Brethern Elias H. Bolden, Portsmouth, S. M. G. Copeland, Portsmouth, Job H. Brown, A. M. E. Zion Church, Payton M. Lewis, Junius C. Ayler, Suffolk Circuit, A. A. Bailey. John Booker Mitchell as local member, Lynchburg.

Brethren Israel L. Butt, Wm. H. Gray, Robert M. Cheeks, J. H. Accoe, John C. Williams, Charles Acworth.

Israel L. Butt, James H. Scott and Wm. H. Gray.

Bro. Jeremiah Cuffey, Joseph C. Mackey, John Wesley Ruff and Job H. Brown. Bro. J. H. Brown coming as an elder from the A. M. E. Z. connection, it was only necessary to take our ordination vows.

Rev. Lemuel W. Lee, who had withdrawn from the connection and influenced two churches to go with him, made an apology to the Conference which was accepted and he was received again into the church.

Revs. Daniel Draper and Robt. M. Cheeks transferred to the Baltimore Conference.

Rev. C. E. Steward left without appointment.

Brethren Wm. H. Bryant, John H. Thomas, Robert T. Lewis, Edward Scarboro, Prof. J. A. McJohns from Moravian Church, Bro. J. W. Sisco from West India Island, Bro. M. C. Young, from the M. E. Church, Bro. Isaac Upshur, Bro. Simon P. Cornish.

Isaac Ewer and John C. Williams. Readmitted, G. W. Johnson from Philadelphia Conference.

Rev. H. M. Turner, D. D. Business Manager, A. M. E. Book Concern; Rev. Schully, M. E. Church South; Revs.—Thornton and Y. Jackson, Baptist Church; Gen. Samuel C. Armstrong, principal Hampton Normal School; Rev. Mr. Dennison, pastor of same school. Gen. Armstrong said he would like the members of the Conference to visit the school of which he was in charge, as there had been some misrepresentations made with reference to the discipline of the school. He said the object of the school was to build up colored young men and women and to teach them to take care of themselves. He also said that last May at the examination some of the former slaveholders sat with colored men and women to dine.

Rev. Mr. Dennison in the course of his remarks said that the classics were not taught in the school and that there was no necessity for them. The General referred to the abuse in different newspapers directed at him. Dr. Turner said that he had made some remarks about the school in the papers, however he did not blame the General but the teachers; and since he heard the principal's statement this morning he had been led to change his opinion in reference towards his school. Dr. Turner added that he could not endorse the remarks regarding the knowledge of classics since he thought they were expedient.

Bishop Brown closed the talks by referring briefly to the origin and progress of the A. M. E. Church. He said Drs. H. M. Turner and Wm. H. Hunter were chaplains in the army. Our Church is progressing throughout the United States, growing in numbers and advancing educationally.

Ordination vows were administered to Revs. Moses C. Young and J. W. Scisco who came from a sister church.

P. M. Lewis, John H. Thomas, J. C. Ayler, under the missionary rule.

Rev. Isaac Ewer was discontinued. Rev. Aaron Pindle was expelled for immoral conduct. Rev. Charles Steward, an itinerant, and William Williams and Thomas Hewlett, local members, withdrew from the connection.

Rev. Wm. J. Fuller was located because of his unacceptability.

The deaths of Revs. Richard H. Parker and John W. Montgomery were reported.

A motion prevailed that the Bishop be requested to administer the ordination vows of the A. M. E. Church to Prof. J. A. McJohns when he shall have placed in the hands of the Bishop his ordination papers from the Moravian Church, British Indies, from which he came.

Felix Wood, George W. Settles, Chas. N. Grandison, Garrett G. Vreeland, John R. West, D. J. Beckett, C. W. Wolford.

Wm. H. Bryant, E. H. Bolden, J. C. Ayler, S. M. G. Copeland.

Discontinued—Israel Upshure.

Withdrawn—Isaac Pindle and J. W. Sisco.

Deaths—William J. Fuller and Geo. W. Johnston.

E. H. Bolden, J. C. Ayler, S. M. G. Copeland, and Wm. H. Bryant, under missionary rule.

Rev. G. W. Dardis transferred from South Carolina Conference.

James H. Accoe and James H. Scott.

Revs. W. D. W. Schureman, J. E. W. Moore, W. H. Brown, J. E. Cooke. W. M. Forrister and W. H. Brown, laymen

No. of members. 5919 No. of probationers 446 Dollar money $628

Revs. J. A. M. Johns, E. H. Bolden, M. C. Young, S. M. G. Copeland, J. H. Thomas, I. L. Butt, J. C. Ayler, P. M. Lewis, James H. Turner, and Wm. H. Bryant.

Bishop Payne's instruction on the Lord's Supper. He urged the brethren of the Conference never to cut the sacramental bread for it was heathenish and contrary to the Word of God.

Rev. J. E. W. Moore offered a resolution which prevailed, that the Presiding Elder system be abolished in the Virginia Conference. As the law on this point existed at that time the Bishop and a majority of the Conference had the power to establish or abolish said system.

To change time of Annual Conference Rev. J. W. Diggs moved that the Conference convene hereafter in June. A warm and lengthy discussion followed; vote taken, 11 yeas, 25 nays: motion lost.

The necessity for such a school had been lingering in the minds of the brethren since the early days of the Conference. This question came up afresh and Bishop Payne appointed a committee of five to perfect a plan by which a high school might be established. The Bishop suggested as a name, “The Institute of the Virginia Annual Conference.”

Deacons—Felix Wood and Ed. Scarboro.

Local Deacon—Thomas Davis, Portsmouth.

Rev. Richard H. Govans arose to a privileged question, “Is it proper to divide a circuit without the consent of the people?” The Bishop decided that the people should have a voice.

Norfolk Station, Rev. G. T. Watkins.

Portsmouth Station, Rev. J. E. W. Moore.

Eastville Station, Rev. W. D. W. Schureman.

Richmond Station, Rev. W. H. Bryant.

Danville Station, Rev. J. E. Cooke.

Staunton Station, Rev. J. H. Scott.

Wytheville Station, Rev. B. F. Lloyd.

Salem Station, Rev. J. H. Thomas.

Hampton Station, Rev. Robt. Davis.

Suffolk Station, Rev. J. A. Haynes.

Lynchburg Station, Rev. J. B. Lewis.

Onancock Station, Rev. J. C. Ayler.

Farmville Station, Rev. M. C. Young

Savageville Circuit, Rev. Felix Wood.

Capeville Circuit, Rev. Jer. Cuffey.

Drummondtown Circuit, Rev. L. W. Lee.

Bridgetown Circuit, Rev. J. H. Offer.

Princess Anne Circuit, Rev. R. H. Govans.

Norfolk Circuit, Rev. S. M. G. Copeland.

Smithfield Circuit, Rev. J. H. Thomas.

Mt. Moriah Circuit, Rev. Peter Sheppard.

Norfolk Mission, Rev. E. H. Bolden.

Deep Creek Circuit, Rev. C. H. Hunter.

Harmony Circuit, Rev. J. W. Ruff.

J. W. Diggs to Baltimore Conference.

P. M. Lewis to Baltimore Conference.

Discussion—I. Subject, It is reported that the Khedive of Egypt says, “An ignorant people cannot be reformed, and therefore must be prepared by a system of common school education or its equivalent.” If his opinion be true, prove it by facts and arguments; if false, prove by facts and arguments. The discussion was entered into with great interest by several brethren and was closed by the Bishop with the required information.

II. Subject, What constitutes the accomplished pastor of a truly Christian church?

Essays on above topic read by Revs. R. M. Cheeks, Jas. H. Turner, Ed. Scarboro, J. C. Ayler, J. B. Lewis and E. H. Bolden. Bishop Payne spoke, commending the papers and said that there had been wonderful progress made in twenty years in the ministerial ranks and encouraged the society in their efforts.

Mr Scott, the editor of “Eastville Herald,” gave the society five books for their library.

Rev. Daniel A. Maze was admitted into the itinerancy.

Rev. D. J. Beckett admitted into full membership, and ordained deacon.

Bishop Payne's decision on the proper time to collect Dollar Money.

“As soon as preachers reach their field of labor they should commence to collect Dollar Money.

Decision on withdrawal of members.

Question—If a member withdraws and holds his letter for six months can such a one be admitted in the same church? Answer. Upon the face of the same such a one could be admitted into the same chnrch.

Revs. J. E. W. Moore, E. H. Bolden, J. H. Scott.   Number of members 6144 Number of probationers 439 Dollar money $1,115.96

Rev. J. H. Turner to Baltimore Conference.

Rev. W. D. W. Schureman to Baltimore Conference.

Rev. J. C. Ayler to New Jersey Conference.

Bro. Isaac Ewer readmitted and J. W. Throckmortin admitted. Bro. James E. Blount, from the A. U. M. P. Church, took the vows of a deacon in the A. M. E. Church.

Rev. Wellington G. Alexander from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. John C. Williams from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. George W. Nicholson from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. Phillip F. Matthews from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. Thomas G. Thompson from Texas Conference.

Rev. J. C. Williams and Ed. Scarboro.

Superannuated—Rev. P. M. Only.

Withdrawn—Bro. G. Morris.

Discontinued—Bro. Daniel Mayo.

Death—Rev. G. W. Settles.

Bishop Payne said that many people are led to believe that Africa is the home of the Negro only. He said that all of Northern Africa is occupied by the white race, who hold it by the purse and the law. In South Africa a white race from Europe is settled, where they have two governments. He asked the brethren to begin a fund for the purpose of establishing a mission there.

A collection of $20 was contributed for said purpose.

The Bishop being indisposed appointed the Rev. Theodore Gould to preach the sermon. The speaker dwelt mainly on the qualification of ministers, and said that they should be spiritually, morally, intellectually and physically qualified to succeed in the Master's work.

Number of members 6274 Number of probationers 330 Dollar money $1,418

G. T. Watkins, D. D., to Baltimore Conference.

D. J. Beckett to Baltimore Conference.

Rev. William H. Hunter, D. D. from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. A. A. Burleigh, from Indiana Conference.

Lemuel Sears, Berry Wilson, James E. Blunt, Charles M. Loney, William H. Morris, A. M., a Priest in Episcopal church, was also received.

Bros. Isaac Ewer and J. W. Throckmortin.

Deacons,—Isaac Ewer and J. W. Throckmortin

Elders,—Felix Wood and William H. Gray

Superannuated,—Revs. P. M. Only and J. K. Plato

Expelled,—J. W. Ruff

Death,—Bishop William Fisher Dickerson.

Trustees Wilberforce University,—Revs. W. G. Alexander, M. C. Young and E. H. Bolden; Bros. W. M. Forrester and P. O. Sayers.

The committee appointed by the Conference at its last session, having gone into ways and means, the following are the departments in contemplation:

1st Preparatory; 2nd Normal; 3rd Academic; 4th Theological Class to be taught on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of each week. The following divines will lecture during the term before the class in Theology on the respective subjects:

Bishop W. F. Dickerson, “Biblical Literature.”

Rev. J. C. Ayler, of New Jersey,—“Ecclesiastical History and Government.”

Rev. R. M. Cheeks, of Wytheville, “Pastoral Theology and Sacred Rhetoric.”

Rev. B. F. Lloyd, of Salem, “Didactic and Polemic Theology.”

Hon. E. A. Randolph, of Richmond, “Civil Law.”

Rev. Edward Scarboro, of Danville, “Lower and Higher Mathematics.”

Rev. Wellington G. Alexander, of Portsmouth, “Sacred Music.”

The Virginia Conference Institute began its work September 15th, 1884, at the Masonic Temple, Queen street between Effingham and Chestnut streets, Portsmouth. The doors were opened to students from any Christian denomination; application being made to the President pro tem E. H. Bolden.

Rev. J. H. Scott, Chairman

Rev. I. L. Butt, Hampton

Rev. M. C. Young, Farmville

Rev. J. H. Thomas, Smithfield

Rev. J. E. Cooke, Berkley

Rev. J. C. Williams Blacksburg

Rev. R. H. Govans, Harmony

Rev. Robert Davis, Onancock

Rev. L. W. Lee, Drummondtown

Rev. Jer. Cuffey, Princess Anne

Rev. J. C. Mackey, Norfolk

Rev. Geo. Williams, Prospect

Rev. J. A. Haynes, Berkley

Rev. E. H. Bolden, President

Rev. J. E. W. Moore, Vice President

Rev. W. G. Alexander, Corresponding Secretary

J. H. Offer, Treasurer

Number of members 6354 Number of probationers 565 Dollar money $1027.14

Rev. P. F. Matthews to the New Jersey Conference.

Rev. R. M. Cheeks to the North Alabama Conference.

Bro. T. C. Coston

Bro. Jacob Fisher

Bro. Joseph B. Tynes

Bro. Thomas A. Wood

Bro. Jesse C. Young

Bro. K. K. Richardson

Thomas A. Wood

Rev. W. D. Cook from N. Carolina Conference

Rev. A. B. Jennings from N. Carolina Conference

Bishop Turner spoke relative to a Conference school, and said that it was best for the Virginia Conference to throw all of its means and influence with North Carolina and make Kittrell School what it ought to be. Upon this suggestion, Rev. J. H. Scott asked why Virginia could not have a High School. A long discussion followed for and against the Bishop's suggestion. The result was the appointment of a commission to consult with Bishop Turner and the Trustees of Kittrell School to arrange some plan of union if possible. The committee was appointed and given plenary power to act for the Conference.

Rev. Wm. H. Hunter.

Rev. M. C. Young.

Rev. A. A. Burleigh.

Bro. W. H. Forrester, Richmond, Va.

Bro. Green Bannester, Danville, Va.

The Rev. J. C. Price, President of Livingstone College, A. M. E. Z. Church, Salisbury, N. C., graced the Conference with his presence and was introduced.

Number of full members 6765 Number of probationers 369 Dollar money $1028.95

The subject of this sketch was born in Pittsboro, N. C. July 9, 1853. He was converted July 15, 1867, and entered the ministry 1876. He was ordained deacon May 14, 1882, by Bishop D. A. Payne, and elder April 18, 1884, by Bishop Payne. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1877. He attended the public schools of Danville when a boy, and then spent one year in Shaw University, Raleigh, N. C., after which he completed a four years course in theology in Howard University, Washington, D. C.

He served the following charges in Virginia; Mt. Lebanon Circuit two years; Danville Mission one year; Blacksburg two years and taught public school; Salem Station and Roanoke Mission one year; Onancock two years, and taught public school; Suffolk, where he had 200 conversions and saved the church property; Wytheville three years and built the church; Presiding Elder of the Norfolk District three years, and then back to Wytheville one year; Danville Station three years, and saved the church property; Hampton two years; Presiding Elder of the Richmond District five years. He has received many persons into the church.

was born December 28, 1859, in Amelia County, Va. and was reared in Wytheville, Va. He was converted at an early age, and entered the ministry in the Virginia Conference in 1877. He served in the following Conferences, Virginia, Baltimore, New England, Alabama, and Georgia. In 1896 he was elected editor of the Southern Christian Recorder and re-elected in 1900, which office he held until his death, which occurred on May 19, 1900, while in attendance at the General Conference in Columbus, Ohio.

was born in Amelia County, Va. December, 1848. He was converted in 1864, and entered the ministry in 1882. He was ordained deacon by Bishop H. M. Turner in 1887; elder by Bishop A. W. Wayman, 1891. He entered the Virginia Conference in 1883 and served the following charges: China Branch one year; Berryville two years; Greenville two years; back to Berryville three years; Duffield, W. Va. four years; Prospect three years; Summit Point four years; and then to Berryville one year; and Duffield five years. He has built three new churches and remodeled four. He has had 350 conversions.

was born in Currituck County, N. C. July 15, 1856. He was converted in 1869, and entered the ministry in 1880, and was ordained deacon in 1887 by Bishop H. M. Turner, and elder in 1892 by Bishop A. W. Wayman. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1884 and served the following charges: China Branch two years; North Danville one year, built church there; Henry County, built church at Ridgeway and bought a lot at Fall Creek; Harmon, Halifax County, built one church, and remodeled one church and parsonage; Blacksburg, bought lot for parsonage and planned for a new church; Lynchburg, reduced the old debt of church; Bedford City, built a church; Manchester, Goochland, paid church out of debt; Charlotte C. H. built parsonage, and began a church at Germantown. He has added 525 members to the church.

The subject of this sketch was born near Smithfield, Isle of Wight County, Va. in 1849. He was converted in the year 1867, and entered the ministry in 1885. He was ordained deacon and elder by Bishops H. M. Turner and T. M. D. Ward. Joined the Virginia Conference in 1885 and served the following charges: Charlotte C. H. four years; Winchester three years; Salem three years; Franktown four years; Savageville one year; Roanoke four and one third years. He has built two churches; finished another; bought church organs, pulpit suites, etc., etc.

He has had about 190 conversions and about 240 accessions to the church.

Rev. Tynes is a graduate of the Hampton school and an undergraduate of Payne University by correspondence.

He taught public schools during the first years of his ministry in each County in which he held charge. He was the Conference statistician for nine years.

The subject of this sketch was born in St. Mary's County, Md. December 18, 1859. He was converted in 1874, and entered the ministry in 1885. Ordained deacon 1887, by Bishop H. M. Turner D. D., elder in 1891 by Bishop A. W. Wayman: He joined the Virginia Conference in 1886 at Richmond. He pastored the following charges with untold success: Chesterfield, and built one church; Smithville, bought lot and built church; built parsonage at Deep Creek; built magnificent church at Newport News; at Suffolk paid part of indebtedness, finished paying for the first parsonage at St. James, Berkley; began the church at Winchester. He was sent to this place in 1885, by Rev. J. E. Cooke, to assist Rev. Geo. Williams, the pastor who was sick at that time. His last charge was Princess Anne Circuit from which he was called from labor to reward in August, 1905, while in the midst of a glorious revival.

The subject of this sketch was born in St. Mary's County, Md. in 1859. He was converted in 1874. He entered the ministry and joined the Virginia Conference in 1885, and was ordained deacon in 1887 by Bishop H. M. Turner, and elder in 1891 by Bishop Wayman. He has served the following charges; Chuckatuck Mission four years, and built a church; Franktown Circuit one year; Onancock Station two years, and bought house and lot for parsonage; Franktown Circuit two years, bought lot and built a parsonage; Savageville Circuit three years, bought lot and built a parsonage, renovated both churches and secured deed for Pungoteague Church; Drummondtown Station two years and curtailed indebtedness; Caperville Circuit four years, reduced the debt and put new pews into the church: Campbell's Chapel Circuit, three years, renovated the church, finished paying for the parsonage and bought one acre of land in Rascoe Neck on which to build a church; Mt. Moriah one year, his present charge; planning to build a new church and raising money for the same. Conversions during ministry 850.

He graduated from the public schools, studied two years in Norfolk Missions College, and studied theology and science under Rev. W. H. Hunter, D. D. for four years.

Rev. Jesse Asbury from Tennessee Conference

Brothers George Lee, James E. Parago, James A. Kelly, R. H. Miles. Re-admitted—Rev. J. K. Plato.

Brothers Irwin W. L. Roundtree, George T. Mussington, Jesse C. Young, George W. Blount and Felix Reed.

Felix Wood and Jesse C. Young.

Revs. Issac Ewer and James E. Blount.

Discontinued—R. H. Hollis.

Permission to attend School of Theology was granted Brother I. W. L. Roundtree.

Suspended—Brother Job H. Brown.

Located—Brother Simon P. Cornick.

Expelled—Rev. Jesse Asbury.

Rev. J. E. W. Moore

Rev. George D. Jimmerson

Rev. E. H. Bolden

Rev. Jacklin Strange

The following deaths reported—Bishop James A. Shorter and Rev. J. F. A. Sisson on “Grove Circuit,” who died March 18, 1888, in Mississippi.

Attack on new version of Holy Scripture by Rev. J. A. H. Johnson, D. D., Baltimore Conference:—“On last Sunday morning the new version of the Holy Scriptures was read from the sacred desk of this Church. I have never heard it read in any of our churches before and think it a matter of such grave importance as to demand an expression from this Conference. The new version has not been accepted by any of the Evangelical Churches. It has been repudiated by the Presbyterians and not adopted by our General Conference. I think some action of condemnation ought to be taken by this Conference.”

Rev. W. D. Cook

Rev. G. B. Smith

Rev. J. H. Scott

Brother Jesse Waits, Norfolk, Va.

Brother R. E. Jones, M. D., Richmond, Va.

Rev. J. C. Embry, Manager Book A. M. E. Concern.

Rev. B. T. Tanner, D. D., Editor A. M. E. Review.

Rev. W. D. Johnson, D. D., Secretary Education, A. M. E. Church.

Rev. W. D. W. Schureman, Baltimore Conference.

Rev. J. A. H. Johnson, D. D., Baltimore Conference.

Rev. George T. Watkins, D. D., Baltimore Conference.

Number of full members 7333 Number of probationers 598 Dollar money $1053.45

The petition coming from the officers and members of Bute Street A. M. E. Church, Norfolk, praying the Conference not to appoint any presiding elder over that charge was referred to the General Conference to convene in Selma, Ala., May, 1892.

Felix Reed and William H. Lee.

Felix Reed, R. R. Monzon, Geo. W. Blount, Geo. Lee and S. S. Quinn.

Philip M. Only.

Lemuel W. Lee, Princess Anne Circuit.

Rev. B. J. Hargraves took the ordination vows of the A. M. E. Church.

Rev. Daniel J. Beckett from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. Geo. T. Watkins, D. D., from Baltimore Conference.

Ministerial: W. D. Cook, G. B. Smith and Geo. W. Nicholson.

Laymen: W. T. Waits, Norfolk and Wm. G. Forrester, Richmond.

Revs. L. J. Coppin, D. D., Editor A. M. E. Church Review.

Rev. James A. Handy, D. D.

Rev. C. C. Felts, M. D., P. E. of Philadelphia Conference.

Rev. John W. Beckett, of Philadelphia.

Prof. John R. Hawkins, Kittrell Normal School.

Number of full members 7194 Number of full probationers 374 Dollar money $1,125.05

Brother A. A. Bailey Brother John T. Schofield Brother Simon W. Watkins Brother William J. White Brother Alexander Twyman Brother John H. Briggs Brother Paul W. Lee Brother Robert T. Timberlake

Rev. A. J. Nixon from North Carolina Conference.

Deacon—Brother Simon Peter Cornick for local work.

Obligations—Revs. J. H. Briggs and Alexander Twyman, both coming from the Baptist Church, took our ordination vows as elders.

Revs. Joseph B. Tynes, James W. Throckmorton, George T. Mussington.

Rev. Phillip M. Only

Rev. T. A. Wood. He sent a letter to the Annual Conference stating that he had withdrawn. It was received and spread upon the minutes.

Rev. James A. Haynes, P. E. of Richmond District died at Winchester, September 14, 1889 and buried at Pungoteague.

Bishop W. B. Arnett, D. D. Seventh Episcopal District.

Bishop Benjamin T. Tanner, D. D., Eleventh Episcopal District.

Rev. J. C. Embry, D. D., Manager A. M. E. Book Concern.

Rev. James A. Handy, D. D., A. M. E. Financial Sec'y.

Rev. C. H. King, P. E., North Carolina Conference.

Rev. J. E. C. Barham, P. E. North Carolina Conference

Rev. R. H. W. Leek, Greensboro District, North Carolina Conference.

Rev. N. J. Nickson, North Carolina Conference

Dr. W. E. Bryant, Editor Southern Christian Recorder

Prof. John R. Hawkins, Kittrell Normal School.

Dr. D. A. Robertson

Rev. W. H. Giles, North Carolina Conference.

Number of full members 7543 Number of probationers 443 Dollar money $1175.47

Bishop Ward closed the session of Conference sooner than usual because he had to be in Washington on Monday to perfect arrangements for his marriage during that week.

Bro. John Offer Custiss, Rev. Frank W. Overton from A. M. E. Z. Church; Bro. Moses Matthews, St. Luke Baptist Church.

Rev. John G. Mitchell, D.D., from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. S. P. Sheppard from Indiana Cenference.

Bro. John T. Schofield, Benj. J. Hargraves, Wm. B. Sample, John A. Boone, Lemuel Sears.

George Lee, James E. Parego, Wm. J. White, Paul W. Lee, Simon W. Watkins, John T. Schofield, John A. Brown.

Wm. B. Sample, Jordan Lemons.

Rev. Frank W. Overton from A. M. E. Z. Church took ordination vows as deacon.

Deacon Thomas Nichols from Washington Conference M. E. Church, Bedford City, brought credentials which were received. Forty members came with him to our church.

Rev. Daniel Maze, Jesse C. Young, Joseph Duckett, Jas. H. Garner, Charles M. Toney, Lemuel Sears. Moses Matthews from Missionary Baptist Church took our elder's vows.

LOCATED—Rev. Wm. H. Carter and Job H. Brown.

SUPERANNUATES—Rev. P. M. Only, Rev. R. J. Gassaway.

WITHDRAWALS—Rev. S. M. G. Copeland.

DISCONTINUED—Rev. A. J. Kelley.

DEATH—Rev. James W. Throckmortin.

Revs. J. E. W. Moore, Elias H. Bolden, Geo. D. Jimmerson, Jacklin Strange.

Bros. Edward Holland,——Almond.

The Conference assembled with Bishop Alexander Washington Wayman, D. D., presiding, for the purpose of celebrating the seventy fifth anniversasy of the organization of the A. M. E. Church at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Several ministers spoke on the occasion, among them Rev. Jas. A. Handy, Financial Secretary, who furnished the Conference with valuable information concerning the organization of the church.

Dr. L. J. Coppin sang by request “The Church is moving on” The occasion was one of spirited and patriotic enjoyment and demonstration. Sunday services in the various churches were excellent.

Bishop Wayman preached a wonderful sermon at the M. E. Church (white). It was a grand effort and impressed the brethren with the fact that the colored brother knows how to preach.

Rev. Jas. A. Handy, A. M. E. Church Financial Secretary; Rev. L. J. Coppin, D. D., Editor, A. M. E. Church Review; Rev. C. S. Smith, D. D., Secretary Sunday School Union, Prof. John R. Hawkins, Principal Kittrell School.

Rev. E. H. Bolden, B. D. having been appointed some years prior to this Conference, the historian, the following resolution was adopted:

Resolved—That we the members of the Virginia, Conference do pledge ourselves to take half the stock of $600 in publishing the “History of African Methodism in Virginia, its men and memories,” with the understanding that we shall receive from the sale of the book one half of the benefits.

Resolved—That whatever proper plans may be arranged by the Rev. E. H. Bolden to raise the above mentioned $600 will have our hearty approval. Signed.

G. D. Jimmerson, Ed. Scarboro, R. H. Govans, Thaddeus Peeden and E. H. Bolden.

Gen. Morris Chester.

Rev. R. H. W. Leak of North Carolina Conference.

Rev. L. J. Coppin, Editor A. M. E. Review.

Rev. B. F. Watson, Kansas Conference.

Rev. Jas. A. Handy, D. D., Financial Secretary.

Rev. C. S. Smith, D. D., Secretary Sunday School Union.

The Missionary sermon was preached by Rev. John G. Mitchell, D. D. Text, Romans 1:16. It was well handled and delivered as with a tongue of fire.

Bros. John H. Robins, Elijah M. King, Wm. D. Naylor, J. C. George, J. T. Reid, A. I. Williams, J. W. Williams, Pinkney L. McDowell and Morgan Simms.

Rev. J. C. Duffin from Philadelphia Conference.

A. A. Bailey, J. C. George, J. T. Reid, W. D. Naylor obligated.

Bishop J. P. Campbell, D. D., LL. D., Revs. R. J. Gassaway and Rev. Phelix Wood.

DISCONTINUED—Bros. George W. Blount and George Rose.

Vacancies in the Trustee Board of Kittrell School were filled by the election of Revs. Ed. Scarboro, J. C. Williams and Geo. D. Jimmerson.

In the fifth day's morning session such was the religious and spiritual condition of the Conference, that Dr. Geo. T. Watkins arose and remarked that of all the annual Conferences he had attended this was the most spiritual and pleasant of them all. Two souls had been happily converted to God and scores had come forward to the altar to be prayed for. Rev. R. H. W. Leak of N. C. made a similar statement.

Several spoke at this service and paid high tribute to their dead heroes—Revs. Richard J. Gassaway, Felix Wood and Bishop J. P. Campbell, D. D., LL. D., who was the presiding Bishop of the Conference at the time of his death.

The Rt. Rev. Jabez Pitt Campbell, the son of Catharine and Anthony Campbell, was born Feb. 6, 1815, at Slaughter Neck, Sussex County, Del.

Number of members 7623 Number of probationers 108 Dollar money $1,333.90

Bishop Moses B. Salter, D. D., 7th. Episcopal District.

Rev. J. C. Embry, D. D., Manager Book concern.

Rev. L. J. Coppin, D. D., Editor A. M. E. Review.

Rev. G. H. Giles, P. E. North Carolina Conference.

Rev. W. D. W. Schureman, Baltimore Conference.

Rev. C. T. Shaffer, D. D. Sec. Church Extension Society.

Rev. J. W. Brockett, North Carolina Conference.

Rev. J. M. Armstrong, D. D., Financial Secretary.

Rev. C. S. Smith, D. D., Secretary S. S. Union.

Rev. Wm. D. Johnson, D. D.

Rev. A. L. Gaines, from North Georgia Conference.

Rev. Wm. R. Gullins from Macon Georgia Conference.

Rev. R. L. King.

Brethren C. A. Holmes, Edward F. Hardy, G. W. Harris, W. E. Walker, John R. West, and K. K. Richardson readmitted.

Robert T. Timberlake and Edward F. Hardy.

Elisha Overton, John Williams, Wilson J. Robinson, Wm. B. Holden.

Number of full members 7876 Number of probationers 777 Dollar money $1516.35

Rev. C. T. Shaffer. D. D., Secretary Church Extension Society; Rev. L. J. Coppin, D. D., Editor A. M. E. Review; Rev. J. C. Embry, Manager Book Concern; Rev. J. C. Armstrong, Financial Secretary.

Rev. Thomas R. Sinkfield from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. Levan Thomas Watson

John Henry Robins, Frank Milton Redd.

John Henry Robins, Frank Milton Redd, Levan Thomas Watson, under missionary rule.

Benjamin Joseph Hargraves, Frank Warren Overton.

SUPERANNUATED—Phillip M. Only.

EXPELLED—R. L. King.

The Annual Sermon was preached by Rev. Geo. Williams. Text, Luke 18:1. The sermon reflected great credit upon the preacher.

Revs. E. Horace Bolden, B. D., Wm. H. Hunter, D. D. A. L. Gaines, B. D.

Revs. E. H. Bolden, B. D., Geo. D. Jimmerson, Jacklin Strange, Wm. R. Gullins.

Revs. A. L. Gaines, B. D., Geo. D. Jimmerson, J. Strange, Bros. Geo. W. Dawley, R. E. Jones, M. D.

Bishop Daniel Alexander Payne, senior bishop of the Church, was born February 24, 1817, Charleston S. C. died December, 1893, and was buried December 5, 1893, Baltimore, Md. His parents were London and Martha Payne, both of excellent character. At the age of nine Daniel was sent to school by the Minor Moralist Society. At twelve years he was put as an apprentice to the carpenter's trade, which was very much to his liking. In 1829 he opened a school to help his race. In 1835 he left the city of Charleston and remained for thirty years; he then returned a Bishop of the A. M. E. Church to which high office he was elected in 1852. Bishop Payne was a stalwart, intellectually, among his brethren and was regarded as the pioneer of education in the A. M. E. Church.

Number of full members 7742 Number of probationers 583 Dollar money $1555.53

Rev. Geo. W. Taylor to Pittsburg Conference.

Bishop Abraham Grant, D. D., Sixth Episcopal District

Rev. J. C. Embry, D. D., Manager Book Concern.

Rev. L. J. Coppin, D. D., Editor A. M. E. Review.

Rev. C. S. Smith, D. D., Secretary Sunday School Union.

Rev. H. T. Johnson, D. D., Editor Christian Recorder.

Rev. D. P. Seaton, D. D., Baltimore Conference.

Rev. C. T. Shaffer, D. D., Church Extension Society.

Rev. C. W. Preston, D. D., St. Louis, Mo.

Rev. — Robertson, D. D., Georgia.

Rev. W. D. Johnson, D. D., Secretary of Education.

Rev. M. M. Moore, D. D., Florida.

Prof. John R. Hawkins, Kittrell School.

Rev. W. B. Derrick, D. D., Missionary Secretary.

Rev. R. M. Cheeks, Georgia.

Rev. W. J. Brockett, North Carolina.

The Baptist Ministers' Association of Tidewater came in a body and Rev. R. H. Bowling, D. D., represented them as spokesmen and in a short and neat speech expressed the sentiments of the Association.

Rev. W. W. Brown, president of the True Reformers, was present and donated to the Sarah Gormans Mission in Africa $25.00.

Rev. I. L. Butt performed this task from the text, I John, 5 : 4; and I Cor. 15 : 57.

Subject, “The Christian Triumph and Victory.”

The speaker was requested at a late hour to arrange his discourse so as to embrace the Masonic Order in Norfolk which had turned out that evening in uniform to be addressed and to pay respects to the Virginia Annual Conference. Mr. Brooks, their spokesman, made a short speech welcoming the Bishop and Conference to the city and its hospitalities. They presented a donation of $10.00 to the Conference

Rev. R. H. Coleman, from New York Conference.

Rev. W. W. Wilson from Baltimore Conference.

Brothers D. A. Twyman, Ovett E. Bumgardner, W. J. Beckett, Robert H. Davis, L. A. Patrick, T. H. Austin, L. W. C. Mettz and St. Clare Grimstead.

John R. West, George W. Harris, James W. Williams, Archie I. Williams.

Brothers John R. West, George W. Harris, O. E. Bumgardner, James W. Williams, Archie I. Williams, L. W. C. Mettz.

ELDER—Rev. C. A. Holmes from Baptist Church, took obligation as Elder.

Rev. A. L. Gaines, B. D.

Rev. E. H. Bolden, B. D.

Rev. W. H. Hunter, D. D.

Rev. G. D. Jimmerson

Bishop Thomas D. Ward, D. D., who departed this life since the last Conference session, was born September 28, 1823 at Hanover, Pa. He was converted at the age of fifteen. Licensed to preach at twenty. Joined New England Conference at twenty-three. Ordained deacon at twenty-four. In his forty-fifth year, 1868, he was elected and ordained Bishop.

Rev. Richard H. Govans was born Oct. 6, 1833, at Masses Cross Roads, Md. Transferred from Baltimore to Virginia Conference. A faithful and ardent worker for the Master.

Rev. J. B. Lewis, a hard worker for many years in the Church of his choice. He departed this life July 23, 1894.

Rev. J. H. Briggs, having recently come into our branch of Zion, he died in full triumph of faith September 14, 1894.

Rev. R. W. Sylvester, a local deacon of Emanuel Church, Portsmouth. Died November 1894. A faithful and consistent disciple of Christ.

SUSPENSION—Brother L. A. Patrick.

EXPULSION—Rev. C. M. Toney.

Number of full members 9051 Number of probationers 1039 Dollar money $1976.78

The Rt. Rev. W. J. Gaines presided at this session of the Virginia Annual Conference. Revs. E. H. Bolden, C. A. Holmes and J. B. Tynes were chosen secretaries.

Rev. J. C. Embry, D. D. Manager Book Concern. Rev. L. J. Coppin, D. D., Editor A. M. E. Review.

Rev. W. W. Brown of the True Reformers, President of the Bank, addressed the Conference on money saving in a very happy mood, which was timely and profitable to all. The Annual Sermon was preached by Rev. Robt. Davis. Text, Acts 4:16, 17. The speaker did credit to the occasion.

P. S. Jefferson, C. E. Lark, J. H. A. McClammy, G. E. Fountain, L. T. Barker, A. J. Nottingham, E. T. Bailey.

J. H. A. McClammy and Peter F. Jefferson, under the Missionary Rule.

John Henry Robbins, Paul White Lee, Simon Wilson Watkins, Robt. Thomas Timberlake, Aaron Almoson Bailey.

The Ordination Sermon was preached by Rt. Rev. W. J. Gaines, D. D. Text II Cor. 12:8-10.

Revs. J. D. Hall, E. M. King, Simon P. Cornicks.

Rev. Phillip M. Only.

Missionary Sermon preached by Rev. A. L. Gaines, B. D.

Educational Sermon preached by Rev. E. H. Bolden, B. D. Text, Prov. 9:1.

Revs. E. H. Bolden, B. D., W. H. Hunter, D. D., T. R. Sinkfield.

Number of full members 10,515 Number of probationers 728 Dollar money $1820.31

Rev. Lee was born at Parisburg, Va. Aug. 15, 1849, and was converted in 1865. He entered the ministry in 1880, and was ordained deacon by Bishop A. W. Wayman in 1891, and Elder by Bishop J. A. Handy in 1900. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1888, and has served the following charges: Lynchburg, two years; Harmony two years Greenville two years; Rocky Mount one year; Chatham two years; Max Meadow one year; Halifax, Blacksburg, and others. His labors have been blessed with 1142 conversions, and 251 accessions to the church. While serving one charge in 1898, he reports having walked 144 miles each month of that year.

was born in Franklin County, Va, December 7, 1842, and converted in 1859. He entered the ministry in 1888 in the Virginia Conference. He was ordained deacon in 1891, and elder in 1900 by Bishop Jas. A. Hardy. He has served the following charges: Cave Spring six years; Harmony three years; Chatham three years; Grayson one year; Boones Mill five years.

He has had 225 conversions and accessions to the church. He has built one parsonage and repaired one.

The subject of this sketch was born in Charlotte County, Va. May 10, 1855. He was converted May, 1878, and entered the ministry in 1889. He was ordained deacon 1891 by Bishop Wayman, and elder 1896 by Bishop W. J. Gaines. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1889 and pastored the following charges; Mines; Prospects three years; Franktown one year; Onancock two years; Mt. Moriah two years; Chuckatuck three years; Blacksburg one year ten months; Cave Spring. He has completed one church and partially built two parsonages. Conversions 225 and 50 accessions. He attended the public schools only.

was born at Norfolk, Va. July, 23rd, 1852. He was convert, ed July 7, 1878 and joined the Virginia Conference in 1890. He was ordained deacon in 1891 by Bishop A. W. Wayman, and elder in 1897 by Bishop J. A. Handy.

He has served the following charges; Speedwell Circuit ten months, remodeled pulpit and put new seats in church Sugar Grove, Modestown, seven months, increased membership and curtailed indebtedness; Belle Haven two years and laid corner-stone for new church, and made repairs at Jamesville; Central Norfolk Circuit, two years; Campbell's Chapel one year; Berryville one year, organized a new Sunday School; McDowell two years, and built one church at Monterey; and one at Franklin, Pope mission seven months; Greenville, made repairs and partly built new church at Midway, organized a mission at Portland; Smithville; Blacksburg, paid off old debt; this is his present charge. He attended private night school, and private teachers. Number conversions 98 and accessions to church 76.

was born in Norfolk, Va. Sept. 7, 1864. He was converted in 1884, and entered the ministry in 1888. He was ordained deacon in 1892, and elder in 1896 by Bishop W. J. Gaines. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1890 and has served the following charges: Norfolk Mission two years: Eureka Circuit two years; Traylorsville one year; Sewell's Point four years; Princess Anne Circuit four; Union Bethel four years; Deep Creek two years; Daugherty Station two years; Capeville Station two years, which is his present charge. He remodeled churches at Sewell's Point; St. James, Eureka; Leatherwood in Henry County; he completed the Ebenezer Church in Isle of Wight County, and paid off its debt. He also paid the indebtedness on Union Bethel Church, Isle of Wight County, and Mt. Zion Church, Princess Anne County. He raised and banked money for a new church at Daugherty, and Norfolk Mission. Number conversions over 1600 and accessions to church over 1000. He attended public and private schools. Married twice and has three children.

The subject of this sketch was born at Bridgetown, Northampton County, Va. Dec. 15, 1866, of very religious parents. He was converted November 8, 1888, and entered the minstry in 1890. He was ordained deacon in 1894 by Bishop W. J. Gaines, and elder in 1898 by Bishop Jas. A. Handy.

He joined the Virginia Conference in 1891 and served the following charges: (Supply at Cape Charles, Jamesville, and Birds nest.) St. Marks Church, a (Mission in Norfolk) Campbell's Chapel, Princess Anne County, and Portsmouth Circuit. He remained in the Virginia Conference three years, and was transferred to the Baltimore Conference in 1893, his present Conference. He reports over ten thousand conversions during his ministry. He attended the public school of his county, attended Morgan College, Baltimore, Md. and employed private teachers. Present charge is West River Circuit, Hardesty, Md.

was born in Hertford, North Carolina, April 10, 1856. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1890, coming from the A. M. E. Zion Church. He was ordained deacon in 1892 by Bishop J. W. Hood, D. D., of the A. M. E. Z. Church, and elder by Bishop W. J. Gaines in 1894. He served the following charges with results: Newport News Mission two and one half years; purchased a lot, built church and added many members thereto; Onancock, two years, made repairs and renovated the church; Bridgetown Circuit two years; renovated and made repairs at Jamesville, completed church at Mt. Zion, purchased lot and built mission at Trehernesville; Campbells Circuit three years, made repairs to church, bought lot and built parsonage, and repaired the Macedonia Mission; St. James Station eleven months, rebuilt the church and furnished it, and repaired and enlarged the old parsonage. He died here March 13, 1900. His life was a fruitful one.

This sketch was given by his widow, Mrs. Sarah E. Overton.

was born in North Carolina in 1854. He was converted in 1875, and entered the ministry in 1888. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1891, and was ordained deacon in 1895 by Bishop W. J. Gaines, and elder in 1899 by Bishop J. A. Handy. He has served the following charges: Bluefield two years; Rye Valley one year; China Branch two years; Blacksburg three years; Cave Spring three years; Martinsville two years; Ivanhoe three years. He is now serving at Ivanhoe. He has had only public school advantages.

The subject of this sketch was born in Washington, Ga., May 8, 1865. He was converted in 1882, and entered the ministry in 1887. He was ordained deacon and elder by Bishop W. J. Gaines. Transferred to the Virginia Conference from Georgia in 1892, and served the following charges with great acceptability: St. John's, Norfolk, four years; Emanuel, Portsmouth, four, years and Presiding Elder of the Norfolk District three years.

He has raised $90,000 for local and general purposes in the A. M. E. Church, and has had 750 conversions, and received into the church 900 persons. Dr. Gaines is quite a scholarly young man, being a graduate of the collegiate Department of Atlanta (Ga.) University, and of Gammon Theological Seminary. The degree of D.D., was conferred on him by Wilberforce University in 1898. He was transferred to the Baltimore Conference in 1903, and stationed at Bethel Church, Baltimore, Md. He was a member of the General Conferences of 1896, 1900 and 1904.

The subject of this sketch was born in Onancock, Va., June 15, 1865. He was converted in 1890, and entered the ministry in 1893. He was ordained deacon in 1894 by Bishop W. J. Gaines, and elder in 1899 by Bishop Jas. A. Handy. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1894, and served the following charges: Chase City, and reobtained possession of church property and organized a Sunday school; Max Meadows and obtained a two-room parsonage; built foundation for church at Fair View, and added 32 members; Abingdon one year; Martinsville two years, remodeled parsonage, and added many to the church; Red Bluff, Ivanhoe, remodeled church, and at China Branch began two churches; Salem station four years, paid off debt, remodeled church and built parsonage; Staunton, paid old standing debt, and remodeled church, and added over 100 persons to the church. This is now his present charge.

The subject of this sketch was born in Singersville, Loudon County, Va., May 28, 1854. He entered the ministry April 17, 1884, and was ordained deacon in 1886 by Bishop A. W. Wayman; and elder in 1887 by Bishop Wayman. He transferred to the Virginia Conference from the Baltimore Conference in 1893, and served the following charges: Wytheville Station two years, finished new church and decreased the debt; Roanoke City three years, curtailed indebtedness; Presiding Elder of Roanoke District four years; Hampton Station two years. He was then sent to Farmville Station, but he left that charge, and in September, 1904, was transferred back to the Baltimore Conference. He was educated in the Theological Department of Howard University, Washington, D. C.

was born at Capeville, Va., November 15, 1866. He was converted in 1883, and entered the ministry in 1894. He was ordained deacon in 1898 by Bishop J. A. Handy, and elder in 1901, by Bishop B. F. Lee. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1895, and served the following charges: Cape Charles five years; Daugherty five years; two years at Capeville. He organized a Mission at Cape Charles; repaired the church and parsonage at Daugherty; repaired church and paid off old debt at Capeville.

He has had 392 conversions and 256 accessions.

He attended a District school in Norfolk, but could not finish on account of failure in health.

His present charge is Savageville Circuit.

The subject of this sketch is the son of the well-known Rev. Robert Davis. He was born in Hampton, Va., May 7, 1868; he was converted September 15, 1886, and entered the ministry in 1894. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1865, and was ordained deacon by Bishop James. A. Handy. He has served the following charges with some degree of success: Central Norfolk Circuit one year; Oak Grove, Chuckatuck, Gettys, Berryville and Summit Point. He has purchased three church organs, helped to build two churches, and saved one from being sold at Summit Point. His labors have been blessed with 200 conversions.

His school advantages have been very limited; he attended the free public school, and private school awhile. He is aggressive.

Rev. McClammy was born in Wilmington, N. C., July 9, 1866, and was converted May, 1888. He entered the ministry in 1896, and was ordained deacon by Bishop W. J. Gaines, and elder by Bishop B. F. Lee. He joined the Virginia Conference April 18, 1896, and has served the following charges: Bedford City one year; Chatham two years; Ivanhoe two years; Indika two years; Tanner's Creek one year, and his present charge, Accomac Station, one year.

He has built one church at Bedford City, completed Lee's Chapel at Indika, and Jackson's Chapel at Chuckatuck.

He studied in public schools seven years, one year English course at Bluefield, W. Va., one year in Norfolk Mission College, now is a third year student of Theology in Morris Brown College.

During his ministry he has had 267 conversions, and 176 accessions.

The subject of this sketch was born at Eastville, Northampton County, Va., August 18, 1868. He was converted September 10, 1883. He attended the public schools of his county and then entered the Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute, graduating in 1891 with honors. After graduating he taught in the public schools of his own county for six consecutive years, and one year in Nansemond County, Va., he was denominated by his County Superintendent as the leading and one of the best teachers of his county. He is now taking the correspondence course in Theology of Morris Brown College.

He entered the ministry in 1895, joining the Virginia Conference in 1896 under Bishop W. J. Gaines; he was ordained deacon in 1898 by Bishop Jas. A. Handy, and elder in 1900 by Bishop Handy.

He has served the following charges: Tanner's Creek three years, and increased the membership; Oceana Circuit two years, built a new parsonage at Oceana and increased the membership; St. James Station, Berkley, diminished indebtedness, and built new parsonage, greatly increased the congregation; he served this charge very acceptably five years. He is now serving Third Street A. M. E. Church, Richmond, Va., with much credit and ability. He served as recording secretary of the Conference for four years, and its chief secretary for four years, and served with great competency. It is said by good authority that he was one of the best secretaries in the connection. He has had about 130 conversions and added about 140 to the church.

The subject of this sketch is a very prominent layman, and is a member of St. John's Church, Norfolk, Va. He was born in Norfolk, Va., September 8, 1870. He was converted April 3, 1888. He is a very active worker in church and Sunday school; he is now teacher and assistant secretary in the Sunday school, and president of Y. P. S. C. E. His only school advantages were the public schools of the city. He has represented the Sunday school in District convention; the church in Christian Endeavor at Nashville, Tenn., in 1898, and a member of the General Conferences of 1896, 1900, and 1904. He is a very aggressive young man, and a lover of African Methodism.

Revs. T. W. Henderson, D. D., Manager Book Concern, J. T. Jenifer, D. D., Secretary Connectional P. Aid, Dr. Jolly, M. E. Church South, Hon. W. D. Folk, ex-mayor of Suffolk, Rev. James Dean, D. D., P. E. Newbern District, N. C., Rev. H. B. Parker, D. D., Secretary of Missions, Prof. H. T. Kealing, Editor A. M. E. Review, Prof. John R. Hawkins, Secretary of Education, Rev. R. H. W. Leake, P. E. Western N. C. Conference, Rev. M. M. Moore, Florida Conference, Rev. P. A. Hubbard, D. D., Conference.

The annual sermon was preached by Rev. John. H. Offer. Text, Tim. 3.

Bros. J. R. Davis

W. J. Wright

W. J. Miller

Albert R. Montague

J. B. Whidbee

George R. Jones

W. R. Howerton

T. J. Duncanson

N. H. Field

William J. Beckett, Robt. H. Davis, Edward T. Balley, Alfred Jairus Nottingham, Charles E. Lark.

E. T. Bailey, L. J. Barker, R. H. Davis, Wm. J. Beckett, A. J. Nottingham, C. E. Lark, J H. A. McClammy.

The following elders from the Christian Church were given our ordination vows: Rev. J. R. Davis, J. B. Whidbee, N. H. Fields.

Rev. John H. Offer.

Bishop J. C. Embry, D. D., Bishop J. H. Armstrong, D. D., Rev. W. D. W. Schureman of Baltimore Conference.

The ordination sermon was preached April 24, by Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D. Text, Mat. 26:8. It was an able and profound address.

Bishop Handy preached at 8 P. M. an instructive sermon from the text, Heb. 7:16.

Revs. J. E. Cooke, E. H. Bolden, R. T. Sinkfield, Geo. D. Jimmerson.

Number of full members 8766 Dollar money $2013.42

Rev. J. T. Jenifer, Secretary Conference Preachers' Aid.

Rev. P. A. Hubbard, P. E. of Colorado Conference.

Rev. N. J. McCracken, of Illinois Conference.

Rev. M. M. Moore, Financial Secretary.

Prof. John R. Hawkins, Secretary of Education.

Rev. T. W. Henderson, D. D., Manager Book Concern.

Rev. James Dean, P. E. of New Jersey Conference.

Rev. C. H. Stepteau, Louisiana Conference.

Rev. H. B. Parks, D. D., Secretary of Missions.

This duty was laid upon Rev. E. Horace Bolden, B. D., whose text was Jer. 3 : 9. Ps. 126 : 3, 4. It appeared to many who had heard the speaker before that it was the sermon of his life. The Holy Ghost dwelt with him.

The missionary sermon was preached by Rev. D. J. Beckett. Text, Mark 16 : 5, Isa. 9 : 2. Subject, “God links Divine Agency with human, to carry on His work of saving souls in the world,” which subject was handled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

Rev. A. L. Gaines, A. M., B. D.

Rev. D. P. Seaton, D. D.

Rev. John E. Cooke, P. E.

Rev. E. H. Bolden, B. D.

Rev. I. L. Butt, P. E.

Brethren Spencer J. Drummond, Samuel A. Poulson, William J. Harris, Richard H. G. Jackson.

Rev. R. H. G. Jackson came from the United Methodist Church and Rev. Levi. A. Postles from the Baptist Church.

Bro. Calhoun Harold Stepteau, of Louisiana Conference for said Conference under Missionary Rule.

Bro. George Washington Thomas, local deacon for Brown's Church, Smithfield.

Rev. Ovett English Bumgardner

Rev. William Daniel Naylor

Rev. Levan Thomas Watson

Rev. Archie Ivory Williams

Edward Frank Hardy

Rev. James Washington Williams

Rev. Calhoun Harold Stepteau of Louisiana for said Conference under Missionary Rule.

K. J. Billups, from Christian Church, obligated.

Bro. J. L. Hamilton

Bro. N. H. Fields

Bro. M. A. Matthews

Bro. George W. Thomas

Bro. Thomas Davis

Bro. M. S. Simmons

Bro. S. P. Cornick

Bro. James E. Blount

Bro. W. J. Roberson

Bro. Wm. J. Harris

Revs. John H. Offer, and Peter Sheppard.

Rev. John Williams, local deacon Emanuel Church, Portsmouth.

Bro. William Penn, and Bro. Fred Wade.

The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop James A. Handy. II Tim. 3:16-19.

Rev. Peter Sheppard addressing the Conference said that he could not follow the army any longer, and asked that he be retired. Regrets were expressed and tears were shed. Speeches pro and con made, finally his request was granted.

Rev. Geo. D. Jimmerson.

Rev. C. A. Holmes, A. B.

Rev. J. C. Williams, B. D.

There was church property owned by the congregation in the A. M. E. connection at Mint Spring as per discipline. The trustees of said church sold the property with the supposed consent of the General Conference. At the next session of the Conference the matter was reviewed and by unanimous vote the transaction repudiated and the sale of the property condemned. A committee of three was appointed to enter into ways and means to reverse the transaction if possible. The committee did not succeed however in doing this.

Number of members 7893 Dollar money $2,021.27

Rev. H. C. C. Astwood, Missionary to Cuba, editor of “The Defender.”

Rev. T. W. Henderson, Manager Book Concern.

Rev. C. T. Shaffer, D. D., Sec. Church Extension Society.

Rev. S. C. Hatcher, M. E. Church South.

Hon. T. C. Walker, Collector of Customs, Gloucester County, Va.

Rev. James Dean, P. E., Western N. C. Conference.

Prof. John R. Hawkins, Secretary of Education.

Rev. Mark C. Hayford, West African, who made some interesting remarks.

The Woman's Mite Missionary Society reported having raised $371.45 during the year, an increase of $154.37.

This duty devolved upon Rev. Jacklin Strange who selected as his text Matt. 24: 14, Subject, “The Gospel of the Kingdom.” It was noted for its power and earnestness throughout.

Brothers James H. Fitchett, John H. Ross, B. F. Newsome and Rev. K. J. Billups, from the Christian Church.

Brother Samuel S. Morris (a student in Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Ga.) member of Emanuel Church, Portsmouth, made application to enter the itinerant rank.

A motion prevailed that it be granted provided he sustain the required examination before the faculty of his Seminary.

Rev. N. F. Turner and his Church in W. Va., was received on motion, with their standing.

Revs. George Jones, W. R. Howerton, A. R. Montague J. W. Wright, William J. Miller and N. H. Fields.

W. R. Howerton, J. W. Wright, George Jones, W. J. Miller, A. R. Montague, Spencer J. Drummond and Edward Hines.

Revs. Alfred J. Nottingham, George Lee, James Ephraim Parago and Jordan Lemons.

Revs. John H. Offer, Peter Sheppard, George W. Pinkard.

Revs. J. L. Hamilton, J. R. Davis and Morgan S. Simmons.

Rev. Frank W. Overton.

Rev. Henry Halyard, local elder, Third Street Church, Richmond.

Rev. John G. Mitchell, D. D., Dean of Payne Seminary and Wilberforce University.

Sister Fletcher Lee Holmes, wife of Rev. C. A. Holmes.

Sister Emma Timberlake, wife of Rev. R. T. Timberlake.

Rev. C. A. Holmes, A. B.

Rev. James H. Garner.

Rev. George D. Jimmerson.

Rev. William R. Gullins.

Number of full members 8415 Dollar money $2081.18

Rev. M. B. Sheppard, W. N. C. Conference.

Prof. John R. Hawkins, A. M., Secretary of Education.

Rev. B. F. Watson, D. D., Secretary Church Extension.

Rev. R. H. W. Leak, Manager Book Concern.

Rev. G. E. Taylor, D. D., Editor Southern Christian Recorder.

Prof. H. T. Keeling, A. M., Editor A. M. E. Review.

Rev. K. C. Holk, North Carolina Conference.

Rev. C. H. King, W. North Carolina Conference.

Rev. J. T. Jenifer, D. D., Secretary Con. Preacher's Aid.

Rev. W. D. Chappelle, D. D., Secretary Sunday School Union.

Rev. J. C. Derry, P. E., Morgantown District, W. N. C. Conference.

Rev. W. H. Hunter, D. D., P. E., Potomac District Baltimore Conference.

Rev. A. Stroud, P. E., Wilmington District, North Carolina Conference.

Rev. G. W. Nicholson, B. D., Baltimore Conference.

Rev. W. J. Jordan, P. E., W. North Carolina Conference:

Rev. J. W. Telfair, Rocky Point, North Carolina Conference.

Rev. P. R. A. Smith, from New England Conference.

Rev. A. P. Bender, from North Carolina Conference.

Rev. W. C. Cole, from Texas Conference.

Rev. H. S. Roberts, from W. North Carolina Conference.

Rev. L. H. Reynolds, D. D., from Louisiana Conference.

Rev. Thomas A. Green, from Pittsburg Conference.

Revs. George W. Adams, Lewellyn L. Berry and Edward J. Hines.

John H. Ross and Lewellyn L. Berry.

Edward Thomas Bailey, William James Beckett, James Henry Alfred McClammy.

J. W. E. Hampton, James Fitchett, S. B. Trent, S. A. Brown, Thomas Davis and Thomas Miller.

Revs. John H. Offer, Peter Sheppard, and George W. Pinkard.

Rev. J. B. Whidbee.

Brother Richard H. G. Jackson.

In May, 1900, the General Conference at Columbus, O., granted permission to divide the Virginia Conference. During the Conference year a committee of eight, two from each district, was appointed to draw a proper line for said division and present at the Annual Conference.

The Committee read their report on the division. There was a long heated debate on the subject pro and con. To effect a settlement the following was decided upon:

1st. That the vote taken should be by ballot.

2nd. That two speakers for each side be selected and given fifteen minutes each to prevent his side of the case.

For Division, Revs. E. H. Bolden and J. Strange. Against Division, Revs. George D. Jimmerson and A. L. Gaines.

The Conference listened with great attention and eagerness to the strong speeches on both sides that were delivered by the combatants. At the close of the debate, like a jury the Conference by their ballot decided the matter in the negative.

Tellers appointed were:—Rev. J. T. Jenifer, D. D., Profs. H. T. Keeling, A. M., and John R. Hawkins, A. M. The roll was called. Total vote cast (70) seventy.

Yeas, or for division 31 votes Nays, or against division 39 votes

There was no division.

The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop Lee. Text, 1 Chron. 21:13. The message was filled with thought and with the Holy Ghost.

The Bishop, assisted by several elders, ordained two deacons and three elders, after which the Lord's Supper was administered.

Revs. Geo. D. Jimmerson, James H. Garner and Wm. R. Gullins.

When the disciplinary question, who are the superannuated preachers was called, Rev. George Washington Pinkard arose and asked to be superannuated, stating that his active work in the ministry was finished. After several speeches of regret by some of the brethren the request was granted.

Mrs. M. L. Gullins, president of the Woman's Mite Missionary Society reported for her society.

Rev. C. A. Holmes reported for the Deaconess Home.

Bishop Levi J. Coppin, D. D.

Rev. C. A. McGee, Commissioner, Pittsburg Conference.

Rev. Geo. F. Woodson, D. D., acting Dean, Payne Theological Seminary.

Rev. R. D. Stinson, D. D., Finance Commissioner, Morris Brown College.

Rev. John H. Collett, manager Book Concern.

Miss M. E. Carter, agent A. M. E. Review.

Rev. K. C. Holt, P. E. Raleigh District, Western N. C. Conference.

Rev. A. J. Corde, Western N. C. Conference.

Rev. R. H. W. Leak, D. D., Western N. C. Conference.

Rev. W. E. Walker, Western N. C. Conference.

Rev. W. G. Pearson, Western N. C. Conference.

Rev. John Tate, Western N. C. Conference.

Rev. P. J. Jordan, Western N. C. Conference.

Rev. L. E. Edwards, Western N. C. Conference.

Rev. Daniel Beckett, N. C. Conference.

Rev. D. S. Bentley, D. D., Commissioner from Pittsburg Conference.

Rev. A. G. Scott, D. D., P. E., North East Texas Conference.

Mr P. H. Boisseau, City Marshal.

Captain Wooden, Mayor of the City.

The annual sermon was preached by Rev. Thos. A. Green. Text, Luke 9:2. The speaker acquitted himself with credit.

Bro. Oscar Theodore Day, a local preacher who was recommended from Allen Temple Quarterly Conference, Cincinnati, O., and taken up by Bishop Lee.

Revs. Samuel B. W. Trent and Samuel Anderson Brown, both from A. M. E. Zion Church, Oscar T. Day, Andrew Robinson and James Christopher Wyatt.

Rev. Lemuel T. Beckett from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. W. T. H. Addison from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. Henry Q. McClain from N. C. Conference.

Rev. J. P. Q. Wallace, (who never reached Va.) N. Ohio Conference.

Rev. John H. Ross.

Oscar Theodore Day and Andrew Robinson, under Missionary rule.

Revs. George Washington Adams, James Walker Wright, and George Robert Jones.

Revs. John H. Offer, Peter Sheppard and George W. Pinkard.

Rev. James M. Ruffin, April 14, 1902.

Rev. L. T. Barker.

Rev. P. A. Hubbard, D. D., Financial Secretary.

At this session Rev. Wm. H. Gray asked to be superannuated. It was granted after some expressions of regret.

Rev. C. A. Holmes, A. B., by his request was granted superannuate relations because of physical inability to continue in active service.

At 11 A. M. on the Sabbath, the ordination sermon was preached by Bishop Levi J. Coppin of South Africa. Text, Acts 1:8-9. The discourse was forceful and instructive.

Revs. Elias H. Bolden, B. D., and Thomas R. Sinkfield.

Pittsburg Conference, Revs. C. A. McGee and D. S. Bentley, D. D.

For more than thirty years the Virginia Conference has been working in West Virginia and had organized six or more pastoral charges and operated them; but the General Conference sitting in Columbus, May, 1900, changed the boundary, giving to the Pittsburg Conference all of Virginia's organized work in West Virginia except the work in Jefferson County, West Virginia. This action caused a dispute, and commissioners from each Conference were appointed to confer and settle the matter and at an appointed time during the Conference the matter was presented and each of the commissioners spoke in defence of the interests entrusted him.

A scholarship was established in Payne Seminary by the Virginia Annual Conference.

Rev. I. L. Butt recommended Bro. Edward Spratley, a local preacher of Emanuel Church, Portsmouth, as a suitable person for said scholarship, which was given him.

Revs. A. L. Gaines, D. D., E. H. Bolden, B. D., I. L. Butt and Layman Wilson F. Foreman.

Revs. Geo. D. Jimmerson, L. H. Reynolds, D. D., Jas. H. Garner, W. R. Gullins, D. D.

Revs. A. L. Gaines, D. D., I. L. Butt, E. H. Bolden, B. D., Thomas R. Sinkfield, and Mr. R. J. Bolden, M. D.

Number of full members 9116 Number of full probationers 830 Dollar money $2634.88

Rev. James H. Fitchett to the Baltimore Conference.

J. E. W. Hampton to the N. C. Conference.

Rev. Geo. F. Woodson, Payne Theological Seminary

Prof. John R. Hawkins, A. M.

Rev. G. E. Taylor, Editor Southern Christian Recorder

R. H. W. Leak

Rev. L. B. Simms, West Kentucky Conference

Wm. M. Reid, Esq. Portsmouth, Va.

Mrs. Ruth M. Collett, representing Book Concern

Miss M. E. Carter, representing A. M. E. Review

Mrs. M. E. Lee, wife of Bishop Lee.

The Annual sermon was preached by Rev. Isaac Ewer who announced St. John 8 : 12, text. Theme “Source of Spiritual Light.” The preacher electrified his hearers with the truth.

Ministerial: Rev. Geo. D. Jimmerson, Rev. A. L. Gaines, D. D., Rev. L. H. Reynolds, D. D., Rev. I. L. Butt, D. D.

Laymen: Wilson F. Foreman, and Thomas Trayham.

Bro. Richard C. Silver

Bro. Wilson J. Robinson

Bro. John Russell Harvey

Bro. Turner Lee Leggett

Bro. Perry Pretlow

Bro. William J. Harris

Bro. John Simpson Mason

Bro. William Henry Barnes

Andrew Robinson, Oscar Theodore Day, Daniel Webster Baker.

John Russell Harvey, under Missionary rule

John Henry Ross

William John Miller

John Thomas Schofield

Lewellyn Longfellow Berry

William Robert Howerton

Bro. Samuel A. Poulson

Rev. Peter Sheppard

Rev. Wm. H. Gray

Rev. Geo. W. Pinkard

Rev. Robt Armistead

Samuel B. W. Trent

Rev. Charles A. Holmes, A. B. Died May 24, 1902, at the home of his mother, Clinton, N. C. Joined the Conference April 12, 1893, Portsmouth, Va.

Rev. John Henry Offer. Died June 10, 1902, at his home near Eastville, Va. Was born 1826. Interred at Eastville.

Rev. Elias Horace Bolden, B. D. Died July 10, 1902 at Newport News, Va. Interment at Portsmouth, Va.

Rev. Moses H. Matthews. Died December 5, 1902.

The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop Lee. Text II Cor. 6: 10.

The deacons and five elders were ordained.

The afternoon session of the Fifth Day was held in Norfolk, Va. After routine business, the memorial service was held.

Mr. Wm M. Reid, Attorney at Law, Portsmouth, delivered to the annual Conference an instructive lecture on the “Rights of the Church and Ministry before the Civil Courts.”

Revs. A. L. Gaines, D. D., I. L. Butt, D. D., E. H. Bolden, B. D., and Layman Wilson F. Foreman.

Rev. Geo. D. Jimmerson

Rev. James H. Garner

Rev. L. H. Reynolds, D. D.

Rev. Wm. R. Gullins

Rev. A. L. Gaines, D. D.

Rev. E. H. Bolden, B. D.

Mr. R. J. Boland, M. D.

Rev. I. L. Butt

Rev. T. R. Sinkfield

Number of full members 9563 Number of probationers 654 Dollar money $2793.49 Scholarship in Payne Seminary was given to Rev. John   Russell Harvey of the Virginia Conference.  

Rev. A L. Garner, D. D. to Baltimore Conference.

Rev. L. M Beckett, D. D. to Baltimore Conference.

Rev. W. R. Gullins, D. D. to New England Conference.

Rev. Benjiman F Newsoms to Pittsburg Conference.

D. W. Baker, from North Carolina.

S. M. Johnson, from Baltimore Conference.

W. O. O. Saunders, from Baltimore Conference.

G. C. Taylor, from Baltimore.

J. O. Curtis, from Baltimore Conference.

S. T. Schofield, from Ohio Conference.

This duty fell on Rev. James H. Garner, who gave satisfaction to his hearers from the text, Rom. 1:16. Theme, “Not ashamed of the Gospel.”

Rev. A. J. Nottingham.

Rev. John C. Williams, B. D.

Rev. Thomas R. Sinkfield.

Layman Samuel L. Tucker.

Layman R. J. Boland, M. D.

Rev. James H. Garner.

Rev. Joseph B. Tynes.

Rev. Benjamin J. Hargraves.

Rev. I. L. Butt, D. D.; Rev. L. H. Reynolds, D. D.; Rev. George D. Jimmerson, D. D.; Rev. B. J. Hargraves, Rev. Thomas A. Green, B. D.; Rev. James H. Garner, Rev. John T. Scofield, Rev. Charles H. Stepteau, B. S.; Layman W. F. Foreman, Norfolk; Layman George Colden, Portsmouth; Layman E. J. Johnson, Richmond; Layman A. B. Campbell, Salem; Layman W. H. Boyd, Finchley.

Rev. W. D. Chappelle, D. D., Secretary S. S. Union.

Rev. R. D. Smart, D. D., M. E. Church, South,

Rev. Joseph Gwynn, B. D., from Baltimore.

Rev. L. A. Wood, from W. North Carolina.

Rev. Alexander McNeal, W. North Carolina.

Rev. C. H. Stepteau, Baltimore Conference.

Rev. W. H. Davis, from Baltimore Conference.

Brothers James C. Wyatt, William J. Harris, John S. Mason, Richard C. Silver.

Brothers James C. Wyatt, William J. Harris, Alexander McNeal, John S. Mason, Richard C. Silver.

Rev. Robert Jersey Butt, from the A. U. M. P. Church, reobligated for the local relation and work at John M. Brown Church.

Rev. John R. West.

Rev. Wilson J. Robinson.

Rev. Peter Sheppard.

Rev. George W. Pinkard.

Rev. William H. Gray.

Rev. Robert Armstead.

Rev. W. O. O. Saunders.

Rev. Robert Armstead. Born in Winchester 1834, joined Virginia Conference April, 1868, at Richmond. Died January 14, 1904. Age 70 years. He was a good and faithful Christian gentleman. Served in the ministry thirty years. Superannuated one year.

Rev. Thomas Miller, local deacon Third Street A. M. E. Church, Richmond, died December, 1903.

Sister Martha Duckett, wife of Rev. Joseph Duckett, died October 4, 1903, at Franktown. A good woman given to hospitality and Christian work.

The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop Lee. Text, 1 Peter 1:25. Theme, Everlasting Gospel.

Two Elders were reobligated and five brethren ordained to the diaconate.

Rev. Charles Augustus offered a resolution to appoint a committee on boundary line and division of the Virginia Conference into two annual conferences. After argument pro and con a vote was taken with following result: Affirmative, 43; negative, 38. Motion lost.

Number of full members 9117 Number of probationers 531 Dollar money $2,850.14

Rev. W. H. T. Addison, to Baltimore Conference.

Rev. John O. Custis, to Baltimore Conference.

Rev. Ed. T. Bailey, to W. North Carolina Conference.

Rev. L. L. Berry, to W. North Carolina Conference.

Rev. N. H. Field, to Pittsburg Conference.

Rev. John T. Gibbons, to Pittsburg Conference.

Rev. Alexander McNeal, from W. North Carolina Conference.

Rev. L. A. Wood, from W. North Carolina Conference.

Rev. Joseph Gwynn, D. D., from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. W. H. Heard, D. D., Secretary C. P. A.

Mrs. Ruth G. Collett, agent Book Concern.

Miss E. Marie Carter, agent A. M. E. Review

Mrs. G. E. Brooks, editress Lodge Journal and Guide.

Professor J. R. Hawkins, Secretary of Education.

Rev. George F. Woodson, Dean Payne Theological Seminary.

Mr. W. W. Allen, representative Southern Christian Recorder.

Rev. J. N. C. Coggins, representative Negro Young People's C. and E. Congress.

Mr. R. J. Boland, M. D., Roanoke.

Rev. Mr. Anderson, M. E. Church.

Rev. J. T. Gibbons, Pittsburg Conference.

Rev. Samuel Solomon Morris, A. B., from Atlanta (Ga.) Conference.

Rev. S. Aikens, from W. North Carolina Conference.

Rev. C. R. Saunders, from North Carolina Conference.

Rev. Charles W. Mossell, D. D., from Baltimore Conference.

Rev. N. W. Brown, from Baltimore.

Charles Wilson Robinson, missionary rule.

Andrew Adolphus Weaver, missionary rule.

Oscar Theodore Day, Andrew Robinson, Daniel Webster Baker, John Lewis Jones, Charles Edward Lark, Albert Rogers Montague.

Wilson J. Robinson, Sandy Aikens, P. R. A. Smith, A. P. Bender, L. A. Woods, William H. Sawyer.

Rev. Peter Sheppard, Rev. William H. Gray.

John Russell Harvey.

Rev. George Washington Pinkard, died summer of 1903. Entered ministry in active relation 1868. Superannuate 1900. He departed this life in peace.

Rev. William Harrison Lee, A. B., born in Richmond, 1855. Joined Virginia Conference 1887, at Suffolk. Died at Roanoke June 19, 1904. Had served several charges, and was presiding elder at time of his death. He passed away in peace with God and his fellow man.

Rev. John Thomas Schofield, born in North Carolina. Coming to Virginia he joined Emanuel Church, Portsmouth. Joined Conference in 1890. After serving a few years he felt the need of more thorough educational preparation for the Master's work, hence he transferred to Ohio and took a course in Payne Seminary. Having graduated he returned to Virginia in 1903. Was appointed pastor of Trinity, Berkley, 1904, and died September of that same year. An excellent Christian brother, he died in the full triumph of faith. The interment took place at Portsmouth, Virginia.

Rev. George Williams, born in Mecklenburg county, died Monday, April 24, 1905, at Drummondtown, while serving Macedonia Church. Buried at Drummondtown.

Mrs. J. H. Thomas, wife of Rev. John Henry Thomas. Born in Dover, Delaware, 1849, converted in 1861, married 1862, died in Norfolk July 28, 1904. A minister's wife in deed and truth. She rests in peace.

Mrs. Fannie P. Bowser Schofield, the wife of Rev. John T. Schofield. She was a public school teacher for many years and a member of the A. M. E. Church at her home in Abingdon. She was married March, 1904. Died February 15, 1905, at her home.

Mrs. Lucy Williams, wife of Rev. George Williams, died April 25, 1905, at Drummondtown, on the day after the death of her husband. She was a faithful church worker, and prominent in the Woman's Mite Missionary Society. A good woman.

Revs. George D. Jimmerson, D. D., I. L. Butt, D. D., N. F. Turner, George C. Taylor, D. D.; N. W. Brown, O. T. Day, I. Ewer, T. A. Green, J. B. Tynes, W. J. Miller, S. M. Johnson, D.D.; L. H. Reynolds. D.D.; J. E. Cooke, B. J. Hargraves, J. H. Garner, A. J. Nottingham, W. R. Howerton, J. Strange, J. C. Mackey, D. W. Baker, J. C. Williams, B. D.; Joseph Gwynn, B. D.

Laymen—A. B. Campbell, Salem; Wilson Foreman, folk; L. Burroughs, Hampton; C. W. Traynham, Roanoke; F. M. Porter, Norfolk.

Revs. Israel L. Butt, D. D.; George D. Jimmerson, D.D.; Robert Davis, Joseph Tynes, Mr. Samuel B. Tucker.

Rev. I. L. Butt, D. D., and G. D. Jimmerson, D. D., were elected fraternal delegates to all the other annual conferences in the Second Episcopal District.

The ordination sermon was preached by Bishop W. J. Gaines, D. D. Text, I Tim. 6: 20. A powerful and thoughtful sermon, after which he ordained two brethren to the diaconate and six to the eldership.

Number of full members 9147 Number of probationers 548 Dollar money $3,070.53

Rev. Calhoun Harold Stepteau to Baltimore Conference.

Rev. Alfred J. Nottingham delivered the annual discourse. Text, St. Mark 16: 15. Theme: “The preaching of the Gospel and its desirable effects.” It was outlined thus.

To say that it was a grand, well prepared and delivered sermon, is but speaking mildly; the unanimous vote to publish it in the Conference Minutes, which was done, is the best evidence of its worth.

Samuel W. Fuqua

Rev. A. A. Senahaugh from N. Alabama Conference.

Rev. W. W. Barham from Baltimore Conference August, 1906.

Spencer J. Drummond, Robert Henry Davis and William McHenry Davis.

Revs. Sandy Aiken, P. R. S. Smith, L. A. Woods, W. H. Sawyer and David Wilson.

Revs. Peter Sheppard and William H. Gray.

Rev. James H. Garner died in Princess Anne County, Va., at Mt. Zion A. M. E. Church, August 23, 1905; was buried at Hampton, Va., August 28, 1905.

Rev. William J. Harris died at Max Meadows, Wythe County, Va., September 3, 1905, and was buried there.

Mrs. Cornelia Mossell, the wife of Dr. C. W. Mossell, departed this life February 6, 1906, at Norfolk, Va., and was buried in Washington, D. C. She was a woman of deep spirituality, of great force of character and an ideal minister's wife.

The Committee on Special College Fund made its report, and as Kittrell College had under contemplation the erection of a new dormitory, the report was so amended as to pledge the Virginia Conference to assume one fourth of the needed sum for said building. By this act it is manifest that our Conference has lost none of its interest in the cause of education fostered and advocated by the fathers in the days of our incipiency.

At 11 A. M. April 22nd, the ordination sermon was preached by Bishop Wesley J. Gaines. Text, 11 Cor. 2: 16. “And who is sufficient for these things?” The sermon was full of thought and inspiration, well delivered to the great satisfaction of all who were fortunate to hear it.

Then followed the ordination by the Bishop to the Eldership, of Revs. Spencer Joseph Drummond, Robert Henry Davis and William McHenry Davis.

Rev. Stephen Buff Baptist, of the Christian Disciple, Church was reobligated as an elder. Drs. L. H. Reynolds, George D. Jimmerson, I. L. Butt and S. M. Johnson assisted in ordaining these brethren.

Number of full members8909Number of probationers384Number of churches106Dollar money$3,485.06 Number of conversions819Amount raised for general purposes$5,727.60Amount raised for local purposes5,5847.37Amount raised for all purposes16,574.97

was born at Hixburg, Appomattox County, Va. in 1866. He was converted in 1876 and entered the ministry in 1898. He was ordained deacon by Bishop Handy, and elder by Bishop Lee. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1898 and has served the following charges: Bluefield, West Virginia, one year; Freeman, West Virginia, one year; Max Meadows, two years; Ivanhoe, two years; and Summit Point, two years. He completed the churches at Freeman, West Virginia; Newhope, Wythe County, Va.; at Grayson, West Virginia; Middleway, West Virginia; remodeled Union Bethel at Summit Point.

He has had 110 conversions, and 85 accessions to the church.

He studied four years in Whites Normal School in Kentucky, and graduated from Davis Industrial College, Roanoke, Va.

The subject of this sketch was born at Oxford, Granville County, N. C., December 23rd, 1866, and was converted August, 1879. He entered the ministry in 1890; was ordained deacon by Bishop Jas. A. Handy and elder by Bishop W. J. Gaines. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1898, and has served the following charges: Getty's Station, one year; Tanner's Creek, one year; Harris Creek, two years; Chesterfield Circuit, three years. He finished the Getty's Church; rebuilt St. James, Atlantic City, Norfolk; repaired Payne's Chapel, County Street, Portsmouth; made some repairs on Chesterfield Circuit, and built a parsonage at Jamesville Circuit, his present charge.

He has had 209 conversions and 117 accessions to the Church. His only school advantages have been to attend public and district schools, and a private teacher two terms.

The subject of this sketch was born in Accomac Co. Va. Dec. 25, 1864; he was converted in 1884; he joined the Virginia Conference in 1900 and was ordained deacon in 1900 by Bishop Handy and elder in 1906 by Bishop W. J. Gaines. He has served the following charges: Kellar Mission, one year; Jamesville and Poulson Neck, four years; Bridgetown, four years, which is his present charge. At Keller he purchased a half acre of ground for a church and organized a Sunday school. At Jamesville he paid off all indebtedness and made necessary repairs; at Bridgetown, remodeled church and put in bell and made all necessary repairs to church and premises; at Mt. Zion built a new church at a cost of $1200.

The subject of this sketch was born in Hertford, N. C. March 15, 1851. He was converted in 1861, and entered the ministry in 1884. He was ordained by Bishop Hilliary of the A. M. E. Zion Church. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1900 and served the following charges with credit: Oak Grove Circuit, three years; Jamesville, one year; Hickory, one year; Bethel Circuit. He built a new church, at Oak grove; purchased land and built a new church at Money Point. He has had about 200 conversions and about 150 accessions to the church.

He only had the opportunity of attending the “Old Butler School,” at Hampton, for a short while.

Rev. Berry was born in Hampton, Va. February 26, 1876. He was converted at the age of thirteen, September, 1889. He entered the ministry in March, 1894, and was ordained deacon and elder by Bishop B. F. Lee, D. D. He joined the Virginia annual Conference in 1899, and has served the following charges with acceptability: Yale Circuit; North Danville, Harris Creek, and Portsmouth Mission. He has built one church and repaired two. 110 persons have been converted during his ministry, and he has added 97 to the church. He attended Kittrell College, N. C. and graduated May 23, 1899.

He was transferred in 1904 to the Western North Carolina Conference. He is now stationed at Winston-Salem, N. C.

The subject of this sketch was born September 2, 1878, Portsmouth, Va. His parents were loyal Methodists, and his mother, who is now an active official in Emanuel Church, Portsmouth, has for nearly forty years labored in Sunday school and church. He was converted at the age of fourteen, and joined the church during the administration of Rev. E. H. Bolden; was licensed as local preacher July, 1899, joined the Virginia Conference in 1901; transferred to the Atlanta, Georgia Conference and was ordained deacon December, 1902 by Bishop H. M Turner, and elder 1903 by the same prelate.

He has served West End and Thomasville in the Atlanta, Georgia Conference; was Superintendent of the Industrial Department, Morris Brown College, Atlanta, two years.

In the Virginia Conference he is finishing his second year at Tanner's Creek Circuit. The work has enjoyed marked prosperity under his guidance.

He is a graduate of Morris Brown College and Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Ga.

He is at present statistical secretary of the Annual Conference, chief secretary of the Portsmouth District Conference, Secretary of the General Local Commission, corresponding secretary Virginia State Allen League, and trustee of Kittrell College.

The subject of this sketch was born at Drake's Branch, Charlotte County, Va. He was converted 1884 at Boydton Institute, and entered the ministry in 1888, at Greensboro, N. C. He was ordained deacon and elder by Bishop W. J. Gaines; was transferred to the Virginia Conference in 1900 and stationed at Lynchburg, at which place he paid about $700.00 on the old debt of the Church, and built a parsonage, thereby improving the property by $475.00. He remained in this charge five years. He was then sent to Boydton Circuit, his present charge; he has built a parsonage at this place.

He attended Boydton Institute two years, Bennette College, Greensboro, N. C., three years.

He has had about three hundred conversions during his ministry and two-hundred and twenty-five accessions to the Church.

was born in West Mansfield, Logan County, Ohio, July 29, 1865. He was converted February 13, 1894, and entered the ministry in July, 1901. He was ordained deacon by Bishop B. F. Lee and elder by Bishop W. J. Gaines. He joined the Virginia Conference in April, 1902 and served the following charges: Elizabeth City two years and completed the church; Hickory Circuit one year; Onancock three years, and built church at Poulsons Neck, and remodeled parsonage at Onancock; St. James Station, Berkley, one year, which is his present charge. He has had one hundred and three conversions, and added one hundred and ten to the Church during his ministry. He attended the Normal and High School at Cincinnati, O.

was born in Fayetteville, N. C. He was converted in February, 1883, and entered the ministry in 1893. He was ordained deacon by Bishop James A. Handy. He was transferred to the Virginia Conference in 1900, and served two years at North Danville, Chatham Circuit, two years. He built a church at Ringgod, Va., and remodeled one at Chatham, his present charge.

His labors have been blest with one hundred and ninety one conversions during his ministry and two hundred and eighty three accessions to the Church. He attended Johnson High School at Raleigh, N. C.

Rev. Silver was born in Halifax County, N. C. in 1866. He was converted in 1884, and entered the ministry in 1902, and was ordained deacon in 1903 by Bishop B. F. Lee. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1902 and has served the following charges:

Fearum Circuit, two years and built one church there and repaired one. He has had six conversions and seven accessions during his ministry. His only educational advantages was the common school. He now serves at Rangley.

Brother Harris was born in Princess Anne County, Va. February 12, 1861. He was converted in 1882 and entered the ministry in 1898; he joined the Virginia Conference in 1899, and was ordained deacon by Bishop B. F. Lee. He served the following charges:

Pulaski Mission five months; Danville Station six months; Harmony Circuit three years; Rocky Mount two years.

He had eighty-five conversions during his ministry, and fifty-nine accessions to the church. His last charge was Max Meadows, from which place the Master summoned him to the land of rest in August, 1905.

was born in Southampton County, Va. He was converted in 1885; licensed to preach in 1902, and joined the Virginia Conference in 1903. He is stationed at Boykin Mission. He has had twenty-five conversions.

The subject of this sketch was born in Milledgeville, Ga. He was converted at Sparta and entered the ministry August, 1885; was ordained November 1888 at Elberton, Ga., by Bishop L. H. Holsey, C. M. E. Church.

He joined the Virginia Conference in May, 1903 and is serving his fourth year at St. Paul A. M. E. Church, Newport News, Va., where he has succeeded in managing the large debt successfully. About 2,350 conversions are accredited to his ministry, with 964 accessions to the Church. Dr. Taylor is a graduate of Payne College, Augusta, 1888, and of Gammon Theological Seminary, Atlanta, Ga. 1894.

was born in Robinson County, N. C., July 4th, 1856. He was converted in 1874, and entered the ministry in 1887. He was ordained deacon by Bishop B. F. Lee, in 1904. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1904, and served at Max Meadows one year, and Chase City one year, and repaired the church. He has had about 300 conversions and about 350 accessions.

The subject of this sketch was born in Orange County, Va. His father died when he was three months old, and his mother when he was one year old. He began working on a farm when only nine years old, going to school in the winter. He has studied English, Normal Course, and Theology. He was converted in 1885, and entered the ministry in 1896; ordained deacon by Bishop James A. Handy. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1903. He has served as pastor one year in Henderson, N. C., while in school; three years in Maryland and three years in Virginia. He finished one church in Maryland and built one at Montvale, Va. He is now pastoring at Bedford City, Va.

Brother Weaver was born at Windsor, Isle of Wight County, Va. August 5, 1880. He was converted August 17, 1892; entered the ministry November 25, 1901; he joined the Virginia Conference in 1905, and was ordained deacon (1905) by Bishop W. J. Gaines. He is stationed at Macedonia Mission, where he has built a Church worth $900.00. He has had thirty-three conversions, and 30 accessions. Completed the high graded school course in Camden, N. J.

was born at Wake Forest, N. C., February 15, 1869. He was converted in September 1879, and entered the ministry in 1899; he was ordained deacon by Bishop B. F. Lee. He joined the Virginia Conference in 1906 and was and is stationed at Onancock, his present charge. He transferred from the Baltimore Conference. He spent one year at Shaw University, Raleigh, N. C., Wayland Seminary, Washington, D. C., one year and graduated from the Theological department of Howard University.

Rev. James H. A. Johnson, of the Baltimore Annual Conference, was the first missionary to this field, beginning in 1865, soon after the close of the Civil War.

He was appointed missionary to this field by Bishop Daniel A. Payne, presiding bishop of the Second Episcopal District. This appointment was made upon the advice of Rev. John M. Brown, who was pastor at this time of St. John's Chapel, Bute Street, Norfolk, Va.

Rev. Johnson received his appointment in the early autumn, 1865, and on Wednesday A. M. December 20 of the same year he landed at Cherrystone, Northampton County, Virginia.

The first meeting for African Methodism was held Thursday evening, December 20, 1865, about one-half mile from Eastville. The congregation was composed of colored and white people, including U. S. army officers. Forty (40) persons enrolled their names for organization and membership, but no organization was effected at this time.

Rev. Johnson preached from the text St. John 4:24; “God is a Spirit and they that worship him must worship in Spirit and in Truth.” He visited Drummondtown, and on Wednesday, December 27, he organized the First African Methodist Episcopal Church at Drummondtown, Eastern Shore Virginia, with eighteen members. Among these were Henry and Rachel Wharton and George Custis. The sermon on this occasion was from the text 62d Psalm, 8th verse.

The First Quarterly Conference convened January 2, 1866, at Drummondtown.

Returning to Eastville, Rev. Johnson organized the Eastville A. M. E. Church January 7, 1866, at Deep Branch in a schoolhouse near Eastville. This was the first A. M. E. Church in Northampton County. The text of the sermon at this time was Acts 16:29, 30; “Then he called for a light and sprang in, and came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas, and brought them out and said: Sirs, what must I do to be saved?”

January 22, 1866, the First Quarterly Conference was held in Eastville.

April 9, 1866, Rev. Johnson organized the Modestown A. M. E. Church with eight (8) members.

This concluded the earnest, faithful and successful labors of our missionary, and April 10, 1866, he left for the seat of the Annual Conference, Washington, D. C., Bishop Daniel A. Payne presiding.

Rev. John Henry Offer succeeded Rev. J. H. A. Johnson, and by herculean effort he succeeded in fostering and spreading the already well begun work.

During all of this period, December 1865 to April, 1867, this work, as did all the work in Virginia, belonged to the Baltimore Conference.

No of Churches Eastern Shore 1865, 0 No of Churches Eastern Shore 1906, 14 No of full members 1906, 1662 No of probationers 1906, 109 No of Sunday school pupils 1906, 769 No of Superintendents 1906, 16 No of Teachers 1906, 62 Books in libraries 547 Value of Churches and Sunday school property $35,800 No. of parsonages 9

A meeting was called of all the A. M. E. ministers of Tidewater Virginia, comprising a part the Norfolk, Portsmouth and Richmond presiding elder districts.

At 10:30 A. M. the meeting was opened by Rev. A. L. Gaines and prayer was offered by Rev. Geo. D. Jimmerson.

By mutual consent Rev. Gaines was made temporary chairman and Rev. I. L. Butt, temporary secretary. The object of the meeting, to take into consideration the advisability of organizing a Preachers Meeting, was stated by the chairman. It was discussed by Rev. F. W. Overton and others.

A motion by Rev. Charles H. Hunter that those present should organize prevailed, and the following officers were elected:

L. Gaines, I. L. Butt and D. J. Beckett. This committee reported their work June 9, the Constitution and By-Laws were adopted and the organization launched for business.

Rt. Rev. Benjamin F. Lee, D. D. presiding Bishop of the Conference appointed the following brethren on Conference divisions:

This meeting was organized December 8, 1906, in Bethel A. M. E. Church, Eastville, Virginia, by the State President Mrs. M. D. Hunt, assisted by Miss Mary E. Nottingham, Norfolk District Lecturess, Mrs. M. J. Ewer, president of local W. M. M. Society of Bethel Church, together with the presidents of Bridgetown, Capeville and Trehernesville churches.

This organization embraced Bethel at Eastville; Shorter Chapel at Bridgetown; Ebenezer at Capeville; and Mt. Zion at Trehernesville. It was a most inspiring occasion with about eight hundred persons present.

Organization of the Allen C. E. League of Virginia by Rev. Elias J. Gregg, D. D., General Secretary of Allen League A. M. E. Church.

The first committee appointed to fix date and arrange program for the organization of the State Convention, was made by the Virginia Annual Conference in its regular session in the city of Richmond, Va., Third Street A. M. E. Church, April, 1906. It was composed of Revs. I. L. Butt, chairman, L. H. Reynolds, D. D., George D. Jimmerson, D. D., S. M. Johnson, D. D., and A. J. Nottingham, secretary.

The date for holding the convention was fixed for August 29th and 30th, 1906.

Norfolk, Va., August 29, 1906.

At 9:45 A. M. on the above date, in St. John's A. M. E. Church, Bute Street, Rev. I. L. Butt, D. D., called the Convention to order and opened the first meeting of the State League, by announcing and lining hymn 606. The Rev. J. C. Williams, B. D., P. E., of the Richmond District led in prayer. Scripture Lesson, Romans, 12th chapter, read by Rev. E. J. Gregg, D. D. Ritualistic service conducted by Rev. George D. Jimmerson, D. D.

The chairman declared the meeting open for business and presented Dr. E. J. Gregg, the General Secretary to preside, who declined, requesting Dr. Butt to remain in the chair until the temporary organization was completed.

is the oldest department in the church, and the “Christian Recorder,” a journal published at this department, is the oldest Negro journal in the United States.