ of the School. They aid 'in dis­tribllting Tracts, holding Woman's Meetings, and other work of tbe Circuit. The part they take in ~uarterly conferenc~ is very important.

I

In Pachu~a, Miss Hastings c~~inues t? prosecute her work most suc~ess­f~lIy. The pl'esent li~ited>9uai1:ers of the Society are the only hindrance "ip f~rtherwo~·th in the school: work The Pastor is constantly cheered and ~~~d by the hearty cO-operation of Miss Hastings, and some of the older . ~ils, in the social services' and cottage meetings.

ENGLISH WORK.

Bro. 1. C~ Gartwright, who with his estimable wife, a Doctor in Medicine, arri~~d during"t~e last" Session of our Conference, was appointed to the English work, and the Circuit of Pachuca.

1~he" E:nglish work then consisted of a congregation in Pachuca, ~nd another sma.ll. one jn Real del Monte. Since then Bro. Cartwright has begun fOTt~ightly preaching in Santa Gertrudis, where through the courtesy of the Director w;e are permite.d to use the office of the mining Company, asa place of worship. It is quite likely that preaching services will soon be established in" ,-:~~sco, making four appointments in this Engli~h work.

Si.~s of encouragement came to the New Missionary in the very first m~ng he held in Pachuca, and these gracious signs have been apparent at 4i#e~eJlt ti!lles during the year. About four months ago an entire family, was ~p'gily and thoroughly saved. I doubt if I have ever seen clearer cases of conversion. If these three souls were the only seal of the faithful Pastor's ministry, both he and his good wife, who. in this particular case took a very important part, would feel amply repaid for their years toil. But, thank God, ot~ers have been converted since, and and still others are now seeking. The Nov.ember week of prayer commenced a series of most excellent meetings, though the attendence was not very large at any time. The scattered condi­tion of the people. and the "night shift" of the miners, preventing larger ~ings.

:r~e. Pac~uca pe.ople will probably double the item of Self Support this ne.xt ·year.

The years work with all its defects is laid at the feet of the King, without whose crowning blessing all our effors would be in vain. . . Respectfully,

J. W. BUTLER, P. E.

ANNlJAL REPORT OF THE OOAST DISTRIOT 1891.

Mr. President and Brethren:

The Coast District continuei to enlarge its bounds. This is not only true ~ far as its territory is conc~rned, but thl:! s~atistics- will show a very hand­some i~creaseiq,e.very department of its work. 'Ve are able to report an

increase of nine"new c~ngregations; five.ne~ ~ay schools, with an increase of 251.:.~9~Ja.~; five. new sab.ba.thschool~, with lIO new scholars .. There is also a~incretlSed attendance o~. th~ p,ublic: servi~es, and above all, we ha.ve reason t~ ¥iey~ that; our peop~e. a.:re.·be~omiiig; more. deeply piolls, ;l~ they becqme bftter" acquaint~: with our doctrio'es !uid.~be word of' God.

87

In one or two particulars we shall not be able to measure up tl) our report cif last year, but o~ the whole, we have reason to thank God Clnd take ~o~~~ge. We'llavenot h~d s~oothsailing during the year. One of our preachers was imprisoned and fined, his only off~nce b'eing that he was a Protestant minister in a Catholic town. But, thank God, in that very town we have had the grandest success of the year. That imprisoned minister has been the instru­

'meni in the hands :0£ God, of leading into the light, 38 of those benighted Catholics, and it was my privilege to baptille those thirty eight men and women, and nine of their children, on the 22 day of Decemblu last. The 'enthusIastic reception I have so far received on the district was given me most in that very town.

ON TH E CORDOVA circuit, the congregations have been well sustained under the p,astorate of brother Adelaida Bribiesca. The congregation in Cor­dova, have renovated their cbapel at their own expense, and have contributed a considerable amount towards the purchase of an organ. They expect to raise enough to complete the purchase in a short time.

Huatusco is a part of this circuit and is a fertile field for our work. The . society there is raising money for the purchase of an organ, and promise in the near future to contribute largely toward the support of its 0wn minister. They are anxious to have their own pastor, who shall also teach their children the rudiments of a christian education. Most of our people in Amatlan have moved away, so that it has been found very difficult to maintain services there. We have but two families there now, and these for the most part attend the services in Cordova.

CUILAPAM circuit is served by brother ~facario Bribiesca. 1t is new work opened this year. The outlook, is very promising. \Ve have there alread~', a day school of 47 scholars, and a night school of about 20 scholars. In addition to the work of teaching these two schools, the pastor has three or four preaching pla~es, and has gathered around him a congregation of 60 persons in Cuilapam. In Zachila anJ Ejut!a, he has held services \\'ith more or less regularity. As this work is new, it is impossible at present to say more than that the outlbOk is hopeful.

JAYACAT LAN is also new work opened this year. We commenced our work', there with a day school, and we have now on the roll 35 day scholan. We have a society of 38 members, all of whom I baptised un the occasion of lpy last visit there. They are enthusiastic and earnest men and women, and promise well for the future. It was at this point that our preacher was arrested by the, local authvrities, and imprisoned. The matter was brought to the attention of the State authorities, who at once rebuked the Presidente Municipal for his bigotry and prejudice. We are not molested at this writin~, and have e\'ery reason to sripi>ose that in the future, we shall meet with no further molestation.

OAXACA cii-cuit includes the greater part of the state of that name. Some of tli: outlying appointments are nearly, one hundred and fifty miles away f~om the centre, and have to be reached on horse-back. Some of the journeys arl'!' very fatiguing. Lofty mountains have to be crossed, deep and dangero,lls valleys have to be, p.a,sse'd thro.u,gh, rivers have to, b:~, forde!=!, that often carry away '~~h horse' and rider;' but for the ~ost part the wor,k is ill the lar~e

38

towns and villages. Through all this vast circuit we have free access to the people. and rarely meet with any opposition. ,We greatly need a foreigner at the head of this work. I fear little permanent good will be accomplished untH we put a good man at the head of this circuit.

ORIZABA circuit continues to be the strongest work on the district. Brother Abundio Tovar the pastor has done splendid work this year. He has three schools and three regular preaching places. In addition to this, the pastor h~~ travelled to a number of the adjoining towns visiting the people, and thus preparing th,em for our cOllling. All the work on the circuit is in.a prosperous condition. He has three assistants.

TEHU ACAN circuit we think, is in a more secure condition than at any previous period of its history. Not that we have made more progress this year than before. but at the present at least we are free from persecution and annoyance. Our streugth there is about as it was last year. We have' a day school of IS scholars. where we hope to build up among the children a love of education, and a broader view of truth.

TETELA circuit has been properous. The school under th~ auspices of the W. F. M. S. has done splendidly the past year. Miss Hewett has done a noble work for God and humanity in that town. She has returned to her home and native land, but her work will abide. Her last day in Tete:a was a sad one for many of the people, and reminded one of the leave taking of the apostle Paul and the elders of Ephesus. "And they all wept sore, sorrowing most of all. that they should see her face no more." Miss Amelia Van Dorsten has been sent out to take her place, and to all appeaRlnce the choice was a very wise one. Already she has won a warm place in the hearts of the people.

\Ve have organized a boy's school in Tetela, in which we have matriculated 35 boys. We are expecting great things from this school. All our services are well attended, and under the wise administration of the pastor. Victoriano Baez, the circuit has been very prosperous, and the future is radiant with hope.

TEZ.lUTLAN circuit under the pastorate of Plutarco Bernal has done well. Our day school has increased from 10 to 39 during the year. It has a good standing in the community, and promises much for the future, This is a very promising field, and needs a reinforcement of workers at once.

SAN ANDRES TUXTLA circuit is growing. Brother Jose Rumbia has served this circuit now for four years. Our day and night school scholars have reached 103 on the roll. The pastor this year has had his brother Gabriel as assistant. They have done good work, and the outlook is more promising than heretofore. There are four preaching places on this circuit.

SANTIAGO EL MENOR is new work opened this year. The latest official report that I received saowed that we had in our day school 75 scholars, and 3 members in the society. But rumors have reached me that some trouble has overtaken them, and these numbers may have to be modified. The place is so remote from all the regular lines of commilnication, that it is impossible to communicate with the teacher. I am boping tu h~~lr definitely soon. Through the kindness of Bishop Ninde, I have been able to p~li(d13se a SDl211 house for the lise of our school and for·religious·services. at tbis place.

39

XOCHIAPULCO circuit. Brother l\f. Fernandez the pastor, has been unable to perform his work for the greater pnrt of the year. He is suffering from paralysis, and I feared at one time that his work was done. I am plea­sed to say however that he is gradually improving, apd I trust he may he fuUy restored to his former health and· vigor. He is a good man and a faithful worker. The burden of the work, has fallen upon the assistant pastor, Nabor Agldlar. We have organized a girl's school in Xochiapulco, and the roll shows 129 scholars. The importance of his work can not very easily be overestimated. One of the most pressing needs of these people, is a know­edge of the arts of civilized life. In aH these regions the population is of the purest Aztec stock. They have lived in these inaccessible mountains from immemorial time. Their modes of living, dressing, etc, are of the most primitive kind. For the most part the women wear a simple blanket wrapt round their loins, reaching to the knees; the upper part of the body being gener­ally uncovered. The dress of the men, what there is of it, is of white muslin. The women do not know how to sew, or make dresses of any kind. In our girl's school, in addition to the regular studies required by the law, we haye had classes in all the dp-partments of household economy. Sewing, mending clothing, etc. This department of the school has been very popular, so much so. that several of the villages around have sent their girls to learn to sew, and do the other thing:; that are taught in this department. We greatly need a lady to take the direction of this important and growing work. But while we give attention to all these things, we do not forget the needs of the soul. All our scholars understand, that first of all, our school is a religious school. This is always kept before tHem, and so far as I can see, the more religion there is in the teacher and the school, the better the children and their parents like it. The church in Xochiapulco we have had to rebuild. It is now re2dy for occupation. With the church in use, we hope to accomplish more in the future than we have been able to in the past. There is no reason, why all the Sierras de Puebla, should not be brought under our influence in a very few years, if we were ready to push the work in a steady, straightforward way.

TUXPAN circuit continues about as last year. 'Ve have an increase in probationers, and a larger hold on the community. With these exceptions we are about the same as our last report. Our great need is a permanent home for our services. One of the brethren realizing this necessity, has donated us a plot 'of land in a good location, where we can build a church and parsonage. Weoughtto be able at once to erect a suitable building upon it. Until this is done, I fear we shall not make much more progress in that town. We have a' day school with 60 scholars, in a very good and healthy condition.

In all Our work, we have much to encourage us, and many things to be thankful for. It is a very rare thing that we are molested, the people are all more or less accessible, and our opportunities are gr~at. "The harvest truly

is plenteous," and the privilege to work in such a field, fills the soul with joy and rejoicing. The Lord grant that all the laborers in this vineyard may be faithful to their trust.

Respectfully submitted, WM. GUEN t

Presiding Elder.

40

MEXICO MIS8ION. ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NORTHERN DISTRIOT

1891.

The year has had its trials and its triumphs. There has been general progress,hut nothiug remarkable. The Northern District encounters es­pecial difficulties which are fully appreciated by those who u!.'e acquainted with the field, and although there have ueen no remarkable results still we believe that the ground is being prepared .and the seed sown for glorious hal"Yests in the future.

Guana./uato.-M.. M. Perez one of our young Mexican l)reachers, was left in 'charge of this work which has always Leen considered as one of the most important in the Mission. Still he has sustained the work well. His in-fiuence has been widely felt, not only in the congregation but throughout the city and'among the Libel'al element of society, He is respected by all who;know him and greatly beloved by our people. The statistics show some pr.ogress, Our school has en rolled 28 boys during the year and is under the direction ofM. Avila a graduate of our Seminary in Puebla In July of this year the Rev. L. B. Salmans joined us in our work here, and his presence and knowledge of medicine have greatly helped our cause. As a physician he·has visited lUany persons of lJotb high and low degree and he tries to help' the souls as well as the bodies of men, His presence is a gr-eat force fOl' good and he has inspired our preacher, teachers and congregation with increased zeal anu love for the gospel. He is rapidly gaining a wide-spread influence and we predict that his presence here wil.1 b~ of lnsting beneflt to our work. He has increased the Bubscription to the Abogado about 56 •

. We visit from Guauajuuto the sorrounding towns of EI Cubo, Santa· Ro­sal Peregrina, San Cayetano and other places with tracts, books, bibles and periodicals, In all these points we could open work at once if we had mon~y for the rent and furniture for chapels. We stand well wi:th the G~vern\Uent anu State authorities generally. Al collections ar~ fuUy covered.

The Elchool o( the Women's Foreigl) .Missionary Soeiety under the direc­tion orIda B. Walton, has cont~nued the good work of former years. A night scboolfor women has also !Jeen cal'ried on during a part of the year,

. ,SilQj~.-Our work here under the charg~ of D, Garcia has met with con­stant and bitter opposition during tbe year. Our school children have been ston~d frequently aud OUl' people persecuted, At one 'time an attempt.was made tol1re' through the window <luring services, but the 'bullet lodged in th~ winduw-f.rame. Our congregation has varied from 15 to 45. Our people in Sill¥> are under the ban of the whole po})ulation .and entirely cut of from all.about them. The school numbers Sl pupils. Our,progress has been and for some time will be slow, but our work is not without bope. From ·bere suecessfui visits have been made to the Aldea and Romita where they want work (~ablished," .

S"lamaNca.":":''l'liis' work with EI Valle has continued under the direction of A. Rivero, . Bi'oth~i' Rivero bas visited tW9 new points-La Cafiada and

41

Pueblo Nuevo-through invitation of friends of our work. We only need

funds to open work in these new places. All we can do with the prp.sent appropriation is to hold the ground we have already gained. The congre­gation has grown some during too year and the community has been very iavorably impressed with the character of our WOrk. Tract distribution bas been carried on throughout the community and especialy among the 801·

diers and government employes where wfl bave many friends 8nd sym­pathizers.

Cuerdmero. - Juan Patifio, who is in chal'ge, has opened a school and enrolled 15 pupils. Our plan now is to pay especial attention to the school, beUeving that it cau be made successful in winning inthience in the com­munity. The work moves slowly in the midst of constant opposition and persecution. Onr people have been stoned and even water has been denled them. Who can wonder that our progress is slow when we are forced to contend against such fearful opposition? A very large and wealthy Bur­rounding community filled with fine f(l,rms and ranches feels the influence of our work through the means of books, tracta and Our churcb paper. 'l'he examinations of the school at the close of-tbe-ye:ar were satisfactory.

Querltaro.-At our last Conference this point and &n Juan del Rio were combined into the Queretaro Circuit and S. 1. L6pez put in charge, San Juau being most too smaUa congregation to }'equire all the time of a Pastor. Following the suggestion of Bishop Mallalieu we opened a school in Quere­taro in 1890 that was very promising, but we had to close it at our last Annual Conference for lack of money. Such is the peculiar condition of our work in Queretaro that we are persuaded that this in the only means of making it f:luccessful. A good boarding school here would gave UB indu­ence in the city and would in time become sclfsupporting. Queretaro is a very important point and work was begun and has been maintained here in the midst of isolation, trial and the severest persecutions. We who have studied the work here and the character of the people are fully persuaded

I that it good primary boarding school is an absolute necessity for this place. It well give us a congregation at once, extend our influence in the city, and in time pay its own expenses. This is the only way that we can see to utilize our large property here. There are some in the city. and many near by who would patronize our school at once. Until this is done our efforts in Queretaro will be in vain for years to come. Our congregation in San Juan is one of the most deeply spiritual on the entire District.

Cilaya. -Jose Oha vez is in charge, aided hy Gregorio Garcia. Our pres­ence in Qelaya is of itself a triumph for our cause throughout the Mission. Several attempts have been made to open work here. The result was riot and blood-shed. The Romanists boasted that Protestantism could never be established in Celaya. Our work began here November 27th 1890 under great difficulties, and since that date the Government has bad an armed force stationed at the door of our mission house night and day. Only thus can we be protected from the fanatical populace. Such was the opposition we met that we were OVer a year trying to secure a place for our services, and finally succeeded in getting a part of an abandoned COllvent. Here servi­ces are regularly held and many have CODle to talk with our preacher about

42

I

Pl·otestant.ism and learn of this new ~a~·. Celaya forms the center of a . large, RirC-'1it. poo1H~er wQrk has ueen done ,ill a Ul~mber of, surrou~cHQg to~ilS. Froin this place we '"isiL Apa~eo, lJort;LZtu', it' GuajeJ Salvatie~~~; Moroleoll, Ul'iangato, Yuril'ia and othel! poini!5. In all these place work hils , beeu. done. In seYeralsel'viccs have ueell held, and we have reCEiivedlett'ers asking- us to est.ablish work permanently hi these towDS. Ai throug-Ii the state of Guanajuato tllt3re are small groups of Protestants in the t.owns alld villa,g~s who ::ympathize with our work and are waiting for us to Visit, them,

"El A6ogado Cristiallo."-'l'hc Official Organ of our Church in Mexico is edited by the Presiding Eltler of the Nort11crn District and has been ia;. sued' regularly during the year. WIth the kind and efficient co-operation of ~01Tie members of the Conference, the good llume and merits of ou'r paper have Deen m'uintained.For this cooperation we sincerely thank ourfaithfnl co-laborers. Our p~per, books amI tracts go where the preach'&' cannot go' as yet, and prepare the wa~' for the further advance of regular ol'ganize'd work. Tbe importance of the printed page CUllllot be overeStimated' in OUI'

eva.ngelistic work in Mexico.

REPORT OF PUEBLA DIST'RICT FOR 1891.

Each 'year in the history of any work presents some, elements in common with every other year, as well as certain distinctive phases. In a general way the year 1891 has not been different from preceding years on the Puebla Pis.. trict. ' The work has suffered little change, gaining in some pOints, iind losing in others. There was persecution in some parts of the District during, the forepart of the year, but in the last months it has not been openly telL In March, Brother Mariano Fetmoso, pastor of San Martin circllit, was assauli:~d on the road between San Cristobal and San Felipe, and, together with another brother of the last-~amed place, was severely bea~~n, by two liien from San Cristobal. Weare taankful ' that they were not, killed., sin,c~ th~y were unarmed.' Notice was immediately giveri to the autfior(tie,s, who #tCr some'delay began, an investigation against the 'offenders, bqt these were acquitted witbout havfng suffered even a moment'simprlsollmenl. Tbe brethren of San Cristobal at the same tim~ were inSl,1lted, stoned and fir~.d upon, because of their attendance at the services, but they suffered no person­al injury nor were they dispirited.

This was not the case with'the 'newly formed congregation of San ~uen~. ventura. Alarmed at what'was happening around them and before the per­secutio~ broke out in ,their own town the brethren of that coQgregation decid­ed to 5uspe,nd the \vork for the time being. Up to thepre~~nt 'the ser,vices have not been re6pened tltere. In San Salvador TzOmp;lnt~pec the bre~h­ren nave suffered greatly at the instigation of th~ 'C~tholic ~r~te,' by whose ()rder'one of their ,number was thrown into prisOn oli tb.e pret~xtth.t he re(~d to ,worShip a crucifix in the hands of the priest. ,B~t ~he ~~Qj~Ct

"liaViti~D~en 'liUij'b.efore the:qovernor of the, State of Tiaxcala. : the poor man was inmediately set-at liberty. Since then, the curate, having b~en p~rsuaaed that there rea:tly exist laws to protect us, has almost ceased to trouble"the brethren. .

NEW CONGREGATIONS.

Only two congregations have been formally established this year, altho~gh we, have visited and preached in several other p!aces. \Ve are just about to open work in a third place where several persons have urgently invited us to ~stablish services. The new congregations are: one in Chietla, Distri<:t of Chiautla, State of Puebla, where the work is very promising; and the other in La Trinidad Tepehitec, State of Tlaxcala. In this last-named pl~~~ the principal member ofthe congregation held a public controversy with a' Catho­lic Curate, and, armed with the, Bible, of which the curate knew little 'and practiced'less, he completely vanquished his opponent.

CHURCH EDIFICES.

In Puebla a church edifice is building which when finished will pr~bably' be , the most beautiful and best arranged of its kind in the Republ'ic. ',We had

hoped to have it ready so that the Annual Conference could b,c held-Titl' it' this year, but entirely unlooked-for delays have prevented. '

In Panotla the brethren nave laid the foundations of a good-sized chapel, and hope, with some help from the Missionary Society, to finish it in a few 'months. This building is greatly needed becaase the school and congrega­tion have outgrown the limits of the present structure. The congregation of ~an Felipe Teotlalcingo received notice in the middle of the year that they coald not use the house they then occupied after the expiration of the lease. The brethren at once took measures to buy a house. They pledged a suffi~ient amount ,for the purchase of a new chapel. which after thorough renovation was dedicatt!d amid the rejoicing of a congregation which knows how to ,appreciate the importance of the Gospel

THE PASTORATE.

,This District is for the most part wanting in regula! pastors. Conseguently ,th~re has not been in some places the attention gh'en to pastoraJ vi,si,tioKthat

"could be desired. In Puebla Bro, P. F. Valderrama has given much time ,and labor 'to this feature of the work. His reports show that he has ~~de abont a hundred pa$toral visits each qu~,rter, besides attending to his other duties. ,This brothel has dedicated himself earnestly to the pastorate, ~nd has faithfully served hi!? 'eongregation. In Atzala Bro. Benito ,Perez' has' had ebara-e'of the school in addition to his ministerial duties. and consequently has:-not b'eenable to give to ,pastoral \'isiting the attention it m~dts. Never­thele~ the work has been maintained in good condition on that circuit., In all the other charges of the District, with the exception of Atlixco, thepa~tors have been students or professOrs from the Seminary. whose labo~~ have Y6een l~mited 'chie1ly to what tbeycould do on the Sabbath. Thi,s method of attend. 'jnitto~th~':~pji;tri~'l deed~ of ' the con~egation is not alt~ieth'er·':'~atf~fJctory. bht it is reEiuir~d by' the 'necessities of 'the work,' N evettheless the'·prac~ic~ i~ helpful to the students.

44

Towards the close of November it was found necessary to dismisli Sino Bernal from the charge of the church in Atlixco. Our cause has suffer.ed greatly in that city owing to the unworthy conduct of this brother, but we trust that God will care for his own and remedy the evils which men bring on his ~ork. At pr~sent the congregation seems to be prosperous.

iCHOOLS.

In nearly all the pastoral charges there are one or more schools in which the children and youth are prepared for the responsibilities of life. Each year our duty as a church to attend well to the instruction of the children who are within the sphere of our influence appears to me more imperative. If we are faithful to oqr obligations in this respect the coming generation of t:vangel­ical Christians will be more robust and stable in the religious life than are their fathers. We have primary schools in Atzala, Apizaco, Panotia, Puebla and San Felipe, in which more than 300 children of both sexes receive instruction. This means that later there will be more than 100 homes imbued with the principles of tne Gospel oC C~rist and under the influence of educated parents. 'Vho can estimate at its true value the results af these scheols in the coming generation? The teachers in all the schools have labored earnestly, and the examinations revealed that in general good work hau been done. I leave for another report everything refering to the Theological Seminary and Prepara­tory School.

THE WOMAN'S FOREIG:-: MISSIONARY SOCIETY.

The schools supported by this Society are the same as in former years, that in Puebla and the one in Apizaco. In the first there have been some changes -in the teachers at the beginning ae; well as in the course of the year. Miss Limberger came at the beginning of the year to take charge especially of the Kindergarten and Primary departments. She has shown that her appoint­~ent was not a mistake and as she becomes more familiar with the language it is to ~e expected that her usefulness to the school will be even more man­ifest. Toward the c1o~e of the year notice was received that Miss \Varner, the worthy founder of the school. had. for reasons entirely justifiable. severed her connection therewith. The school is a monument to her self-denial. labor, constancy and faith, and many will bless her memory. The year has been one· of great prosperity for the institution. the number of boarding pupils being much larger than in any previous year. For the more impor­tant data attention is called to the report of Miss Parker, the Director, which will be presented at the proper time.

The girls' school in Apizaco has had a somewhat discouraging year. Soon after the opening of the school Miss Xochihua withdrew from it and married. Miss Velazquez then took charge of the work. but after a mounth was forced to abandon it on account of her mother's sickness. Two months afterward Miss Bonilla assumed the direction of the school and finished the year with j[ood success.

COLLECTIO:-:S.

Th~ various benevolent collections apportioned to the different points of the District have all been raised. The congregations consider it a ·point Or

45

honor to fulfill their obligation~ in this respect. The inea of self--support has not yet been gre3t1y developed, but we continually stimulate the congre­gations to contribute what they are able to this object. We have rather better success in collecting money for school work than for church work. Is it, perhaps because education is better appreciated than the Gospel? I think, rather, that the lack of pratical interest in this department of the work comes from an erroneous conception of the character of the evangelical work. It is the duty of every preacher to explain clearly and frequently the reasons for asking the members to contribute for the expenses of the work. In this District the niral:ooDgregations are much more advanced in their idea of the ;duty of sup­porting themselves as far as posible than are the city congregations. In Pa­notla during the: year there have' been collected and spent in the construction of a new chapel some two hundred dollars, besides personal work given.

NEEDS.

Many are the open doors to receive the Gospel, and if we had enough laborers and funds the number of congregations in this District could be easily doubled in the course of a year. In the towns and ranches the word of Gal is more eagerly received than in the cities, and to them we ought to direct special attention. There also is feund a greater disposition to do something to help the cause along than 'in th~ city congregations. For all the congregations ihe greatest need is a baptism of the Holy Spirit to purify .the habits and increase activity in the religious life. God grant it in the year just before us! Committing the work with all its interests to the Divine blessing, I have pleasure in presenting this report to the consideration of the Conference.

Respectfully submiued, SAMUEL P. CRAVER.

t

·NECROL·oaIOALT~·ELE.

NOTE.

'Tne present list i11-cZi{deS tJie':naiftes 'oj .!

, • '.. ..... ". .'3 all-the'mtt1'tzsters of the MethodtstEp1isc;ofJaJCh.urc;h

in .. l'vi exico) who have died 'white in the~r~gular 'work) 'whether before or since the organ.z;a- :

tion of the .Annual COnfere11ce.

NAME. PLACE OF DEATH.

Trinidad Rodriguez.. Mexico ...........•.. Epigmenio ~-lonroy . .. Apizaco ...... . Hermann Liiders. ... Puebla ............. . Prud. G. Herna.ndez.. Queretaro ........... . Joa.q. V. Herna.ndez.. Tula.ncingo ........ .. Agustin Palacios. .... Orizaba,:........ .. . eimon. Loza. . . . . . • . .. Puebla......... .... . GaJ.dino Gutierrez ... , Queretaro ........ , .. Everardo Castillo.... COrtazar ........ ,., ..

DATE OF DEATH.

July .. , ... ,.19, 1877 Apri1. .. . .. 8, 1881 Jan ........ Ii, 1882 Jan ........ ,24, 1882 Feb, •.•.... 22, 1885 Jan. .... .. ,5, ,1889 Mar .... , ... 28, 1889 Feb, ... .. .. 28, 1690 Mar ........ 31, 1890

I

~+)~MEXICO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.~(+*

NAMES

OF

CHARGES

MEMBERSHIP.

...... o o

Z

~ '0 ci z

rJl

oS ell V ~ ...... o o Z

"BAP­TIS\1S.

'0 ci Z

t

FOR 1l892. +~ t

------------1 - --- -' . -- --...; f Ayapango Circuit ..... . :E I Mexico, and Ixtacalco .. .s ~ Mexico, English Work .. ~ I Miraflores Circuit ..... . c; LSanta Ana Circuit ....• ~ San Vicente Circuit ..•.

r Cordoba Circuit .•...... I Orizaba Circuit ..•....

I San Andres Tuxtla ..•.

.~ Tehuacan Circuit .•..•. ... Tete1a Circuit .•....•. ~ { Teziutlan Circuit ...••.• ... I Tuxpam ..•• ,. • .... i Xochiapulco Circuit .•.• . '"" I Jayacatlan Circuit .....•

Santiago .. _ .....•.••• Oaxaca Circuit .•.. , ••.

L Cuilapam Circuit ..•....

. r Pachuca and Acayuca ..• ~ I Pachuca, English Work. ~ I Pachuca Circuit ...•.•.. ,

Q 1 Tezontepec Circuit ..• ~ I Tulancingo Circuit. == LZacuaitipam Circuit ..•.

(Celaya Circuit. .• . .. ~ . I·i: I Cueramaro Circuit, ...•.

0:: 1 G ' t C· -'t =:) uanaJua 0 Ircul ..•.. .= 1 Queretaro Circuit .• , •.. t: I Salamanca Circuit .• , , , • -2. l Silao Circuit .. , •.. , ..

r Apizaco Circuit .••••••. ~ Atlixco Circuit ........ . ... I Atzala Circuit .......•.. ~ < Cholula ........... .. ~ I Puebla........ . ... . ~ I San Martin Circuit ....•

L Tlaxcala Circuit .•.•••.•

TOTAL 1892. TOTAL 1891

Increase • Decrease •.•

50 58 22 129

29 i O 19 10

7 12 21

17 27

5 12 5

S

87 45 12 go 44 39

31 4° 6 8

58 I. 58 6

2

2

4 4

J

1

5

2 2

2 18

6 8 8

4 8 2 I

1

2

6 9 8 3 8 8

JlI <)

3 8

7

3 1

S II

5

5

13

6

5 3

15

3 5 6

38 3 9 5

4

52 I

5

8

6

r $ r800

3 38n,,0

1

I 2

2

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