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Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont fiimis en commengant par la premiere page qui comporte une empreinte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernidre page qui comporte une telle empreinte. Un des symboles suivants apparaitra sur la dernidre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols -^> signifie "A SUIVRE", le symbols V signifie "FIN". Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., peuvent dtre film6s d des taux de reduction diffdrents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour dtre reproduit en un seul cliche, il est film6 6 partir de I'angle supirieur gauche, de gaucho A droite, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombro d'images nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mdthode. 1 2 3 1 t 3 ■ ^ 4 ' S 6 WW m^' iT-.'-yj- !'■ I MINUTES 'M' I iiK 4|ABrfOBA @ f OBTH f HST Annual Conference •:>i- IIH. Methodist Church of Canada. Ti- ll FIRST SESSION, HED IN f INNIPE&, 1883, ITIK JilSHOr F,N<}KA\lN(i AN]> CKIN'IING CO., WINMI'K^ rl^ r^i> V.fc. J.*¥ i f M 1 N U T E S (»/■• i[||. PROCEEDINGS OF THE FIRST SESSION "I IIIK r\ -' J^'HN Skmmkn^ «* ^ ^m MI N UTES nv rill n lanitnoa & North West LnmerGnce, HKM) IN THl^ riTV OF WI>y!rK(i, AUCIUST 1ST TO AUGUST 6T1I. iS8v i,URSUAN'l' to the nrtion of the (leneral Confer- ence of the Nfethodist ('hurch of ('anada, at tlic Z/^f^\ call of its President, the Rev. S. 1 ). Kick, I). !)., /^ '1^ the I'irst Conference for Manitoba and the North -^ ' West, assembled in. Wesley Hall, Main Street, Winnipeg, at lo o'clock a.m., of Wednesday, the ist \ of August, iSS^. The President, the Rev. Okokcf-: YouNd, I). I)., Super- intendent of Missions tor Manitoba and the North West, occupied the chair. ^) \(I\CIIS Ol 11(1 KIKS'I MWIIOi'.N < 'tMlUr.VCr. After an houi -^iK-ui in inascr, iIk- IVesidtnt reviewed the work which li;ul lui essitated the oigani/ation oi an Ajinual Cont'ereiiie in this <()untr\. referred to \hc appoint nient. I)v the (leneral ( 'onlereiici'. ot" hiniseU" as the first President fheri'ol. in(h( ated the siihii-ci.s to he discussed, and e.vliorted to eonsrientioiisness and < haril\ in the dis( harge of the ihities im idem to our new relations. n The President called th- ( 'onleren( e Roll, and 47 anies were recorded, representing tlie Meml)ers of the (lonferent e i)resent. w Tile ("onterence ])ro(cedtd lo ballot lor Secretary hereupon the Rt'V. joii\ Si \i\ii n> was ele( ted. The Secretary made suitable acknowledgement of the honor conferred u|)on him. On noniination of the Secretary, the ReN'. I. E. Hl'X- vv.u. was appointed .\> i^tani Sc( retary. and the Rev. (1. K. ;\r>AMs. journal Se( ret.',rv. On motion the h)llowing brelhren weri- ap|)ointed to rei)()rt the |)roceeflings of ( 'onfereiice to the press:-- Kk\ . I. W. IlKl.l., r.. I ).. . 'I'.i Christian CitarJiau. \\V.\ . W . W. < '('ll'! IIS. To W'cshyan. Kkv. T. 1;. M.MLA.S LAWSON. '' WELLINGTON' HKIUGKMAN, ^ 6. -TEMPERANCE. I'Kv. J. W. IJLLL, 15. 1). " j. F. MKTTS. " T. 15. \]K\ .\'U\, 15. A. " jonS .McLKAN, 15. A. ^' (L'AkLKs m\-i:rs. 7.- CONTlNCiENr KLND. I or U) a«l(l lo their number. [SEF. KESOUmON.] mmm wmmmmm^ OK THK MKTHODIST CHURCH OF CANADA. II i6.— BOOK ROOM COMMITTEE. THE PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE. Rev. E. a. STAFFORD, M. A. •' GEORGE DANIEL. " W. L. RUTLEDGE. " T. E. MORDEN, B. A. " T. L. HELLIWELL. ^CoL. W, N. KENNEDY. CEOIUiE H. FLINT, Ks... S. R. PARSONS. E8t*. C. A. WILLSON, Esq. T. H. PRESTON. Esq. J. S. AlKINS, Esq. [sp:k resolution.] 17.-TJEUT. (iOV. OF MANITOBA'S ADr)RF:.SS. THE PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE. Rev. E. a. STAFFORD, M. A. W L. RUTLEDGE. " GEO. DANIEL. With power to add to their number. 18. -IJEUT.-dOV. OF. N. \V. T.'S ADDRESS. Rev. W. J. HEWITl. " COLEMAN BRISTOL, M. A. W. H. GIBBS, Jr.. Esq. * t . 19. -CAMP MEETINCS. Southern Section. -THE PRESIDENT OF CONFERENCE Rev. J. SEMMENS. " J. E. HUNTER. " W. R MORRISON. " J. H. Rl^TTAN. " GEOF^JCl': DANIEL. 12 MINflKS OK THK. I-'IRST MANITOP.A CONFKRKNCK 19. ('AMI' MKK'riNCfS Conhnukk. WKMKKN Sk( HON. THE rKESIDENT OF rONFERENCE. Rev. W. J HEWITT. " J H. JOSLYN. (SKK KKSOI.I' riON.] 20. TRK.V^l RKKS OF CONNEXIONAi. FUNDS. General Confekence Fond- Rev. E. A. STAFFORD, M A. r jiiiDREN's Funo-Kkv JAMES WOODSWORTH. roNTiNGENT Rev W. R MORRISON. Ein( ATIONAL SdPKRANnATIO.N - Sabbath School— 21. MK.VinKKOFC FN'I'RAF BOARD OF MISSIONS. TiiK Rev. JAMES WOODSWORTH. 22. MF.M15KR OI" I'R.WSl'ER COMMIl TEK. The Rev. E. A. STAFFORD, M. A. ()rFsrio.N. W'liat i'rohationers for tiie Ministry are this vcar admitlcd iiUo Uill connexion witli the Conference, aiul (wdained ? , .\NS\VER. JOHN PETERS. ALBERT D WHEELER. ♦GEORGE RODDICK. "■'r-cviDUsly ordained iii tlu' rresbyterian Church. To he ordained for s[)c('ia] juirposes, W. M BAKER OK IHK Mi;iHODIS'r CML'RCn OF CANADA. K3 mm^ OuKSTiON -What Probationers remain on trial ? Answkr. - (a) Who ;ire the Probationers of ///.w years. W. W. ANDREWS. — " CLEMENT WILLIAMS '^ W. H. SPENCE. (/') Who arc the Probationers of /7C'0 years. W. M. BAKER. (, ) Who are the I'roljalioners of o>/r year. ROBERT H. CRAIG. GEORGE H. LONCi. D. SCOTT HOUCK DANIEL McGregor. (^L'RS'iiON.— What C\inuidatc's for our Ministry are now- received on trial ? GEORGE HANNA. '^ fW H. BUCKLER. - t On motion. Iko. Buckler was allowed his time o.i condition of completing the preliminary conrse of study previous to ist o( Jan., '84. (Question. Who are the Stiperninnerary Ministers? T. L. HELLIWELL. T. K. MORDEN.Tb, a. GEORGE RODDICK. JOSHUA ELLIOTT. N. D. PETERS JOSEPH RAWSON. Question. -How are the Ministers and Preachers stationed for the ensuing year .^ Answkr. GEO. YOUNG, D, D., President of Conference. JOH>4 SEMMKNS, Secretary. NoTK. - 'I'lir 1'. n. Aililress is in liva.kcl- when iifri-s-;;»ty. 14 NfiNrrKs OK 'IHF': v\rst mani'ioha conffcrkncii: I.--W1NNI1»E(; DISTRICT. I. Winnipeg {(irace Church) E?;ra A. Stafford, M. A. ; George N'oung, 1). D., Superintendent of Missions in the North West ; Thomas L. llelliwell, Suiicrnunierary. ^ ff 2. Winnipeg (Zion Church) ". .William I.. Kutledge ; Thomas E. / Morden, B. A., Suiiernumerary. Winnipeg, IJannatyne St ( ieorge Daniel. / Kn\efS')n John Semmens (one wanted). / Dominion City John E. Hunter. ( Morris John H. Howard. ( SKmewall J. Austin Jackson. / kat Portage and C. 1'. R William Halstead. / . Selkirk Robert 15. Laidley. / I'lympton William R. Morrison, f I'isher River Andrew W'. Ross. ;«> Berens River One to lie sent. Norway House Orrin Oerman. Oxford House Enos Langford. / Nelson River To he visited. W. W. Andrews, at College. E. A. STAEFORD, M. A., Chairman. WILLIAM L. RLITLED(;E, Fiuancial Secretary. J- 4 5- 6. "T /• 8. 9. 10, 1 1. 12. «3 14 15 II.— FORrA(;]i|TA PRAIRIE DISTRICF. \(^. Portage la Prairie James Woodsvvurth : / 17. Burnside and Prospect Alfred J. Harltrops ; 18. HiL'h P.luff Arthur W. Hames : / 19. Meadow Lea , . John H. Ruttan;. „.—• / 20. Oladstone James E. Allen : ' 21. Neepawa Isaac N. Robinson ; /' 22. P)ig Plain Benj. Franklin, M. A. (Carbcrry), / ''^' Robert Fl. Craig (Carberry); .^ 23 Minnedosa Thos. B. Willson. - / JAMES WOODSWORTH, Chairvian. A li. HAMES. f-itiniuiol Scnctary. OK rni. MKTHODIST CHURCH OK CANADA. '5 24. 25. 26. 27. 28. 28. 30, 3«- 32. 35- 34- 35- 36. ^7- 3«. 39. 40, 41. 42, 43. 44 45 46, 47 III. THE BRANDON DISIRIC'I. liramlon Charles Ladnor, \V. 11. Spence, ^ (Icorge Roddick (Brandon Hills); / MilTord and Souris City George K. Adani.s>(Sourisl)urgh), Joshua Elliot tyfSupernunierary : Rapid City William T. I )ycr : / Oak River and Slioal Lake. . . . \\ illiaiii M. leaker ; rium Creek and Souris River, J. M. lIan'.soiT(h()urijS), (ieo. Hanna ; Antlers Albert 1). Wheeler (.\lenola) ; l^irile John ¥. D^lls; Clement Williams, Joseph Rawson, Supernumerary ; Shell River Henry Kenner ; / New Dale One wanted ; Elton William M. Ikickler, under superin- tendent of Brandon (Douglas); Ciri.swold and Alexander Richard xVvisi.n (Criswold) ; Virden Thomas B. Beynon, HJ. A., N. D. Peters, Supernumerary ; Moose Mountain William G. Wilson (Moosomin) ; Mo(;somin . One wanted. CHARL7^S LADNER, C/iaimian. G. K. ADAMS, Financial Secretary. IV. THE RECrlNA DISTRICT. Regina William J, Hewitt, one wanted. Qu'Appelle Station Thomas Lawson, (Troy) Daniel McGregor, one to lie sent ; Broadview, J. H. Joslyn : li* Moo.se law (.'oleman Bristol, M. A. ; Medicine Hat and C. P. R. .Wellington Bridgeman ; -'' Sa.skatchewan One wanted ; Battleford One ti) he sent ; Prince Alljert Caleb Parker ; Carrot River. (Ine wanted, under Superintendent of Priice Albert ; Crescent City One wanted . W.J. HEWITT, C7m/rwa«. COLEMAN BRISTOL, M, K., FiKamiat Secretary, 4 wmrm^mmam mmmmmmmm % l6 ■^MINl'I'KS OK THK IIRST MANIIOI'.A ( ONKIIR I.NCK k _____ v.— THE I'EMBINA AND lURTLE MOUNTAIN DIS'l'RIC'l'. 48. Nelson and Muuntain (iiy . . .Wesley W. Coli)ilts, one to he sent; 49 Boyne River Charles .Myer<; (Carman City) ; 50. Crystal City John \V. Bell, 15. I )., I), Scoti I louck ; 51. IJeat.-onslield Septimus ('. Colwill (Archibald) ; e2. Cyjuess River John Peters (Holland) ; 53. Carlwright Andrew .Stewart, U. I )., one wanted; 54. Turtle Mountain I'eter W. Davies (1 )eloraine), (Ico. II. Long (Deloraine), ( ' I'owell (Minnewashta.) ANDREW S'lKWART, 1!. 1)., C/tairman. J. \V. liKlJ,, \). !)., himiiitial SccrcUx)-)'. Vl.-THE SASKATCHEWAN DISTRICT. 55. Edi ronton D. C. Sanderson 56. Woodville J. Nelson, under Sujierintenilent of Kdmonttm. 57. Battle River To l)e supplied ; 58. Victoria James A. McLachlan ; 59. Stony Plains To be supplied ; 60. White Fish Lake Heiny H. Steinhauer ; 61. Calgary One wanted, James Turner (left without an appointment on account of ill health) : 62. Slave Lake To be visitetl ; ^ , 63. Blood Indians John McLean (Calgary) ; ''' j. 64. Black Foot Crossing To be supplied : "-^^ 65. Morley J ,,hn McDougall ; / 66. IMegans To be supplied ; 67. Fort McLeod Qae wanted ; 68. Sarcee Indians .To be supplied. JOHN McDOUCiALL, Chairmnu. JOHN ls\(\j\\;\^^ Finaucial Secretary, I. q OF I HI, MKIHODIST CirikCII ()!• CANADX. •7 VP Reports of Committees. 1. -STATE OF 'I'HK WORK. The Committee apiunnled by this (.'ont'ercnce to ivixirton ihv slate of the work, recognize with thanksgiving to vXhnighty C.o.i, the success which has crowned the efforts of our kxborers, l)oth in the Indian and in the white work during the past. Al)ove forty years ago, the first Missionaries were sent lu labor among the aborigines of this land. During this dnie, very many have been led to renounce their Paganism and cml-iace ihe Christian faith. These labors have been fruitful, not only in their direct results— the conversion of the Indians but also in teaching loyalty to British rule, and friendship to the incoming white settlers. The peaceful relations of the two races, induced to no small extent, by the efforts of our Missionaries, and specially by the labors of the late*'^ Rev. (ieorge MclJougall, is a matter of world-wifie comment. But, although much has been done in the past for the Indian tril)es of this land, a great deal remains to be dofie. The Dimiinion (lovernment is now e deavoring to settle the Indians on their reservations, and stren- uous efforts should be put forth to reach them there. The degrading eftects of frontier civilization on the Indians ought to be prf)mptly met by the labors of our Missionaries. In this connection your committee beg leave to call your attention to the fact that recently a large body ofr Indians, numbering some two thousand, has'gone north fron Fort Walsh to their reservation on the North Saskatchewan. It is important that they be followed immediately, and that attention be also given to the l8 MlNim.S C>K I UK llKSr MANl'IOHA CONFKRKNCK / reservations Ijordrriny on such cc-ntrts as Kcgina. <^)u'Ai'pelK' aivl I IJroadview. A larj^o minibcr of Indians ai«' settled at lilackfoot Crossing, / and as yet have n<> Missionary. This tribe heretofDre has been scattert^d and in a great measure inac('essa!)ie, but now they are settled on their I reservation and leadyfor a Missionary. Fifteen years aj^o the first Missionary, wlioni we now delight to lionor as I'resideiit of this new < 'onferonoe, was sent to labor anionj^ the ./ white settlers on tin- Red Kiver. I'"r(.ni that lime till the presen' the vvork, has !)eeii vigori)Usly prosecuted as far as men and money were available. < 'n lucking nver the ))resent stale of tb.is department of um work, we see reasons for devout thanksgiving to the great Head of the ('hurch for the measure of success vouchsaferl, and reasons also for renewed diligence and earne.-t consecration in order that we may meet the demands of the present and the reijuirements of the future. The unsettled condition .xnd circumstances of the first few years of life in a new country are such as are fraught with dangers to the stability of the religious life. These dangers we wouUl sjjccify as : (i.)--Neglect of the meaiis of grace for the public and private. Although the new settlers of Manitoba and the North West are church going juople, yet your commiUee camiot ignore the fact that there are many who pra( ically neglect the public means of grace. Your com- mittee would also beg leave to point out the fact that in the remoter settlements where there have been no i)ublic means of grace for one or two years, even tliose who l>efore were failhlul attendant.s become very careless. The intense a])])lication to business and the haste to be rich interfere most seriously with the devcjlional reading of tlie Word and family worship. Your committee would urge most strongly the importance of family religion as the basis of all spiritual life as well as of all true national life. (2.)--The spirit of speculation engendered by the late Innnn your committee regrets to observe, had a very bad effect on the religious life of the i)et)ple. (3.) With tlie old foes, •-intemi)erance and Sabbath desecration, --we have still to contend. For these and kindred forms of evil, your committee has no new antidote to prescribe. The faithful application OK IIIK MKTFmiilST CHlTRCir OK CANADA. >9 of (livinr truth ttacles in the way of the completeness of our orj^ani/.ation, and the efficiency of onr lai)ors, is the want I in the newer settlements) of siiitai)le places in which to hold our services. Until we have churches, we cannot employ the wliole machinery of Methodism, and in proportion as we cannot employ il, in that proportion we fail in obtaining:; the object at which we aim. W'l" note, therefore, with profound satisfaction, tlie success of the "(!lnirch and Parsonage Aid .Scheme." ^'our conmiittee would respectfully call the attention of all our Missionaries to the importance of visilin}; outlyinj^ districts adjoininj^ their fields, and of making for theii own use, and that of their successors, lists ol the names of meml)ers and adherents of our (. hurch. \ ery have l)een lost to the (."hurch lhrou>;h neglect of this very im- many portant hity, W, J. in: WITT. Chainiiau. ANDKKW srKWAkT. \\.\y, Secretary 2. -REPORT OK COMMirrKE OX CHURCH I'ROI'KRIV. I.--VourCommittee reconuuend that immediate and vip;orous action be taken on all our Missions to secure e!ii;ible sites for churches and parsonages. IX. ._ Your Committeee would draw serious attention to the im- portant matter of securing satisfncK.ry titles to all i)roperty ac(iuired by our Church: and in cases where the i)roi>erty i^ held under any other than our own "model ^\ccd," no lime be lost in securing such property to the Connexion in the regular wa}-, and in didy recording the same. Blank forms of the " model i\^^^i\ " may be had iip.ui application to Wilson Bros., 320 Main Street, Winnipeg. III. "\\'hereas the necessary acts of incorporation, entitling ovir 90 MINU'IF.S OF IMF FIRST MANironA C'OV FF.Rf NCK Chiiroh to h()lK(;f. \ Orsc;, I). I)., . .Winnipej;. Kk\. \V. |. Ukuiit, Kegina. \\K\ . ( oi.K.M \N Hkisioi., M.A Moose Jaw. Kkv. John Mrl )»>I(;ai,i., Morley. 1 . H. Hkns. )\, Ks(j Ke^^ina. \V. II. (111! IIS, Jk , Ksfj Kc|;ina. Stki'MKN H. (AswKi.i., Ks<,t Troy. Kif'KAKn 1 1 \KiMsiY, K^(.» Kdnionton. I\'.- \'iiur Loinniitlee riirther recommend that at as early a date as practicalile, sets of phins of churches and parsonaj^es be prej)are(l to meet the varied wants and jieculiarilies of this rapidly devehjping country. In mu ju(i}i;ment such action would tend to secure suitability, convenience and economy. In order to give this clause eftcct, we also recommend 'hat the I'residenl of Conference, Secretary of Conference, and ihi' l\cv. 1". A. StafTord, M. A,, be ap|)ointed a committee to secure such plans, and to su))ply information on these matters lo applicants. It is further suggested that the ex|)enses of this Committee be borne by the Treasury of the Contingent Fund. JAMKS WOOD.SWORTH, Chairman. W. \V. HRIDCKMAN, .StY/r/rt/.)/. 3. REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON STATISTICS. In presenting this report, the Committee regrets to say that from some fields no report has come to hand, and from others the reports are incomplete. \'our Committee, having carefully considered the various subjects )>resented, begs leave to [.resent the following report : — I here are al present sixty-eight missions and circuits in connection (»K IHK MKIMODIS'l (HlKLIl Ol CAN.\I)\. 21 Willi tills Coiiffri'iicc, «)l whicli live ;ire sell ^ii^tainin^ ; lorly-six mis- sions to the wliiti- si'ttlors and mmiiiciii iri'a("liinj]; stations, wlu-ri' rimilar services are niainiaiiitd ; t<-iiy.ti^;hi chiirrhvs, thirty-two pnrsonaj;cs, and twelve rent<'d limisfs. The services are attended liy i.v'^75 hearers. 'I here are 2,8Sj members, and l,7<)7 families in coniu ctiun with our ('hiireh. I'or Ministerial support, there was raised last year $13,085, which ainouiit will lie larjjjily increased diirinj^ the current year. The Society Classes luiinher eighty-two, the .Sunday .Schools sixty-eighl. Voitr Committee be^ leaxe to recommend the Conference to instruct the brethren to procure a hiller aecouiil of the number of members and adherents, -o that a more exact reconi can be m.idc. JOHN W. WVIA., I'.. I)., CInjIrniait. S. !•: ( ( )1.\\ ILL. S,.n/ary. 4.-REPORrOF CHIIJ)KK\S I UXI) COM MIT'I'EE. Vour Committee met, and after canfully considerinj; this subject licfjs to report a.s follows : — On the understanding th.nt the receipts And disb'irsemenls of this hmd are to be n' oain-d by the Toronto C'onference Children's Kund Committee for the present )ear, no action was deemed necessary. The per capita tax u[)on the ratealile membership being llxed at forty-four cents. Your Comniiltee presents the follow ing figures, which, thcnigh not exact, are as nearly so as couM be ascertained : number of church members, 1,977 ; number of claimants fifty tive, which at $30 each would recpiire a tax of eighty-four cents, /vr rapul of the memliership. This is exclusive of our Indian work. Whereas the Manitoba and North West Conference is composed almost entirely of nnssion fields where the populatirm is at present limited, and whereas the number of claimants on the Children's F'und IS largely out I'f |ro|u)rtion lo the membership, yom' ('omniiltee there- ■1 ■> MlNlfTKS ()V TIIK riRST MWnOP.A CONKl.RKNCK tore suggests t;:;i( this Conrcreiicc nu'iuoriali/e the Centrnl Hoard of Missions, or, in event of union, the (General Conference to make such provision as shall enable this Conference to pay the claimants upon the Children's i-und on the basis of the Toronto Conference Children's Fund, without a larger /i.vwrt/'/Ai lax upon our membership. V(;ur Connnittee would also suggest the appointment of llrother Wooilsworth as Conference Treasurer. TAMES WOODSWORTH, Scrrf/ary. |. A. JAl'KSON, Chniriiian. REPORT Ol' THE lU^ARD OF EXAMINERS. I. -APPORTIONMKNT OF THE WORK AND PRELIMINARN' COURSE K^V STUDY. Greek and Latin Rev. Benjamin Franklin, F. A. Mathematics Rev. A- Stewart, B. D. Natural Science Rev. W. L. Rutledge. Modern Language, Rev. T. Bevnon, B. A. Theology Rev. Jas. WooDswoRTti. FIRST YEAR'S COURSE. Angus' BibleHand-Book, part I, chap. ito3,REV. W. L. Rutledge. Smith's New Testament History Rev. A. Stewart. B. D. Smith's Old Tectament History Rev. A. Stewaut, B. D. Wesley s Sermons, Rev. Ja^;. Woodsworth, Exegesis Rev. E. A. Stai-ford, MA Theology Rev. Jas. Wordsworth. SECOND YEAR S COURSE. Angus, part i, chaps 4 and 5 Rev. W. L. Rutledge- Cxospel of St John ((}reek) Rev.E A.Stafford.MA History Christian Church Rev. J. W. Bell, B. D. Pope, vol. I Rkv. C. Bristol, M A. oi' ihk MiyiiioDisi ciirKcn oi cwnxda. 23 THIRD YEAR'S COURSE Epistle to Romans (Greek) Rev, E. A. Stafford, M. A. Bain's Rhetoric, Rev. }as. Woodsworth. Stevens History of Methodism Ri:v. f. W. Bell, B. D. Pope, vol. J I Rev. Coleman Bristol, M. A. Shedd's History of Doc, vol I., . .Rrv. A. Stlwart, B. D FOURTH YEARS COLKSE. Pope, vol. in , Rev. C. Bristol, M. A. Wright's Logic uf Christian E\idences Rt.\ . j W. Bell, B, D. Diman's Theistic Argument Rev. W. I.. ]{utledge. Milne's Elementary Notions ci Lcj^ic. .Rev. B. Franklin. B. A. Day's Logical Praxis Rev. B. Franklin, B. A. Murray's Hamilton Re\ . 1'.. A. Stafford, M. A. Fletcher's Checks, Rev. J. F. Betts. Natural Science Rev J. F. JJetts. Modern Language Rev. T. B. Bevnon, B. A. Discipline Methodist Church Rev Jas. Woodsworth. 2. - RULES RKSl'EC'l'INCi (.'ANDIDA'IES. Nothing in our present course of study shall l>e understood to prevent a District Meeting, in special cases from lecommenr'ing a candidate to the Conferetice for reception on trial after examination by the Chairman before the District Meeting, on the subject of the Preliminary Course of Study. The examinations on the various districts shall be conducted on the first Wednesday of May; and in cases where probationers are far removed frcm the place appointed ior the examination, they may, by dispensation of the President of Conference, be examined under the supervision of their respect i\e Superintendents The Examinations shall be conducted within each district in which there are probationers, by the Chairman of the district and the members of the Examining Board resident within the district. ]:. A. STAFFORD. 24 MINril> ^'1 I HI \l\0\ M\Mln|!\ ( n.\ H.K KNCK C. - KEPORl Ol' IKAirKRANCE COMMITrEE. Your Committee cannot but deplore the fact that in spite of the many guards that were thrown around this country, the liquor traffic has broken in and assumed enormous proportions, so that now the most constant and earnest effort on the part of all friends of sobriety will be required to stem the torrent and save our land from the overflowing curse. We have noticed with satisfaction the increasing activity in temperance work in the Province of Manitoba, especially in the regular Templar Lodge and the Blue Ribbon movement in Winni- peg. Your Committet^ respectfully remind the Conference that legal prohibition is the only goal and logical outcome of all temperance effort, and would urge every member to use the utmost effort to help to attain this desirable end. We would call the atten- tion of this Conference to the fact that the liquor permit system has been terribly abused in the added territory of Manitoba and in the North West, and would respectfully sugjlhodist church of Canada." 28 MINTII'.S nV T\\\: riRSl' MWrmiiN fOXFKUFXCF. ^^. RKV. JAMKS WOODSWOR'ni S SERMON. It was moved by Rev. C.oKMnan I'ristol. M.A., .sc-onded by Rev. S. K. ("olwill : '■' Thai vvc listened witli much |>K'nsiirt ;iih1 innflt to the soundly Melhodistie, ai>le nn(\ laithful sernvm hy Rev. (as. Woodsworlh, Y delivered in Wesley Hall Insi evening, and lliat vse hereby tender to him our i/raieful >-ense ot" the value of tlie discourse." Carried. 4.- AlM'RF.CLVriOX OF KINDNESS. On motion of Revs. Messrs. (!()l]>itts and Ruttan, it was ki'.soi.v i-.D- " rhat the thanks ol" the Conference are due and hereby presented to our many friends in Winnipej;;, who have so kindly opened to us their d(M)rs and so generously entertained us at iheir homes during the sessions of this Conference, and we unite to pray liuit the blessing of the Lord rest u|)(mi them." It was also resolved that the thank> of ihe Conference be presented lo the Ministers of Winnipeg for their kindness in frnding homes for us, and we re<|uesi that they read the former resolution from their pul)iit> riext Lords day. S.-THANKS 10 HLSTORICAE SOCIF/rV. ■ 1 1 was niovcd by Rev. j. Retts, seconded by Rev. W. T. I )yer : "That the thanks of this Conference be tendered to the Historical Society of this city, lui granting to our Ministers the free use of their library, and that .\ copy of this resolution bt foiwarded to the Society liv the Secretarx ." Carried. OF THE .Ml'/IHOniS'I' fTH'I^CII OV CAWDA. 29 6. (iRA'iriTJDK K) ("()NkkrF':x(:k post mastkr. On motion of Revs. Messrs. Riitloclgo and W Ood.wortI). "Tlu; thanks (if the ('(infcronoi- wcic leiulcicd Kov. Mr. I Janirl for acting as ('oiiffronce pos{ master : also to the post master of Winnipep; for iilaeing a post office l)o.\ ;it the disposal of th.' < oiifereiice. "" 7. -IN KA\OR Ol" BRO. Mi 1, KAN. On motion of Revs. Mcsm-s. Hunter and Rridgenian, it was jr Rfsolved; "That having heard Bro.john McLean's statement of his w(?rk among the Blackfeot Indians, and of his great need of help, this Conference gives Bro. IMcLean permission to solicit subscriptions within the bounds of the Conference, to relieve his financial embarrassment." 8. RELATIVE 'lO COLEEOES. Moved by Re\-. K. A. Stafford, M. A., secoiided by Re\. James W^oodsworth, and Resolved : — " Th.at as a Conference we affirm our conviction that m these North Western provinces, collegiate education should be controlled by the various churches in colleges affiliated to the Provin- cial University, and v.-e are persuaded that as a denomination without great moral influence, and of position in the community, we can- not longer dtilay to provide, at as early a date as possible, for the opening of colleges for the education of both sexes, and inasmuch as a charter was granted some nine years ago to a Board constituted to take charge of a college for male students, the Conference appoint y the following gentlemen (see Committees, No. 15) as a Committee, r to act conjointly with that Board as need be in taking steps to secure buildings, endowments, and to attend to any other necessary pre- liminarv work for the opening of such schools " 30 MIXUI'i:^ OF '[[fF. FIRST \[,\NTIOr,\ cnNFFRKNCF: 9. rilANKS TO THK C. W R. COMIWNV. It was moved !>\ Rev. W . IJridgeman. seronded by Rev. Thos. Lavvson, and carried ; " That the thanks of this Conference be tendered to theC. P. R authorities for their kindne-s and consideration in granting half fare permits to the Ministers of the Methodist Church of Canada, and for their liberal consent to carry building material for church jnirposes at reduced rates : and also that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the C. P. i^ authorities, and onf sent for pnblica- ation in the city press. ' 10. -CAMP .MKF;riN(;s. On mrti(;n of Revs. Messrs, Rridgeinan and Riittan it was Rksolveh — " That at aseaily adateasp(^ssibletwocampmectir,fre- pared ^s speedily as pos^^ible a translation of suitable religious bo ks, for the use of the Indians in the North West, in the syllabic characters, and that sermons prepared by our Indian Missionaries be published in the English orthography for the use of our Mission Teachers and then; unable to read the syllabic characters, and ihat hnguisiic helps be kept on hand at the mission rooms, that mission- ary agents may without dirticully be able to procure them. ' "I- I III Mil llonisT ( H|-K( H »i| ( \\ \!)\, ,V 12. A rONFl':RKXCE Ml^MKN'I'O. It was resolved on motion of Kcv. A. Stewart, stconded by Rev. W. 'I\ Dyer: ■'That the Confertnce promise their sympathy and support to the Bishop Lithographing and Printing Co.. for having prepared 1^ a paper with reference to the history of our church work in the land, and also to the present Confertmce Session " Carried. 13. -P.OOK ROOM WANTED. On motion hy Rev.s. Messrs. Stafford and Dyer, ii was Resolved: -•" That a committe be appointed, by nomination of the I'resident, consisting of an equal number of ministers and laymen to consider the advisability of establishing a book rooin at Winnipeg,^ and of issuing a small paper devoted especially to the interests of Methodism in this Conference and the Niith West. ' (See Com mittees.) 14. -NON-MEM 15KRS W EI. COM ED. Moved by tlie Rev. E. A. Stafford, M. .\., seconded bv the Rev. James W oodsworth, and Kesolvkd: — "That brethren laboring within the geographical boundary of this Conference, but who had not been formally trars- ft'rred int(j the Toronto Conference bere(|uested to participate in all the proceedings of this Conference, sptaking and voting ; e.vcept that they shall not \ote upon any question having such legal bear- ings that an illegal \-ote ^vould \itiate its effect." 15. IIIE CASE Ob BRO. NELSON. On motion of Revs. J ohn M< : Eean and William Halstead, it was ^ Resolved. —"That the Chairman of the Saskatchewan District be authorized to employ John Nelson of Wood\ille, N, W. T. , with a view to his special ludination for the Indian work," ^2 MINUIK.s or nil, llk.^ .MAMimiA lONlhKKNtl. i6. AlJOUr BRO. I'OW i:i-l;S KXAMlNATlOxN. Il was moved by Rov. j. N\'. Bell, B. I)., seconded by llu: Rev. W. J. Hewitt : " That in accordance with the resolution of the Toronto Confer ence, Bro Powell be allowed to write for his preliminary course ou the text books of last year." 17. MF/l'HODlS'r UNION. Rev. James Woodsworth moved the following resolutions, seconded by Rev. \V. L. Rutledge : " That as a Conference, we cannot lose the opportunity of ex- pressing our high satis^'action at the progress made by the great movement for the unilication of the four Methodist (.'hurches of Canada : that the united committee agreed upon a basis upon which it was thought a union could be affected ; that this basis has received the endorsation of an overwhelming majority of the laity of all the churches concerned ; and that a very large majority of the ministers assembled in their various conferences likewise cordially accepted the provisions of this basis , and in view of the possibility of a limitless expenditure o'' money and of moral force for no desirable end in this great and rapidly developing North Western country if the present be perpetuated ; and in view of the many desirabb results of such a union, other than the avoidance of the aforesaid evils, we express an earnest desire that nothing may prevent the acceptance of the basis of union by the General Conference, soon to assemble, and that the crowning act of union in the assembly of the General Conference of the united church may, by the blessing of God, be brought about at the time provided for in the basis." After a long and interesting discussion, in which many of the brethren took part, the resolution was unanimously carried, ■P ( i| I III. Ml.lilODIM I lirUt II (M ( \N.\I».\. ^^ i8.- KFX'OCrNri'ION Ol' MKRIl'. Ri'Sdlvctl, on motion of Kcvs. Messrs. Stewart and I .an^ford : "That we gladly rcxognize the success attending the work of the r Rev. Orrin German, of Norway House Mission, in his translation of a part of the catuctiism, many of our hymns, and several tracts into the Cree language, and also tin; fact that stups hnvi; heen taken for the translations to be published in the syllabic character. Rt;v. Mr. German being now in Toronto to oversee the work. ' 19. THE CONl'KRKXCK OF NFX T VK.AR. Revs. Afessrs. Kuticdgc and Morrison moved: " That the next annual ses.sion of the Conference be held in /ion Church, Winnipeg." Amendments were moved by Revs. Messrs. Hames and Hewitt in favor of Portage la Prairie, and by Revs. . Messrs. Lawson and Beynon in favor oif Brandon, the latter of which was carried by a considerable m~ajorTty. On motion ( f Revs. Messrs. McDougall and Hewitt : The date of the next .\nnual Conference was tixed as the third Wednesday in June, 1884. 20.- COURSE OF sriJDFES lOR VHK INDIAN WORK. On motion of Revs. Messrs. Stafford and Bell, it was Resolved :—" That, inasmuch as candidates who are expected to labor only in the Indian work recpiire special (lualihcations not dependent wholly upon scholastic status, the General Conference be requested to have a special course of study prepared for such candidates as has been done for laborers in the French and German work, and that such course of study be confined almost exclusively to theological subjects, and give proper recognition to the work of acquiring any branch of the Indian language." 34 MINl'IKS OV nil \\K>\ MWrrOllA C(»NI'I..KKNrK y 21. -A WANT KXI'KKSSKI). • Klso1v(.'(1, on motion of Kcvs. Messrs. Morrison and Manics: " That this Annual <"onli:rence memorialize the (leneral Confer- ence at its next session to chanRc the law of the Church, so that married men well qualified for the Indian work can be employed in the active work of our Church. " 22. AN()riii-:K. 'I'lio folloNvini; resolution was adopted on niolion of Kcvs. Messrs. Hell and ( "olwill ; " That, whereas the working of thi: Children's Ktnid has been found to be very unsatisfactory, and in many cases \»ry oppr( sMve, therefore, this Conference would respectfully memorialist; the (ieu eral Conference to the effect that the Children's Fund should bt; either abolished, or so re-arranged that its working may be established on an entirely new basis " STANDING RESOLUTIONS. ORDKR OK CONNKXIONAL COLLEC'l'TONS. The collections in aid of the Connexional Funds shall be taken u[i in the following order, viz : — 1. CoNTiNGEN'i Ftno: — In tile uionths of September and March 2. Sm'KkANUATKD MiNisTHRs FuND : In themonth of November. 3 Kducationai. Fund:— In the month of April. 4. Sabbath School Fund :— In the month of September. 5. General Conference Fund . - In the month of July. MINIS riCRS REMOVINc;. On motion of Revs. Messrs. Hewitt and Bridgenian, it was Resolved: — "That a preacher removing from one circuit to another shall be responsible for two Sabbaths after Conference for the circuit he is leaving, and be required to be on his new circuit the third Sabbath after Conference." OF Tin: .Mi;TFior)isi cni;KCii or canada. $5 ADDRESS ro THE LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OK 11 IK NORTH WEST ri<:RRIT()RlKS. — ~>- - ,"i(i-f.-r-u To the IJovorabli' E. Pcicdm'v, v>7'., Licutenant-Uovoiior (if NtirtJi West Territories. HoNORKi) Sir: — We, the ministers of the Manitoba and Nortli West Conference of the Methodist ('hurch of Canada, in this our first session, desire to e\j)ress our apjjreciation of the uni- form courtesy, kindness and help vvliith our missionaries have received from you in the jirosecution of their work. ReaHzing the difficuhies of your position in this new country, we would assure you that in the initiation and car- ryintr out of the methods for the well being of the widely- 36 ^fINrT^■.R of thf, first manitoha conference !; r r scattered (.onimunijcs over whicli you ndminister Hei Majesty's laws, yoii will always lind in our missionaries willing CO operators. We mark, with great satisfaction, the efforts to place the Indiaii hands on their reservations; and are panting forth efforts to su|)piy teachers and ministers, as far as j>ossihle, to all the hands yet unvisited. One suhject has been brought |)rominent!y l)eforc the Conference that we can only carry out witli your efficient co-operation, namely, the liquor permit system. We do not think that no permits should be issued, but we are ot opinion that they should be onl\- under very exce])tional circum- stances. Believing, as we do. that the absence of intoxicants tends to advance the interests of societ)- in all res])ects, we would pray your pAccllency kindly to lessen the number of permits and to restrain the abuse of mv permit system, as far as is consistent with )-our position and with the individual rights of our fellow citizens. That your term ol" office ma\' l)e a pleasant one, and that the country may pros])er in every respect under your administration, is the earnest wish of the members of thi.< Conference. Signed on behalf, and by order of the Conference. CKOKC.K V()UN(;, rrciidcnt. JOHN SKMMKNS, Scndary. ■ OF PHK METHODIST CHURCFf C)\. CANADA. 37 ADDRESS VO IHK LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR Ol I III' PROVINCE OV MANITOBA. To iiiK HoNOKAiM.i: Jamks Cox A i kins, I.ifu ri':NAN'i' Governor (.)k ini. rKoviNCE oi- Maniiui-.a. J\f(7y it please your Flonor: \W desire, as a (^'onference, to ex[)ress to you our very great satisfaction at your appointment to the high position of Representative of theautliority aud power of our honored and beloved Sovereign in this Province, and to assure you of the continued attachment of ourselws and the people we represent to Her Majesty's jierson, and (o the laws and in slitutions of her realm. 38 MINUTES OF THE FIRST MANITOliA CONFERENCE ^Ve gratefully recognize the inestimable value to this new community of your personal influence, in >our distin guished |)osition -always in sympathy with the Christian Church and its enterj)rises,~-and we assure you that the l)ractical support given by you to the great 'remjierancc cause is highly ajipreciated by the Christian people of the Province. We know that we need but ask your attention to the frecjuent disregard of wholesome laws calculated to hold the traffic in intoxicating drinks under restraint, especially i\\ the abuse of what is called the permit system ; and tu ask you that you will exercise whatever influence may lie in your prerogative to have the regulations relating thereto en forced in the si)irit in which they wove desiimed We assure you that your administration will always have the most hearty supjjort of our ministers and i)eople in ever) part of the Province; and we jjray that >-()ur term of office may be as i>leasant to yourself and family as we are sure it will be jjrosperous to the community. Signed on l)ehalf of the Manitol)a and North W est Conference, of the Metliodist Church of Canada. (iE()K(;K VOUNC;, /'m/,/.///. JOHN SKMMICNS, Srm'/an: tmmmmmm. OF riii. Mi/nioDim rm'k( n of canada. 39 PASTORAL ADDRESS (■>{■• IIIF, iPanittiba ami ^(ivt(| l|}cot ^miual ^oijfcvciuc 7 (J t/w MenibcrsJiip muicr i/s can-. •••» • — • Dearly Beloved Brethren: I In harmony with a custom long observed and greatly honored I by our people, we, your pastors assembled in our Conference, ad dress to you our affectionate greetings. We have met together to organize ourselves into a Conference which shall have the especial oversight of the work of God in our denomination throughout these great and rapidly developing provinces of the North West ; and we gratefudy assure you of the many indications of the Divine favor man- ifestec .o us during our deliberations, and in the various religious ser vices held in connection with, and as a part of Conference work. We have abundant assurance that Providence has guided the course of events that has resulted in the creation of this the seventh Con- ference of our church in this Dominion. 40 ^nNUTl•> OK liii; iik^i manikuia c on'ki.kknck It is not, however, an event that will result in any new laws or, in any marked degree, in new methods in the administration of old ones. The religious life ar'\ activity of the various congrega- tions will go on as before. The responsibilities of the membership of the church to God, and to each other, will not be lessened in any degree. We hope, however, that by the annual meeting in council of those who are most intimately acquainted with the work on the various circuits, we will both gather new- zeal in the prosecution of our toil and aid each other in reaching the wisest means of guarding the interests of our church over our widely extended territory. Enough is said in other influential publications upon the vast ness, the exhaustless resources, and the glorious future of this North Western world, so that we need not dwell upon such topics ; but we must not forget that a great door of opportunity standing open means the obligation to perform correspondingly great duties. The population at present settled in these provinces will have very great influence in determining what its future shall be. In moral and religious character, in intelligence and enterprise, the earliest inhabitants will be the guides, to a large extent, of those who come later. It is, therefore, of the highest importance that we and you give all diligence to establish and maintain the ordinances of the christian church, and all the means of grace peculiar to our own denomination, in every settlement where the nucleus of a future church organization may be formed. We do not desire to inculcate a love of denominationalism which shall exceed our love to chris tianity ; for we cherish, and pray that all our people may also cherish the most kindly feeling toward all christian people of every name, and rejoice likewise in the success of all christi3n effort, but at the same time we are persuaded that methodism is calculated to meet certain demands of society which would otherwise be entirely neglected. We are well assured that the world still needs our living testimony to a conscious interest in the saving power of our Lord Jesus Christ. Spiritual religion is the only bar that can successfully resist all the various forms in which unbelief may appear. We do not believe that infidelity is any more determined, more violent, or more powerful than it has been in days that are gone, but in form,-? tmmmmmmm HHP^^^ OK IHI', MKI lloDISI ('mk( !l OK (WNADA. 4' more delusive, in words better calculated to impress and deceive, and in ways more subtle, refined by the extjuisite art of this present age, unbelief is crowding with persistent energy its hopeless battle of all past time. Ecclesiastical organizations merely have always been weaker in resisting its attacks than wooden walls in the presence of modern explosive forces; but the religion of the heart that finds God in prayer, the faith that sees into the unseen, have never been successfully resisted by any force arrayed in opposition to Christ and his cause. The humble preacher has wielded a stronger arm than the polished writer— the plain evangelist has comforted advanced scholarship — the Holy Ghost is mightier than scientific deductions. We feel, therefore, that here as elsewhere, the responsibility of Methodism is great ; and we earnestly exhort you to scrupulously maintain and exemplify the experience of vital piety. Let not mere talk about the love of goodness beguile you out of your experience in heart of the things of God. Let not sound scriptural doctrine be displaced by sentimentalism. Encourage not the sensationalism which flatters unregenerate men, and which would crowd itself into the place of the exposition and application to heart and life of God's holy word. We are convinced that to realiz' the highest fruits of enlight- ened piety it is necessary to be united in form and sympathy with those who are laboring for the same ends. Let us earnestly urge upon your attention the importance of maintaining your connection with the visible church. Thereare many other reasons which cause fre(}uent removals from one part of our wide territory to another. We call your attention to the importance of securing from your pastor, before undertaking any change in your residence, a certifi- cate of your membership with the church, and of presenting it promptly to the nearest paster upon your settlement in your new home. We fear that the neglect in this matter has caused us to lose Sight of many valuable members of our church, and pray that in this as in all things we may have your assistance in gathering all Methodist people under our pastoral care. We think we under- stand and fully sympathi.se with your difficulties and privations in establishing homes in this new land. Those among you who are MINU'IKS or IHK KIKSr MANUOli \ ( ONI' I.K KNTh more advanced in life leel deeply the breaking up of all the en- deared associations that had grown up around you during many years. You experience for a time the loss of many of the conveni- ences that are found in lands that have been long under the cul- turing hand of man ; but we congratulate you upon the fact that the laborious preparation which will secure for yourselves and children all the advantages of a high and ripe civilization needs be but short. We wa*-n you of the danger, during even this brief period under new burdens, of suffering a decline of interest in spiritual things. The difficulties of attending public worship, the class and prayer meetings, may lead to their neglect, with the thought at the time that it will be only temporary ; but no habit grows in strength more rapidly than neglect, and none is perhaps more subtle and beguiling, because it is free from any positive visible harm, but in the end it means spritual and eternal death. We cannot too earnestly dwell upon the importance of a scru- pulous observance of the Sabbath day. There is an active tendency abroad to i:eit the restrictions laid around this day as though they were simply the inventions of a priestly hierarchy, and that both manliness and liberty required an active protest against them. Let us beware of such a spirit, remembering that it is but one of the many forms in which worldliness and sin resists true religion. If the Sabbath is allowed to degenerate into a mere holiday, among any people, with that people religion will be but a name and its form even will scarcely be recognized. This is not saying that the Sabbath is all there is of Christianity, but rather that true Chris- tianity — vital religion — always preserves the Sabbath in all its sacredness. Let us remember that no priestly hierarchy, but God the Almighty has said, "If thou turn away thy foot from the Sab- bath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord honorable, and shall honor him, not doing thine tnvn ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words, then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord ; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, r id feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father; for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it." OF IHE MKTHODIST CHrRCH OV CAxVADA. 43 We would also call upon you to consider the importance of systematic giving to the cause of God. If when our income is small we consecrate one-tenth to the Lord, the habit will easily firow with our prosperity, and there will return (ipon our souls an untold blessing on the high joy of being able to do much good with t!ie temporal means wherewith God hath blessed us ; and at the same time every department of tlie work of God will be both more liberally and more certainly secured than by even the ' ichest en- dowments in lands or bonds. We are the more careful to urge this upon you because we are convinced that you will agree with us that in the rapid development which is possible in this country our cir cuits will not be dependent upon missionary aid for any long period, such as was necessary in the hewing down of the vast forests in the older provinces; but as the breadth of the field to be culti- vated is so much vaster, it is desirable that missionary grants be expended upon the newer fields constantly being opened. Closely connected with this topic is thac of education. We know that we need not urge upon you the importance of the most liberal education possible for the youth of both sexes. On this subject you feel as we do, but we have to call attention to a great need of our church at this time. We are in sympathy with the system of education in Manitoba, in which there is one Provincial University, whose functions are exclusively the examination of candidates and the granting of degrees. The teaching must be conducted by colleges in affiliation with this university. Three other religious d nominations have already established their colleges in the capital of the Province, and a fourth proposes to do so very soon. This is right. The Christian Church should exercise a wise oversiglit of collegiate education, so far as respon- sibility for .he character, qualifications and moral standing of the teachers is concerned. Now, up to the time of the meeting of our Conference, no steps have been taken by us as a Church, to provide for the higher e lucation of our own children, but we have affirmed our conviction of the importance of taking immediate action to establish a college for the education of males, and another for females ; and we have appointed mixed committees of ministers 44 MINUTKS OF IHK FIRSr MANI'lOliA CONFKRi.NCF, and laymen to proceed v ith the propc^r steps. We are sure that even now there are amon", ua enough of both sexes needing th<; ad- vantages which these schools would provide, who would enter as students, to enable the work to begin with a very respectable attendance. We ask, th<.>refore, your prayers for the succcfs of this movement, and your hearty sympathy and support in making it a complete success. The religious care of childhood, the training of our offspring for Christ, ind for his church, is another matter that has received our prayerful consideration, and which we uige upon your atten lion. Let our earliest teachings be of Christ. Let the children learn early in life that they bel i :; to God, and that among their first conscious acts should be that of consecration to his active service. And it is right that they should be taught to venerate the religion of their fathers. It is no more productive of lilial affection and piety towards God, than it is consistent with truth, for them to gather the notions and affectations that can find no good society in the church in which their fathers walked. To adorn human society with the beauty of devout piety, and of all outward purity, is an ambition worthy the noblest spirit in any denomination. Let us remember that the condition and prosperity of our church in the future must not depend upon recruits from without, but upon the spiritual care of our own families. We are constrained to ask you to unite with us in the effort to promote the great temperance movement in the highest sense of tht? word. As a church we have aimed to be a total abstinence society. We recognize with gratitude the rapid advancement being made by these principles. We pray that speedily over all this land there may cease to be any legal sanction for the manufacture and sale of anything that an intoxicate We recognize with gratitude the progress made by the movement for the union of the four Methodist bodies in Canada. The shadows of doubt as to the possible consummation of this object are fast being lifted, and before the end of the present month we confidently expect the last affirmative vote to be taken which is necessary to the assembling of the first general conference of tlu; united body early •n^ /\ OF TITK MKTHOmf^T CHURCH OF CANADA. 45 in September. This new country will be especially benefited by this great event; and instead of directini^' jur energies to compete with those whose doctrines and usages d(j not differ from our own, we will have only that healthy stimulant to earnest activity which comes from working side by side with those who represent sjme 5-,pecialty in doctrine or ecclesiasticism, and whose work is as necessary and helpful to the welfare of the country as our own. And now, brethren, fully recognizing our oneness with you in the church of God, having with you common aims and interests, and desirous of joining hands in hearty sympathy and earnest co- operation, and the dependence upon God of us all for success in our labors, and with a deep sense of gratitude for his goodness in the past in guiding us through uncommon difficulties and dangers, and realizing how short is our swift flying day of labor, we commend ourselves and you, and all the interests of our dear church to his wise and paternal care. GEOKGE YOUNG, D.D., Prc.^idevt. JOHN SP:MMENS, Sccrdary. Rfsolvf.u : — "That the pastoral address be read in each of the congregations of luir church." ^^^mmmmmmmmm 46 MINUTKS OI- THE FIRST M.\NnOf!,\ CONFKRKNCF'! CONFERENCE PUBLIC SERVICES. )Oc ■ ,j^ 1 —COMMUNION SERVICE. On Wednesday evening, August ist, the Rev. George Voung, D.J)., Superintendent of Missions in Manitoba and the Nortli \Vest, and President of the Conference, preached an interesting and instructive sermon. After the sermon, the Ministers and a goodly number of lay friends joined in tlie observance of the Lord's Supper, which jjroved a season of rejoicing and cojisecration. 2.- MISSIONARY MEETINO. 'I'he Annual Missionary Meeting was held on 'Hiursday evening. The President in the chair. Very excellent ad OF nil Mi.iHonisi ( inK( I! <>}■ ( \n.\ii.\. 47 dresses WLTc delivered by the Kcvs. John Mclean, A. \V, Ross, John McDoiij^all, and I'rincipal Cram, nt Ouccn's College. .S. - UKCKPTION SKKVICK. The reception of the Candidates tor the Ministry, who had eoinplered their term of probation, was held on Kriday evening. The president, who oceiipitd the (hair, explained the visage of the Church in reference to the reception and ordi nation of ministers. After the calling of the names of the Candidates to be received, the following brethren related their christian ex perience and call to the ministry: — John Peters and Albert I). AVheeler. 'i'he Rev. S. I). Rice. I). I)., President of the (^.eneral Conference, moved, and the Rev. E. A. Stafford, M. A., Chair njan of the WinnijK'g District, seconded the reception of the Candidates for Ordination, with thoughtful addresses, elo- (luentlv delivered. 'I'he Rev. Osborn Lambly, M. A., of Port Arthur, sup|)orted the resolution in an able manner. liV a standing vote, the Candidates were received by the Conference. The Rev. (George Young, 1). 1)., President, then ad dressed a few weighty words of practical counsel to the Ordination Class, after which followed adjournment, 48 MINI IKS OK IHI IlkSI M\NHnhA C()NKfKl:N»K 4 -SABBATfl SKRVlrES. The I.ovc I'V'Mst oil Sahhalli Dioniitij^ was condiiricd by the l\cv. W. Halstcad, and was a si-ason of pliasant christian fcllowshi)). 'Ihv Kcv. J. I''. Cicrnian, of the Toronto ("onft-rcnt i, lr|)rc-a(hcd the ot'ticiul sermon, taking for lus text, 2 Cor., iv ciiaj)., 6th verse. After tiie sermon, the IVesidenl of tlie Conference, assis- ted l)y the Chairmen of I )islri( ts and others, orthiined tlie Candidates for the Ministry, by the imposition of hands, in accordance with the order of service in the discipline of 01 Cliurch, In the evening the Rev. James Woodsworlli, Chairman of llie Portage la Prairie District, [)reached a very ean.est and instructive sermon. Several of the jiulpits of the City were also occuj)ied by members of the Conference ; and stirring addresses were given in the Methodist and Congregational and Baptist Sabbath Schools. o.- TEM PKRANCE MEETlNd. 'Hie meeting of the friends of the Tem])erance cause was held on Saturday evening. Addrc ses were given by Revs. J. W. Hell and W, T. Dyer, and the service was one of unusual interest. '"' ''II XII l||.„„>| (Ml Kdl .,1 , VNM,,v. 49 VISITORS ]NTKoin;(i:i) n» rm: CONFKKKNCK. U.v. Osl-nnu- Lambly, M. A T-.mntu ( ■....u-nncx. *' ^•^'"••^"•'<'>«10 Ncvvr.nin.llan.l Conference. " Th.nnas .\rgue m. K. ( hurch in Canada. " li- I'"- Au.slin, M. A Ahun Ladies ClieKe. " 'K I'ltK MINISTERS AND PREACHERS or THE /IDauitoba an^ IRortb Mc6t (Toutcrcncc, METHODLST CHURCH OF CANADA, TcScS^ o- ^ir"^\2 (>) ^ tiar of , , ente.-'ix \a,„e ,- •. ''^^''f'' Min-ry. ' ^"■'^""- ,,,"f Itiin. 1S7S Adams, (;. K., /•>';/. .SW Milfonl and Snuris City i 1874 Allen, J. E Cladstonc .' 2 1877 Andrews, \V. W ( "ollege 2 1883 Avison, Richa:yer, W. T Rapid City f. . . "^ Elliott. Joshua Milford and Souris ( 'ity ^ 1S72 Franklin, H , H. A Hitr i>iain 3 1872 (iernian, (.)rrin Norway House 5 1871 I lames. A. I', , /•>// .SV.- High Bluff 1 1862 Halslead, W K^i Portage and C. V. R. ... 2 1880 FlelliwelK T . Suj.'y Winnipeg 4 ll"\^ii|-d, j. II Morris \ Hunter. J. i:. . .• Dominion ("ity 1 1873 Harrison, J . M |'h,n, ("reek and Souris i 1S58 Hewiii, J. \V., Chairn.an . . . Regina 2 1882 Hauek, S. I ) ( 'rysial City 2 Hanna, ( ieo p]uni Creek and Souris River. . I ^^ Jackson, J. A Sionewall i }os\yn, J. H Broadview i 1875 Kenner, H shell River' 1 Ladnev Charles, Chairman . . Brandon i Long, Ceo II lurtle Mountain i ^ 1875 Langford. Knos Oxlord House 5 -1875 Laws<,n, T. (^)u'Ap])elle i 1880 Lai.lley, R B Selkirk 2 OF THE METHODFSr CHURCH OF CANADA. 53 3 5 2 4 I 1 I 2 2 I I 1 187: 1875 1S75 Morrison, \\', I< I'lynipton 2 I Myers, ('has lioyne River i Morden, T., 15, A., Sup'y . . W imiiiu'g . . 4 MacLachlan, J. A. X'ictoria 5 McLeaiiJohn /ifV'. . ^ Blood Indians i McCjregor, I ) (^)u'Appelle i 1871 1S72 1870 1859 188-, 1871 1851 1875 1870 1879 y 1874 1879 1864 1842 Parker, Caleb Prince Albert i I^eters, John . . . ( "ypress River i Ravvson, Joseph, Siij^'y Birtle I Robinson, I. N Xeepawa I Ross, A. \V Fisher River 4 Rutledge, W, L.. /'///. Sec, . . Winnipeg, Zion 2 Ruttan, J. H Meadow Lea i Roddick, George Brandon Hills 1 Sanderson, D, C Edmonton i Semmens, J., .SVr. 0/ Couf. . . . Emerson 2 Spence, W. [I IJrandon i Stafford, E. A., 15. A., C//fl'/r';/. Winnipeg, Grace i Steinhauer, Henry W hite Fish Lake 9 Stewart, A., \\.\).. CV/rt;//-wa«('artwright 2 Turner, J. (without station) . . Calgary • Wheeler, A.I) Antlers Williams, C Birt'e Wilson, T. B Minnedosa Wilson, W. ( ; Moose Mountain Woodsworth, J., Chairman . . Portage la Prairie 2 I 1 J I 1 Voung, (ieo., D, I)., Suft of Missions and President of Conference Winnipeg 54 MINUTES OF THE FIRST MANFlOliA CONFlORENCK GENERAL INDEX. Address lo LiEUTf:NAN'i-C;ovKRN.-)k ok Mam ioi-.a . Address to Lieutknant-CIonfrnok ok N. \V. Tkkkitokies, Aii-HAiiETicAi List ok Ml MS IE US ' Basis of L'mos. \'()te on Board ok Faamineus. Rejxjrt of Book Koom Committee B }7 51 32 1 1 Candidates kor Ministry Names of Course of Study Regulations ccmcerniiii^ . , Children's P'itnd. Report of Committee . . . Resolution concerning . . . Church Proi'erty. Report of Committee . . , Coi.i.E(;es. Resolution concerning . . , Committee on Conference. Opening of OfHcers Next Meeting of Closing of I'ultlic Ser\ ices 13 22 23 21 34 '9 :g lo 5 22 33 50 46 OF IHL METHODIST CHURCH OK CANADA. II 37 5' 1 1 22 23 CoNNEXioN'Ai, Fund Collections -,. CONNEXIONAL FUNDS. Treasurers of 1 2 Contingent Fund. Committee's Report of. ... 26 COM.MITTEES. vSunday School 8 Educational q Memorials 7 Church Property 8 Contingent 8 Temperance 8 Pastoral Address, 1883 7 I'astoral Address, 1884 Statistics 7 State (jf Work 7 Conference Special 10 Conference Services, 1884 9 I Introduc rioNs to Conference 48 21 34 19 '■9 5 22 33 .SO 46 Missions. Resolutions to Central 15oard 9-25 Member of Central Board 12 Memorials. Report of Connuiltee on 25 O Ordination Class. Names of 12 Reception of 46 Ordination of 47 ♦* for Special Purposes ,..,,.,, 12 56 MINUI'KS OF THK FIRST VlANIIOMA Cr)NKKRKNtK ■■-t--:**. Pas'I'oral Address 39 Probationers. Received into Full Connexion 12 Traveleci Three years 13 Traveled Two years 13 Traveled One year 13 Received on ^nal 13 S Special Resolutions 27 State of Work. Report of Committee on 17 Stations 13-16 Statistics. Report of Committee on 20 Sunday School. Report of Committee 25 Supernitmerary Ministers. Names of i i T Temperance. ^ Report of Committee on 24 Thanks, Votes of To Rev. J. F. German, M. A 27 To Rev. James Woodsworth 23 To Rev. Geo. Daniel 29 To Historical Society . . 28 To C. P. R 30 To City Postmaster 29 Transfer Committee. Member of 12 . ^¥\ ■;. Visitors. . Hesolution regarding ....,,,,,,,...,....,...... . 49 RKNCK 39 12 •3 • «3 • 13 13 27 17 13-16 20 25 24 27 23 29 28 3" 29 12 49