S:i| j
EMORY UNIVERSITY
DIGEST
OF
Rulings and Decisions
OF THE
bishops of the
African Methodist Episcopal Church
FROM 1847 TO 1907
BY
EDWARD W. LAMPTON, D.D.
1907
THE RECORD PUBLISHING COMPANY
WASHINGTON, D. C.
COPYRIGHT, 1907
BY
EDWARD W. LAMPTON, D. D.
YOURS FOR GOD, THE CHURCH AND RACE
EDWARD W. LAMPTON, D.D.
Sntrobufttott
Original genius is a rare gift, or natural en¬
dowment. It is not in the possession of the
average scholar or men of literary fame gen¬
erally. Indeed, it is an intellectual manufac¬
tory, where theory, philosophy, and invention
are chiefly grappled with. It carries with it
the power to think and reason on independent
lines, to project new plans, and utilities in ma¬
chinery, bridge-building, diplomacy, or legis¬
lation. Persons extraordinarily endowed with
original genius almost invariably have what
we may call poor memories or no memories at
all, like Henry Clay and Henry Ward Beecher,
and many others we could mention. Such
characters seldom rank among the first schol¬
ars of the land, because of their deficien¬
cy in memory, that enables them to quote
authorities, sentences and paragraphs with
ease and fluency. And in many instances,
6
lampton's digest.
their failure to do so is set down as a lack of
wide reading. There are individuals, how¬
ever, like Mr. Emerson, who possess both of
these gifts to a marvelous degree. But they
are not ordinary among even what we call
great scholars. And therefore they are rare
exceptions. But another great endowment is
found in the power of collocation, like that
possessed by Dr. Adam Clark, whose fame as
a Bible commentator is world-wide, and will
go down to measureless ages. It I were called
upon to designate the greater, I would be at a
loss, for the world needs both originality and
collocatory powers in a high degree, to search,
collect, and systematically arrange under dif¬
ferent subjects.
Rev. E. W. Lampton, 1). D., our great Fi¬
nancial Secretary, and the author of the fol¬
lowing book, is signally gifted in the power
of research, collocation, and systematic exe¬
cution of whatever pertains to anything in¬
volving literature. This is verified by the
fact, that he is a famous Mason, and has been
the Grand Master of his State for years, and
his popularity for the position is on the in¬
crease after years of service. He is endowed
by nature with a tenacious memory, or a mar¬
velous recollection, any one of which pecu-
lampton's digest.
7
liarly fits him to examine old records and
bring to view such contents as may be en¬
lightening to the student of history, and thus
promote the object of his contention.
The A. M. E. Church stands in great need
of such literary factors, and we bless God that
we have in Dr. Lampton, a mighty pioneer in
such historical and literary genius, as will
give to our coming ministry evidence that the
Bishops of the A. M. E. Church have had a
juridical caste of mind for sixty years, to say
the least. Great preachers have invariably
graced our Episcopal ministry, but their
knowledge of Methodistic jurisprudence has
not been of the highest order in every respect.
But they have been equal to the wants of their
day, as the continued existence and the in¬
crease of the A. M. E. Church will testify. I
would not contend that a parallel can be found
to Bishop William McKendree, *of the M. E.
Church, who really formulated and gave
Episcopal Methodism its law, for the Meth¬
odist world will have to go back to Bishop
McKendree to find law for the government of
the Methodist Churches, especially Episcopal
Methodism. And while Bishop Baker and
Bishop McTyeire have both compiled and
codified the laws of Methodism, they have to
8
lampion's digest.
go back to Bishop McKendree for a founda¬
tion to build on.
Dr. Lampton, in the exercise of his natu¬
ral genius, has waded through the labyrinthic
mazes of our non-compiled history, scattered
and fragmentary as it is, and collected and
compiled the Bishops' decisions for many
years, and will present them in a volume, of
which this is the introduction, for the benefit
of our young and growing ministry, and to
assist the present and future Bishops to do
likewise on a higher legal scale. Every min¬
ister of the A. M. E. Church owes it to his
success to purchase this volume, and study it
till he becomes the master of Methodist juris¬
prudence. And we believe all will, who have
any ambition to be a finished minister of the
gospel. This volume should be the compan¬
ion of all, who thus aspire. And the thanks
of the connection is due the patient and col¬
locating efforts of the doctor, for having de¬
voted so much of his precious time to the
compilation of so valuable a production as the
student of history will here find presented.
H. M. Turner,
Senior Bishop of the A. M. E. Church.
Atlanta, Ga., Sept. 16,1907.
lampton's digest.
9
©efctcatton.
To the Ministers and Laymen of the Meth¬
odist Churches:
There is no fact more clearly set forth in
the Scriptures than this: Almighty God has
prescribed no special form of Church ser¬
vice, ritual, nor code of tenets for the Church.
The terms Elder, Deacon, Minister, and
Bishop, though used in the early Church, were
by no means designed as patterns for the
guidance of subsequent churches. It is also
true that the Primitive Church recognized
rules and practices which would not now be
tolerated in any branch of the Christian
Church. In matters of form and ritual,
change has followed change, like the waves of
the sea.
In the essentials of church membership and
the maintenance of Christian character, the
Church is substantially to-day what it has al¬
ways been. As the Lord Jesus did not give
any definite code of laws, nor doctrines to be
adopted and believed by all Christians, so is
it also true that nowh,ere in the Scriptures is
there any certain method of Church Govern¬
ment for all who are denominated Christians.
10
lampton's digest.
The administration of discipline lias been left
to the judgment of Godly men, enlightened as
they are by the Holy Spirit.
The Methodist Church owes its existence
to men who were led by the Spirit as clearly
as the originators of any other body of Chris¬
tians, which has a recognized power in the
world. It therefore claims justly the right
which it concedes to all other bodies of Chris¬
tians to formulate rules, enact laws, and cus¬
toms for the enforcement of discipline among
its members, when they violate the pledges
they made and the vows they assumed when
they were admitted at the altar to member¬
ship. The various branches of Methodism
are essentially one in doctrine and substan¬
tially the same in polity. What, then, is the
best method of enforcing Methodist law and
securing justice to the Church, by demanding
compliance with its laws? This enquiry be¬
comes very important, when we consider how
serious a matter it is to sever the cords that
bind a man or woman to the Church and drive
them by expulsion into the darkness of the
world; which oftentimes ends like the man
without the wedding garment, in casting them
into utter darkness.
This is often due to the inexperience of pas-
lampton's digest.
11
tors. To aid especially this class, as well as
to 23rovide a work of reference to those whose
duties often prevent them from thoroughly
posting themselves on methods and necessary
preliminaries in the observance of the steps
essential in the administration of Methodist
discipline, these decisions and rulings have been
compiled. There certainly exists a necessity
for such a work; consulted and followed as a
guide in connection with manuals and discip¬
line, it will be found suggestive and helpful
in hours of anxious perplexity, which so often
come in the life of the Methodist itinerant
preacher, and which frequently entail untold
loss of precious time and almost endless vexa¬
tion and worry.
The Bishops of our Church, and personnel,
corresponding as they do to the organization
of our Supreme Court of the United States,
are called upon frequently to render decisions
and rulings upon some subject-matter of the
Church. These* rulings and decisions of the
Bishops have, as a rule, met with the approval
of a majority of the members of the Bench of
Bishops, and as a result have become the es¬
tablished laws of the Church. They are justly
interpreted the laws of the Church, since they
are recognized as permanent rules from which
there have been no dissenting opinions.
12
lampton's digest.
Heretofore these opinions liave existed in a
heterogeneous mass, nsefnl only to some par¬
ticular conference for which it was rendered
at the time. In this state it was almost im¬
possible to obtain a uniformity of informa¬
tion upon any particular subject. The rap¬
idity with which our Church has grown has
given rise to the necessity for the compilation
of these decisions to meet the exigency of the
times, as well as render less arduous the du¬
ties of the ministers and laymen. A prece¬
dent once established, adhered to and quoted
becomes the law upon that particular thing.
From the earliest recollection of the crea¬
tion of the highest tribunal of our land, it has
been customary and is now made necessary to
hand down their decisions in writing for pres¬
ervation and guidance; so it has been made
necessary with our ecclesiastical prelates.
The task of collecting and arranging these de¬
cisions with a comprehensive index of subjects
has occupied much time, and'it is hoped that
in dedicating this volume to the ministers and
laymen it will supply a long-felt need.
To the general result accomplished in this
volume, we owe much to our bishops, who
have been careful enough to preserve their
opinions, rendering the task less difficult.
Edwabd W. Lampton.
lampton's digest.
# 13
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding.
SELMA, 1871.
presiding elder's salary how raised.
A lengthy discussion arose as to lifting the
Presiding Elder's salary. Elders H. M.
Turner and F. J. Peck contended that there
is no law by which a Presiding Elder can de¬
mand any salary for his services. That they
regarded the law defective upon that point.
Rev. I. H. Welch claimed that the same course
pursued in collecting the salary of the Elder
in charge, should be allowed in taking up the
Presiding Elder's salary, or that the same
principle governs both alike.
The chairman, Bishop J. M. Brown, was
asked for his decision in the case. He stated
that there is no positive law stating how the
salary shall be lifted. He ruled that the Pre¬
siding Elder shall state to the Quarterly Con¬
ference his salary per year, which shall be
lifted on each Quarterly Meeting occasion.
BISHOP RICHARD ALLEN
Bom February 4, 1760, in Philadelphia, Pa. Converted, 1777, near
Dover, Delaware. Licensed to preach, 1782, near Dover, Delaware. Com¬
menced traveling, 1783; ordained Deacon, 1799; ordained Elder, 1816; ordained
Bishop, April 1 I, 1816. Died, March 26, 1831. Buried in Philadelphia, Pa.
Served as Bishop 15 years, 11 months and 15 days. Was Senior Bishop 15
years, 1 1 months and I 5 days.
lampton's digest.
15
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding; Revs. I. H.
Wei,ch and Lewis HeujSry, Secretaries.
MOBILE, November, 1873.
a deacon" cannot consecrate the elements
of lord 's supper a traveling elder con¬
senting to same liable to
suspension.
"I will never lay my hands upon a Deacon
who would attempt to consecrate the ele¬
ments of the Lord's Supper, and will discon¬
tinue a traveling Elder who would instruct or
send a Deacon to do so."
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. CampbEu,, Presiding.
SELMA, 1876.
how to compute salary.
Preachers should include chickens, eggs
and anything given for board, as salary, ex¬
cept clothing.
16
lampton's digest.
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; M. Edward Bryant,
Secretary.
SELMA, December, 1876.
converts must remain on probation six
months and profess saving faith, etc.,
before they can become full
members.
Q. Must not converts, and all persons ex¬
cept those coming from sister denominations
by letter, or those who are properly vouched
for, per discipline, remain on probation for
six months before being received into full
membership 1
A. It is the law of our Church that none be
received into full membership until they have
served on probation six months, and not then
even until they profess saving faith in our
Lord Jesus Christ. Ministers are guilty of
mal-administration who disobey this law.
This law does not apply to those coming from
sister denominations by letter, or who are
properly vouched for. All persons may com¬
mune as soon as converted and baptized.
preachers, deacons and elders must study.
All preachers, deacons and elders, who have
not pursued prescribed studies, must go into
lampton's digest.
17
classes and stay there till they understand
them. Must have intelligent preachers. Some
say they have no time; this is untrue; plenty
of time, only rightly divide it. Others cannot
get books; where there is a will there is a
way.
must belong to quarterly conference.
Every Superannuary and Superannuated
preacher must belong to and be governed by
some Quarterly Conference.
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Chas. L- Harris,
Secretary.
December, 1878.
persons for admittance, must read,
write, etc.
All persons coming for admittance must be
able to read, write and cipher, and must work
in the Sabbath School; and, hereafter none
will be admitted unless they can stand the
examination as per Discipline.
6248—2 S
18
lampton's digest.
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; M. Edward Bryant,
Secretary.
MONTGOMERY, December, 1879.
elders and deacons should not perform mar¬
riage ceremonies, etc., when living in
a place without consulting regu¬
lar pastor. .
Elders and Deacons living in a pastor's
charge, even if parties desire them marry,
baptize or preach a funeral, should not do it
without first getting the consent of the pastor,
unless the pastor be absent from the charge
and it is impossible to get his consent.
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; Geo. W. Bryant,
Secretary.
EUFAULA, December, 1881.
Q. Is it lawful to pay missionary money to
a preacher who is not a member of the Con¬
ference ?
A. Yes, if he has been given work by a Pre¬
siding Elder.
lampion" 's digest.
19
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding.
EUFAULA, 1881.
preacher's right to missionary money.
It was held to be lawful to pay missionary
money to a preacher who was not a member
of the Conference if he has been given work
by a Presiding Elder.
NORTH ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; Rev. I. H. Welch,
Secretary.
FLORENCE, December, 1883.
11st case of death, expulsion, etc., of dele¬
gates and alternates to general con¬
ference, members can nominate
and elect.
Rev. "A" having asked me for a decision
on the law laid down on page 92 of the Dis¬
cipline, referring to the election of lay dele¬
gates to the General Conference. In case of
death, expulsion, removal from the district
of the delegates and alternates, a mass-meet¬
ing of the members where such vacancies shall
have occurred shall have power to nominate
20
lampton's digest.
and elect other delegates. This Annual Con-
ence has decided that the election was not a
legal one, therefore there can be no election.
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, and Bishop H. M. Turner,
Presiding; Rev. I. N. Fitzpatrick, Secretary.
MOBILE, December, 1884.
pastors must eaise conference claims sepa¬
rately not in one lump and divide
resolution passed at one annual
conference good at next an¬
nual conference.
Having reached Gold Hill Circuit, the pas¬
tor, Rev. A., reported 25 cents for missionary
money. The Bishop asked the Brother did
he raise that amount by a special collection
for the missionary cause. Answer: He raised
all the Conference money in a lump and di¬
vided it. up for the Conference collections.
The Bishop said, such an act was wrong, and
that it was the law that each pastor should
BISHOP MORRIS BROWN
Born January 9, 1 770, in Charleston, S. C. Converted in Charleston, S. C.
Licensed to preach in Charleston, S. C. Commenced traveling, 1818. Ordained
Deacon, 1817; ordained Elder, 1818; ordained Bishop, May 25, 1828. Died,
May 9, 1849. Buried in Philadelphia, Pa. Served as Bishop 20 years, 1 I
months and 1 I days. Was Senior Bishop 18 years, 1 month and 13 days.
22
lampton's digest.
raise a special collection for each department
as per Discipline. Each member of the Church
should be called upon to contribute to each
cause, and should there be but one cent raised,
that amount must be brought to the Confer¬
ence, and should any member of the Church
willfully neglect and refuse to contribute to
the faithful appeals of the pastor, he is subject
to a trial for such an offense. And should the
pastor neglect his duty in collecting the Con¬
ference money, he is subject to trial and must
hereafter stand the consequence.
The secretary stated that he offered at the
Eufaula Conference, a resolution, which was
unanimously adopted, making it obligatory
upon every member or pastor to bring to the
Conference $2.00 for contingent purposes, and
at the least not less than $1.00.
Elder Hillery said that the resolution was
void, because succeeding Annual Conferences
had failed to renew the resolution offered by
the secretary.
■ Bishop Turner ruled, that unless the reso¬
lution had been repealed it was valid and
binding, and each pastor should have brought
the specified amount. Bishop Payne con¬
curred in the decision, and said that the reso
lution was now in force.
LAMPTON 'S DIGEST. 23
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
UNIONTOWN, 1885.
ACTS OF MALADMINISTRATION BY PASTOR.
Being dissatisfied with the decision of the
Judiciary Committee, a pastor appealed to
the Conference for a trial before it. The
case was submitted and he was declared guilty
of mal-administration in rejecting a sister
from the Sacrament, when she at the time was
in good standing;
(2) That he committed mal-administration
in the trial and expulsion of the sister in fail¬
ing to comply with the law of the Church;
(3) He was deemed guilty of mal-adminis¬
tration for allowing or appointing a standing
attorney for the Church;
(4) In placing another minister in the chair
during the. trial while he (the pastor) acted
as prosecuting attorney, was decided to be an
irregularity, worthy of reprimand;
(5) His calling the sister a liar was sus¬
tained as a charge. Bishop D. A. Payne de¬
cided that he was guilty of mal-administration
in all the cases submitted.
24
lampton's digest.
minister cannot be tried eor crime alleged
to have been committed in another con¬
ference.
The question submitted was a complex one,
one which never had been submitted to him
since he had been Bishop. It was once a
habit when a man was guilty of a crime in one
Conference, to transfer him to another. But
not so now, the Church of God is one every¬
where, and if a man commits a crime in one
Conference and joins another, he can be fol¬
lowed, tried and expelled. This minister's
character passed in the lower Conference
from which he was transferred last fall, with¬
out any person saying a word. But when he
comes on a visit charges are preferred, and
he is hastily brought to trial. He passed
through this Conference at its session in Flor¬
ence, without an objection. In view of his
position and membership in the other Confer¬
ence, I decided that this Conference has no
jurisdiction in the case, without orders from
that Conference. I will hold him in his po¬
sition until next Conference, to which this
whole matter must come. I think I saw a
hand reached out to smite this brother, sim¬
ply on account of his being appointed Presid¬
ing Elder. I will stand by him in that ap-
lampton's digest.
25
pointment. All the parties concerned in this
case must appear at the next meeting of the
South Alabama Conference, where the case
will be tried or returned to this Conference
for final trial.
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop DanieX A. Payne;, Presiding.
MONTGOMERY, 1885.
concerning presiding elders' salaries.
Bishop Turner was requested to give opin¬
ion, which he did as follows: The report of
the committee making the Presiding Elders'
salaries $1,000 was not passed by the General
Conference; the bill was agitated and pre¬
sented to the Conference, but was overwhelm¬
ingly defeated; and as there was a dispute
about the matter being law, by several promi¬
nent members of the General Conference, the
Board of Bishops had taken the matter under
advisement, and under the law passed by the
General Conference of 1872, authorizing the
Board of Bishops, when there was a conflict
in the law, to render a decision, which should
be final until the meeting of the General Con¬
ference; it has been decided that the Presid¬
ing Elders' assessments be made in the Dis¬
trict Conferences, and collected under the old
26
lampton's digest.
law, and not according to the new discipline.
It was also decided that if the Presiding
Elder was sick or absent from any providen¬
tial cause, the preacher holding the charge
should collect his money and forward it to
the Presiding Elder. But if he comes and re¬
fuses to preach, he has no right to any money;
if any man was too lazy to work for his bread
let him perish.
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop W. J. Gaines, Presiding; R. D. Broaks, Secretary.
UNION SPRINGS, December, 1889.
district conference to fix presiding elder's
salary.
Rev. "A." called the Bishop's attention to
a disciplinary provision requiring the Annual
Conference to appoint a committee to fix the
salaries of the several Presiding Elders.
The Bishop ruled that the District Confer¬
ences, by their committee, with their respect¬
ive Presiding Elders as advisory committee¬
men, shall be the body to fix the Presiding
Elder's salary.
a pastor neglecting to attend district con¬
ference held guilty of misdemeanor.
Any pastor who willfully fails or neglects to
attend District Conference, shall hereafter be
lampton's digest.
27
held as guilty of a misdemeanor, for which
he shall be subject to trial.
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop W. J. Gaines, Presiding.
OPELIKA, 1890.
concerning children's day money.
Bishop W. J. Gaines ruled that the pastor
of a circuit or station in his district shall send
the money to the Secretary of the Sunday
School Union, for which he must get a receipt
and bring it to the next Annual Conference,
to be examined.
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, Presiding.
DEMOPOLIS, 1892.
standing of ministers prom other denomina¬
tions effect of debts, complaints, etc.
Bishop A. Grant ruled that ministers com¬
ing from churches having but one ordination
could only be received as deacons; also that
notwithstanding brethren had passed the Con¬
ference, yet if they owed debts and complaints
were made against them, they could not re¬
ceive an appointment until their debts were
satisfactorily adjusted.
28
laml'ton's digest.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop Jamks A. Shortkk, Presiding.
LITTLE ROCK, 1868.
a man" leaving another denomination and
joining the a. m. e. church cancels his
membership in former church.
Bishop James A. Shorter decided in one
case that the party annulled or cancelled his
membership in the church from which he
came, and could not hold membership in both
churches at one and the same time.
In the other case, that the fact that he had
withdrawn from that body or church, an¬
nulled whatever connection or relation he had
with it, consequently he lost his membership,
and that this held good even in regard to min¬
isters entering the itinerancy. Their enter¬
ing this department of the church's service
absolved them from their duties as members
of the particular church from which they
came, and that they were members only of
the church over which they presided, or of
the congregation to which they were sent.
lampton's digest. 29
A [{KANSAS AXXI AL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; John T. Jenifer,
Secretary.
HELENA, September, 1870.
the annual conference has jurisdiction.
The Annual Conference has original juris¬
diction over all its members.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; John T. Jenifer,
Secretary.
LITTLE ROCK, XTovember, 1871.
to supply a circuit when too large.
It is the privilege and the duty of the Pre¬
siding Elder, or any preacher in charge, for
the interest of the church, when he finds any
circuit too large for one man, or any new
place, to take up any good man and put him
over that work.
contingent money.
Q. What do we mean by Contingent Money!
A. Money to pay any expenses which may
chance to occur during the session of the Con-
30 LAMPTON 'S DIGEST.
ference, such as ink, paper, wood and light;
sexton, horse feed, Secretary, and Bishop's
bills, credentials, and printing minutes, if it
be required; also to help pay the preacher's
way back to his field of labor.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John AT. Brown, Presiding; J. T. Jenifer,
Secretary.
CANIDEN, November, 1872.
LOCAL PREACHER^ CHARACTER EXAMINED IN
QUARTERLY CONFERENCE NOT ANNUAL CON¬
FERENCE PRESIDING ELDERS CANNOT
EXAMINE OFFICIAL CHARACTER OF
MINISTERS IN QUARTERLY
CONFERENCE.
Bishop Brown decided, first, that local
preachers are examined in their respective
Quarterly Conferences, and are not to be ex¬
amined in the Annual Conference as to moral,
religious, and official character. Second, that
no Presiding Elder has the right to examine
into the moral, religious and official character
of the preachers under his charge in their re¬
spective Quarterly Conferences.
BISHOP EDWARD WATERS
Born in West River, Maryland. Converted in Baltimore, Md. Licensed to
preach in Baltimore, Md. Commenced traveling, 1818. Ordained Deacon, 1818;
ordained Elder, 1820; ordained Bishop, May 25, 1836. Died, May 5, 1847.
Buried in Baltimore, Md. Was Bishop 1 I years and 10 days.
32
lampton's digest.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding.
HELENA, 1873.
concerning local preachers.
A local preacher is no longer a local preach¬
er when he fails to submit to the laws and gov¬
ernment of our Church.
1874.
minister must go to his charge within two
weeks after appointment.
If a preacher stays away from an appoint¬
ment two weeks after receiving it without the
permission of the Bishop or Presiding Elder,
his place must be supplied and remain so un¬
til a reasonable excuse be given to his presid¬
ing Bishop or Elder, when he may be rein¬
stated to his work.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; J. T. Jenifer,
Secretary.
PINE BLUFF, October, 1875.
each applicant for membership must com¬
plete the course of study prescribed.
Presiding Elders must see that ministers in
their charge follow the course and point out
lampton's digest.
33
the books needed and where same can be ob¬
tained. All Elders who have not completed
the course must make themselves masters of
these subjects.
All principals of Biblical Schools must in¬
troduce the course in their schools, and have
a uniformity in the course of study.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding.
LITTLE ROCK, t88i.
pastor's duty to nominate until people
elect trustees whiskey drinkers to
be barred from appointment.
If the people failed to elect such persons as
were nominated by the pastor for trustees,
was it not his duty to nominate a second time ?
The Bishop decided that it was the duty of
the pastor to nominate a second or even third
time if the people failed to elect such persons
as the pastor nominates for trustee.
At this same Conference Bishop Turner in¬
structed the chairman of the Judiciary Com¬
mittee to make a rigid examination into this
reported whiskey drinking, saying no man
who drank whiskey cou]d receive an appoint¬
ment from him.
6248-3
34
lampton's digest.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; John T. Jenifer,
Secretary.
BATESVILLE, February, 1881.
presiding elders' delegated powers of an¬
nual conference.
When Conference leaves a brother in the
hands of his Presiding Elder, it is a delega¬
tion of its power to him, hence he has power
to try, suspend or expel.
SOUTH ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding.
HOT SPRINGS, 1882.
presiding elder system cannot be abolished
except by General conference.
Concerning the abandonment of the Pre¬
siding Elder System, Bishop H. M. Turner
decided that once created, it cannot be abol¬
ished unless so decided by the General Con¬
ference.
an applicant for elder's orders should be a
member OF the conference electing him.
A deacon of the Indiana Mission Confer¬
ence was brought before the Arkansas Annual
Conference of 1882 to be examined for the
office of Elder. A discussion arose as to the
lampton's digest.
35
legality of the Arkansas Conference electing
him to Elder's orders.
Bishop H. M. Turner spoke at length upon
the precedents of missionary necessity (the
deacon having consented to go to Africa as
a missionary), but finally decided that the
proper method would be to transfer him to
the Arkansas Conference.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; John M. Collins,
Secretary.
LITTLE ROCK, November, 1883.
on failure of election of trustees as nomi¬
nated by pastor, he should nominate
second time, etc.
During the calling of the tables the Bishop
requested the Secretaries to stop for a few
minutes until he should answer publicly some
questions asked him by a letter just placed
in his hands. The question, as propounded
by the Bishop, was relative to the election of
36
lampton's digest.
trustees and the right of lay members to ap¬
peal to the Quarterly Conference.
The letter asks: "If the people failed to
elect such persons as were nominated by the
pastor for trustees, was it not his duty to
nominate a second time?"
The Bishop answered that it was the duty
of the pastor to nominate a second, or even
a third time.
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. R. Disney, Presiding; Rev. J. S. Jackson,
Secretary.
FORREST CITY, November, 1889.
probationers' standing in a. m. e. church—
a justified and converted probationer.
A person must be on probation at least six
months, and that the difference between the
time of a justified (converted) probationer
and one not justified (converted) is, that the
first may be taken into full membership at the
expiration of six months, and that the second
may remain on probation as long as they give
evidence that they are seeking the power of
lampton's digest.
37
Godliness, and, until six months after tliey
find it, and that the only condition previously
necessary to joining the church on probation,
is " a desire to flee the wrath to come.''
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. R. Disney, Presiding.
FORT SMITH, 1890.
minimum amount of contingent and minute
money to be paid.
Bishop R. R. Disney ruled that each pastor
shall pay not less than $1.50; also for two-
thirds of the minutes received by them.
BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop B. T. Tanner, D. D., Presiding.
HAMILTON, 1888.
distribution of government stipend.
Rev. Johnson spoke of the stipend granted
by the Colonial Government for the aiding of
churches in these Islands, and said he would
like the Conference to decide what disposi¬
tion should be made of the money.
It was ruled that the money should be di¬
vided among the ministers who served the
38
lampton's digest.
churches in proportion to tiie number of sub¬
scribers in their parishes at the last census,
and in those parishes where there were no
churches the money should be given to that
minister whose church the people of that par¬
ish attended, in accordance with the resolu¬
tion of the Conference of 1887.
BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D., Presiding,
SHELLY BAY, 1893.
the relation of the conference to a colle¬
giate institute whose trustees reject
conference proposition.
It was decided that the proposition sub¬
mitted by the Bermuda Annual Conference
last year to the Trustee Board of the Ber¬
muda Collegiate Institute that modification
be made in the name by adding the term
"Theological," and that the pastor of St.
Paul occupy the Theological Chair, having
been rejected by the said Trustee Board, the
Bishop decided that he regarded the rejec¬
tion by the Trustee Board as a declaration
that they do not recognize the Bermuda An¬
nual Conference as having primal jurisdic¬
tion over the Institute, and, furthermore, that
lampton's digest.
39
they do not recognize the Conference as even
possessing co-ordinate jurisdiction. Such
being the fact, as is indicated or declared by
the action of said Trustee Board, he could not
see how the Conference could sustain any fur¬
ther relation to the Institute, or have any con¬
nection with it more than to any other school
intended for general enlightenment of the
public. However, he thought it advisable to
let the matter remain in abeyance, and that
the Conference take no hasty action for the
present, at least. But as long as the present
decision of the Trustees existed, the Confer¬
ence, as such, could have nothing more to do
with the Institute.
40
lampion's digest.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop Wiujs NazrEy, Presiding.
1853.
Bishop Willis Nazrey decided that the gen¬
eral traveling agent was an agent for the en¬
tire connection, therefore he is a member of
every and any district in the connection.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; John M. Brown and
A. W. Wayman, Secretaries.
BALTIMORE, May, 1859.
rule governing acts op maladministration.
A Licentiate or a Deacon on probation can¬
not be tried in a Quarterly Conference for
any act of mal-administration which he may
have committed. Neither can the restoration
of one or more members, through the agency
of an Elder, whom said Licentiate or Deacon
had expelled by an act of mal-administration
prevent the reproof of a Bishop or the action
of an Annual Conference. Because, over the
case of such a Licentiate or Deacon, even
after the reproof of a Bishop, with trial and
suspension of a committee, the Annual Con¬
ference has original and superior jurisdic¬
tion. So, also, the case of a traveling Elder,
BISHOP WILLIAM PAUL QUINN
Born in 1788 in the East Indies. Converted, 1808, Bucks County, Pa.
Licensed to preach, 1812, Bucks County, Pa. Commenced traveling, 1816.
Ordained Deacon, 1818; ordained Elder, 1838; ordained Bishop, May 19, 1844.
Died, February 3, 1873. Buried in Richmond, Ind. Served as Bishop 28 years,
9 months and 5 days. Was Senior Bishop 24 years, 9 months and 14 days.
42
lampton's digest.
who may have committed an act of mal-ad-
ministration, must come before an Annual
Conference for final decision.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. James Lynch,
Secretary.
WASHINGTON, D. C., April, 1862.
minister entitled to house when wife dies
children under twelve years of age al¬
lowed board pastors should keep
duties of stewards and trustees
separate.
Washington, April 18, 1862.
To the Bishop and Members of the Annual
Conference of the A. M. E. Connection, now
assembled in the City of Washington, D. C.:
Sirs :—I have the honor to submit the fol¬
lowing resolutions, as passed the Board of
Trustees of the "Union Bethel Church," of
this city, to be referred to your ecclesiasticai
body for decision:
"Resolved, That it is the opinion of the
Board of Trustees of Union Bethel Church,
that the discipline of the A. M. E. Church
does not entitle a married preacher to receive
his house rent after the death of his wife, un-
lampton 's digest.
43
less he has children under twelve years of
age.''
"Resolved, That it is the opinion of the
Board of Trustees of Union Bethel Church,
that the discipline of the A. M. E. Church
makes it the duty of the Board of Stewards
to rent a house for the preacher, unless the
church owns a parsonage.''
D. W. Moore,
Elder in Charge, and President of
Board of Trustees.
J. A. Simms,
Secretary pro tern.
1. My answer to the question contained in
the first opinion of the Trustees is this: The
rule of discipline declares that a married trav-
ing preacher shall have "board for himself,
wife, and children under twelve years of
age," and in addition to this board for him¬
self, wife, and children, lie shall also have
"his house rent, fuel and traveling ex¬
penses."
Now, as long as his wife lives he shall be
allowed the board for his child under twelve,
and should she die, the board for such chil¬
dren shall be continued. At twelve it may
be cut off. But the house rent, fuel and trav¬
eling expense are to continue whether she live
44
lampton's digest.
or die, because a father must have a home for
his children. Nevertheless, he is not entitled
to two houses, one where he labors and an¬
other where he keeps his family. This is a
dictate of reason and Christian benevolence,
as well as a provision of ecclesiastical canon.
2. My answer to the question contained in
the last opinion of the Trustees is an unquali¬
fied affirmative.
It is the confounding of the duties of the
Stewards and Trustees, on the part of the
pastors sometimes; often on the part of the
Official Board, and in many instances with
the mutual consent of both, that our Church
difficulties arise. The pastors will do well
to keep these offices apart, then there will not
be a conflict of duties and responsibilities.
D. A. Payne.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
1865.
stewards to inform bishop when pastor un¬
der charges refuses to proceed legally.
Bishop D. A. Payne gave the ruling that if
any minister having a charge brought against
him would refuse to convene an official meet¬
ing in order to have the case lawfully pro-
lampton's digest.
45
ceed, the Stewards must inform the Bishop
of the action and follow his advice.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
1866.
candidate found generally deficient upon
examination should not be presented
for admission.
A candidate was presented for admittance.
Chaplain Hunter opposed it, saying he had
been examined, found to be generally defi¬
cient. Bevs. J. M. Brown and H. M. Turner
spoke in his favor.
The Bishop, after ruling the whole case out
of the Conference, invited anv of the brethren
that felt so disposed, to carry it to the higher
tribunal of the Church—the General Confer¬
ence.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.,
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. Benj. T.
TannEk, Secretary.
WASHINGTON. D. C., April, 1866.
white man can be admitted into a. m. e.
church on perfect equality.
Bishop Payne arose and desired to ask
whether our Church, after an existence of
46
LAMPT0N 's DIGEST.
fifty years, was prepared to receive white
persons on terms of perfect equality1?
Brother Hunter moved that it is the sense
of this Conference, that we are prepared to
receive any man on the terms of perfect
equality.
Benj. T. Tanner spoke in defense of a reso¬
lution so Christian, and the very fact of deem¬
ing it necessary to vote upon it, was some¬
what of a reflection.
Brother Hunter advocated it at length, and
said the moment had come for the Church to
vindicate itself against the charge of ostra¬
cism.
Brother Thomas thought the question
would have been better, had it been stated or
asked: Would it work well? Our people in
his district were extremely opposed to the
white preachers, and we should have rather
inquired: Would it work well?
Bishop Payne desired Brother Thomas to
explain to what he referred, when he spoke of
the eternal opposition to white people.
Brother Thomas explained that he referred
especially to his district, near Portsmouth,
and it could not be gainsaid.
Brother Sisson spoke of his own labor
lampton's digest.
47
among the freed people. He thought that
the colored people would receive white men
of the right stamp.
Bishop Payne gave a word of advice to the
preachers, exhorting them to oppose that idea
among our people. We must make up our
minds to be swallowed up in the great Ameri¬
can nation, if we expect to remain. If we are
not thus willing, we must emigrate to Africa,
where only black men are.
Revs. Harris, Sisson, and others spoke
upon the subject.
Brother Herbert spoke, and said we should
look out that we do not run in opposition to
our name, " African." We should remember
that when we took them on equality, it means
in all things, from the Bishop's office down.
He was in favor of it as a man.
Brother Reed thought it was a great ques¬
tion—it affected the whole connection. This
was a bright era. He expressed the wish that
we could get such men to come among us. He
wished we had such men as Sumner or Wil¬
son—those white men among us. Complex¬
ion was nothing. The name African nothing.
The country was coming to the same point.
It was a great condescension for this proud
48
LAMPTOlSr's DIGEST.
nation to grant the elective franchise to a race
that had been trampled down like dogs, yet
they would do it.
Brother Waters could not see why any man
should object to a man, however white, to
come among us. When the whites ostracised
us, we complained; and if we ostracise them,
it is the same thing. The banner Conference
has now an opportunity to vindicate the com¬
mon manhood of man. What would be the
consequence if we should vote not to receive
him? It would be destruction to us. Asso¬
ciation would be productive of much good to
us.
Brother Sluby thought that a matter so im¬
portant should be viewed calmly. Law, or¬
der and government, said an Anglo-African,
was the foundation of every great man, or
community, or nation. The question was, will
we be infringing upon any law of the Church
by accepting a white person to all the rights,
privileges and immunities of the A. M. E.
Church? When we admit a white man, it
was a privilege. The term African only sig¬
nifies that it is the Church of the Africans,
and the time had come when if we ever be¬
come a people, we must associate among white
people. Association begets assimilation.
lampton's digest.
49
Brother Hunter spoke of white persons
being members of several of our Churches, as
at Buffalo and Chicago.
Brother J. D. Hall also spoke of two or
three white persons as having joined his
church. Some brother spoke of inferiority.
He acknowledged no inferiority, only in two
instances, wealth and education.
Brother Thomas declared himself all for it.
Father Parker asked: Are we ready, and
answered with emphasis. We are. Brother
Thomas asked, said he, would it work well!
He acknowledged the people South to be shy
of the white man; but now his horns had been
cut off. Let us begin anew. He spoke of sev¬
eral instances in Virginia. Let us start the
ball here, and not take trouble on interest.
Father Henry was ready and willing to go
with his brethren, yet we must move care¬
fully. Some of us were in favor of taking out
the word "African." He spoke of the rebell¬
ion as caused by bringing in foreigners; so
would it be here; white men will come in, and
they will oppose the term "African" to our
Church. He was in favor of all men coming-
in, but rivet the title "African" well.
The Bishop corrected Brother Sluby in
saying that it is a privilege for a white man
6248-4
50
lampton's digest.
to be admitted. It was not a privilege, but a
"right," and from onr Discipline, tlie simple
"one" condition of membership was a desire
to flee the wrath to come. He spoke of the
fact that Bishop Wayman and he joined the
A. M. E. Church the same day. They had
run together like two well-geared horses, and
yet they were of different colors; and he
would rejoice to see a different color yet. He
read the concluding prayer of the semi-cen¬
tenary work. He believed this nation is to be
like the ancient Ethiopians, a race of mixed
blood. The blood of all nations would flow
into this great nation as into a bowl. Two
hundred years would witness this whole land
ruled by a composite race.
He concluded by saying that any man who
would oppose the removal of the term "Afri¬
can, '' had not studied the history of the past
nor the probabilities of the future.
Editor Lynch brought forth a letter writ¬
ten by Bishop Allen thirty-nine years ago, and
it was in perfect keeping with the opinion
here expressed.
On motion of Brother Herbert, Brother
Sisson, a white brother, was received, with
tiie proviso he sustain his examination.
BISHOP WILLIS NAZREY
Born March 5, 1808, in Isle of Wight, Va. Converted, 1837, in New York,
N. Y. Licensed to preach, 1837, in Sullivan Street, New York, by Rev.
William Cornish. Commenced traveling, 1840; ordained Deacon, 1841; ordained
Elder, 1843; ordained Bishop, May 13, 1852. Died. August 22, 1874. Buried
in Chatham, Canada. Served as Bishop 22 years, 3 months and 9 days.
52
lampton's digest.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; B. T. Tanner,
Secretary.
BALTIMORE, April, 1868.
once an itinerant always an itinerant
withdrawing, from annual conference
not required must serve out probation.
To the Baltimore Annual Conference of the A.
M. E. Church:
The following law questions have been sub¬
mitted to me by a member of your body, viz.:
Rev. "A.," for an answer:
Question 1. Is not a man once an itinerant,
always an itinerant; unless he locates, is lo¬
cated, suspended, or expelled from the itin¬
erant ranks?
I answer the first question by saying: a man
once an itinerant is always an itinerant, while
lie lives; unless he locates, is located, sus¬
pended, expelled, or withdrawn from the con¬
nection?
Question 2. In the event a minister should
leave the Church in good standing, and wish
to return at a subsequent period, does the
usage of Methodism require him to serve on
probation, as is usual to new members?
I answer the second question by saying: if
lampton's digest.
53
a minister withdraws from the Annual Con¬
ference of which he was a -member, the usage
of Methodism does require him to serve out
a probation. But if he has been located,
either with or without his consent, he may be
readmitted to his former standing at the op¬
tion of a majority of the Conference.
See Baker on Discipline, page 48.
A. W. Wayman.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; James H. A. Johnson,
Secretary.
WASHINGTON, D. C., April, 1872.
the disbursement of missionary funds.
Resolved, That Rev. "A." be Treasurer of
the Foreign Missionary Fund formed by the
Baltimore Conference, and that the moneys
raised for such purpose be deposited in the
Freedman's Bank until it is needed for the
purpose of sending a missionary to Santo
Domingo.
Rev. James A. Handy requires our opin¬
ion on the Seventh Article of the Discipline,
page 31.0, which reads as follows: Second
Clause—"They (the Executive Committee)
54
lampton's digest.
shall have power to plan the collection and
disbursement of moneys for the support of
the missions and schools of the Society; pro¬
vide for the support of the teachers and
agents of the Society, as well as the mission¬
aries, both Home and Foreign."
I answer by saying that this article defines
the duties of the Executive Committee.
The Fifth Article says: '' The officers of
this Society shall consist of a President, Vice-
President, a Recording and Corresponding
Secretary, a Treasurer,'' and so forth. Thus
the Fifth Article defines the number of offi¬
cers of the present Home and Foreign Mis¬
sionary Society. The Fourteenth Article rec¬
ommends that each Annual Conference or¬
ganize a Missionary Society within its bounds,
and so forth. These articles are a part of
the constitution of the parent Home and
Foreign Missionary Society; but not of the
Annual Conference Local Missionary Society.
On page 305, Section 1, we find that "It
shall be the duty of each Annual Conference
to form within its bounds a Conference Mis¬
sionary Society which shall appoint its own
officers, fix the terms of membership, and
otherwise regulate its own administration.
The question is, Who are the officers to be
lampton's digest.
55
appointed? The answer is: The President,
Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer.
Then the law recognizes this Annual Confer¬
ence Society to regulate its own administra¬
tion.
On page 306 of the Discipline we find at the
fifth section that, "It shall be the duty of
each preacher in charge of a circuit or station
to make a full return to the Annual Confer¬
ence of all money collected during the Con¬
ference year for the cause of missions," etc.
Where there are two acts or laws in conflict,
the former takes precedence because the lat¬
ter does not repeal the former.
But in the case submitted to me there is no
conflict at all. One is a law enacted by the
General Conference to govern the missionary
operations in the Annual Conference, and
Foreign Missionary Society of the A. M. E.
Church.
My opinion, then, is that an Annual Con¬
ference, under the law on pages 306-7, may
disburse its own funds and violate no law.
The Fourteenth Article of the Constitution of
the parent Home and Foreign Misionary So¬
ciety simply recommends the formation of
auxiliaries. It does not require it, because it
has not the power to do it.
56
lampton's digest.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Wm. H. Brown,
Secretary.
GEORGETOWN, D. C., April, 1876.
annual conference not appellate court for
lay member.
"A" presents documents to Conference,
asking that his suspension be revoked as
member of Church. It was moved that one
set of documents be received by Conference.
Bishop ruled case of "A" out of order, as
a lay member of said Church, and an appel¬
late court for a lay member, until he had ex¬
hausted the lower courts.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Rev. Wm. H. Brown,
Secretary.
April, 1876.
church extension money defined.
"What is meant by Church Extension
Money 1''
"It is money appropriated for extending
the A. M. E, Church."
lampton's digest.
57
"a" vs. union bethel church, washington,
d. c. annual conference not an appel¬
lant court for a lay member.
Bishop Campbell ruled the case of Brother
"A." out of order, as a lay member of said
church, and an appellant, as the Annual Con¬
ference was not an appellant court for a lay
member, until he had exhausted the lower
courts.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; J. M. Beckett,
Secretary.
WASHINGTON, D. C., May, 1879.
ministers selling papers in church on
sunday.
Bishop Campbell: "It is a violation of
God's law, therefore no minister of the Gospel
should sell, or allow papers to be sold in his
church on the Sabbath."
the number of trustees to a circuit with
four churches.
Bishop Brown: There is no law to prohibit
having twelve on a circuit having four
churches. There can be three to nine where-
ever a pastor has a church.
58
lampton's digest.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; J. W. Beckett,
Secretary.
BALTIMORE, April, 1880.
no report to be rendered annual confer¬
ence of money paid to visiting mis¬
sionary brother.
When the Steward holding the Home Mis¬
sion money reported, the amount did not cor¬
respond with Statistical Secretary, Rev.
"A" and Rev. "B" stated the discrepancy
was because some of the ministers reported
moneys given to visiting missionaries during
the year, which should have been reported and
kept upon the Church Journal.
Bishop ruled that no report should be ren¬
dered to Annual Conference of moneys giv¬
en to visiting missionary brothers, but such
moneys given to aid churches and ministers
should be reported to the Official Board.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; J. W. Beckett,
Secretary.
EASTON, MD, May, 1881.
local preachers, exhorters, class-leaders,
etc., should pay dollar money.
"Any member failing to pay the taxation,
violated the Discipline; all local yjreachers,
lampton's digest.
59
exhorters, class-leaders and every officer of
the church should by all means set the ex¬
ample, by paying the required amount. Every
leader who refuses to pay should be instantly
dismissed."
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
1882.
minimum proportion of dollar money per
member.
It was ruled that inasmuch as the new Dis¬
cipline did not say what constitutes a fair
proportion of Dollar Money for each person,
that it could not be less than fifty cents.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; H. H. A. Johnson,
Secretary.
HAGERSTOWN, May, 1883.
young men cannot use manuscript.
No young man will be allowed to use his
manuscript in preaching during the Confer¬
ence ; in following such a course, a young man
stands in danger of becoming a slave to his
paper, and can also by this means steal his
discourses.
60
lampton's digest.
annual conference cannot abolish the of¬
fice of presiding elder without
consent of bishop.
Q. "When an Annual Conference, by the
advice and consent of the Presiding Bishop,
establishes the office of Presiding Elders, can
an Annual Conference do away with them
without the consent and advice of Presiding
Bishop 1"
A. "It cannot." "A Bishop cannot get
such information of points in his work with¬
out Presiding Elders as he could get by
them.''
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
1884.
relative to electing general conference
delegates insubordination disqualifies
candidate for orders.
At the Annual Conference of Baltimore,
held in 1883, certain members were elected as
delegates to the General Conference, but, be¬
lieving it was done contrary to the law, they
resigned at the Annual Conference of 1884.
Bishop I). A. Payne stated the resolution
and resignation were offered under a misin¬
terpretation of the law, and ruled that the
BISHOP DANIEL A. PAYNE
Born February 24, 181 I, in Charleston, S. C. Converted, 1829, in Charles¬
ton, S. C. Licensed to preach in Gettysburg College by Rev. Frank Syn, G. X.
Commenced traveling, 1843; ordained Deacon, 1838; ordained Elder, 1838;
ordained Bishop, May 13, 1852. Died, November 29, 1893. Buried in Balti¬
more, Md. Served as Bishop 41 years, 6 months and 17 days. Was Senior
Bishop 20 years, 9 months and 7 days.
62
lampton's digest.
election at the last Conference was perfect
and legitimate.
A motion to elect a brother to Deacon's or¬
ders was offered at the Baltimore Annual
Conference of 1884, but Bishop D. A. Payne
stated that he should be barred from the Dia-
conate on account of insubordination at last
Conference. The motion was withdrawn, but
was renewed after a satisfactory apology to
Conference, but Bishop Payne ruled it was
contrary to law and could not be put.
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; A. W. Upshaw,
Secretary.
HAVRE DE GRACE, May, 1885.
what is a fair proportion of the dollar
money?
Discipline, page 328, Section 1: It shall be
the duty of every minister holding charge in
the African M. E. Church, to collect the sum
of one dollar from or for each member of his
church or churches for the maintenance of the
Church Treasury.
Sec. 2. Should any minister, having charge,
fail to raise the above collection during the
Conference year, or a fair proportion of it,
according to the members to be certified to by
lampton's digest.
63
the Quarterly Conference, it shall be the duty
of the Bishop and Conference to* refer the
matter to the Committee on Dollar Money for
inquiry.
The question that I have been asked to de¬
cide is: " What is a fair proportion of one
dollar?" My answer is: "That a.fair pro¬
portion of one dollar is two-thirds, or sixty-six
cents."
A. W. Wayman.
the rights of the mite missionary society
is the work of the women.
The ministers, by misconstruing the law3
have crippled the operation of the Mite So¬
ciety by taking the work out of the hands of
the women; the members of the Conference
have nothing whatever to do with the Mite
Society: it is the work of the women.
rev. "a" is marked, charged with having
two wives not necessary to have mar¬
riage license in 1864.
Bishop held that it must be proved that de¬
fendant was an ordained minister.
Question was asked whether the law of the
State of Maryland required marriage license
in 1863 for colored people.
Bishop Wayman said: "I base my answer
64
lampton's digest.
on a decision of a certain Judge of Baltimore
City, previous to 1864, that colored people
were not required to get license, for they were
not recognized as citizens."
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop* A. W. Wayman, Presiding.
1887,
the regular course of appeals.
Asked for a decision as to whether the ap¬
peal of a lay member was proper matter for
said Conference. His decision was: "It
comes up here just as the decision goes from
me to the General Conference."
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding-; Oscar D. Robinson,
Secretary.
CHESTERTOWN, April, 1889.
fifty cents of dollar money must be raised
by every pastor.
The Bishop informed the Conference that
the Bishops in "Bank" had ruled that at
least 50 cents of the Dollar Money must be
raised by each and every pastor for every
member in his charge.
lampton's digest.
65
COLORADO ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop B. T. Tanner, Presiding.
LEADVIIvLE, 1897.
method of receiving evangelists.
Bishop B. T. Tanner was asked what was
to be said to persons who come to us asking
how they were to come to Conference to be
received as evangelists.
The Bishop said they must come to us at
the District Conference; they must appear to
be examined before the examining committee.
Then they must come to the Annual Confer¬
ence, and when they satisfy the Conference
that God has called "them to the work of Evan¬
gelists, then we give them papers in recogni¬
tion of the call by which God moved them.
COLORADO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop C. T. Shaffer, Presiding.
DENVER, 1900.
old law in" force until publication of new.
The Statistical Committee on Education
stated that some of the brethren had reported
money but that the committee had not re¬
ceived receipt or money. After some discus¬
sion which brought out the fact that the law
6248-5
66
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
enacted by the last General Conference re¬
quired all money collected on Endowment Day
to be sent to the Secretary of Education.
Bishop C. T. Shaffer said the law passed
at the General Conference had not been pub¬
lished, and he ruled for the Conference to
be governed by the present law until after
the publication of the new.
CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding.
MEMBERSHIP.
Ruled that all preachers who have been in
the California District, obedient to the discip¬
line and rules of the A. M. E. Church and sub¬
ject to the Missionary Elder, are members of
this Annual Conference.
CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding.
1870.
TRUSTEES SHOULD NOT BORROW MONEY RAISED
FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSE BY A CLUB OF CHURCH.
The Trustees of a certain church borrowed
money raised by the Daughters of Confer¬
ence, and did not repay it.
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
67
It was brought before the California An¬
nual Conference, when Bishop Ward said that
the Trustees had no right to borrow, no right
to touch that money; it was raised for a spe¬
cific purpose, and was money in a bank on
special deposit.
CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; I. N. TriplETT,
Secretary.
SACRAMENTO, May, 1874.
EXAMINING CHARACTERS, ETC.
Conferences having Presiding Elders, their
characters are examined differently; that
after the passage of the character of the Pre¬
siding Elders, each minister's character is
passed by the Presiding Elder.
CONTINUING OR DISCONTINUING PRESIDING
ELDERS.
The power that made the office can dispense
with it.
CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding.
1878.
CONCERNING THE MODE OF BAPTISM.
Asked for a ruling in regard to the proper
mode of baptism, the Bishop held that there
68
lampton's digest.
was no particular mode, outside the form of
Discipline. He said the Discipline was ex¬
plicit on one point: That no one should be
baptized the second time in the A. M. E.
Church, but outside of this, every one had a
right to act according to his or her faith.
CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop B. F. LEE, Presiding.
1892.
ministers membership in conference to
which transferred.
It was ruled that a brother was not a mem¬
ber of this Conference, as the minutes show
he had been transferred to Texas by Bishop
Grant.
CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, Presiding.
LOS ANGELES, 1904.
rights of a supernumerary.
It was ruled that any supernumerary
preacher in good standing has the right to
preach at any charge when there is no pas¬
tor, when invited; or to preach at any church
upon invitation, and if asked by the people
to take charge, should consult the Presiding
lampton's digest.
Elder before doing so, and common sense
would dictate that the appointment be given,
where the people have no pastor.
FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop DanieIv A. Payne, Presiding.
MARIANNA, 1885.
as to dropping probationers.
It was decided that probationers conld not
be dropped from the church unless for crimes
of some kind.
FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; A. J. Kershaw,
Secretary.
MARIANNA, November, 1885.
retaining forty per cent dollar money not
violation op law.
The Secretary read a letter from Secretary
of the Financial Board, asking the Confer¬
ence to retain only 30 per cent of the Dollar
Money instead of 40 per cent, as the law di¬
rects. Rev. "A" moved to grant the Secre¬
tary's request by retaining only 30 per cent,
which motion brought on a somewhat lengthy
argument.
70
lampton's digest.
The Bishop said that the Conference could
only retain 40 per cent when it collected the
100 per cent and decided that there would be
no violation of said law.
FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop B. W. Arnett, Presiding; Rev. S. S. Herndon,
Secretary.
PENSACOLA, December, 1890.
name on conference roll cannot be removed
only according to law.
The Bishop ruled that ''No name could be
erased from the roll only by the Conference,
or some violation of law." "A man or¬
dained a local Deacon can only be made an
Elder in the proper way, time and place."
SOUTH FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding.
1893.
as to preacher's debts.
It was ruled that if a minister would not
pay a debt, a court of arbitration would be
called by the Presiding Elder in whose dis¬
trict the debt was due, to settle the matter.
BISHOP ALEXANDER W. WAYMAN
Born September 21, 1821, in Caroline County, Indiana. Converted, 1835,
Caroline County, Maryland. Licensed to preach, 1839, in Philadelphia, Pa.,
by Rev. Richard William. Commenced traveling, 1843; ordained Deacon, 1843;
ordained Elder, 1843; ordained Bishop, May 23, 1864. Died, November 30,
1895. Buried in Baltimore, Md. Served as Bishop 31 years, 6 months. Was
Senior Bishop 2 years and 1 day.
72
lampton's digest.
FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding.
1894.
as to recording secretary's duties.
A question arose concerning the Confer¬
ence Journal, also recording the Conference
Minutes.
It was decided that each Secretary record
the Minutes for the Conference which elected
him and turn the Journal over to^the next
Secretary elected.
as to admitting candidates in conference
who have received work.
When the Committee on Admissions made
its report, brothers of previous proficiency
were found to be deficient.
It was decided that all who had received
work might be admitted.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; T. G. Steward,
Secretary.
ATLANTA, January, 1871.
committees not transcending their limits
paying money without order of
conference.
Rev. "A" opposed the action of the Com¬
mittee, claiming it should not have paid
lampton's digest.
73
out money except on orders from the Con¬
ference, especially on balance due the Bishop.
The Bishop ruled that the Committee had
not transcended its limits; that it had
only done what had frequently been done in
the Annual Conference.
GENERAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding.
ATLANTA, GA., 1876.
a minister elected delegate to general con¬
ference prior to transfer, loses his seat
should he transfer again and gen¬
eral conference convene while
his second transfer is in
transit.
It was decided that a member who, at a
previous Annual Conference, has been elected
to the General Conference, and is afterwards
transferred to another Annual Conference,
and receives work in same, should he receive
a transfer back to his former or another Con¬
ference, and should the General Conference
meet while he and his transfer are in transit,
the said member is not entitled to a seat in
the General Conference as delegate or alter¬
nate.
74
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
NORTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. CampbeXl, Presiding; Richard Harper,
Secretary.
GRIFFIN, December, 1876.
RECEPTION OF PREACHERS FROM OTHER DENOMI¬
NATIONS.
First. Join the Church.
Second. Join the Quarterly Conference.
Third. Join Annual Conference.
PASTORS MUST COLLECT DOLLAR MONEY WHEN
BUILDING CHURCHES MUST COME IN REGULAR
ORDER JOINING CONFERENCE CANNOT TAKE
PERCENTAGE OF DOLLAR MONEY BEFORE SEND¬
ING TO FINANCIAL SECRETARY BISHOP AND
PRESIDING ELDER HAS CONTROL OF MINISTERS
WITHOUT APPOINTMENTS.
Will pastors building and repairing
churches all the year be required to collect as
much Dollar Money as those who have not!
"Yes, the law relative to Dollar Money
makes no provision for building, etc.''
Bishop ruled doors of Conference closed
against Brother "A," on ground that he came
illegally before Conference.
1' Why not take percentage of Dollar Money
before sending to Financial Secretary ?''
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
75
"Because the Financial Board has not so
ordered."
Ruled a note of Brother "B" could not be
paid out of the percentage on Dollar Money,
unless there were no other claims.
"The Bishop will assign them to some
Quarterly Conference, and if he fails to do
so, let the Presiding Elders assign them."
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. Dick^rson, Presiding; Wm, D. Johnson,
Secretary.
SAVANNAH, January, 1881.
A FORMER DECISION OF A BISHOP MUST STAND AS
TO PAYMENT OF DOLLAR MONEY.
Rev. "A" asked Bishop Dickerson what
was his construction of Bishop Campbell's
decision about the payment of the Dollar
Money.
The Bishop replied: "That decision must
stand; and while it is true that no one who
refuses to pay that money can hold an official
position in any of our churches, the preacher
in charge must show the people not only that
the law requires it, but he must give the rea¬
sons why it ought to be collected; show that
Jesus is in the Dollar."
76
lampton's digest.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. Dickkrson, Presiding; Jas. S- Fupi'ER,
Secretary.
THOMASV1LLE, January, 1882.
no office as diaconate 11st non-episcopal
chuech and cannot administer
sacrament.
Bishop ruled that in Non-Episcopal Church
is there any one occupying the office of dia-
conate who is a minister, and it must not be
so understood, and must never in any of our
churches administer the Sacrament; but as
Deacons and Elders in Non-Episcopal
Churches it is their duty in the respective
churches, but in our church the word deacon
has a different signification; they correspond
to steward. The priesthood of our Lord Jesus
is represented in Non-Episcopal Churches as
those who serve the people.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. Dickerson, Presiding; Rev. Jas. S.
Flipper, Secretary.
THOMASVILLE, January, 1882.
pastors must bring to conference one to two
cents for each member in his charge as
for contingent expenses.
Bishop spoke briefly upon the brethren de¬
pending upon getting money from Conference
lampton's digest.
77
to travel back home, and gave as a decision
that every brother who takes an appointment
must strive at least to bring from one to two
cents for each member in his charge to Con¬
ference, for contingent expenses.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. Dickerson, Presiding.
MACON, 1883.
quarterly conference locus of un assign ed,
dropped or located ministers.
It was ruled that any brother not assigned
to any Quarterly Conference, when "drop¬
ped" or "located," becomes a member of the
Quarterly Conference from which he came by
recommendation to the Annual Conference.
GENERAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding.
1884.
attitude of general conference on motion
to reconsider.
Decision: This Conference has adopted
time and again that when a motion is made to
reconsider, and to lay the motion to recon¬
sider on the table, it cannot be taken up dur¬
ing the session, except by a two-thirds ma-
78
lampton's digest.
jority vote; but when a brother gives notice
that he will move a reconsideration, before a
motion is made to reconsider, and that the
motion to reconsider be laid on the table, that
it would not be in order to pass such a mo¬
tion.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. DickErson, Presiding.
1884.
treasuries of the trustees and stewards.
The question was asked if the Treasuries
of the Stewards and Trustees' Board should
be separate. The Bishop decided that they
should.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Jas. A. Shorter, Presiding.
MACON, 1884.
the duties and limitations OF pastors and
presiding elders.
It was decided, in response to a question,
that unless invited by the pastor in charge so
to do, no minister should return to a charge
once held by him for the purpose of preach¬
ing funeral sermons.
Also, that no Presiding Elder has a right to
drop a man from his list unless he has vio-
lampton's digest.
79
lated the Discipline in some way. He must
employ brethren received by the Annual Con¬
ference in preference to others.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. DickErson, Presiding; J. S. Flipper,
VALDOSTA,6 January, 1884.
preachers not compelled to receive all par¬
ties IN church on pobation who
may come.
Brethren are not compelled to receive
everybody that comes on probation. I refer
to page 185 of the Discipline, latter part of
Section 12. I would draw up, in the case of
a bad man, a confession for him to read to
the church, and if he does it not, he does not
come in the church.
NORTH GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Rev. C. P. Jordan,
S^crctsry
ATLANTA, GA., December, 1886.
ministers' names must be enrolled in prop¬
er place ministers subject to the
bishop must submit to presiding
elder's rulings.
Bishop gave his rulings on the following:
Said that the names of all ministers must be
80
lampton's digest.
enrolled in the proper place. Should the
Bishop fail to do this, the Presiding Elder
must do it, and refer him to some Quarterly
Conference, who may allow him to choose
which Quarterly Conference, but he must ap¬
pear somewhere.
The Bishop then said that all ministers are
subject to the chief officer, which is the Bish¬
op, and if you differ, wait till the right place
and time. All ministers are subject to the
Presiding Elder, and must submit to his rul¬
ing ; if you differ from his ruling wait until
the proper place and time. All members of
the church, whether lay members or ordained
ministers in the church, not the pastor, are
just as much bound and fully bound to re¬
spect and obey his ruling and have no right
to dictate for him, but shall obey and abide
by his rulings; if you differ with him wait
till the proper place and time. This is my
ruling.—Bishop J. P. Campbell.
a resignation" in" itself worth nothing.
If a man tenders his resignation it is your
privilege to put it in your pocket and keep it
till you see the next higher officer, etc., and
BISHOP JABEZ P. CAMPBELL
Born February 6, 1815, in Slaught, N. D. L. Converted 1825, in Slaught,
N. D. L. Licensed to preach, 1837, in Bethel Church, Philadelphia, Pa., by
Rev. Morris Brown. Commenced traveling, 1838; ordained Deacon, 1841;
ordained Elder, 1843; ordained Bishop May 23, 1864. Died, August 9, 1891.
Served as Bishop 27 years, 2 months and 14 days.
6'248—6
82
LAMPTON 's DIGEST.
lie will bring it to tlie proper place. There¬
fore, a resignation in itself is worth nothing,
but must be acted upon by the Conference.
NO PASTOR HAS THE RIGHT TQ SET ASIDE THE DE¬
CISION OP HIS PRESIDING ELDER CAN AP¬
PEAL TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
No pastor has the right to set aside the
decision of his Presiding Elder, but if he is
dissatisfied with the Presiding Elder's ruling,
he has a perfect right to appeal to the Annual
Conference, but he is bound by the decision
until the time comes for said appeal to be
tried in the Annual Conference.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop W. J. Gaines, Presiding; Rev. R. R. Downs,
Secretary.
CUTHBERT, December, 1888.
PASSING REQUIRED EXAMINATION ENTITLES ONE
TO TRAVEL IF ELECTED BY CONFERENCE.
Rev. "A" asked if a brother passed the re¬
quired examination, whether he had traveled
or not, was he eligible to Elder's orders. The
Bishop answered he was if the Conference
would elect him to office.
lampton's digest.
83
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop W. J. Gaines, Presiding.
BRUNSWICK, 1889.
members from another church not to be re¬
ceived without certificate.
In reading his Dollar Money report, a
brother stated that another brother had col¬
lected a dollar that belonged to his report,
the money being collected from one of his
members.
It was decided that the other brother
should pay the dollar to the rightful claim¬
ant, and also that no pastor should receive
the members of another church, especially in
the same city without a certificate.
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop W. J. Gaines, Presiding.
SAVANNAH, 1891.
qualifications for suffrage in annual
conference.
It was decided that a brother could not
vote for delegates to the General Conference,
because, when a local Deacon joins the trav¬
eling connection, he must travel two full
lamptgn's digest.
>ears before he can exercise tlie suffrages of
a member of the Conference.
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop Jas. A. Shorter, Presiding.
JACKSONVILLE, 1876.
minister's right to use others in his work.
A complaint was made against one of the
members of the Conference, that he had put
another man on a part of his work.
It was decided that a minister had a right
to bring in as many men as he needs to carry
on his work.
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding; Geo. H. Hann,
Secretary.
CAIRO, September, 1880.
the powers of a judicial committee.
All cases affecting ministerial character
must be adjudicated by said committee, ex¬
cept such cases as could not be settled there.
lampton's digest.
85
obstructing an official board from investi¬
gating character of a minister's wrong.
The Bishop ruled that if the said "A" did
obstruct directly or indirectly his official
board from trying to investigate his charac¬
ter, when there were injurious rumors afloat
concerning "A," that in his unripened opin¬
ion he did wrong.
Secondly, that "B," although he might
have been sent for by the Official Board, he
not being the next neighboring Elder, per
Discipline, transcended his bounds by com¬
ing, hence he was wrong.
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding; Geo. H. Hann,
Secretary.
CHICAGO, September, 1881.
an elder of b. m. e. church transferred to
a. m. e. church is legal and a member,
Rev. "A" asked an explanation relative to
an Elder from the B. M. E. Church trans¬
ferring to the A. M. E. Church, whether it
was legal or not, when the Bishop stated they
were one of us, because a majority of both
86
lampton's digest.
churches voted for the union of the two
churches. Second, because tliey went out
from us honorably, and the door was opened
for them to return; which explanation was
satisfactory.
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; J. D. Peterson,
Secretary.
BLOOM INGTON, August, 1884.
an expelled minister. can join church
cannot be used as deacon or elder until
conference consents.
The question in regard to the law on a
brother Elder, who was formerly a member
of the Conference, leaves connection, joins
another, afterwards comes back to conference
and again recommended.
Bishop's ruling: If he were expelled ac¬
cording to the law he must come in according
to the same. If he were expelled from the Con¬
ference he can join our Church, but you have
no right to use him as an Elder or Deacon
until the Conference says so.
HAMPTON'S DIGEST.
87
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Rev. T. W. Henderson,
Secretary.
SPRINGFIELD, August, 1890.
AN APPLICANT REJECTED BY COMMITTEE ON AD¬
MISSION AND SUSTAINED BY CONFERENCE
SHOULD NOT BE GIVEN WORK DURING IN¬
TERVAL BY BISHOP OR PRESIDING ELDER.
Bishop Brown decided that when an appli¬
cant is rejected by the Committee on Admis¬
sions, and that is sustained by the Conference,
he should not be given work in the interval
by the Bishop or the Presiding Elder, and he
cannot be admitted at any subsequent session
unless he passes a satisfactory examination.
The Bishop then gave at length the character
of men who prove unsuccessful from a variety
of causes, and cautioned the Committee 011
Admissions to examine all candidates strict¬
ly, not only as to character and qualifications,
but as to doctrine and manner of life.
88
LAMPT0N's DIGEST.
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop C. T. ShaI'I'ek, Presiding; H. Lacicv, Secretary.
QUINCY, September, 1905.
ministers not members of conference can
only be used as supplies during interim
of conference having a charge
gives him no claim or standing
in conference.
bishop Shaffer's decision.
As it relates to taking up men in the in¬
terim of the Annual Conference by Presiding
Elders or Bishops, in cases where they are
not members of the Conference, and assign¬
ing them to work within the bounds of the
said Conference, it can only be done, and is
only admissible when they are manifestly in
good and regular standing, and then only to
be used as supplies.
The mere fact of a man's having a charge
given him in the interval of the Conference
does not give him standing in or claim upon
the Annual Conference as a member thereof.
The Bishop or a Presiding Elder may take up
any local preacher the same way, and employ
him to do work for God and the Church as a
supply. But that does not give him member-
lampton's digest.
89
ship in the Annual Conference or any special
claim thereto.
The generally accepted age limit for ad¬
mission to the itinerancy is forty years.
C. T. Shaffer,
Presiding Bishop, Illinois Conference.
INDIAN TERRITORY ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding.
YELLOW SPRINGS, 1879.
chuech membership within the indian
territory.
The Bishop was asked for his decision in
regard to other Conferences claiming our
members and refusing to give them letters of
dismission, which he gave, to-wit:
All who are members of our Church, in the
Indian Conference, residing on the border of
the Conference District, are very earnestly
requested to attend the churches in the Indian
Territory.
90
lampton's digest.
INDIAN MISSION ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding; James F. Sisson,
Secretary.
YELLOW SPRINGS, October, 1879-
all members of a. m. e. church in indian
conference requested to attend
their church.
Rev. " A " moved that the Bishop caused to
be placed on the face of the minutes his de¬
cision in regard to other Conferences claiming
our members, and refusing to give them let¬
ters of admission.
The Bishop decided all who are members
of our church, in the Indian Conference, re¬
siding on the border of the Conference Dis¬
trict, are very earnestly requested to attend
the churches in the Indian Territory.
THE INDIAN MISSION ANNUAL CONFER
ENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; Jas. F. A. Sisson,
Secretary.
PORT GIBSON, November, 1881.
ministers must travel through the year and
report to annual conference.
Ministers must travel through the year and
report to Annual Conference, failure to so
act, they are to be left in the hands of their
BISHOP JAMES A. SHORTER
Born February 4, 181 7, in Washington, D. C. Converted 1839, in Galena,
111. Licensed to preach, 1839, in Washington, D. C., by Rev. John Cornish.
Commenced traveling, 1846; ordained Deacon, 1848; ordained Elder, 1850;
ordained Bishop, May 25, 1868. Died, July I, 1887. Buried in Xenia, Ohio.
Was Bishop 19 years, I month and 24 days.
92
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
Presiding Elders; to be used or not, accord¬
ing to their condition: that is, to be used by
their Presiding Elders, or silenced.
INDIAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding.
1882.
STATUS OF BAPTIST PREACHERS ADMITTED TO OUR
CONFERENCE.
The Bishop explained that heretofore we
have received ordained Baptist preachers on
their credentials from the Baptist denomina¬
tion, as Elders. There has been so much com¬
plaint about the Baptist ministers, who have
joined us, that our Bishops have decided that
after the General Conference (if their recom¬
mendations to that Conference are approved)
all ordained Baptist preachers coming to us
be received as Deacons—that is, as Deacons
as we have Deacons among us.
INDIAN MISSION ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; James F. A. Sisson,
Secretary.
MCALLISTER, I. T., October, 1882.
THE RIGHTS OF A LOCAL DEACON PASTORS MUST
GO TO THEIR NEW FIELD OF LABOR.
"A local Deacon or a Deacon left without
an appointment, has all the ordained powers
lampton's digest.
93
of a Traveling Deacon. When Rev. 'A' left
Edwards in charge of McAllister Mission,
Deacon 'B' had as much power to take charge
of the Mission as Deacon 'A.' Brother 'B'
had and has the full power of an Itinerant
Deacon."
''The old Methodist rule is for the pastors,
when ordered to a new appointment, to re¬
turn to their old ones, preach a farewell ser¬
mon, obtain a collection and go to their new
work; but it is becoming customary in our
Church that if a pastor does not wish to leave
his former appointment, he goes there and
poisons the minds of the people against the
new pastor. The pastor that does that is a
bad man; he is equal to a panther, and does
not deserve a place in the ministry. I order
the Presiding Elders to suspend such preach¬
ers." ■
INDIAN MISSION ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; A. J. Miller, Secretary.
BRAZILLE, October, 1883.
receiving baptist ministers as deacons, eld¬
ers from baptist denomination.
"Heretofore we have received ordained
Baptist preachers on their credentials from
94
lampton's digest.
tlie Baptist denomination as Elders. There
lias been so much complaining about the Bap¬
tist ministers that have joined us, that our
Bishops have decided that after the General
Conference (if their recommendations to that
Conference are approved) all ordained Bap¬
tist preachers coming to us to be received as
Deacons—that is, as Deacons as we have Dea¬
cons among us."
complaints must be sustained before suspen¬
sion by presiding elder.
"Preachers cannot be expelled by a Presid¬
ing Elder without charges and complaints
sustained.''
IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; C. S. Jacors,
Secretary.
KEOKUK. August, 1884.
local elders examined by quarterly confer¬
ence.
The Bishop ruled that the local Elders were
only to be examined by their Quarterly Con¬
ferences and not by the Annual Conference.
lampton's digest.
IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding.
KEOKUK, 1884.
examination of local elders.
It was decided that local Elders were only
to be examined by their Quarterly Confer¬
ences and not by the Annual Conference.
IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding.
CHICAGO, 1891.
the steward's duty to look after the pulpit.
it was decided that the Trustees have noth¬
ing to do with supplying the pulpit of an Af¬
rican Methodist Episcopal Church; they have
no control of the pulpit, but in case o7 the ab¬
sence or inability of the pastor, through sick¬
ness or other cause, it is the duty of the Stew¬
ards to supply the pulpit.
IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding.
DES MOINES, 1893.
rejected applicants must go before commit¬
tee on admission upon applying again.
It was decided that all persons who ap¬
plied for admission and were rejected at last
96
lampton's digest.
session must go before the Committee on
Admission.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, Presiding; Rev. R. H. Revki.s,
Secretary.
INDIANAPOLIS, September, 1849.
members entitled to trial deacons cannot
administer sacrament.
The reading of the documents from New
Orleans in reference to the complaints against
Brother Doughty was then attended to and
the complaints investigated, the result of
which was as follows :
1. Brother Doughty was charged with de¬
nying members the right of trial, which was
disapproved of by the Bishop in his repri¬
mand, who also instructed him on the subject.
2. For silencing local preachers without a
trial, which being -of a similar nature to the
first, was, by the Bishop, similarly disposed
of.
3. For administering Sacrament in a wrong
spirit, which was also disapproved of by the
Bishop, on the ground that he (Doughty) had
no right to administer Sacrament, being only
a Deacon.
lampton's digest.
97
4. For allowing members the right of choos¬
ing the mode of baptism, for which the Bishop
justified and recommended him.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishops Daniel A. Payne, Wm. Paul Quinn, and WillES
Nazrey, Presiding; Rev. John M. Brown,
Secretary
LOST CREEK, September, 1855.
conference has jurisdiction over minister
who withdraws and joins another
church.
The case of "A" was next called up, and
his withdrawal from the A. M. E. Church,
and his union with the Baptist Church, con¬
sidered. First, whether this Conference has
any jurisdiction over him. It was decided by
the Bishops that this Annual Conference has
jurisdiction over him; whereupon his case
was referred to the Committee on Charges
and Complaints.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; E. Weaver,
Secretary
NEW ALBANY, August, 1857-
cannot be ordained deacon not member of
annual conference cannot be sus¬
pended because not an itinerant
preacher.
On motion of Brother "A" that Brother
6248—7
98
lampton's digest.
"B" receive the order of Deacon, provided
he sustain the examination.
The Chair decided that Brother "B," not
being a member of the Annual Conference,
could not be ordained, as it would be a viola¬
tion of the Discipline.
The case of Brother "C" was resumed, and
the question being about to be put, Brother
"D" entered an objection, on the ground that
Brother "C" was not an itinerant preacher,
and as such this Conference could not sus¬
pend him. The Bishop decided the objection
was right. The motion to suspend was with¬
drawn.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Eusha Weaver,
Secretary.
CHICAGO, ILL., September, 1858.
excluding members from sacrament table
for superfluities.
Complaints were made against some of the
brethren for having excluded members from
the Sacrament table, for, or on account of
having on superfluities; therefore the Bishop
was requested to explain question per Discip¬
line, pages 114 and 126.
lampton's digest.
99
The Bisliop decided that, according to the
Discipline, it had not been violated in that
respect.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul, Quinn, Presiding; A. McIntosh,
Secretary.
INDIANAPOUS, August, 1862.
definition of the word "stranger" in the
book of discipline.
The question having been submitted to the
Bench of Bishops as to what the term'' strang¬
er" is to be understood in our Book of Discip¬
line, canon 27, page 119, Bishop Nazrey
wrote out the following decision, which was
signed by both Bishops, and placed on the
minutes of the Conference:
A decision of the Bishops was asked on the
27th canon of the Discipline, page 119, and
which we give as follows:
1. At the rise of the "United Societies,"
the Methodists were all one family as a body
of Christians, and hence all other persons
being "strangers" to those newly developed
modes of worship, such as "Class Meetings"
100
lampton's digest.
and "Love Feasts," were prohibited from
meeting therein only at certain times. There¬
fore, all who did not belong to those classes
were called "strangers."
2. But hence the onward march of Method¬
ism has been so rapid, and they have been
divided into so many different sections, and
yet each section has retained the same doc¬
trine and modes of Class and Love Feast
Meetings, and the same friendly relations
still so closely exist, that the word "stranger"
is not applied to those who do not belong to
some one of those branches, or to some Evan¬
gelical Christian body.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, Presiding; Rev. A. McIntosh,
Secretary.
CHICAGO, August, 1863.
local preacher cannot be tried in annual
conference.
Brother "A" was complained of by Rev.
"B" for imprudent conduct, he ("A") being
identified with a dancing party.
Brother "A" plead not guilty.
BISHOP THOMAS M. D. WARD
Bom September 28, 1823, in Hanover, Pa. Converted 1838, in Philadel¬
phia, Pa. Licensed to preach, 1843, in Harrisburg, Pa., by Rev. Levin Lee.
Commenced traveling, 1846; ordained Deacon, 1847; ordained Elder, 1849;
ordained a Bishop, May 25, 1868. Died, June 10, 1894. Buried in Washing¬
ton, D. C. Was Bishop 26 years, 1 month and 10 days.
102
lampton's digest.
Bishop Payne decided that Brother "A,"
as a local preacher, could not be tried in an
Annual Conference.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Rev. W. S. Lankford,
Secretary.
QUINCY, ILL., August, 1866.
taking ordination vows not considered re-
ordination when coming from an¬
other denomination.
In answer to certain questions propounded
to the Bishop, in reference to ministers com¬
ing from other denominations, the Bishop de¬
cided that "taking upon himself our ordina¬
tion vows," is not to be understood as re-
ordaining the man, but simply requiring his
consent to our form of ordination, and his
willingness to conform to the usages of our
Church, and that a man could not be used as
an ordained man until this law of the Church
was complied with. That in order to the ac¬
complishment of this object, one of two things
were necessary. The person must apply in
person, at the Annual Conference, or by
proxy, through the request of the Church of
which he is a member.
lampton's digest.
103
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Rev. W. S. Lanki/ord,
Secretary.
BLUE RIVER, August, 1867.
held to be a regular ordained minister,
though he lost his credentials.
In the case of Brother "A," Bishop Camp¬
bell made the following ruling:
It appears from the evidence adduced in
this case that Brother "A" was an ordained
Elder in the Wesley an Methodist Church;
that he has unfortunately lost his credentials.
I decide, therefore, that Brother "A" has
been regularly ordained, and would have been
admitted to membership in the Annual Con¬
ference had he first obtained a recommenda¬
tion from his Quarterly Conference.
J. P. Campbell.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; G. C. Booth, Secretary.
DETROIT, MICH., August, 1868.
cannot sell church property without the
consent of members and annual
conference.
Statement of case:
To the Bishop and Conference of the A. M. E.
Church:
We, your committee appointed on the Peo¬
ria, 111., petition, as well as the condition of
104
lampton's digest.
the property in Peoria, Indiana, and the
church sale at Salem, Ind., beg to report the
following:
Whereas, We find that minister and trus¬
tees have sold church property without an
order from the Indiana Annual Conference;
ana
Whereas, All church property deeded to
and in the name of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church must be reported to the
Annual Conference before sale; therefore,
Resolved, This Annual Conference consid¬
ers the sale illegal, and the act mal-adminis-
tration on the part of the pastor, and recom¬
mend that such parties be arrested and tried
hereafter.
As to the Salem Church, said church was
sold by an order of the Conference, held in
the city of Springfield in 1865. Said church
was sold by Deacon " A." The church at the
Barrens was sold by "B," "C," and Rev.
"D," but the moneys supposed to be kept
by the said trustees, squandered by them and
lost to the former societies.
All of which we respectfully submit.
Wm. J. Davis,
M. Patterson,
A. F. Hall.
LAMPTOJST'S DIGEST.
105
After considerable discussion, the law gov*
erning these cases was given by Bishop Camp¬
bell. He stated that before the trustees could
make any disposition of church property they
must obtain the consent of their church mem¬
bers and of the Annual Conference. They
had no right to sell, and were unable to give a
legal title to any property they might convey
without having taken these steps. The case
had been tested in the State of New York.
The church at Flushing, which had been sold
for a long time without the consent of the An¬
nual Conference, was recovered by the laws
of that State. He had himself arrested nine
trustees in Bethel Charge, Philadelphia, who
claimed to have the right to act as they
pleased, being an incorporate body. He
brought them up before him and expelled
them from office. On their appealing the case
to the Supreme Court, judgment was ren¬
dered against them, the court deciding that
State laws designed not to override our laws,
but to protect and help us in carrying them
out. In reply to the question, what should be
done with those pastors who tolerate such
action on the part of the trustees, he said, if
found guilty, they should be expelled from
the Conference.
106
lampton's digest.
Iii reply to the query whether a religious
body was in a condition to sue and be sued
before becoming incorporated, lie said that to
some extent it was.
refusing to pay note with interest, minis-
ister is suspended.
Bishop Campbell decided that Brother "A"
to be held under the law of Indebtedness of
Ministers, and that the judgment in "A's"
case was, that he is suspended from all official
standing till the debt is paid.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, Presiding; Rev. G. C. Booth,
Secretary.
INDIANAPOLIS, August, 1870.
trustees servants of members to carry out
their will.
In answer to the question, ''What should
be done with Trustees who refuse to carry
out the expressed will of the membership of a
church for enlarging or improving the same,''
he said that the Trustees were not the mas¬
ters, but the servants of the membership,
created to carry out their will, and that re¬
fusing to do this, they should, at the earliest
possible moment, be deprived of their official
standing.
lampton's digest.
107
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, Presiding; G. C. Booth and
W. S. Lankford, Secretaries.
CHICAGO, ILL., August, 1871.
a minister must be tried by his own connef
tion the law made and provided to
control ministers of the a. m. e.
church.
Statement of the case:
appeal.
To the Bishop and Conference Assembled:
The undersigned would most respectfully
appeal from the decision of the Conference
in adopting the report of the committee in
the case of "A," wherein it is claimed that
the whole procedure is mal, on the ground
that a majority of the committee in the pre¬
liminary examination were regular ministers
of the Methodist Episcopal Church; said com¬
mittee being appointed in a ca,se of extreme
emergency; after failing to obtain a commit¬
tee of our denomination in the, usual pre¬
scribed way.
We do most respectfully appeal from said
decision, to the Bench of Bishops present,
for a ruling upon the subject.
W. S. Lankford.
108
lampton's digest.
answer.
Maladministration in the case of Rev.
"A."—Eeply to the appeal of W. S. Lank-
ford to the Council of Bishops.
The case: Rev. "A" was accused of gross
immorality by certain parties in the city of
Davenport, Iowa, members of the A. M. E.
Church.
At the preliminary meeting for the exami¬
nation of the case of the Rev. "A," certain
ministers of the M. E. Church were appointed
by the Rev. "B," as a committee in his case.
The appointment or composition of said com¬
mittee, so far as our white brethren were con¬
cerned, was by the committee appointed by
the Conference, known as "the Committee on
Charges and Complaints," pronounced "Mal¬
administration, '' and from this rendering
Rev. W. S. Lankford appeals to our Council
eeply.
1. The law of the A. M. E. Church is: "If
any of the traveling elders, deacons, or
preachers should be accused of any crime, a
charge shall be made known to the stewards
of the circuit or station, who shall speedily
lampton's digest.
109
lay such charge before the official board, and
they shall authorize them, if deemed neces¬
sary, to call in the next neighboring elder, if
there be no other traveling elder on the cir¬
cuit or station, to bring him to account, and
such elder shall bring him to trial before a
Committee of Traveling Preachers; or, for
want of traveling preachers, local elders, dea¬
cons, or preachers, the committee to consist of
not less than three."
2. This law was made and provided to con¬
trol the ministers of the A. M. E. Church, and
it was never intended that any elder, pro¬
vided for in the above section, as president
of the court, should go outside of the A. M. E.
Church to make up the composition of said
court.
3. Therefore, it is our judgment that the
course pursued by Rev. "A," in the appoint¬
ment of ministers of the M. E. Church, a com¬
mittee, in the case above, is contrary to the
intention of the law, provided and made for
such cases.
4. This being our opinion, we cannot do
other than pronounce the course of Brother
1' A " 11 Maladministration.''
5. We do this without any intention of en-
110
lampton's digest.
tering into the merits of the -^ase of "A"
vs. "P."
W. Paul Quinn,
J. P. Campbell,
J. A. Shorter,
John M. Brown,
Bishops.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, Presiding; G. C. Booth
and W. S. Lanki-ord, Secretaries.
August, 1871.
local preachers opposing ministers forfeit
their license.
The Bishops ruled that local preachers,
who oppose the minister in raising Confer¬
ence collections, forfeited their license; and
that it was the duty of local preachers to pay
quarterage and money for support, in com¬
mon with other members.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Wayman, Presiding; W. S. Lanicford,
Secretary.
RICHMOND, August, 1873.
legality of annual conference receiving
candidates for the itinerancy is legal.
A question was raised as to the legality of
one Annual Conference' receiving candidates
BISHOP JOHN M. BROWN
Born September 8, 1817, in Odessa, Delaware. Converted in 1836, in
Philadelphia. Licensed to preach, 1836, in Philadelphia, by Rev. Morris Brown.
Commenced traveling, 1846; ordained Deacon, 1846; ordained Elder, 1847;
ordained Bishop, May 25, 1868. Died, March 16, 1893. Buried in Washing¬
ton, D. C. Was Bishop 25 years, 10 months and 9 days.
112
lampton's digest.
for the itinerancy coming from and living in
another Annual Conference District, and be¬
ing recommended by Quarterly Conferences
within the bounds of the same.
Bishop Wayman gave, as his opinion, that
while without a precedent in our Church, and
without any special law upon the subject, he
believed it to be a Methodistic usage.
witnesses absenting themselves in case of
mal-administration next best evidence
must be taken.
The original indictment was read, the
Bishop decided that the witnesses in favor of
the prosecution having gone home, the next
best evidence must be taken, and that the evi¬
dence before the committee must be repro¬
duced by the committee as brought before
them.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; Rev. James M.
Townsend, Secretary.
LOST CREEK, VIGO CO., August, 1878.
cannot ee-baptize a member local preach¬
ers cannot perform marriage ceremony.
Re-baptizing a member is contrary to the
law of the Church. Local preachers cannot
solemnize matrimonial ceremonies.
lampton's digest.
113
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; James M. Town-
send, Secretary.
RICHMOND, October, 1881.
the reception of ministers coming from
other conferences.
A question arose as to the reception of min¬
isters coming from other denominations. The
Bishop read the law, and explained the usage
of the Church, showing that Church member¬
ship is first necessary, then union with a
Quarterly Conference, and a recommendation
from said Quarterly Conference to the An¬
nual Conference; after proper examination,
the applicant may be admitted.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; J. Bass, Secretary.
DETROIT, MICH., August, 1884.
women as trustees, stewards, etc.
If a minister cannot get men in the Church
for Trustees and Stewards, he has the right
to elect Trustees and Stewards of women of
good, suitable persons.
6248—8
114
lampton's digest.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; J. Bass, Secretary.
VINCENNES, August, 1886.
relations of bishops to sunday school de¬
partment, etc. board of managers
transcending its bounds.
Rev. "A" asked the Bishop if the Bishops
of our Church held the same relation to the
Sunday School Department of the Church as
they did to the other departments % And, fur¬
ther, if the Board of Managers of that de¬
partment had not transcended its bounds and
violated the law per Discipline governing
that, by authorizing Dr. Smith, the Secretary,
to purchase ground and build a house there¬
on for the use of the department? Eev. UA"
further asked, if it was not a violation of the
law, for the Board to divide with sections as
it had done.
The Bishop replied by saying that the
Bishops were members of the Sunday School
Department, as they were of the other depart¬
ments, and that they were members of the
Board of Managers; that the Board had no
right to instruct Dr. S. to purchase ground
and erect a building thereon; and that it was
a violation of the law for them to divide as
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
115
they had done. The Bishop said he disap-"
proved of the action of the Board in these
things, and that they were unwarranted by
the Book of Discipline.
JOURNAL OF PROCEEDINGS OF QUARTERLY CON¬
FERENCE NECESSARY.
Whereas, We find from the minutes pre¬
sented, that Brother "A" was illegally tried
and suspended by his Presiding Elder, Rev.
Therefore, Be it moved, that we, your Com¬
mittee, recommend that his character be
passed and the mark be erased, and he be re¬
stored to his former standing.
Bishop ruled the matter out of order for
want of the Journal of Proceedings of the
Quarterly Conference acting in the case, and
on motion of Rev. , Rev. "A's" char¬
acter was passed, and proceedings in Quar¬
terly Conference declared illegal.
:,v'
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; D. P. Roberts,
MARION, September, 1889.
MUST FORWARD EDUCATIONAL MONEY AND CARDS
TO SECRETARY MITCHELL.
There being some question as to what
should be done with the educational money
116
lampton's digest.
and punch cards in the hands of some of the
members of the Conference, the Bishop ruled
that they should be reported to the Confer¬
ence and forwarded to Secretary Mitchell.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; D. P. Roberts,
Secretary.
MARION, September, 1889.
deacons receiving appointments are travel¬
ing deacons.
The Bishop ruled that all Deacons who re¬
ceive appointments and are in active work are
traveling and not local Deacons.
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Rev. J. W. Stanton,
Secretary.
NEW ALBANY, August, 1890.
members of a. m. e. church going to another
must carry certificate of membership
presiding elder's support raised in
part can be collected in in¬
terim of quarter.
A member of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church, on going from one of our
churches in the connection to another, must
lampton's digest.
117
carry a certificate of membership in the for¬
mer and letter of recommendation to the lat¬
ter, otherwise he could not be admitted.
That in case none or only a part of the Pre¬
siding Elder's support had been raised up to
the time of the Quarterly Conference, he was
to have it out of the quarterly collections of
that occasion, and if these were insufficient he
would collect it in the interim of the quarter
as best he could.
KANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; C. Hunt, Secretary.
KANSAS CITY, MO., October, 1884.
ministers responsible for conference
minutes.
The man last in charge of the appointment
shall pay for the minutes.
KANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. A. Handy, Presiding.
KANSAS CITY, 1893.
withdrawn preachers debarred from our
pulpits the organization of mite
missionary societies.
The Bishop decided that withdrawn preach¬
ers would not be allowed to preach in any of
our pulpits.
118
lampton's digest.
He also decided that the preachers and their
wives should organize the Mite Missionary
Societies in all their charges.
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. Thos. H.
Jackson, Secretary.
LEXINGTON, August, 1869.
presiding elder not interfering with pas¬
tor's work.
Rev. ''A" complained against Rev. "B"
for interfering with the business of his
charge. The Bishop ruled the charge out of
order, on the ground that Rev. "B," being
Presiding 'Elder, was discharging his duty.
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
SHELBYVILLE, September, 1872.
young men discontinuing traveling to at¬
tend as itinerants.
The Bishop stated that young men who may
discontinue traveling for purpose of studying
at Wilberforce University are regarded as
itinerants.
lampton's digest.
119
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop DaniEe A. Payne;, Presiding; R. G. Mortimer,
Secretary.
PADUCAH, KY., October, 1873.
the evidence adduced and recorded should
be brought to annual conference.
When a brother's conduct has been inves¬
tigated during the interval of our yearly
meeting, whether he be condemned or ac¬
quitted, the evidence adduced, recorded in a
legible hand should be brought to the next
Annual Conference.
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. R. G. Mortimer,
Secretary.
FRANKFORT, August, 1874.
the dollar money law the parent mission¬
ary society.
bishop payne's decision.
(From the Minutes of the Pittsburg Confer¬
ence.)
Section 2 requires each pastor to collect the
sum of one dollar from or for each member
of our Church; but, inasmuch as there are al¬
most always some persons too young, too old,
too decrepit, or too sick to earn the means of
120
lampton's digest.
self-support; therefore, it is meant that for
each such impotent person, the pastor shall
beg from those who are able, one dollar. The
word "those" includes the able members of
our own Church, as well as those of other
Churches; also such as belong to no church.
Section 3 provides that after a fair trial
has been made by the pastor to collect one
dollar from each member, he must not fail to
collect one-third of a dollar for each one who
is too helpless to pay such a small contribu¬
tion.
Respecting the time when this dollar collec¬
tion is to be made, Bishop Payne decided that
it was to be the first financial duty which the
pastor is bound to perform after he enters
upon the labor of the opening ecclesiastical
year. The season for demanding that this
duty be performed at the very threshold of
the ecclesiastical year are many. We will
mention two:
Because the nine general officers whose la¬
bors are designed to benefit every individual
in the whole connection are cut off completely
from the pockets of the people and those pock¬
ets are placed under the control of the pastors
who are drawing from them every week and
at every quarterly meeting the means of their
BISHOP HENRY M. TURNER
Born February 1, 1833, in Newberry, S. C. Converted 1848, in Abbeyville,
S. C. Licensed to preach, 1853, in Abbeyville S. C., by Dr. Boyd, M. E.
Church South. Commenced traveling, 1858; ordained Deacon, 1860; ordained
Elder, 1862; ordained Bishop, May 20, 1 880. Served as Bishop 20 years. Has
been Senior Bishop 19 years, 6 months, May, 1907.
122
lampton's digest.
own support. It is therefore their moral duty,
their Christian obligation to care for those
nine officers who cannot care for themselves
while they are caring for all others.
Second, because it is in the early part of
the spring and summer or early autumn when
our people are best prepared to spare the sur¬
plus of their earnings for the support of the
Gospel, either directly or indirectly; episco¬
pal labor, editorial labor, the labor of the
business managers, and the work of Financial
Secretary, are all included in this statement.
If it were necessary I might expatiate on this
point by showing how the pastors can and do
control the pockets of the people, but I for¬
bear and leave them to fill up the blank, at the
same time expressing the hope that the ad¬
vance of the Dollar Money collection for
1874-5 upon that of 1873-4 will be at least 50
per cent, and within the jurisdiction of the
Third Episcopal District.
respecting the work op missions.
It is decided that Article VII of the Parent
Missionary Society of the A. M. E. Church
means that each pastor shall organize all the
pupils in each, both young and old, with every
adult member of the Church who chooses to
lampion's digest.
123
join it, and it is advised hereby, in order that
these Missionary Societies may be perpetu¬
ated with increasing interest, each pastor
ought to hold monthly meetings of the So¬
ciety, say on the first, second, or third Sun¬
days, as each one may deem best, at which
time missionary intelligence should be read
by some one who is a good reader, and the
most eloquent preachers or pastor from sis¬
ter churches, invited to address the Society on
the subject of Christian Missions.
The missionary intelligence can be procured
at a very small expense. The missionary pa¬
per of the Methodist Episcopal Church can
be procured for 25 cents a year; that of the
American Missionary Society for one dollar
a year. The pastor ought to take the Re¬
corder, one column of which should be filled
each week with missionary intelligence. But
each of our pastors should take one of the
Methodist papers and the Independent. With
these he will always be able to furnish the
missionary meeting of the Sunday Schools
with interesting missionary intelligence and
keep his own heart burning with the heavenly
fire. The effect of such exercise upon the
minds of the people will be like that produced
by throwing fuel into the fire. The whole
124
lampton's digest.
Church will be kept alive on the subject of
Missions and the people will give.
remarks.
The pastor who cannot lead such a mission¬
ary work as I have here indicated is behind
the times, and if he cannot change his course
and come up to the wants of the Church, the
demands of the Christian religion, then he
ought to resign his commission and follow
some other occupation. If he will not do this
the Conference ought to locate him.
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; R. G. Mortimer,
Secretary.
CYNTHIANA, August, 1875.
local deacons to report annually to
conference.
The Bishop stated that local Deacons
should report annually at Conference, either
personally or by letter; and that in their fail¬
ure to do so for two successive years their
names must be dropped from the roll.
minister convicted by a court of justice,
conference must give thorough
investigation.
A committee chosen to investigate charges
alleged against "A" reported that from the
lampton's digest.
125
evidence laid before tliem they did not think
him guilty.
The Bishop decided that, inasmuch as "A"
had been convicted by a court of justice, it
was the bounden duty of the Conference to
give the matters a more thorough investiga¬
tion. lie therefore instructed the Presiding
Elder, who may be appointed over the charge
where the alleged crime is said to have been
committed, to appoint a committee to give
the case a careful and prayerful considera¬
tion, and report at once to the Bishop.
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; J. W. Asbury,
Secretary.
LOUISVILLE, September, 1876.
is not a member of the a. m. e. church with¬
drawn legally, etc.
Q. If a member of the A. M. E. Church, or
a member of the itinerary, should join an¬
other church, after joining another denomi¬
nation, is he still a member of the A. M. E.
Church?
A. If his withdrawal from the A. M. E.
Church be legal, and he has joined another
church, he is not; but if he has never with¬
drawn from the A. M. E. Church legally, he
126
lampton's digest.
is still a member, and lie is therefore respon¬
sible to the Church or Conference to which he
belongs.
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; J. W. Asbury,
Secretary.
BOWLING GREEN, September, 1879.
a case withdrawn can be reviewed by con¬
sent of conference.
Q. Can an attorney, after withdrawing a
case, review the case without the consent of
the Conference!
The question was submitted to the Confer¬
ence, and the Conference, by motion, decided
that he could.
not entitled to missionary money.
Men just coming into the service are not
entitled to any of the Missionary Money.
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding.
RICHMOND, 1880.
admittance denied to minister from church
not recognized.
A brother was offered for admittance whose
credentials were questioned. The Bishop
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
127
ruled that lie did not recognize the Indepen¬
dent Methodist Church, neither their minis¬
ter or members; therefore, he could not admit
him.
WEST KENTUCKY ANNUAL -CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding.
COLUMBUS, 1883.
RELATION OF MINISTERS RECEIVED FROM OTHER
METHODIST CHURCHES.
In deciding on the admission of persons
from other churches of the Methodist Episco¬
pal family, the Bishop said: "I hold that any
person in good standing applying to us for
admission from any one of the regular Meth¬
odist Episcopal Churches, shall be received
in the same relation and standing that they
occupied in the church from which they
came.''
LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop James P. Shorter, Presiding; J. R. V. Thomas,
Secretary.
January, 1872.
MEMBERS COMING FROM OTHER DENOMINATIONS,
BY GIVING SATISFACTION TO USUAL INQUIR¬
IES, CAN BE RECEIVED IN FULL
MEMBERSHIP.
Does the law on page 80, Section 3 of our
128
lampton's digest.
Discipline, which reads: "Nevertheless,
should any members from any other orthodox
denomination make application to be united
with us without a letter; and are in good stand¬
ing in the church from which they came, such
applicants may, by giving satisfaction to the
usual inquiries, be received in full member¬
ship at once"; does it apply to persons com¬
ing from the Methodist Episcopal Church?
Answer: It applies to persons coming from
any Evangelical Church.
LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. II. Cain, Presiding; Rev. A. M. Green,
Secretary.
NEW ORLEANS, February, 1881.
ministers coming from other denominations
to take vows before administering
lord's supper.
It is not in keeping with usages and cus¬
toms for a minister coming from another
Christian denomination to administer the
Lord's Supper and Baptism before taking the
Ordination Yows.
trustees cannot pay private debts of
members, etc.
The Church cannot pay private debts of
members or individuals, nor even Church
lampton's digest.
129
debts, unless under circumstances such as
guaranteed the amount as safe investment,
or as a pure act of benevolence or charity.
members must contribute to support of
church preacher, etc.
It is not in keeping with our usages and
customs, for a member, who willfully neglects
to contribute to the support of the Church,
preacher and poor, he can be tried and ex¬
cluded from the privileges and communion of
the Church.
NORTH LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; J. W. Rankins,
Secretary.
SWEET HOME, January, 1885.
Q. Can a minister be transferred from one
Conference to another Conference, and he
(the minister) being in debt to the original
Conference?
A. No, he cannot. Rev. "A," who was in
debt on Dollar Money claims, desired to trans¬
fer to another Conference, was refused trans¬
fer until debt was settled.
6218—9
130
lampton's digest.
NORTH LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, Presiding; Rev. J. H. Martin, Secretary.
LAKE PROVIDENCE, December, 1889.
failure to pay dollar money not disorderly
members.
Rev. "A" asked if a pastor in the A. M. E.
01 mrch had the right to publish names of
members who failed to pay their Dollar
Money- as disorderly members. The Bishop
replied, No.
NORTH LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, Presiding; Rev. J. M. Martin, Secretary.
HOMER, December, 1890.
the church, conference, or convention can¬
not appropriate money other than for
what it was raised trustees can¬
not collect money for school.
Rev. "A" asked the Bishop whether or not
a Presiding Elder had the right to appropri¬
ate money brought to the Sunday Schools
Convention other than in the said Sunday
School District. The Bishop replied thus:
That no Church, Conference, or Convention
had any right to appropriate any money other
than for the purpose for which it was raised,
BISHOP WILLIAM F. DICKERSON
Born January I 5, 1844, in Woodbury, N. J. Converted 1861, New York.
Licensed to preach, 1867, Oxford City, Pa., by Rev. H J. Rhodes. Commenced
traveling, 1870; ordained Deacon, 1868; ordained Elder, 1871; ordained Bishop,
May 20, 1880. Died, December 20, 1884, in Woodbury, N.J. Served as
Bishop 4 years and 7 months.
132
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
unless there be an overplus; and, as the Con¬
vention had made a donation to the educa¬
tional work of the Conference, there was no
violation of law in this case.
NORTH LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, Presiding.
HOMER, 1890.
RIGHT OF S. S. CONVENTION TO MAKE EDUCA¬
TIONAL DONATION.
]t was decided that there was no violation
ot' the law when one of the Sunday School
Conventions made a donation to the educa¬
tional work of the Conference.
NORTH LOUISIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, Presiding.
SHREVEPORT, 1891.
Bishop Grant rendered the following de¬
cisions :
]. A preacher who is expelled from the
Conference is expelled from the Church, and
if any preacher, knowingly, allowed an ex¬
pelled preacher to officiate in his pulpit, said
preacher should be suspended until the next
ensuing Annual Conference; and the Presid¬
ing Elder who failed to discharge his duty in
lampton's digest.
133
this particular, will be removed by the
Bishop.
2. A Presiding Elder was charged of al¬
lowing two unordained preachers to assist in
administering the Lord's Supper. In an¬
swering the charge, the Presiding Elder said
he was then and now under the impression
that the brethren were ordained Deacons.
The Bishop, in rendering his decision, said,
that upon the point in question there is spe¬
cific law, and that no Presiding Elder has a
right to allow any brother to assist in the
Sacrament unless he be a Deacon or Elder.
MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCES,
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Jas. M. Henderson,
Secretary.
BATTLE CREEK, August, 1887.
local deacons and elders subject to quar¬
terly conference local preacher can¬
not make appointment to preach
without consent of pastor
can be suspended.
The Bishop ruled that all Local Deacons
and Local Elders are subject to the Quarterly
Conference as Local Preachers. The Bishoj)
also ruled that the local preacher has no right
to make appointments or to preach without
134
lampton's digest.
the knowledge and consent of tlie pastor; and
any local preacher may be suspended from
official standing by tlie pastor in charge until
the ensuing Quarterly Conference, who
preaches without the consent of the pastor;
and the Quarterly Conference has the right
to try and expel any insubordinate local
preacher.
MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbem,, Presiding; Jas. M. Hkndi<;rson,
Secretary.
BATTLE CREEK, August, 1887.
must produce receipts from general offi¬
cers for money sent on.
The Bishop ruled that each pastor must
bring receipts from General Officers for
money sent on.
MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Rev. D. A. Graham,
Secretary.
KALAMAZOO, September, 7889.
quarterly meeting belongs to the presiding
elder traveling expenses must be patd.
The Bishop said that the Quarterly Meet¬
ing belonged to the Presiding Elder, and that
if the money be not raised before that day
lampton's digest.
135
that it must be taken from the collection, and
that the Presiding Elder's traveling expenses
must be paid in addition to the salary.
MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; Rev. Jas. M. Hender¬
son, Secretary.
LANSING, September, 1894.
ministerial support parsonage owned by
congregation is separate and distinct
from ministers' salary.
Lansing, Mich., September 10, 1894.
I, Henry M. Turner, Bishop of the Michi¬
gan Conference of the African Methodist
Episcopal Church, having had submitted to
me the question of ministerial support, and
how it should be reported to the Annual Con¬
ference, and whether or not it includes the
rent of the parsonage or a certain rental value
to be placed upon the parsonage when the
said parsonage is owned by the local church.
Decide, that according to the genius, theory
and practice of the A. M. E. Church, the sal¬
ary, allowance for board, and such traveling
expenses as are provided for in the Book of
Discipline, or as may be demanded by duties
imposed by the legitimate business of the
Church, are separate and distinct items, and
136
lampton's digest.
should be reported to the Annual Conference
as such. And that while house rent for the
pastor or a rental valuation of the parsonage
owned may be an item of support, it is sepa¬
rate and distinct from the minister's salary,
board and traveling expenses.
And when reported to the Annual Confer¬
ence should be designated as rental support.
Although it may be included in the sum total,
but not to affect or be merged into the sepa¬
rate items above mentioned.
H. M. Turner,
Presiding Bishop.
MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop B. W. ArnETT, Presiding; Rev. Jas. D. Barksdalk,
Secretary.
ANN ARBOR, August, 1896.
appointment as city missionary removes pas¬
tor from jurisdiction of quarterly
conference.
Rev. "A" asked to be informed as to the
relation of Rev. "B," who was assigned to
the Quarterly Conference of his Church, but
refused to attend on the ground, that subse¬
quent to the time of such assignment, the
Bishop appointed him City Missionary for
lampton's digest.
137
Detroit, tliereby severing his relation with
Bethel Quarterly Conference.
The Bishop decided that this did remove
Eev. "B" from the jurisdiction of said Quar¬
terly Conference.
MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding; J. C. Waters,
Secretary.
YAZOO CITY, December, 1872.
local preachers, members of annual confer¬
ence, subject to examination of charac¬
ter in quarterly conference and subject
to itinerant elder, deacon or licentiate
who is pastor in charge of church, etc.
Every local preacher, a member of the An¬
nual Conference, is subject to the examina¬
tion of his character in the Quarterly Confer¬
ence to which he belongs. And also, no mat¬
ter whether he be Elder or Deacon, he is sub¬
ject to the Itinerant Elder, Deacon, or Licen¬
tiate who is the pastor in charge of the church
to which he belongs. They cannot hold a
Quarterly Conference in any charge to which
they may be appointed without the consent of
their pastor, unless they join the itinerant
connection, neither do they outrank any itin¬
erant preacher on account of orders.
138
lampton's digest.
reception of members transferred.
Q. A question was raised whether a Con¬
ference could object to the reception of mem¬
bers transferred?
It was decided that a member of one Con¬
ference is a member of the whole itinerancy,
and no member has a right to object to the
reception of a member in good standing from
one Conference into another.
MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding; J. C. Embry,
Secretary.
FRTARS POINT, December, 1874.
methodist custom minister should not re¬
turn to collect back salary.
A pastor retiring from his charge, and re¬
turning to collect any balance that may be due
him for services the former 3^ear, Bishop said
returning to collect back salary, though en¬
dorsed by the General Conference, in the case
of the Bishops, was an innovation upon Meth¬
odist custom, and ought not to prevail. But
as to the law of the case, he rendered no de¬
cision.
lampton's digest.
139
MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Bishop J. P. Campbexi,, Presiding; Rev. H. M. Foi.ky.
Secretary.
NATCHEZ, February, 1879.
the words "church extensions'' a borrowed
term the definition, etc.
"The Discipline teaching upon the matter
of Church Extension, was a borrowed term;
it contemplated creating a fund to aid poor
churches in distress, but the fund has not as
yet been chartered."
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFER¬
ENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbeu,, Presiding.
VICKSBURG, 1880.
disposition of unused traveling expenses for
general, conference delegates.
It was decided that, should either of the
delegates or alternates fail to get to the Gen¬
eral Conference, the money provided for the
use of said delegates should be paid over to
the Treasurer of the Missionary Society, and
the same be reported at the ensuing Annual
Conference.
140 lampton's digest.
All SSI SSI I'I'I ANXTAL COXFEKEXOIO.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; H. M. Foley, Secretary.
WOODV1LLE, January, 1881.
camp meetings held by consent of presiding
elder.
Ministers should encourage them when
properly held; they, are beneficial to the
Church. No minister has the right to order
a camp meeting but by the consent of the Pre¬
siding Elder of the district, whose duty it is
to appoint them and call ministers to assist
in holding them.
suspending a member, crime not justifying
immediate expulsion.
"A" submitted to the Bishop for decision
upon statutory law, per Discipline, respecting
trial of members, page 162, Chapter 2. If it
was competent to suspend a member when the
crime did not justify immediate expulsion.
The Bishop rendered his decision that it
was competent to suspend a member of the
church for a less offense, under the law not
sufficient to be expelled, for one, two, three,
four, or five months.
BISHOP RICHARD H. CAIN
Born, 1826, in Greenbrier River, Va. Converted, I 841 Portsmouth, Ohio.
Licensed to preach ,1844, in Hannibal, Mo., by Rev. William Jackson. Com¬
menced traveling, 1857; ordained Deacon, 1858; ordained Elder, 1862; ordained
Bishop, May 20, 1880. Died, January 18, 1887. Buried in Washington, D. C.
Was Bishop 6 years, 9 months and 2 days.
142
lampton's digest.
MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; Rev. James Porter,
Secretary.
MERIDIAN, December, 1882.
ministers and presiding elders must work
in harmony marrying, burying the
dead, etc. not necessarily part of
presiding elder's duty.
The Ministers and Presiding Elders must
work together in harmony. Presiding Elders
must see to it, that Elders are placed in charge
of all our stations and important circuits.
And that they, the said Elders, administer
the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, month¬
ly; always preceded by the Monthly Love
Feast.
The question being forced upon the Bishop
as to the right of the Presiding Elders reserv¬
ing the Communion and other ministerial of¬
fices until his quarterly visitations, the Bishop
ruled, that "marrying, burying the dead and
administering the Holy Eucharist, was not
necessarily a part of the Presiding Elder's
duty, except in cases of unordained minis¬
ters."
Brothers "A," "B," and "C" took strong
exceptions to the ruling of the Bishop, and
lampton's digest.
143
said it would be better to abolish the office
altogether, as the Presiding Elders could
never raise their assessments, and that they
and their families would starve.
Then, said the Bishop, it is far better to
abolish the office, than break the law, as the
office was not one of convenience or support,
but of religious necessity, order and discip¬
line. It was a judicial and not a ministerial
function.
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFER¬
ENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; Rev. H. H. Butux
Secretary.
YICKSBURG, January 9, 1884.
ordained as deacon or elder does not excuse
candidate from completing course of
studies in regular manner.
Rev. J. W. Rankin: "Does the ordination
of a preacher or Deacon or Elder excuse or
relieve him from the necessity of graduating
in the several courses of study, or must he
complete these in the regular manner, not¬
withstanding his previous ordination?"
Answered by Dr. B. W. Arnett by request
of the Bishop: "No. He must complete the
course, even though he may have been pre-
lampton's digest.
viously ordained. The only way to pass from
his class is to study up through it, and pass
honorably by graduation. The ordination
conferred upon a brother who has not passed
the required course, is 'Ecclesia Graci/i.'
They are not his property, but a special loan
or grant by the Church, to serve an emer¬
gency. When he shall have passed through the
courses of study, by his virtue of merit, they
are his property, and not a donation."
NORTH MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFER¬
ENCE.
Bishop R. R. Disney, Presiding; L. M. Mitchell,
Secretary.
GRENADA, January, 1890.
cannot be ordained on ground of not serving
his time as local preacher.
The name of Brother "A," who made ap¬
plication for Deacon's orders, was taken up
and passed upon. The Bishop ruled that said
brother could not be ordained on the ground
that he was not qualified to receive said or¬
dination, from the fact that he had not served
his time as a local preacher, nor had there
been any other good reasons shown why the
brother should be ordained Deacon.
lampion's digest.
145
MISSOURI ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Jamics A. Siioktek, Presiding; G. W. Gaii\s,
Secretary.
JEFFERSON CITY, September, 1878.
dollar money cannot be appropriated by
stewards to liquidate debt on church:.
The Conference knows no one as its agent
except the preacher in charge, and no preach¬
er has the right to put Conference moneys in
the hands of the Steward, or any one else.
an elder transferred from one conference
to another, without an appointment,
becomes a member to the
conference.
An Elder transferred from the Kansas
Conference to the Missouri Conference, hay¬
ing been left without an appointment, by his
own request, and assigned to the Hannibal
Quarterly Conference, he becomes a member
of the Missouri Conference.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop Willis NazrEy, Presiding; Rev. William M.
Watson, Secretary.
PROVIDENCE, N. J., June, 1855.
steps necessary for itinerant ministers as
members of annual conference.
A question arose in the Annual Conference,
to know what is the usage of our Church as
6248—10
1 -t() lampton 's digest.
mentioned on page 84 of Discipline. Tlie
Bisliop decided this, that the word, according
to our usage, meant that they are to be exam¬
ined before the Conference, as specified on
page 86, the mode of receiving traveling
preachers, and if they gave satisfaction, the
second step is to give them the ordination
vows; third, they are placed on probation for
two years, which is the usage of our Church
in receiving itinerant ministers as members
of the Annual Conference, from the follow¬
ing reasons: First, if a preacher, raised
among us, comes to the orders of Deacons or
Elders as local, and remains so for ten years,
and then joined the Itinerant Department of
the Church, he is placed on probation as
though he was not in orders; second, it is the
prerogative of the Church to place her adopt¬
ed sons, as well as her own sons, on trial, it
may be known whether they will or will not
observe the rules and government of the
Church, and that they may have an oppor¬
tunity of studying the policy of the Church.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, Presiding.
ts59.
ministers' allowance.
The Bishop decided, after a discussion, that
the term, "Ministers' Allowance," included
lampton's digest.
147
all that the minister or ministers received
during the year from his circuit or station,
for his support, such as salary, board, fuel,
house rent and traveling expenses.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wrr.Lis Nazrey, Presiding.
1861.
as to eights of local preachers, stewards,
and trustees.
1. Has a local preacher the right to dis¬
miss a congregation by a benediction!
2. Have the Stewards or Trustees the right
to take up public collections, and what collec¬
tions are they to take up?
The Bishop decided the first by saying,
there is no law in the Book of Discipline,
either commanding or prohibiting, but from
a long custom, he has the right.
He decided in the second, that collections
relative to churches, school-houses and par¬
sonages come under the notice of Trustees;
collections relative to preacher's allowance,
sick and poor, come under the notice of Stew¬
ards, and by them should be lifted respect¬
ively.
148
lampton's digest.
NEW ENGLAND ANNEAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniivi, A. Pavnjc, Presiding.
1866.
power of annual conference over funds of
its auxiliary.
During the New England Annual Confer¬
ence of this year, Bishop Quinn inquired of
Bishop D. A. Payne if an Annual Conference
having formed an Auxiliary Society and hav¬
ing raised a certain sum, and having imme¬
diate need for a portion of the same, had the
right to use the amount needed before send¬
ing the entire amount to the P. H. & F. M.
Society, and then being compelled to send an
order there for the amount needed?
Bishop Payne decided in the affirmative,
provided the said Conference send to the Par¬
ent Society a certificate showing that the sum
has been raised and appropriated for mission
work.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paw, Quinn, Presiding; John H. W.
BurlEv, Secretary.
NEW BEDFORD, June, 1866.
conference has right to use money before
sending to p. h. and f. m. society, etc.
Bishop Quin inquired of Bishop Payne and
the Corresponding Secretary if an Annual
LAMPION 's DIGEST.
149
Conference, having formed an auxiliary so¬
ciety and raised a certain sum, and having
immediate need for a portion of the same,
had the right to use the amount needed be¬
fore sending the entire sum to the P. H. &
t. M. Society, and then being compelled to
send an order there for the amount needed.
Bishop Payne decided in the affirmative,
provided the said Conference sent to the
parent society a certificate showing that the
sum has been raised and appropriated for
the mission work.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding.
1869.
RESPECTING THE CONFERENCE LOCUS OE
CHURCHES AND CIRCUITS.
The Bishop decided that as the General
Conference, in giving the boundaries of the
New England Conference, had made it to em¬
brace all of the New England States, he there¬
fore ruled that Lee and Great Barrington Cir¬
cuits, being in the State of Massachusetts, be-
150
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
long to this Conference, which should receive
and hold them as such.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; Wm. H. DickErson,
Secretary.
NEW BEDFORD, July, 1872.
CONFERENCE CAN MAKE RULES FOR BETTERING
OF ITS CONDITION.
Being requested by Brother Dickerson to
give an opinion as to the validity of a vote of
the Annual Conference, Bishop Shorter said
that an Annual Conference had perfect right
to make any rule which would be for the bet¬
tering of its own condition or for the further¬
ance of the designs or laws of the General
Conference.
MUST RAISE MONEY APPORTIONED TO STATION.
Rev. "A" marked Rev. "B" for failing to
bring the whole amount of Bishop's money
apportioned to Newport for the Conference
year now ending.
Bishop ruled that Brother "B" should pay
the money before the Conference year now
ending.
BISHOP RICHARD R. DISNEY
Born June 24, 1830, in North East, Md. Converted, 1843, in Baltimore,
Md. Licensed to preach, 1856, in Massachusetts, by Rev. G. A. Rue. Com¬
menced traveling, 1857; ordained Deacon, 1858; ordained Elder, I860; ordained
Bishop, November 21, 1875. Died, April 20,^ 1891. Buried in Chatham,
Canada. Was Bishop 16 years, 5 months and I day.
152
LAMPTON 's DIGEST.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding.
1874.
CONFERENCE EXAMINATIONS AND EXAMINING
COMMITTEES.
The Bishop decided that hereafter all the
Examining Committees should confine them¬
selves, in examining- candidates, to the studies
laid down in the Book of Discipline, and that
all the candidates should possess themselves
with the books recommended.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniee A. Payne, Presiding.
1876.
DECISIONS IN MATTERS OF LEGAL INTERPRETA¬
TION WITHIN THE PROVINCE OF BISHOP
AND OF CONFERENCE.
The committee on the New Bedford case of
alleged mal-administration reported the Rev.
E. T. Williams, "not guilty."
Bishop T). A. Payne ruled there was no dis¬
respectful language in the appeal, and was
therefore a clear case of mal-administration.
The expelled person is to be re-instated in the
Church. He announced her re-instatement
as a member of the church, but enjoined upon
lampton's digest.
153
her not to enter the choir as she had no busi¬
ness there.
J. H. Madison desired to know whether the
case was settled without a vote of Conference,
and above Conference.
The Bishop ruled that it was a case of law
and therefore did not belong to the Confer¬
ence ; it belonged to the Presiding Bishop. He
instanced cases of deep immorality wherein
Conference could only decide.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Wm. F. Dickerson,
Secretary.
PROVIDENCE, June, 1877.
the discipline is pre-eminent conference
can make laws beneficial to itself.
The Discipline is pre-eminent, no man nor
men in Conference assembled or elsewhere
can set it aside.
An Annual Conference is competent to
make a law beneficial to itself which does not
antagonize any rule or law made by the Gen¬
eral Conference, said rule, however, does not
apply to any other Conference save the one
making it.
154
LAMPTON 's DIGEST.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding.
1880.
SUPERANNUATED PREACHER'S RELATION TO CON¬
FERENCES.
In answer to a question, it was decided that
a Superannuated Traveling Elder must re¬
port to tlie Quarterly Conference wliere he
resides, but the Quarterly Conference cannot
examine his character, because it cannot try
him, the Annual Conference being his court
of trial, and the General Conference his court
of appeal. But he can be tried as per Disci¬
pline in the interval of the Conference by a
committee as can any other traveling
preacher.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Wm. H. Hunter,
Secretary.
NEW HAVEN, CONN., June, 1880.
SUPERANNUATED TRAVELING ELDER'S REPORT TO
QUARTERLY CONFERENCE CANNOT EX¬
AMINE HIS CHARACTER.
"A Superannuated Traveling Elder must
report to the Quarterly Conference where he
resides, but the Quarterly Conference cannot
LAMPTON 's DIGEST.
155
examine liis character, because it cannot try
liim, the Annual Conference being his court
of trial, and the General Conference his court
of appeal. He can be tried as per Discipline
in the interval of the Conference by a Com¬
mittee, as can any other traveling- preacher.''
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; W. H. Hunter,
Secretary.
PROVIDENCE, R. I. June, 1882.
NAME CANNOT RE REMOVED FROM CLASS OR
CHURCH BOOK WITHOUT A TRIAL.
"A preacher in charge has not the power
to remove the name of any one of his mem¬
bers from the class book, or from the Church
book without a regular trial."
NKW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cajn, Presiding; R. J. M. Long, Secretary.
NEW BEDFORD, June, 1885.
"IN COMMUNION WITH OUR CHURCHES" SUFFI¬
CIENT RECOMMENDATION FOR ADMISSION
INTO A. M. E. CHURCH.
Rev. "A" asked the reconsideration of the
motion by which "B" was referred to Com¬
mittee on Admission, to ascertain how he
156
lampton's digest.
came to Conference, whether as per Disci¬
pline or coming from another Church.
I predicate my inquiry upon the gram¬
matical construction of the paper read this
morning, which I consider as a license from
the Congregational Church to "B." I ask
the attention of Conference to the first article
of that paper, which reads: "In communion
with our Church." Rev. "C" stated that he
viewed it simply as a letter of recommendation
to any denomination.
After some discussion the Bishop stated that
he could not see how that paper could he a
barrier to "B's" admission. "I consider it
a letter of high commendation," said the
Bishop. The Conference confirmed the mo¬
tion that referred "B" to the committee.
refuses to ordain candidate not in annual
conference one year illiteracy.
Bishop Cain said: "Brother 'A' was not
ordained for the following reasons: He has
not been in the work one year, and, secondly,
because of his illiteracy.
"I shall suffer nothing done by the Confer¬
ence that will reflect upon the Church. I
will do nothing that I believe will be a curse
to the Church. Again, I have no special place
lampton's digest.
157
to which I intend sending 'A' that would
require the ordination, so his case does not
come within the range of the law."
NEW ENGLAND ANNEAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop W. B. Derrick, Presiding.
1900.
A motion that the brethren mentioned in
the first year's studies report be ordained to
the diaconate brought forth the following
ruling from Bishop Derrick:
If they are to enter the active service of the
Church, their usefulness would be crippled
unless they were ordained, and therefore they
ought to go before the Committee on Second
Year's Studies and be examined for advance¬
ment to the diaconate under the missionary
rules.
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop W. B. Derrick, Presiding.
1901.
as to chairmanship of conference com¬
mittee.
It was decided that the Presiding Elder,
by virtue of his office, is chairman of the Com¬
mittee on Public Worship, when Conference
is held in his district, and the fact that a
brother's name being first on the committee
158
lampton's digest.
does not constitute liim chairman of the com¬
mittee, but tliat the members of the commit¬
tee should meet and organize, electing their
chairman and secretary, and that the report,
when written, should be read and signed by
each member of the committee.
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; Pkisi:y J. Cooper,
Secretary.
BRIDGETON, N. J., 1873.
failure to raise dollar money subject to
law of discipline. may be left
without appointment.
An inquiry was made in reference to
pastors failing to raise one-tliird of the Dollar
Money, and the Bishop gave as his ruling that
he intended to carry out the law, and brethren
coming to Conference without meeting its de¬
mands shall be dealt with according to law,
even if that be to give him 110 appointment.
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; R. FausET, Secretary.
NEWARK, April, 1876.
a brother rejected by annual conference
cannot be taken up and used.
A decision was asked by Eev. "A" if a
brother who has been rejected by an Annual
lampton's digest.
159
Conference can be used or taken up in the in¬
terval by the Bishop or a Preacher having a
charge and work be given liim.
The Bishop decided he could not.
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Rishop DANiiir, A. Payne, Presiding; R. FausivT, Secretary.
TRENTON, April, 1879.
discipline silent on law bishops to decide.
Q. "A" asks if "Baker on Discipline"
shall govern where Discipline is silent.
"The matter of inquiry had been made in
General Conference of 1856 respecting Baker
on Discipline, and by a large vote decided that
when our Discipline is silent on matter of law
the Bishops shall decide.''
Q. Will documentary evidence be admitted?
A. We will hear it first and decide after¬
ward.
an expelled ministers character must be
passed by his annual conference.
"When a man has been expelled by an An¬
nual Conference, or gross immorality, he
cannot be used again until the Annual Con¬
ference expelling him shall pass his moral
character.''
KiO lampton's digest.
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; R. FausET, Secretary.
TRENTON, April, 1879.
taking full theological course in seminary
not required to study course recom¬
mended in discipline.
When a brother is engaged pursuing a full
course of studies in a Theological Seminary,
as in the case of Brother ''A," it would not
be required of "A" to study the works laid
down in the course of studies found in Disci¬
pline.
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop DaniEe A. Payne, Presiding.
TRENTON, 1879.
full theological course an offset for disci¬
plinary course failure to sustain one
charge upon which another
depends.
When a brother is engaged pursuing a full
course in a Theological Seminary, it would
BISHOP WESLEY J. GAINES
Bom October 4, 1840, in Wilkes County, Georgia. Converted, 1849, in
Wilkes County, Georgia. Licensed to preach, 1865, in M. E. Church South, by
Rev. J. L. Davis, then joined the A. M. E. Church. Commenced traveling,
1865- ordained Deacon, 1866; ordained Elder, 1867; ordained Bishop, May
24, 1888.
6218—11
162
lampton's digest.
not be required of him to study the works laid
down in the course of studies found in the
Discipline.
Upon charges brought against a brother,
the first charge was submitted and Confer¬
ence decided that it had not been sustained.
The first count, fornication, having failed,
the counsel for defense inquired of the Bishop
what became of the second count, bastardy,
in the same case. The Bishop decided that it
fell with the first.
The trustees of the Orange Church sent a
statement to the Conference saying that be¬
cause their church had been sold, and money
which had been raised to pay off the church
debts had been misappropriated, the people
of the A. M. E. Church had become dis¬
couraged.
They were advised to reorganize and
change the name to "Colored Methodist
Episcopal Bethel Church of the State of New
Jersey," which they did.
In this connection Bishop Payne was asked
if the Church organization assumed another
name would it be responsible. The Bishop de¬
cided that it would still be responsible. What
is meant by Bethel in this connection is its
local relation.
lampton's digest.
163
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. S. B.
Wiujams, Secretary.
SELMA, 1880.
ministers acting as pastors and presiding
elders have oversight over licentiates,
probationers, etc.
Ministers acting as Pastors and Presiding
Elders shall have oversight of all Licentiates,
Probationers and brothers not in full orders,
Elders to be exempt.
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel, A. Payne, Presiding.
SALEM, 1880.
confirmation of delegates to general con¬
ference elected at a prior annual
conference necessary.
A motion was made that the delegates to
the General Conference elected at the last An¬
nual Conference be confirmed.
The question was asked: ''What would
become of the delegates if not confirmed by
the Conference?"
Bishop Payne informed the inquirer that if
the Conference refused to confirm the elec-
164
lampton's digest.
tion, it would then liave no delegates. Upon
this decision the Bishop refused to entertain
the motion.
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Israel Derricks,
Secretary.
BRIDGETON, N. J., April, 1883.
bishops have right to inaugurate plans, etc.
legality of the origin of the
sunday school union.
The Board of Bishops have a perfect right
to inaugurate plans for the advancement and
upbuilding of the Church.
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, assisted by Bishops J. P. Campbei.i.
and A. W. Wayman, Presiding; J. H. Morgan,
Secretary.
CAMDEN, April, 1886.
minister cannot sue church for back
salary.
Camden, N. J., April 26, 1886.
"We desire the opinion of the Bishop in ref¬
erence to a brother suing a church for salary.
lampton's digest.
165
Example: lie v. "A," after leaving tlie Con¬
ference, did sue the clmreli at Snow Hill for
$500.00, and also New Brunswick Church.
rev. "b."
In answer to the question propounded to
us by "B" in reference to a brother suing a
church for salary, page 338 of Discipline,
says: The salaries of the itinerant ministers
are fixed, which are to be collected during
the Conference year. But in no case is a min¬
ister allowed to sue a church or congregation
for back salary.
A. W. Wayman,
Jabez P. Campbell,
R. H. Cain,
J. M. Brown,
T. M. D. Ward,
Bishops of the A. M. E. Church.
NEW JERSEY ANNEAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop P>. T. Tanner, Presiding.
ATLANTIC CITY, 1895.
probationers voting for delegates.
It was decided that Probationers cannot
vote for delegates to the General Conference.
lampton's digest.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop Wiu.is NazrEy, D. D., Presiding.
NEW YORK CITY, 1853.
interpretation oe law on trial of ministers
accused of crime on the presiding
elder's duties.
Upon a question arising- in the application
of tlie Discipline, pages 93 and 94, the Bishop
decided as follows:
1. If a preacher is accused of the commis¬
sion of any crime he may be proceeded against
as stated on page 93, but page 94 question.
'2. Is intended and does apply to cases
where deacons or preachers are placed under
Elders, either in circuit 01* stations. The said
Elder in his or their senior in office. And, in
case or cases of such violation, he should not
fail on being informed of it, to perform that
duty for the good of both the preacher and
people.
But the above is not intended to exempt the
Bishop from correcting errors in an Elder,
Deacon or Preacher on their stations or cir¬
cuits. But in case the above steps have not
been taken before the sitting of the Annual
Conference of which the said Elder, Deacon
or Preacher is a member, he or they may be
lampton's digest.
167
arrested at the said Annual. Conference, if
accused of such crimes or offenses as stated
on jjages 93 and 94, and may be tried either
before the Conference or a committee ap¬
pointed at the said Conference.
The above decision is sustained—First,
from the long usage and custom of the Metho¬
dist Church; second, it would otherwise leave
too much scope for ill-designing men to do
away with the tribunal that has been estab¬
lished in the Church by the General Confer¬
ence, that they might escape the arm of
justice. The third reason we have for giv¬
ing this judgment is that the Annual Confer¬
ence examines the character, and it must be
answered on the 67th page, Question 11; and
if a preacher was accused of committing a
crime, the Conference could not answer that
question if it had not investigated it. It is,
therefore, clear to our mind that the above is
a correct and just judgment.
Bishop Nazrey also gave these decisions
at this Conference: The Elder may preside
in the Quarterly Conference, if present, or
suffer the Deacon or Preacher to preside, as
the occasion may be; but in the absence of
the Elder, the Preacher or Deacon will act as
stated on page 72 and Section 4 of Discipline.
168
lampton's digest.
The Elder will administer tlie Lord's
Supper, and said Preacher shall provide for
the Elder's way to and from his circuit.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Leonard Patterson.
Secretary.
NEW YORK, June, 1863.
btshop changes place of holding annual
conference, cause, difficulties
existing.
"A" said he wished to know why the Con¬
ference met in the Sullivan Street Church,
New York, when it was appointed, from our
last Annual Conference, to assemble in the
Bridge Street Church, Brooklyn.
The Bishop said he supposed the brethren
knew the difficulties existing in the Bridge
Street Church—that there had been a split
in the church and the people had organized
another society, which met in Fleet Street—
and, as far as he knew, he thought it best for
the Conference to meet outside the two
churches to settle the difficulties existing be¬
tween them; he had, therefore, appointed the
Conference to meet in the Sullivan Street
Church.
Brother "B" said he understood the law
lampton's digest.
169
of the Church to Kettle this matter. The Dis¬
cipline of the Church said it was with the Con¬
ference to appoint the place of meeting and
the Bishop the time. He wanted the Confer¬
ence distinctly to understand that he differed
from the Bishop in this matter, and that he,
therefore, appealed from the decision of the
Bishop to the next General Conference.
The Rev. "C" moved that the decision of
Bishop Payne relative to changing the ap¬
pointment of the Conference from the Bridge
Street to the Sullivan Street Church be sus¬
tained.
The motion being seconded and stated, the
yeas and nays were called for, when the fol¬
lowing brethren voted in the affirmative: viz.,
"A," "B," "C," "D," "E," "F," "G,"
and "H;" nays, "I," "K," "L," and "M."
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Leonard Patterson,
Secretary.
BROOKLYN, June, 1864.
ministers just received in an annual con¬
ference cannot be ordained during the
session unless a case of missions
can be shown must remain on
trial one year from the
time admitted.
Rev. "A" moved to reconsider so much of
the minutes as relates to the ordination of
170
lampton's digest.
"A," "B," "C" and "D" to tlie Diaconate,
provided tliey sustain their examination.
Bishop stated that inasmuch as these breth¬
ren had only been admitted on trial during
the session of this Conference it would be
inadmissible to ordain them this Conference,
unless a case of missions could be shown. He
called the attention of the Conference to the
law governing the case, as found on page 61
in the Discipline of the A. M. E. Church.
Rev. "B" referred to page 78 relative to
those taken up by a Bishop or Elder in the
interval of the Conference year.
Bishop remarked that the law on page 61
did not clash with the law as found on page
78 of our Discipline. The Bishop said the
law governing the case in hand, and which
regulates the other, was on page 61, which
he had just read. Bishop therefore decided
that unless a case of missions could be shown
these brethren could not be ordained this Con¬
ference, in strict keeping with the law. He
also decided that they must remain on trial
at least one year from the time they were
admitted on trial by an Annual Conference
before they could receive the benefit of the
time for which they had been taken up by a
Bishop or an Elder, in the interval of the
BISHOP BENJ. W. ARNETT
Born March 6, 1838, in Brownville, Pa. Converted, February 14, 1856,
in Brownville, Pa. Licensed to preach, March 3 1, 1865, in Washington, D. C.,
by Rev. J. D. S. Hale. Commenced traveling, Ohio Annual Conference, April
19, 1867; ordained Deacon, April, 1868; ordained Elder, April, 1870; ordained
Bishop, May 24, 1888. Served as Bishop, 18 years, 5 months and 14 days.
172 lampton's digest.
Conference year, as referred to on page 78
of tlie Discipline. The Bishop said that no
man was a pastor in the full sense of the word
until he had served out his probation, been
received into full membership and ordained.
No matter if he had been taken up for five
years, he must first be received on trial by
an Annual Conference; then, if he has been
taken up previously by a Bishop or an Elder,
at the expiration of one year from the time
they were received on trial by an Annual Con¬
ference they may be received into full mem¬
bership in the Conference and ordained, pro¬
vided they sustain their examination.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; Rev. Leonard
Patterson, Secretary.
BROOKLYN, June, 1865.
general book steward, editor and super¬
numerary preacher appointed to
quarterly conference.
Having been asked by Rev. Joshua Wood-
lin to decide whether there is any law by
which supernumerary preachers, general
book steward and editor are required to be
appointed to some Quarterly Conference, I
lampton's digest.
173
answer by saying that the General Confer¬
ence of 1856 passed the following' resolution:
"That the General Book Steward and Editor
and Supernumerary Preachers shall be ap¬
pointed to some Quarterly Conference." (See
page 25 of General Conference minutes of
1856.) And as this act has never been re¬
pealed it stands as the law of the Church.
A. W. Wayman.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Rev. A. C. CrippEn,
Secretary.
BROOKLYN, May, 1870.
minister expelled, failing to take an appeal
to next annual conference, appeal
cannot be entertained.
Bishop Wayman presented to the Confer¬
ence an appeal from Dr. "A," who had been
expelled in 1861. The Bishop cited the law
in the case, and said that as the law said he
should have appealed to the next Annual Con¬
ference, and as he had failed to appeal at the
next Annual his appeal cannot be enter¬
tained. He was afterwards recommended to
join the Church on probation.
174
lampton's digest.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, "Presiding; Rev. Wm. I'".
DickEkson, Secretary.
NEW YORK, May, 1871.
two classes op members to annual confer¬
ence representation to general con¬
ference based on entire membership.
transfers who voted in an¬
other conference cannot
vote for, delegates.
The Bishop ruled that as there are two
classes of members in our Annual Confer¬
ences—full and probationary—therefore, we
shall base our representation 011 the entire
membership; and, further, that the members
recently transferred from the Philadelphia
Annual Conference can be voted for, but as
they voted in Philadelphia they can have 110
vote (for delegates) in New York.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; Revs. J. W. CoopEk
and J. B. Murray, Secretaries.
BINGHAMTON, May, 1874.
the discipline of t1te church must guide in
disputes of law.
Question raised by Elder "A" as to the
right of ministers holding charge to preside
at all the meetings of the Church. Bishop
lampton's digest.
175
decided that in all cases tlie Discipline of our
Church should be the guide.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; J. W. Cooper,
Secretary.
1877.
baptizing children of unbelieving parents.
All should be baptized in the name of the
Trinity, and the water should be applied
three times.
administering the sacraments should
break the emblems no singing.
The bread should be broken and not cut,
the Elder bearing the plate and handing the
broken emblems to the communicants. No
singing should be allowed until they arise.
The hymn should be in harmony with the oc¬
casion, the pastor dismissing the table.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, D. D., Presiding.
NEW YORK CITY, 1878.
status of candidates when conference fails
to act upon examining committee's re¬
port minister rasponsible for
minutes sent him.
The Examining Committee was questioned
as to the examination of the brethren. The
committee's report being made, Bishop
176
lampion's digest.
Payne explained tlie qualifications necessary
for a traveling preacher. The brethren hav¬
ing failed, the Bishop explained the differ¬
ence between "on trial" and "full connec¬
tion," and ruled that they, having failed in
their examination, it was the duty of the Con¬
ference to vote their discontinuance.
No motion being made, the Bishop put the
matter before the Conference for action, but
the Conference refused to vote. The Bishop
therefore ruled they were dropped.
Eev. W. F. Dickerson asked Bishop
Payne's decision on the sale of the Annual
Conference minutes, as to whether, when the
District Book Steward distributed minutes
according to the number of members, a
brother should return any.
Decision was that they should pay for all
and not return any.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; C. T. Shaffer,
Secretary.
NEW YORK, May, 1879.
trustees closing doors of church.
No board of trustees have any right to close
the door against any pastor regularly ap¬
pointed by the Presiding Bishop, except in
lampton's digest.
177
the following extreme cases, viz.: Should any
Presiding' Bishop appoint back to a church
as pastor one who had been charged with
gross immorality, tried, convicted and sus-
<■ ;nded or expelled, it would be a gross viola¬
tion of the spirit of our Discipline, and would
justify the people, in the interest of purity
of morals and good government, in closing
their church against such an appointee.
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, Presiding; W. B. Derrick, Secretary.
BUFFALO, June, 1885.
ministers coming from other denomina¬
tions.
The proper course is for the brethren to be
recommended by the churches from which
they come, such as a clear recommendation,
etc.
the organization of sabbath schools.
The Bishop ruled that the term "re-or¬
ganized" should be used instead of "or¬
ganized" whenever there had existed an or¬
ganization dating back for years, etc.
6248—12
178
lampton's digest.
NEW YORK AXXCAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; Rev. R. H. Shiru£y,
Secretary.
ELM IRA, May, 1890.
members must be given fair trial party
charged has right to challenge commit¬
tee to relieve prejudiced persons,
but not to destruction of the
trial.
The Bisliop ordered certain letters from
members in Jamaica, L. I., wlio had been ex¬
pelled, read. Rev. ''A" made a statement
rebutting the allegation made in the com¬
munications. The Bishop gave his ruling as
follows:
'' After charges had been presented against
the accused, under the administration of
Brother "B," each one and all announce and
state that they informed him they were ready
for trial, and, according to the genius of
Methodist law, a person charged must be
ready for trial, or else the trial must be post¬
poned from time to time until such requests
become unreasonable. The person charged
has a right to challenge the committee, or as
many of it as will relieve it of prejudiced
persons, but they cannot challenge it to the
destruction of the trial. If they did inform
lampton's digest.
179
tiie pastor or other proper persons that they
were ready for trial, and the Church pro¬
ceeded with the investigation without their
knowledge, then they did not receive such a
trial as our law requires. I am told, but I do
not bring it into this decision, that one of the
parties had been expelled, and by permission
of the Presiding Elder she was allowed to
appeal her case to the Quarterly Conference,
which reversed the judgment and restored
her to membership. It seems that Brother
"B" allowed the same charges, or something
of the same kind, upon which she was ex¬
pelled to be alleged against her, which could
not hold good any more in an ecclesiastic
court than in a civil court, unless the acts
were repeated since they were passed on and
the facts established. These three persons,
on the eve of the Annual Conference, not hav¬
ing the opportunity to appeal to the Quarter¬
ly Conference, making no application in view
of the fact that Brother "B" is to be re¬
moved, it would seem that the appeal must
have some merit and is entitled to some con¬
sideration. And yet, from Brother "B's"
universal Christian reputation as a godly
man—a minister who walks spotless before
the people—it is hard to presume against him
180
lampton's digest.
because of his exemplary character, and yet
it does appear that these three persons would
not come forth with an appeal unless they felt
that some injustice had been done them.
In view of these facts I think it my duty
to turn these papers over to the Presiding
Elder, and instruct him to investigate the
matter contained therein in the Quarterly
Conference, even if he has to call an ad¬
journed Quarterly or an extra Quarterly Con¬
ference to pass upon the same. I cannot
submit the case to you. There are some al¬
legations made that the Pastor did not give
them the opportunity to be heard. I do not
believe in his statement that he touched that
point. The decision of the chair is that the
papers in the case be turned over to the Pre¬
siding Elder for re-investigation to look into
the whole matter and dispose of it according
to law.
NEW YORK ANNFAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; Rev. R. H. Shiri.ejy,
Secretary.
ELM IRA, May, 1890.
committee's report on missions must be
adopted, etc.
Rev. "A" called up the question of the
Bishop's ruling on the reception and adop-
BISHOP BENJ. T. TANNER
Bor.i December 25, 1835, in Pittsburg, Pa. Converted, 1856, in Pittsburg,
Pa. Licensed to preach, 1856, in Pittsburg, Pa., by Rev. J. A. Warren. Com¬
menced traveling, i860; ordained Deacon, I860; ordained Elder, 1862; ordained
Bishop, May 24, 1888.
182
lampton's digest.
tion of the report of the Committee on Mis¬
sion. The Bishop ruled that a. report coming
from a committee of the Conference must be
received before further action, as until then
it is the property of the committee and not
the Conference.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; J. G. Fry and L. R.
Nichoi.s, Secretaries.
RALEIGH, December, 1876.
traveling preachers two years' standing,
full connection, can vote probation¬
ers cannot presiding elder absent,
preacher in charge can hold
quarterly conference.
All traveling preachers of two years' stand¬
ing, in full connection, have the right to vote.
Probationers have not.
In the absence of the Presiding Elder, the
preacher in charge has the right to hold Quar¬
terly Conference, provided he is elected.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Revs. J. G. Fry and
L. R. Nichoi.s, Secretaries.
MORGANTON, November, 1877.
it is the duty of large churches to assist
tn forming missions.
Case—Interfering in raising money to pay
debts on church.
lampton's digest.
183
Opinion—It is the duty of our large
churches and pastors, who may be stationed
at them, to plant missions all around them
and to assist in building those churches near
them. It was a misunderstanding in Rev.
"A" in not consulting with Rev. "B."
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Joseph G. Fry,
Secretary.
H1LLSBORO, November, 1878.
no excuse for not raising dollar money.
Because churches are built on the different
fields of labor, it is no excuse for not bring¬
ing Dollar Money.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding.
WILMINGTON, 1879.
reception of full members.
Decided that no pastor has the right to re¬
ceive persons into full membership unless
they had been in the Church six months, or
recommended by a letter or by a written cer¬
tificate.
184
LAMPTON 'S DIGEST.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Joseph G. Fry,
Secretary.
WILMINGTON, November, 1879.
PASTOR CANNOT RECEIVE PARTY IN CHURCH AS
FULL MEMBER, ONLY BY LETTER AND IN
CHURCH SIX MONTHS.
No pastor lias a right to receive any one
into full membership unless they have been
in the Church six months and recommended
by a letter or by a written certificate.
TRAVELING PREACHERS' CHARACTER CANNOT BE
EXAMINED IN QUARTERLY CONFERENCE.
No traveling preacher's character can be
examined in the Quarterly Conference,, the
Annual Conference is the place for their char¬
acters to be examined.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. DfckEkson, Presiding; J. G. Fry,
Secretary.
FAYETTEVILLE, November, 1881.
MUST BE EXAMINED PERSONALLY IN QUARTERLY
CONFERENCE AND NOT BY A SPECIAL COM¬
MITTEE IN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
The Bishop asked the committee how they
could get Rev. "A" before them, as he told
the Bishop he had not been before his Quar¬
terly Conference and personally examined.
JjAMPTON's digest.
185
Chairman of the committee stated that the
party was examined by a committee for that
particular purpose.
Bishop held that the party should have
been personally examined before his Quar¬
terly Conference, and that the members of
the Conference, and especially the Presiding
Elders, should see that the law as per Disci¬
pline was carried into effect.
officers of sunday school must be chris¬
tians, etc.
All the officers of the Sabbath School must
be Christians and members of the Church
whenever they can be found.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. DickErson, Presiding; J. G. Fry,
Secretary.
FAYETTEVILLE, November, 1881.
members leaving church without certifi¬
cates, etc.
Members leaving without certificates with
the intention of returning, and the pastor be¬
ing satisfied to that effect, are members in
good standing.
local deacons to be examined.
Local Deacons who are members of the
Conference must go before the several com-
18(5
lampton's digest.
mittees and be examined as other regular
preachers.
sabbath schools take "child's recorder."
It is the law as well as the duty of each
pastor to see that his Sabbath School take the
"Child's Recorder."
preacher taken up by presiding elder given
benefit of time.
When a preacher is taken up by the Pre¬
siding Elder or an Elder in charge lie is given
the benefit of the year so far as time is con¬
cerned.
pastors should not visit former charges
too often.
Brethren should not make frequent visits
to the people whom they have once served,
as it often gives the new pastor considerable
trouble.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; J. G. Fry, Secretary.
XEWBERN, November, 1882.
money collected for sunday schools not
mite missionary money.
Rev. "A" reported money that he had col¬
lected in his Sunday School as Mite Mission¬
ary Money.
LAMPTON 'S DIGEST.
187
The Bishop ruled that unless there was a
Mite Missionary Society, composed of the
godly women of the church, who love God and
His Church, that money collected for mis¬
sionary purposes could not be called Mite
Missionary Money, but a missionary collec¬
tion could be taken up publicly for Hayti,
and that no one should report Mite Mission¬
ary Money where there is no society in exist¬
ence.
ALL MEMBERS ADDED TO CHURCH BY CERTIFICATE,
ETC., CONSTITUTE AN INCREASE.
Rev. ''A" asked for information concern¬
ing Question 12 of Discipline, stating that
he and Presiding Elder differed widely as to
what constituted an increase.
The Bishop stated that an increase meant
all persons who had been added to the church,
whether they came by certificate or otherwise,
and that their number must exceed all fall¬
ing off, etc.
A MINISTER'S SUPPORT INCLUDES BOARD, SALARY,
HOUSE RENT, ETC.
A minister's support includes his board
and salary, house rent, fuel, and all of
these should lie included in liis report to the
Annual Conference. A minister can only
188
LAMPTON 7S DIGEST.
claim traveling' expenses when lie is oil er¬
rands for tlie Clmrcli.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Associate Bishop Wm. H.
DickErson, Presiding; G. W. OeeeEy, Secretary.
DURHAM, N. C, November, 1883.
THE DUTIES OK DISTINCT SUNDAY SCHOOL SUPER¬
INTENDENT.
Q. What is the work of District Sunday
School Superintendent'?
Bishop Dickerson—To work up the inter¬
ests of the Sunday School in all its particu¬
lars, and a great deal depends on how things
are done. A proper method is the best way
to do anything. Introduce an improper sys¬
tem and not much can lie accomplished. The
grand idea is to be thoroughly organized in
the Sunday School work, and a great work
can be accomplished.
MINISTERS MUST ATTEND CONFERENCE WITHOUT
AID FROM CONFERENCE FUND.
Bishop Dickerson—In the future eacli
member of the Conference must be prepared
to attend the session of Conference without
expecting aid from the funds of the Confer¬
ence; every member of the Conference should
lampton's digest.
189
i>e prepared to go to the Conference and re¬
turn to his field of labor without expecting
aid from the Conference.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. CAMPniirj,, Presiding; Rev. William H. Giles,
Secretary.
WARRENTON, November, 1887.
a female cannot be ordained deacon name
cannot be on deacons' list.
The name of Sarah A. H. was called in the
list of Deacons, she having been ordained at
Company Shops November 29, 1885, by
Bishop Turner. ,
The presiding Bishop ruled that she is not
a Deacon and that her ordination was con¬
trary to all law in our Church, therefore she
is not a Deacon and her name must be
stricken from the list of Deacons.
members of choir subject to pastor pastor
can suspend or dismiss non-member¬
ship no bar. to membership in
choir.
The singing of the Church is under the au¬
thority of the pastor, and the members of the
190
lampton's digest.
choir must be subject to the pastor, and, fur¬
ther, the pastor has power to suspend or dis¬
miss any member of the choir who does not
obey orders; non-membership in the Church
is no liar to membership in the choir.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Rev. J. W. Tei.fair,
Secretary.
GREENSBORO, November, 1888.
pastor receiving dollar money responsible.
The Bishop decided that where the people
pay Dollar Money and place it in the hands
of the pastor, and he fails to pay the same
over to the Conference, he must be responsi¬
ble for it, and the Conference must hold him,
and if he is excused the Conference must pay
it. The people must have credit for what
they pay for a given purpose. The Bishop
ruled that the money raised on Endowment
Day and brought to the Conference, and the
amount raised at Conference, be placed in the
hands of the Business Manager and Treas¬
urer, J. R. Hawkins.
BISHOP ABRAHAM GRANT
Born August 2, 1848, in Lake City, Florida. Converted, 1869, in Jackson¬
ville, Florida. Licensed to preach, 1873, in Jacksonville, Florida, by Rev. J. R.
Scott. Commenced traveling, 1871; ordained Deacon, 1872; ordained Elder.
1873; ordained Bishop, May 24, 1883.
192
lampton's digest.
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; Rev. W. M. 11. GiUvS,
Secretary.
FAYETTEVILLE, November, 1890.
ordaining under missionary rule applies to
deacons only an expelled minister
must have recommendation, etc.
Rev. "A" asked the Bishop if the law of
ordaining a man under the missionary rule
applied to Elders as well as Deacons. The
Bishop said that he did not have the law on
the subject before him, but it was his im¬
pression that it applied only to Deacons, and
that one coming for Elder's orders must re¬
main two full years.
"That is the status of an Elder who has
been expelled from our Church, who goes and
joins some other Methodist Church and then
comes back and joins our Church."
The Bishop said that he was no preacher
at all, and that he would first have to receive
a recommendation from the Church and then
go before the Quarterly Conference, and that
Conference would have to make application
to the Annual Conference to restore his
parchment.
LAMPT0N 's DIGEST.
193
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop DanieIv A. Payne, Presiding.
COLUMBUS, 1855.
QUARTERLY CONFERENCE HAS NO POWER TO RE¬
STORE SUSPENDED MINISTERS TO HIS OFFI¬
CIAL STANDING BROTHER SHOULD NOT
LEAVE CONFERENCE WITHOUT
LEAVE OF ABSENCE.
One of the members was suspended and a
motion was carried to refer him to a Quar¬
terly Conference and he remain suspended
until he gave that Quarterly Conference sat¬
isfaction that he was living the right life
when it should have the power to restore him
to his official standing in the Church.
It was decided that, though approved by
the Quarterly Conference, he could not use
his functions till he recovered them at the
next Annual Conference.
Bishop Payne also decided at this Confer¬
ence in reference to a question as to a mem¬
ber having left that there had been no leave
of absence asked or granted in the case,
therefore it was the duty of the brother to
have remained.
6248—13
194
lampton's digest.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
XENIA, 1856.
quarterly conference has jurisdiction over
lay members.
A charge was brought by a lay member of
a church against the Official Board of the
same, but it was decided that the brother was
tried as a lay member and as such expelled;
that the Quarterly Conference had exclusive
jurisdiction over him, and therefore he could
not come before the Annual Conference as a
preacher.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wilus Nazrey, Presiding; Rev. J. P. Underwood,
Secretary.
DETROIT, MICH., September, 1858.
a minister not continued in itinerancy
falls back to quarterly conference
preacher in charge has right to remove
stewards and nominate same quarter¬
ly conference has right to confirm or
reject.
The case of Rev. J. H. T. was taken up.
Rev. Mr. "Gr" stated that he raised his
lampton's digest.
195
hand against him for not filing his appoint¬
ment. The Bishop remarked that he had ap¬
pointed J. H. T. to Zanesville Mission, but
the truth was, he (T) had not been there at
all; therefore Rev. D. S. appointed C. J. T.
to attend in his place.
Bishop Nazrey decided that as he had taken
Brother "T" from the Quarterly Confer¬
ence, if he was not continued in the Itiner¬
ancy, he fell back to the Quarterly Confer¬
ence from whence he came, namely, Urbana
Circuit.
The Bishop called the attention of the Con¬
ference to 203d page, Question 4, and pro¬
ceeded to give his decision in the case.
The preacher in charge has no right to re¬
move Stewards, but he has a right nomina¬
tion; but the Quarterly Conference has the
right to confirm or reject. Here the right of
rejection from office belongs to the Confer¬
ence and not to the preacher. The preacher
may divide the work amongst his Stewards
and overlook the work (see page 70), and re¬
port to the Quarterly Conference, to whom
the Stewards are amenable for the faithful
performance of duties. If the Steward fails
to come up to the rule on page 201, answer to
Question 1, a charge may be alleged against
lampton's digest.
him, and he may be dealt with as any other
member, so far as his Christian character is
concerned, but his office belongs to the Quar¬
terly Conference.
Therefore, Benjamin Messer, George M.
Brain and Wilson R. Kinney are still Stew¬
ards in the A. M. E. Church in Zanesville.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Witjjs Nazrey, Presiding; Rev. J. P. Undkiuvood,
Secretary.
CLEVELAND, August, 1859.
a minister unknown to the church joins
united brethren church, returns to con¬
ference, enters upon the duties of his
calling, is a member of the conference,
etc. lay members of one incorporation
have power to try lay members of an¬
other an elder can send preacher of cir¬
cuit he has left until he returns.
A letter from the Rev. Thomas Sunrise
was presented, stating that he intended to go
to his tribe, and that he desired to withdraw
from the A. M. E. Church, and complained
that he could not do any good on account of
interference by others, viz.: M. T. N. and
J. P. U.
The question of jurisdiction in the case
lampton's digest.
197
was called up, and from what appeared in
the Telescope, the Bishop decided in the
premises, "That Brother 'S,' at the time he
held connection with the A. M. E. Church,
had unbeknown to the church joined the
United Brethren Church, and had at the close
of the year a respite—that he came forward
to his Annual Conference and entered upon
the duties of his calling, and received his ap¬
pointment from the appointing power of the
Church. He, therefore, was a member of the
connection, and the jurisdiction in the case
extended from the time he received his re¬
spite from the Ohio Conference in Urbana to
this present time."
Rev. L. W.'s case taken up, as marked by
Rev. J. T.
The minutes of Pittsburg Wylie Street
Church trial was called for. Page 92 of the
Discipline was read before the Conference.
It was argued that the case did not appear
before this Conference legally, as the Rev.
L. W. did not appear before the Quarterly
Conference, before which his case was tried.
Remarks were made by several members
on the law points of the right of the appeal.
On motion that Rev. L. W. be allowed to
state his reason for not attending the last
198
lampton's digest.
Quarterly Conference in the Wylie Street
Church, where his case was tried.
The Rev. L. W. here stated his reason for
not attending the Conference. The Rev. J.
T. then made a statement in relation to the
case. After remarks by the brethren, the
decision of the bodies have their special in¬
corporations, lay members of one incorpora¬
tion has the right or power to try the lay
members of another and exclude them. But
the business of temporal affairs or trials of
members must be separate and distinct.
Such being the case, the appeal is legal.
The Elder can, in the time of his going
through the different circuits, send the
preacher of the circuit he is traveling through
to the circuit he, the Elder, has left until his
return, and the Elder in charge can authorize
the preacher to attend to the business of the
circuit as far as his functions will admit in
his absence.
W. Nazrey.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding.
CHILLICOTHE, 1866.
The Bishop gave as his decision that should
the Annual Conference appoint a committee
lampton's digest.
199
to examine a local preacher during the inter¬
val of the Conference sitting, the acts of that
committee would virtually be the acts of the
Conference. Therefore, when the committee
makes its report the law is met.
•
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paux Quinn, Presiding; Rev. Lewis
Woodson, Secretary.
LEXINGTON, KY., April, 1867.
the marriage relationship during slavery
the bishop^ opinion.
Rev. Gr. H. Graham, on behalf of the min¬
isters and members of the Ohio Annual Con¬
ference, submits the following questions of
law to the Bishops, and asks for a decision in
accordance with the provisions of our Book
of Discipline upon the subject of the mar¬
riage relationship existing between parties.
Question. If a member of our Church was
married in the days of slavery, but shall sep¬
arate and marry to another party, what is the
duty of the preacher in charge?
Answer. If a charge be referred against a
member in our Church for separation and
marrying again under the circumstances
above stated, it will become the duty of the
preacher in charge to bring the accused party
200
lampton's digest.
to trial, and if upon the said trial it appears
in evidence that the parties under the exist¬
ence of slavery lived together, acknowledg¬
ing each the other as husband and wife, and
that they were so acknowledged and received
by the common consent of the community in
which they lived, and subsequent to that time
under the present existing state of freedom
the said parties separate for any other than
the cause of adultery or fornication, either of
the parties marrying again under such cir¬
cumstances would be guilty of adultery and
should be expelled.
J. P. Campbell.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, Presiding; Rev. Lewis
Woodson, Secretary.
LEXINGTON, KY., April, 1867.
the necessary requirements of a local man
to become a voter in annual
conference.
Rev. James A. Shorter requested Bishop
Campbell's written decision of the following:
Question: Is a local man entitled to a vote
in a Conference as soon as he becomes a mem¬
ber of it?
BISHOP BENJAMIN F. LEE
Born September 18, 1841, in Gouldtown, N. J. Converted, 1865, in Wil-
berforce, Ohio. Licensed to preach, 1868, in Xenia, Ohio, by Rev. J. P.
Underwood. Commenced traveling, 1868; ordained Deacon, 1870; ordained
Elder, 1872; ordained Bishop, May 19, 1892.
202
lampton's digest.
Answer: He is, according1 to Canon 2, para¬
graph 2, relating to the composition of the
Annual Conferences. It appears from the
Canon above referred to that there are two
classes of persons composing the Annual Con¬
ferences. First: All the traveling preachers
who are in full connection, and all the proba¬
tioners, constituting one class. Second: All
the local preachers who have been licensed
four full years, and have completed the course
of studies prescribed in the Book of Discip¬
line, and have been recommended by their
Quarterly Conference, and have passed their
examination at the Annual Conference, these
form the second class. These two classes, ex¬
cepting visiting members and probationers,
constitute the voting or working members of
the Annual Conference. If an applicant for
local membership has not been licensed four
full years, or has not completed the course of
studies prescribed in the Book of Discipline,
or has not been recommended by his Quarter¬
ly Conference, or if he has not passed an ex¬
amination at the Annual Conference, then in
all or any of the above-mentioned cases of
deficiency, he has no standing as a voter or a
local member of the Conference.
J. P. Campbell.
lampton's digest.
203
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul, Quinn, Presiding; Rev. J. P.
Underwood, Secretary.
COLUMBUS, OHIO, April, 1868.
an indefinite postponement of case in quar¬
terly meeting conference precludes rais¬
ing same question again, ■ etc. members
have right to appeal i*rom committee, but
must give notice, etc.
The case of James A. and wife was taken
up, from Delaware.
The ruling in the case of Sister A: " She
is out of the Church, but Brother A is as
though he had not been tried.''
What effect has indefinite postponement
on a case in the Quarterly Conference?
H. J. Young.
Ruling: An indefinite postponement of a
case in a Quarterly Meeting Conference pre¬
cludes the raising of the same question again,
excepting by a vote of two-thirds of the mem¬
bers present in that Conference. And if the
question does not come up again in the Quar¬
terly Conference where it was raised, another
Quarterly Conference has no jurisdiction in
204
lampton's digest.
the case; because tlie action of each and every
Quarterly Conference is conclusive, and,
therefore, independent of every other Quar¬
terly Conference.
All of our members have a right to appeal
from the decision of a committee or church
finding them guilty of a crime sufficient to ex¬
clude them frotfii the kingdom of grace and
glory, or even church membership, under any
circumstances. But it is the duty of said ex¬
cluded member, or members, to give notice of
their intention to appeal at the time of the
trial, after being found guilty and deprived
of the rights of membership. This is proper,
in order that the ministers in charge may have
the minutes of the trial at the Conference
where the appeal is to be tried.
But if, through ignorance, the member did
not know that he or she had the right, or that
it is their duty, to appeal at the time of the
trial, the said ignorance is not a lawful ex¬
cuse to the minister for ruling out the appeal;
provided, that notice is given to him at a pe¬
riod sufficiently long before the trial to have
the minutes at the Conference trying the ap¬
peal.
J. P. Campbell.
lampton's digest. 205
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. J. P. Under¬
wood, Secretary.
ZANESVILLE, May, 1873.
churches under obligations to pay their
pastors dancing is sinful.
Elder "A" desired the Bishop to give his
ruling on the point of the back pay of min¬
isters, whether the Church was bound to pay
a minister his back salary after he had been
appointed to another field of labor.
The Bishop decided that every church was
under obligations to pay its pastor the amount
agreed upon. If he did not get it before
Conference, they were bound to provide for
the payment of the amount, independent of
the income of the pastor serving them.
Several called for the Bishop's opinion on
the matter of the sinfulness of dancing.
He said that Methodism taught that danc¬
ing was sinful within itself, and that a ma¬
jority of the orthodox denominations con¬
curred in the same.
206 lampton's digest.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. J. P. Under¬
wood, Secretary.
PORTSMOUTH, May, 1874.
the dollar money law pastors to collect
one dollar from each member if circum¬
stances prevent, collect one-third of a
dollar from those who can pay mission
work, etc.
bishop payne's decision respecting the
dollar money.
Section 2 requires each pastor to collect the
sum of one dollar from or for each member of
our Church; but inasmuch as there are almost
always some persons too young, too old, too
decrepid, or too sick to earn the means of self-
support, therefore, it is meant that for each
such impotent persons, the pastor shall beg
from those who are able one dollar. The
word "those" includes the able members of
our Church, as well as those of other churches
also, such as belong to no church.
Section 3 provides that after a fair trial
has been made by the pastor to collect one
lampton's digest.
207
dollar from each member, if he does not suc¬
ceed, then, he must not fail to collect one-
third of a dollar from each who can pay, and
one-third of a dollar for each who is too help¬
less to pay such a small contribution.
Respecting the time when this dollar col¬
lecting is to be made, Bishop Payne decides
that it is to be the first financial duty which
the pastor is bound to perform, after he en¬
ters upon the labors of the opening ecclesias¬
tical year. The reasons for demanding that
this duty be performed at the very threshhold
of the ecclesiastical year are many; we now
mention two:
Because the nine general officers, whose
labors are designed to benefit every individual
in the whole connection, are cut off complete¬
ly from the pockets of the people, and these
pockets are placed under the control of the
pastors who are drawing from them every
week, and at every Quarterly Meeting, the
means of their own support.
It is, therefore, their duty, their moral duty,
their Christian obligation, to care for those
nine officers who cannot care for themselves,
while they are caring for all others.
2. Because it is in the early part of the
208
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
year—e. g., the spring and summer, or early
autumn, when our people are best prepared to
spare the surplus of their earnings, for the
support of the Gospel, directly. If it were
necessary, I might expatiate on this point, by
showing how the pastors can and do control
the pockets of the people, but I forbear, and
leave them to fill up the blank, at the same
time expressing the hope that the advance of
the dollar collection for 1874-5 upon that of
1873-4 will be at least 50 percentum, within
the jurisdiction of the Third E. District.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
YOUNGSTOWN, 1875-
ELIGIBILITY FOR DEACON'S ORDERS REQUIRES TWO
YEARS' TRAVEL.
It was decided that a brother could not be
ordained a Deacon because he had not trav¬
eled two years.
lampton's digest.
209
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; J. P. Underwood,
Secretary.
ITRBANA, OHIO, September, 1877.
does any minister in annual conference
without work and under no quarterly
conference fall under jurisdiction of
quarterly conference ? cannot be a mem¬
ber of conference when acknowledging
debt and refusing to pay discipline has
no jurisdiction over other members not
responsible for dollar money when left
without an appointment.
Q. Does not every (member) brother in
the Annual Conference, if ]eft without work,
and without being placed under any Quar¬
terly Conference, fall under the jurisdiction
of that Quarterly Conference to which he
must naturally belong?
A. My answer to this first question is, that
it is so complicated that I do not understand
it.
Q. Is not that Quarterly Conference where
a brother and his family live and have their
being, the Quarterly Conference to which they
properly belong?
A. My answer to this question is, that it is
6248-14
210
lampton's digest.
so very indefinite that I fail to comprehend it.
Q. Should any brother be permitted to re¬
main in the Conference who acknowledges
his indebtedness, and then states that he will
not pay, unless the law compels him!
A. I answer this question by saying, No.
Q. When the Discipline states that a mem¬
ber should come to the church before going
to the civil law against another member, is
this law simply to govern our own members,
or does it govern a member of the M. E.
Church also, to whom a member of our Church
may be indebted!
A. I answer this question by saying it re¬
fers to our own members, because our law
has no jurisdiction over the members of other
churches, nor has their law any over ours.
Q. When a brother is taken into Confer¬
ence and left without work, because there is
no work for him, as Brother "A" was last
year, is he responsible for Dollar Money,
quarterage, etc. ?
A. I answer this by saying, that he was a
traveling probationary preacher in the Con¬
ference, and not a layman, and therefore not
responsible for Dollar Money nor quarterage.
But his love for the cause might dictate the
BISHOP MOSES B. SALTER
Born February 13, 1841, in Charleston, S. C. Converted, 1857, in Charles¬
ton, S. C. Licensed to preach, 1865, in Charleston, S. C., by Rev. R. H. Cain.
Commenced traveling, 1866; ordained Deacon, 1866; ordained Elder, 1866;
ordained Bishop, May 19, 1892.
212
lampton's digest.
propriety of paying Dollar Money and also
quarterage.
NORTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding.
HAMILTON, 1886.
a minister's actual location and work does
not change his conference jurisdiction.
It was decided that a brother belonged to
the North Ohio Annual Conference although
he was located by the Ohio Annual Confer¬
ence and had worked there two years; and the
Ohio Annual Conference had no jurisdiction
over him, he never having been transferred.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding.
CINCINNATI, 1886.
acceptance op transfer not final when its
genuineness is questioned.
It was decided that in any instance where
a transfer has been presented and received,
and afterwards the Conference received in¬
formation that caused it to doubt the transfer
as being genuine, it had the power to decide
by vote upon its acceptance or rejection.
lampton's digest. 213
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
GALLIPOLIS, 1888.
as to ministerial power recommendation of
quarterly conference not necessary
for admittance to annual confer¬
ence as to mite missionary
society.
It was decided that a minister who has
been taken up in the interval of the Confer¬
ence has the same power in the exercise of
his ministerial office as one that is sent by the
Bishop from an Annual Conference.
It was also decided that a person need not
be recommended by a Quarterly Conference
before he can be admitted to the Annual Con¬
ference.
As to the outcome of a misunderstanding
he decided that the Missionary moneys were
to be sent to the Treasurer of the Woman's
Mite Missionary Society, and forbid any of
the ministers on going to an appointment and
finding such societies to interfere with it.
214
lampton's digest.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
TROY, 1889.
a minister who has located can be used, but
• not as itinerant.
The Bishop gave the following decision:
A man may ask a limited location, but when
the Conference puts him out, he is out.
This question was asked for his decision:
'' Can a man who is located be used 1''
The Bishop decided he could, but not as an
itinerant minister. A local preacher follows
his work by day. The itinerant man is a
pastor who has charge of the flock of God.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Danjei, A. Payne, Presiding.
NEW RICHMOND, i89T.
on the right to perform marriage ceremony.
A brother was marked by his Presiding
Elder for insubordination. His case was dis¬
cussed as to whether he had the right to per¬
form the marriage ceremony.
It was decided that so far as the civil law
was concerned he had the power to perform
the marriage ceremony, but his position in
the ranks of the ministry in this Conference
did not warrant the performance of such
duties, after being warned against it by his
superior officers.
LAMPTON 'S DIGEST. j
NORTH OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop B. W. ArnETT, Presiding.
PIQUA, 1892.
PREACHER FROM OTHER CHURCHES TAKEN ON
TRIAL.
One member had been in the first year's
class for three years. It was asked how long
could he continue. It was decided that we
take preachers from churches just as they
stand in their own church. They are taken
on trial for two years.
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
PORTSMOUTH, 1893.
ON APPOINTMENT OP STEWARDS AND STEWARD¬
ESSES PASTOR'S POWERS AND DUTIES RELA-
ATIVE TO SUNDAY SCHOOLS.
It was decided that the number of Steward¬
esses should never exceed that of Stewards.
In case there was not sufficient number of
men the pastor should make Stewards of
women.
Bishop Payne decided, further, that a pas¬
tor has the power to create Sunday Schools,
make teachers and remove the president of a
S. S. Institute.
Also, when a class-leader is in conflict with
216
lampton's digest.
the government of tlie A. M. E. Church, it
is the duty of the pastor to remove him; if
the pastor does not, it is the business of the
Bishop to do it.
Also, when the pastor cannot get Christians
to teach Sunday School, if he finds a person
with high moral sensibility, who would not
steal, or drink, etc., without his professing to
be converted to' Christianity, he should take
him, and watch him and the church. The
most intelligent person, Christian or non-
Christian, should be chosen to help, but the
pastor should see what he teaches.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. W. T. Catto,
Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA, May, 1853.
a minister of one conference can prefer
charges in another conference cases in
quarterly conference must be tried, and
appeal taken to annual conference
preachers should give members certifi¬
cates when moving a minister who is
neither local nor itinerant cannot be
ordained until committee reports.
A question here arose whether one brother
could bring a charge against another without
going through the Quarterly Conference?
lampton's digest.
217
The decision of the Bishops was called for,
when Bishop Payne stated that it was the
law of the Discipline and opinion of the Bench
of Bishops that one member of the Annual
Conference could bring a charge or charges
against another member of the Annual Con¬
ference, and that the Conference was in duty
bound to hear charges and try them, before
the Annual Conference; the decision being
founded on Discipline of the Conference
(page 92, Section 12), and, further, any mem¬
ber of the Conference can arrest him in the
interim, but for nothing short of immoral con¬
duct.
A question arose in relation to cases com¬
ing before the Annual Conference, when
Bishop Nazrey gave the following decision,
viz.:
"That all cases which belong to the Quar¬
terly Conference, and over which the Quar¬
terly Conference has jurisdiction, should be
first thoroughly sifted by them before such
case can be brought to the Annual Confer¬
ence, and then it must come in the form of an
appeal, and in this form only."
The Bishop's decision was required upon
the rule which should govern preachers in
their charge, in relation to members leaving
218
lampton's digest.
one church without certificate and received
into another without certificate.
Bishop Payne said that before he gave his
decision he would remark:
That in all government, civil or ecclesias¬
tical, where the mere phraseology of the law
does not apply to a particular case, we resort
to a general principle of law for the govern¬
ment of that case, so in the case before us, the
law does not say station, but circuit, upon
which there are two, three or four churches.
So in a station where there are two or three
churches, the law is equally applicable.
The Bishop decided, that where one or more
members of a circuit or station are discon¬
tented, and go to a preacher for certificates,
lie ought to give them, for the people have
rights, but where " A," '' B," or " C " is guilty
of some crime, charge or disobedience, the
case is different—for want of discretion some
men will not give a certificate, to gratify pride
through love of power, so that where there is
no proper cause for crime, complaint, charge,
etc., it is better to give the certificate; and
again, that when "A," "B," or "0" wishes
to leave, where anything is due, as debt, to
persons, quarterage, etc., the preacher ought
to see them first paid.
lampton's digest.
219
Brother "A" called the attention of the
House to the case of Brother "B," praying
that he may be ordained a Deacon; on motion
made by that brother "B" be ordained, pro¬
vided he stands his examination. The objec¬
tion was raised, whether Brother "B" could
be ordained, not having traveled two years
from the time of his admission into the itiner¬
ancy. After discussing the question, the
Bishop's decision was asked. The Rt. Rev.
Nazrey said, that this is a peculiar case and is
unlike any that he knows of, for Brother
"B" is now neither local nor itinerant, and
it cannot be that he be ordained until the com¬
mittee reports on his case, as he is now in the
hands of the Examining Committee, on trial;
Brother "B," the Bishop observed, was a
local preacher over four years, in Union
Church, and could have been by right or¬
dained a local Deacon (all other things fair).
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Pauc Quinn, Presiding; Rev. A. C. Crippin,
Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA, May, 1852.
minister impeached in annual conference
can have no appointment preacher in
charge of circuit remains pastor
until changed, etc.
The following points were decided by the
Bench of Bishops:
220
lampton's digest.
1. Bishop Quinn, being in the chair, decided
that when a man has been impeached in an
Annual Conference, he should have no ap¬
pointment to preach until his differences
shall have been settled. No dissent by his
colleagues.
2. The Bench of Bishops decided, that the
preacher having charge of a circuit or station
is the pastor of that charge until his appoint¬
ment to another charge is announced in the
Annual Conference to which lie belongs.
Of course, elections to office on the part of
the General Conference form an exception to
this rule.
3. The Bench of Bishops, that when a
preacher having the charge is applied to by
another church, whose pastor died in the in¬
terval of the Annual Conference, for pastoral
care, he, the preacher in charge, to whom such
application is made, is at liberty to give such
pastoral aid as his other duties and obliga¬
tions permit.
Bishop Payne, being in the chair, decided
that the Rule of Discipline, giving to minister
or preacher in charge, who may differ from
the majority of society, or the select number,
concerning the innocence or guilt of the ac¬
cused person, applied to all the cases enumer-
BISHOP JAMES A. HANDY
Born December 22, 1826, in Baltimore, Md. Converted, 1853, in Balti¬
more, Md. Licensed to preach, 1860, in Baltimore, Md., by Rev. John M.
Brown. Commenced traveling, 1862; ordained Deacon, 1864; ordained Elder,
1865; ordained Bishop, May 19, 1892.
222
lampton's digest.
ated from the commencement of Section 32, to
tlie said rule. No dissent by his colleagues.
In the interval of the Conference, Bishop
Payne took him up and places him on a cir¬
cuit as a traveling preacher, he now returns
to Conference and is now offered to be re¬
ceived into full connection, the Conference,
therefore, must first report on his case.
Bishop Nazrey further remarked, that in
respect to persons coming from the Quarterly
Conference to the Annual, for admission into
the itinerancy, if by any means he or they are
not received into the itinerancy, they cannot be
admitted at the next ensuing Annual Confer¬
ence otherwise than by the Committee. (See
Discipline, page 90, or from the Quarterly
Conference, Dis., page 91.)
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wit.us Nazrey, Presiding; Rev. Joshua Woodlin,
Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA", May, 1855.
case comes under clause' of debts in disci¬
pline authority of minister commences
at time of appointment ministers must
be present at opening of annual confer¬
ence what constitutes justifiable pro¬
cess at law.
A question arose on the adoption of the
above report, to know by what law a travel-
lampton's digest.
223
ing preacher comes under, in case of debt.
The Bishop decided, that when a complaint
comes against a traveling preacher, his case
comes under that clause of Discipline of
Debts, there being no other specific rule for
traveling preachers; therefore it had to be
regulated by that code of laws.
The Bishop gave the following decision in
writing:
1. In the appointment of ministers under
the Discipline of the African Methodist Epis¬
copal Church, their authority commences at
the time the appointment is given to them at
the Annual Conference, and ceases at the time
of the sitting of the next Annual Conference
in that district. (See Discipline, page 92.)
2. If one minister has right to be absent
from the Conference the first day it sits, we
all claim the same right, and if the itinerant
ministers have a right to stay away one day,
they have a right to stay away altogether,
and then the doctrine that every part must be
subject to the whole would be done away with,
and our Church, with every other institution
must and will go among the things that are
not. Therefore, acknowledging as I do the
sovereignty of the General Conference and
its laws, every minister is subject to meet with
224
lampton's digest.
Conference the day it sits, and let the pro¬
visions on page 92 supply the need.
A question arose in the Conference, in rela¬
tion to what would be a justifiable process at
law. The Bishop decided that it was gov¬
erned by circumstances; for instance, if a
member of the Church is acting under the di¬
rection of the common law, and is bound by
oath to make returns at a court or any other
place, according to law, and comes in contact
with a member of the Church, whose acts are
about to make him violate his oath, or forfeit
his obligation to the court, it would constitute
a justifiable process at law.
If a member is in debt to another, or has
done him a serious injury, and is fleeing from
justice, the aggrieved parties would be justi¬
fiable in a process at the civil law, from the
fact that in case the Church has not power
to act, and in the other, it has not time to ar¬
rest the parties fleeing from justice; and other
similar cases, according to circumstances.
Joshua Woodlin,
Secretary.
bishop payne's decision on questions of law
and government.
1. Can members in our Church be expelled
for the non-payment of debts; and if so, is
lampton's digest.
225
such expulsion intended only to answer the
letter of the law, or to work spiritual refor¬
mation in defendant?
2. "When expulsion takes place in our
Church for any offense can objections be
made when there has been no signs of humil¬
iation or repentance, and would such objec¬
tion be a bar to the .person's joining?
3. Are the several churches of the A. M. E.
Church a unit in government; if so, when
persons, who have been expelled from one
church flee into another and join, when the
minister of that church has been informed
respecting the person applying, would the
reception of such person be valid and Chris¬
tian and in accordance with the law of our
Church?
4. "A" having been expelled from Bethel
Church, and not having given satisfaction to
that church for the offense for which he was
expelled or shown any sign of humiliation or
repentance, and having joined the Union
Church, under the circumstances is "A" an
acceptable member of the A. M. E. Church?
5. If a member of the Church is expelled,
and is allowed to join another without giving
satisfaction to the one from which he or she
was expelled, is a knowledge of such a state
0248-15
226
lampton's digest.
of things likely to promote morals of Chris¬
tianity, does it in fact not defeat the law of
the Church?
Having examined the above questions sub¬
mitted to us some forty-eight hours ago, we
give the following reply:
The first question contains two separate
propositions, and shall be answered separate¬
ly. Can members in our Church be expelled,
etc. To this proposition we give an affirma¬
tive reply.
Is such expulsion intended only to answer
the letter of the law, or to work, etc. It is
intended to answer: First. The letters of
the law by which we mean to maintain its
majesty. Second. It is also intended to pre¬
serve the government pure by excommunicat¬
ing disobedient and dishonest persons. Third.
It is intended to work spiritual reformation
in the offender.
The second question contains two separate
propositions; they are both answered in the
affirmative.
Question three also contains two separate
propositions. To the first we say, the sev¬
eral churches of the A. M. E. Church is but a
"unit in government." They are not inde¬
pendent sovereignties; they are one in spirit,
lampton's digest.
227
one law, one government prevades them ail
in Philadelphia, in Baltimore, in Chicago, in
Boston, in San Francisco; one spirit, one law,
one government, obtains; in these respects,
they are but a unit.
To the second proposition of this third
question we say, it is neither valid, Christian,
nor in accordance with the law of the Church.
The minister who may be found guilty of
such conduct should be impeached, tried, and
disciplined for such mal-administration.
Having answered questions one, two, and
three, we now proceed to answer question
five.
This, like the others, also contains two
propositions. The first is answered in the
negative; the second, in the affirmative; and
is productive of schisms and ecclesiastical
ruin.
The fourth question relates to a particular
individual, "A"; we, therefore, reply to it
by saying, the principles involved in the an¬
swers we have given to questions one, two.
three, and five, determine the condition of
4' A," by which we mean to say that if he has
offended against these principles he will per¬
ish in their presence; if not, they will sustain
and defend him. In presenting this case I
228
lampton's digest.
have nothing personal against "A," but it
involves the principles of Church purity,
which I think more of then I do of "A," or
any other man. My object, therefore, is not
to prosecute the saint, but, if possible, to
bring sinners to repentance.
Respectfully,
Abm. Fields.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. Joshua
Woodlin, Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA, May, 1858.
"A" asked a question in reference to '' B 's "
administration, and wished to know if any
Elder not belonging to his charge, without
the consent of his Official Board or Quarterly
Conference.
On motion, that the speakers hereafter be
restricted to five minutes.
After a considerable discussion on the ques¬
tion, the Bishop stated that there were three
points to be decided: (1) Have Elder "B" and
Elder "C" done right in this Annual Con¬
ference? (2) Have Elders "B" and "C"
done right in this protracted meeting? (3)
Has an Elder in charge the right to employ
another Elder or preacher not belonging to
lampton's digest.
229
his charge, to take charge in his place? (Dis¬
cussion.)
1. As to the man "B," that has been his
mode for many years in getting yonng preach¬
ers to assist him with his meetings, and giving
them entire control of the meeting. He has a
right to get any one he chdoses to assist him,
and the Trustees, Official Board, or Stewards
have no right to interfere with him. They
might have done some wrong in carrying on
the protracted meeting. One thing was wrong,
in selling tickets in the church on the Sabbath
day, and having omnibuses at the church to
go to the baptism.
2. They have done wrong in this Annual
Conference, by publishing appointments that
belong to the Annual Conference.
3. An Elder has no right to transfer his
rights to another Elder, not in his charge.
He may call in his Local Elder or Deacon,
etc., or send to the Bishop and inform him of
his disabilities.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn, Presiding; Caleb Woodyard,
Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA, May, 1859.
an approved bond is one endorsed.
S. Smith stated that he wished a decision
from the Bishop in reference to the General
230
lampton's digest.
Book Treasurer giving bond to the committee.
Bisliop Payne decided that an approved bond
was one that had an approved endorser of a
bond. The exceptions to the report of the
Book Committee were taken np.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. Paul Quinn and Bishop Daniel A. Payne,
Presiding; Rev. J. Woodlin, Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA, June, i860.
deacons ordained previously to 1852 mem¬
bers of conference bishops, preacher,
etc., cannot license one on probation
a licentiate or deacon can license per¬
sons appointed to preside in quarterly
conference.
Objections were made to "A" and "B"
being members of the Annual Conference.
Bishop Payne decided that all Deacons or¬
dained previously to 1852 are members of
the Annual Conference, and all ordained
since that time will present themselves to
the next Annual Conference for examination
for membership.
S. Smith asked the decision of the Bishops,
to know whether a Deacon has a right to li¬
cense a man on probation, and to preside in a
Quarterly Conference, and license persons
under an Elder. Bishop Quinn decided that
BISHOP WILLIAM B. DERRICK
Born July 27, 1843, in Antigua, West Indies. Converted, 1854, in St. John.
Licensed to preach, 1864, in Norfolk, Va,, by Rev. John M. Brown. Commenced
traveling 1867; ordained Deacon, 1868; ordained Elder, 1869; ordained Bishop,
May 19, 1896.
232
lampton's digest.
no Bishop, either Elder, or Preacher, had a
right to license one who was on probation.
The report was received and adopted.
Bishop Payne decided that a Licentiate or
Deacon had a right to license persons when
appointed to preside in a Quarterly Confer¬
ence, in the absence of the Elder having the
oversight.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wiwjs NazrEy, Presiding; Rev. Joshua Woodun,
Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA, May, 1861.
local ministers or preachers members of an¬
nual conference subject to ap¬
pointments of bishop.
On motion of J. P. Campbell:
Resolved, That the question of law arising
out of the case of "A" against "B," in the
form of a complaint, relative to the relation¬
ship of a local preacher to a Quarterly Con¬
ference after he has been taken up and ap¬
pointed to a charge by the Bishops, be re¬
ferred to the Bishops for decision, and that
they make the same before the rise of this
Conference. Carried.
bishop's decision.
The very perplexed question on which the
decision was called for is as follows:
lampton's digest.
233
1. (See Discipline, Section 11, page 105.)
All Local Elders, Deacons, etc., shall be in
subjection to the preachers in charge, in re¬
ceiving their appointments.
2. (See page 84.) All local ministers or
preachers, members of the Annual Confer¬
ence, shall be subject to the appointments of
the Bishop, etc.
The question arises, to which of these au¬
thorities is the local member to be subject?
The answer is, that he is to be subject to the
one having original jurisdiction over him,
who is the minister or preacher in charge of
the Quarterly Conference, and who has the
laws governing the conduct and granting the
rights of local preachers. Hence, as a fixed
rule of law, no law or statute, or parts of laws
or statutes, can prevent, change, or alter the
design, force, or intention of an old, written
and acknowledged law or statute, until it is
repealed; therefore, Smith's claim to mem¬
bership was right under page 105 and Sec¬
tion 3. Woodlin's rejection of Smith's mem¬
bership was right if Zion Mission had been
in the regular work. (See page 85, at head
of the page, "no Elder or Deacon shall have
the special charge, except he be itinerant.")
But Zion did not come within the term
234
lampton's digest.
special charge; she still remained in a mis¬
sion; therefore, Smith retained his member¬
ship in the Quarterly Conference (see page
78). But no one shall be admitted on trial
unless he first procured a recommendation,
etc., and if said preacher, after being thus
taken up, is presented to the Conference and
cannot enter, or even though he be an itiner¬
ant minister and is located, he should receive
a certificate from the Bishop.
In all cases of appeal to the Annual Con¬
ference, or to any higher court, if the decis¬
ion is reversed, it ought to be so stated or
entered, and published in the place from
which the case came.
The above is much like many other rules
the General Conference has given us—they
become regular passed rites.
W. Nazeey.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wn.us Nazrey, Presiding; Rev. Joshua Woodi.in,
Secretary.
SALEM, N. J., May, 1864.
members gone to war report to quarterly
conference.
Bishop decided that our members who have
gone to war, should be so reported to the
lampton's digest.
235
Quarterly Conference, and also to the An¬
nual Conference.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop DanieIv A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. W. W. Grimes,
Secretary.
MORRISTOWN, PA., June, 1880.
a local deacon, member op annual confer¬
ence, expelled by a quarterly conference,
not valid without judgment of annual
conference local preacher coming from
another denomination cannot reach an¬
nual conference himself with church
and a quarterly" conference.
Rev. "A" desired to know if a Local Dea¬
con, a member of our Annual Conference,
could be expelled by a Quarterly Conference,
and the expulsion remain valid, without the
judgment of an Annual Conference.
The presiding Bishop answered that such
expulsion is valid without the judgment of
an Annual Conference, provided, however,
that no appeal had been taken. He also read
the law bearing upon the case.
Rev. "B" asked the question whether a
local preacher coming from another denomi¬
nation with orders, could reach the Annual
236
lampton's digest.
Conference without first connecting himself
with the Church by joining a Quarterly Con¬
ference. The Bishop answered that he could
not, and said that we should be very careful
how we receive ministers from other denomi¬
nations, that we should inquire into their mo¬
tives for leaving their own Church, and join¬
ing ours. Rev. "C" asked the question as to
whether Brother "D," having been tried for
gross immorality, could be continued as a
member of this Conference, seeing that he
had thus been charged, tried and convicted by
his Quarterly Conference. Information was
given by the Bishop in the negative.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; J. C. Brock, Secretary.
WEST CHESTER, May, 1882.
local deacons and elders members op annual
conference.
According to the action of General Confer¬
ence of 1860, every local Elder and Deacon
was a member of the Annual Conference, and
should report there at least once every two
years, or forfeit his membership.
lampton's digest.
237
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; J. C. Brock, Secretary.
WEST CHESTER, May, 1882.
local preacher to be teied by quaeteely con¬
ference quaeteely conference has
original jurisdiction of local
peeachees.
The following ruling was made by the
Bishop in answer to the following questions:
Shall a Local Elder or Deacon be tried by
his Quarterly Conference or by the Annual
Conference ?
Answer: By the Quarterly Conference.
Which has original jurisdiction in the case
of a trial of a Local Elder or Deacon, the
Quarterly or the Annual Conference?
Answer: The Quarterly Conference has
original jurisdiction in the trial" of all local
preachers, and not the Annual Conference,
as the Annual is his court of appeals and not
his court of trial.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; Brock, Secretary.
PHILADELPHIA, May, 1883.
annual conference to supply deacons' for¬
feited papees.
Q. If a Local Deacon should forfeit his or-
238
lampton's digest.
dination papers, who has the power to restore
them?
A. The Annual Conference.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, D. D., Presiding.
1885.
local preacher becomes member of confer¬
ence only by its vote.
It was decided that no local preacher could
be regarded as a member of the Conference
unless he had been received by a vote of the
Conference. Bishop Shorter concurred with
the ruling.
The decision grew out of a question of the
membership of certain local preachers whose
names had been placed upon the roll two
years before, under the ruling of Bishop
Brown.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, Presiding; Rev. T. G. Steward,
Secretary.
WILMINGTON, DEL., May, 1885.
local preacher's standing in annual
conference.
No local preacher can be regarded as a
member of the Conference unless he has been
received by a vote of the Conference.
lampton's digest.
239
presiding elders may hold charges.
The spirit and intent of the law was to
make Presiding Elders to keep the Chnrch in
order, but does not prevent the Presiding
Elder from holding a charge where he might
obtain salary and yet carry on the interests
of the Chnrch.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding.
WEST CHESTER, 189t.
A discussion arose as to whether the Con¬
ference had primary jurisdiction over a broth¬
er who was a local preacher. The Bishop
held that the Conference had primary juris¬
diction inasmuch as the brother was a Local
Elder and a member of this Conference.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop B. T. Tanner, D. D., Presiding.
MT. PISGAH A. M. E. CHURCH, 1895.
ordained preachers members of conference
and subject to appointment.
Bishop B. T. Tanner rendered the follow¬
ing decision:
Bishop Payne regarded every man who had
been ordained a preacher as a member of his
Conference subject to appointment. "I was
240
lampton's digest.
on the eve of appointing a man to Harrisburg
before I saw Dr. Johnson. If a man has been
ordained I won't hesitate to give him an ap¬
pointment. ''
Such persons as are here referred to are
eligible to vote. The whole contention grew
out of the attempt to Rev. E. C. Tilghman, of
Chester, Pa., a local man coming originally
from Baltimore, Md., A. M. E. Conference, to
cast a vote for delegates to the General Con¬
ference. His vote, upon the decision of
Bishop Tanner, was accepted.
The Rev. W. H. Davis, Presiding Elder, of
Wilmington District, requested that Brother
D. J. Blackson, of Georgetown, Del., a Deacon
who was ordained and appointed last year,
he having been taken up and appointed, which
made his relation to differ from that of Rev.
Tilghman.
There was no attempt to appeal from the
decision of the chair.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, D. D., Presiding.
READING, 1896.
as to missionary money and the officers of
the society.
It was decided that the Committee on Mis¬
sionary money appointed by the Conference
BISHOP JOSIAH H. ARMSTRONG
Born May 30, 1842, in Lancaster County, Pa. Converted, 1868, in Jackson¬
ville, Fla., by Rev. William Bradwell. Commenced traveling, 1869; ordained
Deacon, 1869: ordained Elder, 1870; ordained Bishop, May 19, 1896. Died,
March 23, 1898. Buried in Galveston, Texas. Served as Bishop, I year, 10
months and 4 days.
6248—16
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
was to receive all missionary money, pay to
the Missionary Secretary 40 per cent of the
same, and then disburse to missionary claim¬
ants as ordered by Conference and report the
remainder to the Treasurer of the Confer¬
ence Missionary Society; also that the offi¬
cers-elect of the Local Missionary Society
shall not exercise the functions of their office
until the rise of the Conference at which they
have been elected.
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop B. W. Arnett, D. D., Presiding.
PHILADELPHIA, 1904.
ORDAINED DEACONS MEMBERS OF CONFERENCE
TRANSFERRED BROTHER CANNOT WITHDRAW
FROM CONFERENCE WHICH HAS NOT RECEIVED
HIM MISSIONARIES ONLY ENTITLED TO MIS¬
SIONARY MONEY.
Bishop W. B. Arnett gave these decisions:
That when a man becomes a Deacon in an
Annual Conference he is necessarily a mem-
lampton's digest.
243
her of it in order that it may liave jurisdiction
over him and its orders.
2. In the matter of a transfer of a brother
from the New Jersey to the Philadelphia Con¬
ference, Bishop Derrick informed me that he
had given the brother a transfer to me, but
said: 1' When it comes hold it up.'' The
man never came. I therefore cannot hold
him. Since that time the man sends his with¬
drawal. I wish to say, further, he isn't in the
Conference, and, therefore, cannot withdraw.
3. That where a minister boarded with his
wife during the Conference session, he should
pay her the same as anybody else.
4. The statement was made to the Bishop
that there were 57 missionaries. The state¬
ment necessitated a determination by the
Bishop as to who were missionaries and who
were not. Said he, "a, missionary .is a mis¬
sionary, and a man who has not received his
allowance is another man, hence, the mis¬
sionary money goes to the missionaries of
the Conference if you have any; if you have
none, then it is a different thing. Remember,
only the missionaries are entitled to mission¬
ary money."
244
lampton's digest.
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Amos A. Williams,
Secretary.
WASHINGTON, PA., April, 1874.
dollar money general officers' labors de¬
signed to benefit individuals spring, sum¬
mer and early autumn time to collect
dollar money pastors to organize parent
missionary societies.
Section 2 requires each pastor to collect the
sum of one dollar from, or for, each member
of our Church; but, inasmuch as there almost
always are some persons too young, too old,
too decrepid or too sick to earn the means of
self-support, therefore it is meant that for
each such impotent persons, the pastor shall
beg from those who are able, one dollar. The
word "those" includes the able members of
our own Church as well as those of other
churches; also, such as belong to no church.
Section 3 provides that after a fair trial
has been made by the pastor to collect one
dollar from each member, he must not fail to
collect one-third of a dollar for each who is
too helpless to pay such a small contribution.
Respecting the time when this dollar col¬
lection is to be made, Bishop Payne decides
lampton's digest.
245
that it is to be the first financial duty which
the pastor is bound to perform after he enters
upon the labor of the opening ecclesiastical
year.
The reasons for demanding that this duty
be performed at the very threshhold of the ec¬
clesiastical year are many. We now men¬
tion two:
Because the nine general officers whose la¬
bors are designed to benefit every individual
in the whole connection, are cut off complete¬
ly from the pockets of the people, and those
pockets are placed under the control of the
pastors, who are drawing from them every
week and at every Quarterly Meeting the
means of their own support. It is, therefore,
their duty, their moral duty, their Christian
obligation, to care for those nine officers who
cannot care for themselves, while they are
caring for all others.
Because, it is in the early part of the year—
in the Spring and Summer, or early Autumn—
when our poor people are best prepared to
spare the surplus of their earnings for the
support of the Gospel directly or indirectly—
episcopal labors, editorial labors, the labors
of the book manager and the worth of the
Financial Secretary, are all included in this
246
lampton's digest.
statement. If it were necessary I might expa¬
tiate on this point by showing how the pas¬
tors can and do control the pockets of the
people, but I forbear and leave them to fill up
the blank, at the same time expressing the
hope that the advance of the Dollar Money
collection for 1874-5 upon that of 1873-4, will
be at least 50 per cent, and within the jurisdic¬
tion of the Third E. District.
respecting the work of missions.
It is decided that Article VII of the Parent
Missionary Society of the A. M. E. Church
means that each pastor shall organize a Mis¬
sionary Society within each Sunday School,
to consist of all the pupils in each, both young
and old, with every adult member of the
church who chooses to join it, and it is ad¬
vised hereby, that in order that these Mis¬
sionary Societies be perpetuated with in¬
creasing interest, each pastor ought to hold
monthly meetings of the Society, say, the
first, second or third Sundays, as each one
may deem best, at which time missionary in¬
telligence should be read by some one who is
a good reader, and the most eloquent preach¬
ers or pastors from sister churches, invited
to address the Society on the subject of Chris¬
tian Missions. The missionary intelligence
lampton's digest.
247
can be procured at a very small expense. The
missionary paper of the Methodist Episcopal
Church can be procured for 25 cents a year,
that of the American Missionary Society for
one dollar. The pastor ought to take the
Recorder, one column of which should be
filled every week with missionary intelligence.
But each of our pastors ought to take one of
the Methodist papers and the Independent;
with these he will always be able to furnish
the missionary meetings of the Sunday
Schools with interesting missionary intelli¬
gence, and keep his own heart burning with
the heavenly fire. The effect of such exer¬
cises upon the minds of the people will be like
that produced by throwing fuel into the fire.
The whole church will be kept alive on the
subject of missions, and the people will give.
remarks.
The pastor who cannot lead such a mission¬
ary work as I have here indicated, is behind
the times, and if he cannot change his course
and come up to the wants of the Church, the
demands of the Christian religion, then he
ought to resign his commission and follow
some other occupation. If he will not do this,
the Conference ought to locate him.
248
lampion's digest.
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, D. D., Presiding.
ERIE, 1879.
as to transferred ministers, their rights
and responsibilities.
The following questions were asked Bishop
A. W. Wayman, for his decision:
1. A member of the Conference elected del¬
egate to the General Conference, and the dele¬
gate, after his election, is transferred to an¬
other Conference; can said delegate represent
the Conference from which he was trans¬
ferred?
The Bishop decided he could not.
2. Can a member of Annual Conference
represent another Annual Conference in the
General Conference?
The answer was, No; unless his transfer
states it is to take effect on and after a future
period.
3. To what Conference is a minister amen¬
able when his transfer states that it is to take
effect six months or less, in advance of his
ministerial work in the Conference to which
he is transferred!
The decision was, that, he is amenable to
the Conference transferred from, until the
time stated in the transfer.
lampion's digest.
249
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; C. Asbury and T.
A. Thompson, Secretaries.
WHEELING, W. VA., September, 1880.
a conference not bound to accept transfer
of minister from another conference
when conference refused by his
home conference.
Statement of case:
A question affecting the transfer of Rev.
"A" was raised by Rev. C. Asbnry. Brother
"A" had been connected with the Pittsburg
Conference in a local capacity, and at the
meeting of the Conference held in Williams-
port, Pa., in 1877, applied for admission into
the Itinerancy and was refused, on account
of being past 45 years of age. Rev. "A"
afterwards went to Mississippi and was ad¬
mitted into the North Mississippi Conference
and receive a transfer from Bishop Camp¬
bell to the Pittsburg Conference.
Rev. Asbury submitted the following ques¬
tion: "Is the Conference, under the circum¬
stances, compelled to accept his transfer?"
Bishop Shorter decided that the Confer¬
ence was not compelled to accept the trans¬
fer of Brother "A."
250
lampton's digest.
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A, Shorter, D. D., Presiding.
WILKESBARRE, 1881.
petition" for ordination as elder must be
made by church members.
A petition from a Quarterly Conference
was read, praying the Annual Conference to
ordain a brother an Elder.
It was decided that the petition was not
from the proper source, being from the Quar¬
terly Conference and not from the members
of the church. It was, therefore, ruled out of
order.
A similar petition in another case met with
the same fate.
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding; C. Asrury,
Secretary.
BELLEFONTE, October, 1883.
local preacher, in absence of regular pas¬
tor, can read names of members expelled.
Rev. "A" asked the opinion of the Bishop
in relation to a pastor's placing in the hands
of his local preacher, to read in his absence,
BISHOP JAMES C. EMBRY
Bom November 2, 1834, in Knox County, Ind. Converted, 1855, in Galena,
III. Licensed to preach, 1856, in Galena, 111., by Rev. F. Myers. Commenced
traveling, 1864; ordained Deacon, 1866; ordained Elder, 1870; ordained Bishop,
May 19, 1896. Died, August 16, 1897. Buried in Philadelphia, Pa. Served
as Bishop, 1 year, 2 months and 27 days.
252
lampton's digest.
the expulsion of a member who had been
found guilty of slander, which charge was the
cause of great damage and suffering to the
character of the accused. Under the circum¬
stances, the Bishop decided that he could see
no informality or illegality in the action, or
no wrong committed.
bishop cannot create a law to make a gen¬
eral officer.
Rev. "A" offered a resolution in relation
to sending Rev. "B" out as an agent for the
educational work at the solicitation of Bishop
II. M. Turner. Quite a lengthy discussion
arose in relation to the matter of the Educa¬
tional Board creating in Rev. "B's" appoint¬
ment to an agency, a General Officer. The
Bishop remarked that all the Bishops could
not create a General Officer. All the Bishops
together could not create a law by which we
can be governed. The General Conference
must do that. The Bishop was opposed to
the resolution of Rev. "A," saying, "do not
make Brother 'B' a General Officer by your
resolution, he cannot go as an agent unless
this Conference says so. Now, if you feel
like letting Brother 'B' go out and do what
he can, I am satisfied."
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
253
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. CampbEi^, D. D., Presiding.
WASHINGTON, PA., 1884.
MINISTERS FROM OTHER DENOMINATIONS- RE¬
CEPTION OF PROBATIONERS AND FULL
MEMBERSHIP.
A discussion arose in reference to ministers
coming from other denominations. Bishop
J. P. Campbell ruled that the term of three
months' probation is null and void. Having
failed to serve out the regular term of six
months' probation, and not having come from
a regular organized church, the applicant
could not be admitted into this Conference.
Bishop Campbell's decision on the recep¬
tion of probationers into full membership,
rendered in reply to some questions asked by
officers in the church at West Middleton:
When any person makes application to be¬
come a member of the society, and it is his
desire to flee from the wrath to come and be
saved from his sins in the manner prescribed
in our Discipline; there being no reasonable
objection, he may be received on probation.
If they are known to be living in any outward
sin contrary to the word of God, or our Dis¬
cipline of Church, they should not be received.
25-i lampton's digest.
But if nothing be known against tliem and
they express a desire to become members,
they may be received 011 probation; and our
rules require that probation last six months.
This is without reference to our having sav¬
ing faith or not, because it is supposed they
will go on to give evidence as to faith after¬
wards. They are to be placed in a class un¬
der a leader. There should be an examina¬
tion of the leaders as to all of their members,
but at the end of six months he should give
a report of them, whether they have gone on
to be saved and flee from the wrath to come.
It is supposed that these rules are read in
Love Feast or General Class. The better
way is to call the members together before
Love Feast and read the rules. This brother
knows he has been in my charge and that I
never failed to do this.
That is what is supposed to be done more
properly in the General Class. When that is
out of the way, all you have to do is to pass
the bread and water. But if you have your
General Eules to read you have no time for
Love Feast.
At the General Class read the Discipline
and have the Stewards' report read, and if
you have more time let the people take it up
LAMPTON'S DIGEST.
255
in speaking as prelude to the Love Feast.
Now, persons may have saving faith or may
not, yet if they desire to flee from the wrath
to come, you may take them in, knowing of
no outward sins. They may be taken right
out from the world right then into the pro¬
tection of the Church. Now, having been ad¬
mitted, they are to meet the class, and at the
weekly examination of the members, to be ex¬
amined. There is a time when the pastor
must hear of the members. Preparatory to
this the pastor ought to examine the leader.
In regard to these parties, if in the exami¬
nation they are proven to have lived right,
walked right, contributed to the Church, for
this is the time when these things are to be
learned. Some people think that probation¬
ers are not to contribute anything to the
Church, but this is a mistake; this is the time
to get the nearest to them; this is the time
to get money from them, for they do better
at this time than any other. Let them give,
don't let them get cold; for when they first
join they pay the best, and if they have their
sins forgiven and get very happy, and cry
Glory hallelujah, they will give plenty; but if
you tell them they are probationers and don't
have to give anything, you do an injury to
256
lampton's digest.
yourselves. Now, when tliey are reported as
having walked right and done their duty, the
time having expired, you are to examine them
before the church in presence of all the church
and know of them, whether they have saving
faith; if they have not, and yet there is noth¬
ing outwardly objectionable, they may re¬
main on trial. That is the right way; don't
throw them away, for heaven's sake let them
have a little more time; you may drive them
to destruction. Let them remain on trial, in¬
struct them and keep at it. Let them remain
there, if they are honest and earnest. But
their honesty and earnestness are not faith,
but if they are faithful and sincere they will
be brought in. Don't receive them into full
membership, but encourage them as long as
they remain, and help them along. It is upon
the confession of saving faith that you are to
receive them into full membership, and give
them the hand of fellowship. Our Church has
been injured this way. The case here, as I
understand it, is, the parties have been re¬
ceived into full membership at the end of
their probation; it may have been three
months' probation, it does not matter, we are
starting out on a new rule—or the applica¬
tion of the old rule, six months, if they pro-
lampton's digest.
257
fessed all the faith in the werld, and say, "if
I were to die now I would go into heaven,"
you cannot receive them. Why? Because you
must keep them on probation six months. If
these parties were not received on account
of their faith but because they had stood out
their probation, that was no fault of theirs
when you took them in. Now, then, being in,
they have all the rights of all other members.
They may be made Stewards, Trustees, or
may do all the things that members do who
are in. It was not their fault that the ques¬
tion of saving faith was not put to them, but
it is yours. If you have received them on
time and not qualification, it is your fault, not
theirs; and the brethren who have sinned in
this case are not the only ones, but they and
not the parties. They have the right of the
Sacraments and all the rights. If they an¬
swer the questions you put to them, you must
baptize them.
Keep them six months—for what? They
have joined your Church because they desire
to flee from the wrath of God. They desire to
come and take the emblems of the broken body
of the Lord Jesus Christ. Let them come.
It is the minister's duty to give them the Com¬
munion.
6248—17
258
lampton's digest.
I want to say to all my brethren, don't al¬
low Elders to be Popes and Cardinals. 1
liave no more right to turn the probationer
away that von received last Sunday than you.
Bishop Campbell has no right to turn that in¬
dividual away who desires to flee from the
wrath to come. Why should you do it?
Now, brethren, don't keep a soul from
Christ; let them come in; you are getting
them further in; let them come in; you preach
the Jesus who was crucified on the cross, and
they come, taking the emblems of His broken
body. O ! let them come. Sometimes they are
converted at the table; sometimes on their
way home, so don't refuse them if they come
and conform to the Book of the Discipline;
let them come and give them the Communion.
Give them words of comfort and encourage¬
ment; don't keep them away. Some of us
can run through labyrinths and intricacies of
thought in the grandest manner, and there
are others who cannot, but they are coming
slowly. One man's mind works slower than
another; all men cannot see through things
alike; it takes some people so long to see
through things. You see how it is in school;
some boys can get their learning easy. "Tom
lampton's digest.
259
Jones" can get his easy, and another has so
much trouble.
When these parties were received into full
membership on the ground of their having
served two years, and not on account of pro¬
fessing saving faith in Christ, and were re¬
ceived by the right-hand of fellowship, they
are members and entitled to all the rights and
privileges of full members. If they will say
they are disposed to keep down all outward
sin, in doing nothing that will bring disgrace
upon the Church, they have a right to all the
privileges because you have given them the
rights and privileges of full membership.
Perhaps I may meet this present case be¬
fore I sit down. A sister comes forward to
be received and has not been converted; she
says she is saved; and another comes forward
who says that he desires to be saved; and they
go on side by side in the church for six
months, but after this time he can't say he is
a saved soul, but she continues to say I am
saved. I was saved when I came in; but you
must hold him on trial.
Bishop, shall I give him the Communion?
Certainly. Suppose it was on the Sunday of
Sacrament. She says, "I am saved." He
says, "I desire to flee from the wrath to
260
lampton's digest.
come." Give them both the Sacrament.
They live in the same church, governed by the
same rules, attend the same meetings—you
must give them the Sacrament. I did mean
to say where they make this confession they
have a right then and there. Now, we expect
all the things to follow, and if we know noth¬
ing to the contrary you have to give them the
Sacrament. These parties are full members
of the Church and are entitled to all rights
and benefits of the Church of which they are
members.
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Rev. C. Asbury,
Secretary.
PITTSBURG, October, 1885.
ministers coming from other denominations
must pass through regular course, etc.
a licentiate cannot exercise the func¬
tions of a deacon, etc. children's day
collection does not include collection
from entire church services of the day
a superannuated preacher must be sup¬
ported, even if he has means, etc.
All ministers coming from other denomina¬
tions must come through the churches to the
BISHOP EVANS TYREE
Born August 19, 1854, in DeKalb County, Tenn. Converted, 1866, in
Carthage, Smith County, Tenn. Licensed to preach, 1869, by Rev. J. W. Early.
Commenced traveling, 1872; ordained Deacon, 1874; ordained Elder, 1876;
ordained Bishop, May 23, 1900.
262
LAMPTON" 's DIGEST.
Quarterly Conference, and from Quarterly
Conference to the Annual Conference.
A Licentiate cannot exercise tlie functions
of a Deacon, to unite in the baptism of a child.
That a Deacon has the right to baptize and
marry. An Elder has the right to baptize,
marry, and consecrate the elements. That a
Bishop has the right to baptize, marry, conse¬
crate the elements and ordain.
Brethren coming from other denominations
shall pass through the same course of stud¬
ies, that the Church may know they are truly
in sympathy with the Methodist doctrine.
All collections taken on Children's Day
does not include the collection of the whole
Church, only money raised in Sabbath School.
It matters not what a man's income may
be, it is the duty of the Conference to pay
him the proper amount. If before taking a
superannuated relation he may have accu¬
mulated property and should be receiving an
income of $50.00 per month or more, we have
no right to refuse him his allowance. The
law entitles each superannuated preacher to
$300.00 per year, if we have to give it to him,
whether he owns a house or not. Some Con¬
ferences pay $500.00.
lampton's digest.
263
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, Bishop J. P. Campbell presiding
for Bishop, who was sick.
PHILADELPHIA, May, 1886.
minister's character cannot be passed by
conference when under arrest.
Philadelphia, May 18, 1886.
When a minister has been charged with
an offense touching his Christian character,
and he has been arrested by the officers of
the law and bound over to meet the civil
court, the Church or Conference being in pos¬
session of the facts must suspend him until
the case is decided by the court for or against
him.
A. W. Wayman,
John M. Brown.
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; Rev. J. W. Beckett,
Secretary.
HARRISBURG, June, 1888.
ministers indebted to book concern must
pay, if excused by conference, confer¬
ence becomes liable.
Harrisburg, Pa., June 12,1888.
The Reverend J. C. Embry, Business Man¬
ager of the A. M. E. Book Concern, vs. I. L.
264
lampton's digest.
Jarvis and others; debtors to the Book Con¬
cern of the A\ M. E. Church:
The account was submitted to the Philadel¬
phia Conference, of which I. L. "A" et al.
are members, by Rev. "B" B. M., against the
parties named, who had refused or neglected
to settle the claims against them, after re¬
peated solicitations by the creditor.
A ruling was asked for as to what should
be done in such cases.
Bishops Turner and Campbell being en
banc, the latter gave the decision, as follows:
"That in all cases of indebtedness to the De¬
partment of the Church, as in the case of Rev.
"A" et al., debtors to the Publication De¬
partment to the amount of fourteen dollars
and ten cents ($14.10), due for goods pur¬
chased from the Publication Department, and
for which the B. M. complaint against said
parties for non-payment.
"In such cases it becomes the Annual Con¬
ference to enforce the payment of said claims
as per Discipline. But if, in any such case,
the Annual Conference shall release such
party or parties from payment of said claim
which may be presented to the Annual Con¬
ference without the consent of the party or
parties complaining, then, in such case, and
lampton's digest.
265
all such cases, the Annual Conference itself
assumes the debt, and it is in duty bound to
settle such claims to the satisfaction of the
claimant.
" Therefore, it follows that if this Annual
Conference release Rev. "A" et al. from the
payment of the $14.10 due by them to the Pub¬
lication Department of the A. M. E. Church,
the said Annual Conference assumes the debt,
and is in duty bound to pay the amount to the
Department.
"Jabez P. Campbell,
"Associate Bishop
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
CANNONSBURG, PA., 1888.
church officers must pay dollar money
trustees failing to do their duty to be
removed pastor can suspend, not
remove trustees.
It was ruled that any class leader or stew¬
ard who is able to pay his Dollar Money and
refuses to do it, should be removed.
Also the following questions for Bishop
Payne's decisions, were asked at this Con¬
ference :
266
lampton's digest.
1. What is to be done in cases where trus¬
tees fail to do their duty!
The Bishop replied: '' Remove them—that
is, let the persons who elected them remove
them and put others in their places."
2. What could be done in case men could
not be found to take the places of those re¬
moved for failure?
Answer : '' Secure women to fill them.''
3. Said Bishop Payne, " Father David
Smith was sent from Baltimore to organize a
church in Washington. He preached a ser¬
mon on Capitol Hill, and five women were
converted. Each of them was married, but
their husbands were unconverted men. Smith
wanted to get property; he needed a chapel
in which to worship and needed men to act
as trustees. He had no men. He, therefore,
took the unconverted husbands of the con¬
verted wives and made them trustees."
"What happened? They all became con¬
verted. One is a preacher of the Gospel in
the Church. After he had organized he re¬
turned to Baltimore.''
"So, if you haven't trustees within your¬
selves, then go outside and get them. Neces¬
sity knows no bounds."
3. Who removes the trustees?
lampton's digest.
267
"The same people who elected them must
remove them. The pastor can suspend a trus¬
tee."
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Rev. C. Asbury,
Secretary.
BROWNSVILLE, October, 1889.
refused appointment on ground of teaching
for living.
Rev. "A" asked the question: "Does
Brother ' B' expect to receive an appointment,
or does he wish to be admitted and allowed
to remain at work of teaching ?" The ques¬
tion was put to Rev. " B," and his reply was
that he preferred to receive an appointment,
so that he could continue teaching. The
Bishop refused to admit him, saying that he
would not.
the boundaries of the pittsburg conference.
In relation to the boundaries of the Pitts¬
burg Conference touching Youngstown, Ohio,
Rev. "A" asked the Bishop the following
question:
After you have rendered your decision
268
lampton's digest.
upon the point in question, liave we the right
to appeal to the court of appeals or trier of
appeals of the several Conferences.
Bishop Payne objected to answering the
question.
Bishop Payne then read the boundaries
prescribed by law from the Book of Discip¬
line, page 306, Section 39. The Pittsburg
Conference shall include Western Pennsyl¬
vania as far east as the Lewistown Circuit,
and west of Philadelphia, to include Wilkes-
barre, Williamsport, Bloomsburg, and Scran-
ton. Youngstown, Ohio, all that part of West
Virginia not included in the Virginia Con¬
ference.
What says the Bishop on that subject, for
that is law? We ought not to ignore that
law, but wait until the next General Confer¬
ence.
Every law is made to do good. When law
destroys more good than does good, it would
be well to suspend the operation of that law
until the law-makers meet again and render
law beneficial. Just as sure as you decide
that Youngstown shall be pastored from this
Conference you split that church from end to
end, and that I would not do for my right
arm.
lampton's digest.
269
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop B. W. ArnETT, D. D., Presiding.
WILLI AM SPORT, 1890.
a member's right to vote destroyed by con¬
tinued absence.
Tlie vote of a brother was challenged be¬
cause he had not attended Conference for
four years. It was decided he had the right
to vote.
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding.
ALLEGHENY CITY, PA., 1891.
widows of located ministers not entitled to
widow's pension.
A discussion arose as to whether the widow
of a certain minister was entitled to the wid¬
ow's fund.
The fact was brought out that said minis¬
ter had been located and had tried several
times to get back to the Annual Conference,
but failed.
It was decided that she was not entitled
to the money from the widow's fund.
Bishop Campbell's decision on the question
relative to local preachers, exhorters, officers
270
lampton's digest.
and members and the "Dollar Money Laws,"
at this same Conference:
1. Whenever a local preacher or exhorter
refuses to pay the dollar as per Discipline, by
virtue of the laws of the A. M. E. Church, by
which he promised to be governed, he forfeits
his rights and privileges as a local preacher
or exhorter in the Church.
2. Any officer who refuses to pay a dollar
as per Discipline, by virtue of the law of the
A. M. E. Church, by which he promised to be
governed, forfeits his rights and privileges
as an officer in the Church.
3. Any member of the A. M. E. Church who
refuses to pay the dollar as per Discipline, by
virtue of the law of the said A. M. E. Church,
by wThich he or she promised to be governed,
should be dealt with as per Discipline, as in
case of insubordination or neglect of duty.
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne;, Presiding.
OIL CITY, 1892.
presiding elder districts to control sunday
school districts.
The question was asked: Whether or not
the General Conference of 1884, making pro¬
vision for the Sunday School work, did not
BISHOP MORRIS M. MOORE
Born November 15, 1856,in Quincy, Florida. Converted, 1861,in Quincy,
Florida. Licensed to preach, 1876, in Quincy, Florida, by Rev. J. H. Armstrong.
Commenced traveling, 1878; ordained Deacon, 1880; ordained Elder, 1881;
ordained Bishop, May 23, 1900. Died, November 23, 1900. Buried in Jackson¬
ville, Florida. Served as Bishop, 6 months.
272
lampton's digest.
say to the Sunday School that they be assisted
in their work by the Presiding Elders.
The Bishop said that each District should
control its own Sunday School District and
should not interlace Districts. Each one
should stand out clear and distinct.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCES*
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; W. K. Brown,
Secretary.
COLUMBIA, S. C., January, 1871.
standing of probationers.
Probationers professing faith in Christ, or
conversion, and having been baptized, should
be permitted to take the Sacrament of the
Lord's Supper.
member of church leaving his wife.
Any member of the church leaving his wife,
except for cause of fornication, and marry¬
ing another, is liable to expulsion, unless he
produces positive proof, by witnesses, or a
bill of divorce.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbeu,, Presiding.
GEORGETOWN, 1873.
relative to the laws for collecting confer¬
ence claims.
In answer to inquiries from the members as
to the present status of the new law, bearing
lampton's digest.
273
on the members who had collected their mon¬
eys, some under the new and some under the
oid law, it was decided that the members
should report their moneys as they had col¬
lected them, for this year, and that after this
year, all would be required to report accord¬
ing to the new orders and laws of the Gen¬
eral Conference.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Thos. H. Jackson,
Secretary.
NEWBERRY, February, 1874.
ministers coming from another denomina¬
tion must join a. m. e. church, if not
dismissed by letter, must produce
witnesses, etc.
That when a minister comes to us, he must
join some church, and if the church from
which he comes does not dismiss him by let¬
ter, then he must bring two or three wit¬
nesses as to his standing. If he does not, he
cannot be received into full connection. There
are but three ways to come in—on probation,
by letter, or two or three credible witnesses.
6248—18
274
lampton's digest.
men rejected by committee on admission
cannot be used by presiding elders.
The question as to the right of the Presid¬
ing Elders using men who have been rejected
by the Committee on Admission, was sub¬
mitted to the Bishop, who ruled that when
men are rejected they are rejected from sus¬
taining the pastoral relation on account of in¬
competency.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Thos. H. Jackson,
Secretary.
NEWBERRY, February, 1874.
cannot change place of holding annual
conference because bishop and pre¬
siding elders were not present.
Minutes read and approved, excepting so
much as refers to the place of holding the An¬
nual Conference.
The Bishop ruled that in reference to the
place of holding Conference the brethren
could not alter it, because the Presiding Eld¬
ers and Bishop were not present.
lampton's digest.
275
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding; S. H. Robertson,
Secretary.
SAVANNAH, January, 1876.
persons refusing, when able to pay dollar
money, to be dealt with as in¬
subordination.
What shall be done with a member who has
the ability to pay the Dollar Money, but re¬
fuses to give it?
Any person who is able, and absolutely re¬
fuses to pay his or her Dollar Money, should
be dealt with as in other cases of insubordi¬
nation. While we enunciate this as the law
of the Church, we would at the same time ad¬
monish our brethren to remember there are
many malign influences brought to bear
against our Dollar Money system, and we en¬
join great prudence and patience in dealing
with such cases. Methodism expects her
members to be so strongly attached to the
Church of their choice, that we should never
be compelled, under any circumstances, to
expel a member for refusing to fulfill their
pecuniary obligations.
T. M. D. Ward.
276
lampton's digest.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding; S. C. Goosby,
Secretary.
GEORGETOWN, February, 1878.
pastor's character cannot be passed upon in
quarterly coference when not
a member.
Question: Has the Quarterly Conference
the right to examine the character of a pastor
in said Conference?
Answer: The pastor not being a member
of the Quarterly Conference, it cannot pass
upon his character.
presiding elder has not right to send an¬
other elder to hold quarterly confer¬
ence of a pastor, who is an elder.
The Bishop cited the law of the Discipline.
That in the absence of the Elder the pastor
should preside, and that no Presiding Elder
had a right to send another Elder to hold
the Quarterly Conference of pastor, who is
an Elder.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. Dickerson, Presiding.
WINNSBORO, 1881.
ministerial support.
Minister's support includes his board and
salary, house rent and fuel; and all of these
lampton's digest.
277
should be included in his report at Annual
Conference. A minister can only claim trav¬
eling expenses, when he is on errands for the
Church.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. DicicErson, Presiding.
COLUMBIA, 1882.
conversion necessary to membership.
It was decided that no person can become a
member of the A. M. E. Church except a con¬
verted person. In explaining the above de¬
cision, the Bishop stated that no one can be
received at once into full membership except
such as produce letters from other orthodox
churches, or who, failing to bring such letters
with them, can be recommended as a con¬
verted person by some member in good stand¬
ing.
COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm. F. DickErson, Presiding; Rev. I. B. Smith.,
Secretary.
SPARTANBURG, S. C„ December, 1882.
cannot become full member in a. m. e.
church until converted.
No person can become a full member of
the A. M. E. Church except a converted per-
278
lampton's digest.
son. In explaining the above ruling, the
Bishop stated that no one can be received at
once into full membership except such as pro¬
duce letters from other orthodox churches, or
who, failing to bring such letters with them,
can be recommended as a converted person
by some member in good standing.
COLUMBIA, S. C., ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Wm, F. DickErson, Presiding: R. E. Wall.
Secretary.
December, 1883.
pastor may be arrested for non-accept¬
ability.
Even though a brother passes the commit¬
tee, he may be arrested for non-acceptability.
He must make his work a success, and keep
himself all right. We have no room for any
who do not succeed. Any brother who fails,
it is his fault, and he will always fail if he
holds the law over the people threateningly.
Rule by kindness, gentleness, etc., and with
the rod and the law.
lampion's digest.
279
r;)TTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding.
COLUMBIA, 1884.
concerning reinstatement to membership
in conference.
A motion to reinstate a brother brought
on a discussion as to his status in the Church.
Bishop Shorter decided that he may be re¬
stored to the functions of his office and ac¬
cepted as an ordained Elder.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop James A. Shorter, Presiding.
COLUMBIA, 1886.
the actions of a pastor and a portion of his
members trying and expelling one set of
trustees and electing others in ac¬
cordance with the laws and
usages of the church, held
to be valid.
James A. Shorter, one of the Bishops of
the A. M. E. Church, and by virtue of said
office the ecclesiastical head of said Church
in South Carolina, being required by the
terms of a decree rendered by his Honor, B.
(-. Pressley, presiding judge of the Court of
280
lampton's digest.
Common Pleas for Richland County, S. C., in
the October term, 1886, dated November 4,
1886, and by a subsequent decree dated Nov¬
ember 20, 1886, to recognize one or the other
of the contending parties in the suit of J. W.
Morris et al., plaintiffs, against S. B. Wil¬
liams et al., defendants, for the peaceable
possession of the property known as the
Bethel A. M. E. Church, Columbia, S. C.; and
the statement of said case being referred to me
by the Columbia Annual Conference, now in
session, as set forth in the annexed preamble
and resolution, for my decision—I do hereby
decide:
First. That the act of the Rev. R. E. Wall,
pastor of Bethel A. M. E. Church, Columbia,
S. C., and of those members of the said
Church who were associated with the said
Rev. R. E. Wall, as pastor, and who adhered
to the Discipline and usages of the A. M. E.
Church, in the trial and expulsion of S. B.
Wallace, L. L. Brown, A. Wise, A. Coultry,
T. Bacon, Geo. Harris, Jas. Waties, H. John¬
son, M. Deas, defendants in aforesaid suit,
as members and Trustees of said Bethel A.
M. E. Church, was legal and in accordance
with the Discipline and usages of the A. M.
E. Church.
BISHOP CHAS. S. SMITH
Born November 16, 1852, in Calbome, Canada. Converted, 1859, in Hop¬
s' kinsville, Ky. Licensed to preach, 1871, in Jackson, Miss., by Rev. O. A.
Douglas. Commenced traveling, 1872; ordained Deacon, 1873; ordained Elder,
1875; ordained Bishop, May 23, 1900.
282
lampton's digest.
Second. That the act of Rev. R. E. Wall,
as pastor of said Bethel A. M. E. Church, and
those members of said Church who were as¬
sociated with him as pastor, and who ad¬
hered to the Discipline and usages of the A.
M. E. Church in the election of J . W. Morris,
P. Pickens, M. Maybin, S. Wright, Jno. John¬
son, E. B. Thompson, D. Miles, A. I. Bell,
and M. Williams, as Trustees of said Bethel
A. M. E. Church, to till the vacancy caused
by the expulsion of S. B. Wallace, L. L.
Brown, A. Wise, A. Coultry, T. Bacon, George
Harris, Jas. Waties, H. Johnson, and M.
Deas, as members and Trustees, was valid
and in accordance with the Discipline and
usages of the A. M. E. Church, and that said
J. W. Morris, P. Pickens, M. Maybin, S.
Wright, Jno. Johnson, E. B. Thompson, D.
Miles, A. I. Bell, and M. Williams are now,
and until their successors shall be elected, the
lawful Trustees of said Bethel A. M. E.
Church, and are the sole and only persons
lawfully entitled to the peaceable possession
of said Bethel A. M. E. Church, its property
and appurtenances, and that these members,
who, with said J. W. Morris et al., Trustees,
adhered to the Discipline and usages of the
said A. M. E. Church, and were associated
lampton's digest.
283
with the Rev. R. E. Wall, as pastor, constitute
the true and lawful church.
Third. That the foregoing decision is
based upon a mature deliberation upon the
facts of the case as presented to me, and upon
the Discipline and usages of the A. M. E.
Church.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding.
COLUMBIA, 1887.
members of conference must belong to some
quarterly conference qualifications
for voting for delegates of
general conference.
The following ruling was given: All
preachers belonging to the Conference and
left without work must be assigned, or they
must assign themselves to some Quarterly
Conference. The Quarterly Conference is the
court at which he must be tried.
He also gave the following decision: That
the characters of all the brethren must stand
fair, and they must be a traveling preacher
of the connection for four consecutive years
preceding the election of delegates to the Gen¬
eral Conference.
284
lampton's digest.
COLUMBIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Cami'bSu,, Presiding; Rev. R. E. Wall,
Secretary.
NEWBERRY, December, 1887.
preachers without work must assign them¬
selves with quarterly conferences
preacher's character must stand
fair fair proportion of dollar
money (50) cents.
Discussion arose as to the brethren who
are either a local superannuated preacher, as
to where they are amenable, participated in
by Revs. A, B, C, and D.
Bishop ruled that all preachers belonging
to the Conference and left without work must
be, or he must assign himself to some Quar¬
terly Conference; this is his high court, and
the Quarterly Conference is the court at
which he must be tried.
Bishop ruled that the character of the
brethren all must stand fair, and must be a
traveling preacher of this connection for four
consecutive years preceding the election.
Inquiry being made as to what is a fair pro¬
portion of the Dollar Money as laid down in
the Discipline. Bishop rules that a fair pro¬
portion to be fifty cents per member.
lampton's digest.
285
COLUMBIA, S. C., ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop B. W. Arnett, Presiding; Rev. D. H. Johnson,
Secretary.
MANNING, December, 1890.
conference will not pay traveling expenses
of missionary committeeman.
" A " wanted a ruling on the following: The
Annual Conference elects a Missionary Com¬
mitteeman to look after the missionary money
and missionary interests in general. What is
the necessity of the Missionary Secretary
sending a man here to look after the same in¬
terests, at the expense of the connection, when
the said person does not by his coming aug¬
ment the missionary collection one cent? The
Bishop ruled that the question was one for
the Missionary Board to decide, and that the
Conference would pay no traveling expenses
out of the missionary fund.
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop M. B. Salter, Presiding.
CHARLESTON, 1894.
duties of local elders and deacons.
I, Moses B. Salter, one of the Bishops of
the A. M. E. Church, do hereby declare this
286
lampton's digest.
as my opinion and hereby decide the follow¬
ing points of law in regard to the duties of
local Elders and Deacons:
First. That no local Elder or Deacon for
whom the Church has prayed and whose
prayers have been granted, has a right to
absent himself from his charge without the
consent of the pastor in charge, regardless
of the existing facts that the pastor is infe¬
rior in ecclesiastical rank.
Second. That every itinerant Elder or
Deacon changing his relation to the Church
by voluntary or involuntary location or by
being placed on the supernumerary list by
being left without an appointment, is there¬
fore amenable and must be connected with
some one Quarterly Conference, and there¬
fore subordinate to the pastor regardless of
the inferiority in rank of the pastor.
Third. That every local Elder and Deacon
of the first or second class above mentioned
is entitled to and must pay to the general
fund yearly, the Dollar Money as required
by the laws of the A. M. E. Church, and any
neglect, failure or refusal to do so will sub¬
ject them to trial for neglect of duty and sus¬
pension or expulsion from the A. M. E.
Church.
lampton's digest.
287
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop L. J. Coppin, Presiding.
BEAUFORT, 1904.
minister's failure to pay note cause for
discipline.
It was decided that any minister giving a
note, and not paying it when due, shall be
suspended by the Presiding Elder, and if the
Presiding Elder does not move him, then the
chairman of the Judiciary Committee shall
report to the Bishop, and that Presiding Eld¬
er shall be removed and another man put in
his place.
TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, Presiding; T. V. B. Davis,
Secretary.
PALESTINE, November, 1878.
in absence district book steward presiding
elders collect money for minutes.
Bishop ruled that, as the District Book
Steward was absent from Conference on ac¬
count of sickness, the Presiding Elders of
each district would proceed at once to collect
the mone}^ for minutes.
288
lampton's digest.
N ORTH-E A ST TEXAS CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, Presiding; T. V. B. Davis, Secretary.
BON HAM, November, 1880.
four ways of releasing members from
church.
1. When they commit "a crime sufficient to
exclude them from the kingdom of grace and
glory."
2. "When they obtain letters of removal."
3. "When they are known to have left with¬
out certificate."
4. "When deceased."
WEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, Presiding; W. D. P. PylE, Secretary.
CHAPPEL HILL, November, 1880.
moneys collected for bible cause expended
for support of same.
Rev. "A" asked question: "What benefit
do we derive from the moneys we expend for
Bible cause?"
Question discussed pro and con. Bishop
stated conclusively that we now have a Bible
cause of our own, which he earnestly recom¬
mended and urged to be supported by every
member of the Conference.
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
289
WILL NOT ORDAIN MEN IF THEY ARE SUPPOSED TO
SHOW A DISPOSITION OF INSUBORDINATION
PRESIDING ELDERS HAVE NO RIGHT FOR
SURPLUS ABOVE THEIR ASSESSMENT.
Rev. "A" desired the Bishop to inform him
of the law governing district meetings and
the power of Presiding Elders assessing
charges, that at a district meeting are not
represented by the stationed pastors thereof
after that due notice has been given?
The Bishop very willingly read the law
governing the same, commenting extremely
thereupon, and urging each pastor to obey
the law of the Church for conscience sake.
As we are about, said he, to put our hands
upon the heads of men—make them Deacons
and Elders—if this question now before us
has not been submitted to the candidates (for
orders) good thinking, it would be proper to
have them carefully consider its importance
before they are ordained, for we purpose or¬
daining no man of whom we have any knowl¬
edge of his insubordination, let, therefore,
every man obey the law—their superior—
and be mindful that you as pastors have the
right of appealing from decisions.
Elder "B" asked if a Presiding Elder had
the right of claiming the surplus money, i. e.,
6248—19
290
lampton's digest.
the amount over and above the assessment of
a charge by a district meeting! The Bishop
promptly answered, No ; he has no such rights
given him in our law.
TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, Presiding; C. W. Porter, Secretary.
HUNTSVILLE, 1880.
admitted to conference, not recommended
by quarterly conference.
In the case, the request of "A's" Church
shows that it was their desire to have Quar¬
terly Conference recommend "A," "A"
should be recommended accordingly, and Pre¬
siding Elder instructed to prepare necessary
papers.
a local elder superannuated and so forth.
A local Elder stated that he desired to work
for God as long as he lived, the Bishop ruled
that his relation should be that of a superan¬
nuated preacher and could also be given work;
also that it was the privilege of the Confer¬
ence to place him on said list.
lampton's digest.
291
WEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, Presiding; C. W. Porter, Secretary.
AUSTIN, December 8, 1881.
itinerant preacher not to be supplanted by
local elders and deacons.
An itinerant preacher has given his life and
labors to the work, and is not to be supplanted
by local Elders and Deacons, and they are to
be subject to the preacher, though he be a li¬
centiate.
WEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop R. H. Cain, D. D., Presiding.
SAN ANTONIO, 1883.
preacher's relation to eormer charge ends
upon appointment to new.
The Bishop was asked for his decision as
to whether a preacher had a right to go back
to his former charge and collect his salary.
He said that when a preacher's appoint¬
ment had been read in Conference, his rela¬
tionship to the former charge was ended.
292
lampton's digest.
WEST TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, Presiding; Rev. J. Harvey Jonks,
Secretary.
SAN ANTONIO, December, 1889.
leaving church under suspension to be
dealt with according to church law.
Rev. "A" asked for information concern¬
ing the case of a minister leaving the connec¬
tion under suspension. The Bishop ruled
that they be proceeded against according to
law.
TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. Grant, D. D., Presiding.
HOUSTON, 1890.
one deprived of his ministerial office le¬
gally, no longer member of conference.
The marks against a local Deacon were
taken up. The Presiding Elder stated that
he had deprived the said Deacon of the privi¬
leges of the Quarterly Conference and sus¬
pended him from exercising ministerial du¬
ties, which was as far as he could go.
The Bishop decided that as he had been
tried by the Quarterly Conference and had,
according to law, been deprived of his min¬
isterial office, he was no longer a member of
lampton's digest.
293
the Annual Conference, and ordered his name
to be taken from the roll.
GENERAL CONFERENCE, TENNESSEE.
Bishop John M. Brown, Presiding.
NASHVILLE, 1872.
who can move to reconsider?
It was decided that no one had a right to
move a reconsideration of any question but
some one who had voted with the majority.
TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, Presiding; C. O. H. Thomas,
Secretary.
NASHVILLE, TENN., September, 1877.
can be received in a. m. e. church on ordi¬
nation parchment.
A man can be taken into the A. M. E.
Church on his ordination parchment, coming
from another church without a certificate of
membership from said church whereof his
ordination parchment emulated, because his
ordination document is a recommendation.
294 lampton's digest.
TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell,, Presiding; G. H. Shaeeer,
Secretary.
COLUMBIA, TENN., September, 1880.
two kinds of documentary evidence admis¬
sible in the trials of ministers.
Rev. ''A" marked on the face of a docu¬
ment by Rev. "B"; upon the presentation of
the document, it was found to be spurious,
and the mark was withdrawn.
Decision: Bishop Campbell took occasion
to remark that there was but two kinds of
documentary evidence admissible.
First. If the accused and the accuser can¬
not be brought face to face, then notice of the
time and place of taking depositions before
some preacher must be given to both the ac¬
cused and the accuser, and such a deposition
taken, whether the parties were present or
not, would be evidence.
Second. A deposition so made before any
legally authorized civil officer, can be sub¬
mitted as evidence before the Church courts.
No notice should be taken of letters sent
to Conference against brethren unless they
were duly authenticated.
lampion's digest.
295
TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; Richard Harper,
Secretary.
FRANKLIN, October, 1883.
can be enrolled in quarterly conference by
producing ordination papers.
Rev. "A's" membership is disputed in a
church; Rev. "B," the pastor, and Rev.
"C," the ex-pastor, unable to find Rev. "A's"
name on church book, Rev. "D" testifies to
taking Rev. "A" in church by request of a
pastor. Conference decides to recognize Rev.
"A" as member of the church. Bishop de¬
cides if Rev. "A" can produce credentials as
an ordained man, he should be enrolled on
Quarterly Conference Record as such.
WEST TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, D. D., Presiding.
UNION CITY, 1889.
a chairman's right to vote in case of tie does
not obtain in annual and quarterly
conferences.
The Bishop decided in reference to the
right of a chairman to cast a vote in case of
a tie, that, that provision of parliamentary
296
lampton's digest.
usage did not obtain in Quarterly and Annual
Conferences.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCES.
Bishop A. W. Wayman, D. D., Presiding.
PORTSMOUTH, 1870.
oedination foe the missionary field upon
admission, legal.
A discussion arose as to ordaining certain
brethren Deacons for the missionary work.
The case was finally settled by the Confer¬
ence refusing to admit one of the brethren
to the diaconate on the ground of its ille¬
gality.
Still, Bishop Wayman's decision was that
it would be legal to ordain these brethren for
the missionary field as soon as admitted on
trial.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop J. P. Campbell, Presiding; W. B. Derrick,
Secretary.
RICHMOND, April, 1875.
definition of church extension money.
Church extension money, only when col¬
lected for the purpose of building new
churches, or purchasing property for the pur-
BISHOP CORNELIUS T SCHAFFER
Born January 3, 1847, in Troy, Ohio. Converted, 1860, in Fountain City,
Indiana. Licensed to preach, 1867, in Frankfort, Kentucky, by Rev. G. H.
Shaffer. Commrnced to travel, 1870; ordained Deacon, 1872; ordained Elder,
1874; ordained Bishop, May 23, 1900.
298
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
pose of organizing a church. Not to be con¬
sidered extension money when it is only to
remodel or repair, or reduce indebtedness.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; E. H. Boeden,
Secretary.
SALEM, April, 1882.
HEARSAY TESTIMONY NOT ADMISSIBLE.
Statement of case:
Eev. ''A" marked Rev. "B" for interfer¬
ing with his work. Rev. "C" said that he
thought that each brother concerned should
have fair play, and stated what he had heard.
The Bishop ruled that hearsay testimony
would not be taken in any court, and was,
therefore, out of order.
PASTOR AND SECRETARY TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS
THREE MONTHS IN ADVANCE OE CONFERENCE.
The pastor of the church where the Con¬
ference is to convene and the principal secre¬
tary of the Conference should make arrange¬
ments three months before Conference shall
convene.
lampton's digest.
299
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, D. D., Presiding
EASTVILLE, 1883.
choice of secret oe open session with minis-
tee on trial.
It was decided that a minister had a right
to say whether his case should be disposed of
in secret or open session.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Daniel A. Payne, Presiding; Euas H. BoldEn,
Secretary.
EASTVILLE, May, 1883.
law on dollar money collection.
'1 As soon as the preachers reach their fields
of labor then should they begin the collection
of the Dollar Money."
members of the missionary society.
All the youths and adults of our Church
are members of the Missionary Sabbath
School Society.
300
lampton's digest.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, Presiding; R. M. Cheeks,
Secretary.
WYTHEVILLE, April, 1885.
when are ministers received?
When they receive their appointments at
the Annual Conference, the churches to which
they are assigned have promised to receive
them.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop H. M. Turner, D. D., Presiding.
RICHMOND, 1886.
dollar money roll motion to reconsider
must be made in time.
It was held that the law intended that a
perfect roll of those who had paid Dollar
Money be made out by the Stewards of the
Stations, Circuit and Missions and that the
pastors should have a duplicate copy of the
same and report it at the Annual Confer¬
ence.
Bishop Wayman was called upon to give
his views on the Dollar Money question, but
said there was no appeal from Bishop Turn¬
er's decision, that he had a correct construc¬
tion of the law.
lampton's digest.
301
One of the brethren, at this Conference,
arose and wanted to move to reconsider the
paying of $100.00 to the Metropolitan Church
window.
Bishop H. M. Turner, in answer to him,
said: "As the Conference had gone three
days without reconsidering the resolution, the
Conference could only rescind, and that he
would so decide.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop Thomas M. D. Ward, D. D., Presiding.
DANVILLE, 1890.
separate reports should be made by each
pastor serving a work.
It was learned that one pastor had left his
work and another had been put in his place.
It was decided that as two pastors had
served the work it would be best to have each
pastor report separately.
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop .T. A. Handy, D. D., Presiding.
WYTHEVILLE, 1897.
appointment denied those who violate the
law.
After a matter involving a violation of law
had been related to Bishop Handy, he ruled
302
lampton's digest.
that the spirit of the law had been violated;
that although it might have been done in good
faith, the law should and must be kept; there¬
fore, he decided that the brother could not
receive any appointment from him.
A JOINT SESSION OF WINDWARD ISLANDS
AND BRITISH GUIANA CONFERENCES.
DEMARARA, 1901.
Bishop C. S. Smith, D. D., Presiding.
one beyond the age limit cannot qualify
for the ministry.
It was decided that Brother Smith, having
passed the age limit, cannot qualify for the
ministry of the Church, and, therefore, the
Secretary must erase his name from the Con¬
ference roll.
SOUTH AFRICAN ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
Bishop L. J. Coppin, D. D., Presiding.
PORT ELIZABETH, CAPE COLONY, 1903.
violation of church law cannot be
countenanced.
The Bishop assured the Conference that it
was his aim and pleasure to co-operate with
the brethren in every good purpose on con¬
dition that the Discipline was not violated;
BISHOP LEVI J. COPPIN
Born December 24, 1848, in Fredericktown, Md. Converted, 1865, in
Ciscilton. Licensed to preach, 1876, by Rev. John M. Thomas. Commenced
traveling, 1876; ordained Deacon, 1879; ordained Elder, 1880; ordained Bishop,
May 23, 1900.
304
lampion's digest.
but he could not countenance the violation of
the Church law. He had stated at a previous
meeting that the Discipline and Turner's
Polity could not be translated without the
consent of the General Conference; but after
reading the Polity carefully he has decided
that the first thirty-five pages, containing
very valuable information, can be translated
without violating any law.
An active discussion took place as to the
meaning of Discipline in the law touching
election.
Bishop Coppin decided that the election
could not take place, as the next Conference
would be held earlier than January, 1904.
lampton's digest.
305
&ulmg&
with reference to the controversy in the
bethel connectional literary and edu¬
cational association of the metro¬
politan african methodist epis¬
copal church, washington,
district of columbia.
I. Whereas, There is a conflict existing in
the Bethel Connectional Literary and Edu¬
cational Association of Metropolitan African
Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington,
D. C., and
Whereas, The whole controversy was re¬
ferred to the Councilof Bishops of the A. M.
E. Church, and subsequently, by the Council
of Bishops to the Bishop of the Second Epis¬
copal District of the A. M. E. Church,
I, Wesley J. Gaines, Bishop of the Second
Episcopal District, do decide and rule that
the pastor of the Metropolitan A. M. E.
Church, Eev. 0. J. W. Scott, had a right to
take charge and direct the control of the af¬
fairs of the said Association, and to conduct
the election of officers in the Association.
This ruling is not only based upon the plain
6248—20
306
lampton's digest.
letter of tlie Constitution of the said Asso¬
ciation (Article XII), but also upon a recog¬
nized principle of the A. M. E. Church, viz.,
that the pastor of the church is ex officio Pres¬
ident, Chairman, or Executive Officer of all
the organizations of the charge over which
he presides.
II. Whereas, A number of the members of
the said Association of Metropolitan A. M. E.
Church, of Washington, D. C., met at a place
separate and apart from the said church, and
elected Mr. Shelby J. Davidson, president;
and
Whereas, The election, as in the case of
election of Stewards, Trustees and other
church officers, should take place at the
church, where the organization meets; and
Whereas, Another number of the said As¬
sociation elected Miss M. A. D. Madre, presi¬
dent, at the church.
I, Wesley J. Gaines, Bishop of the Second
Episcopal District of the A. M. E. Church,
do decide and rule, that the election held at
the church was legal, but for the general good,
peace and harmony of the Association and
welfare of the Metropolitan A. M. E. Church,
I recommend that both Mr. Davidson and
Miss Madre resign from the presidency of
lampton's digest.
307
tlieir respective factions, and a new election
be held by the members of both factions.
This ruling is based on the following
grounds also:
1. That Mr. Davidson does not hold the
presidency because he was not elected at the
church, nor installed in accordance with the
Constitution of the Association, Article XII,
which provides that the chaplain shall install
the officers at the annual election; and
2. That Miss Madre's election to the presi¬
dency occurred at a time when prevailing con¬
ditions endangered the perpetuity of the As¬
sociation.
III. I, Wesley J. Gaines, Bishop of the
Second Episcopal District of the A. M. E.
Church, do further rule, that in case either
or both parties above named shall fail to re¬
sign the office of president of Bethel Connec-
tional Literary and Educational Association
of Metropolitan A. M. E. Church, the presi¬
dency is hereby declared vacant, and a new
election is ordered.
IV. I, Wesley J. Gaines, Bishop of the
Second Episcopal District of the A. M. E.
Church, do further rule, that the name, rec¬
ords and other holdings of whatsoever kind,
308
LAMPTON *S DIGEST.
of the said Association belong to the Bethel
Connectional Literary and Educational Asso¬
ciation of Metropolitan A. M. E. Church, and
cannot be used, taken, possessed or diverted
to any other purpose or use than such use
and purpose as the said Association may di¬
rect. The Trustees of the Metropolitan A. M.
E. Church, as the custodians of all church
property by virtue of their office, are obli¬
gated and authorized to defend the title, to
the name, records and holdings of the said
Association, both by the ecclesiastical and
civil laws.
lampton's digest.
309
Ruling.
of bishop A. grant with reference to proxies
for the financial board, april 19, 1905,
washington, d. c.
A ruling of the president of the Financial
Board was submitted, bearing upon proxies:
When one of the connectional boards of the
A. M. E. Church is organized and operated
under positive law, a member of said board
cannot be substituted by proxy. Especially
is this true where the party named as such
substitute is not a member of the Annual
Conference or in the district represented by
the absent member. This is more apparent
when we consider the purpose of the General
Conference to provide for five of the members
of the Financial Board to be absent, at the
same time by making eight of its members a
quroum to transact business and, according
to law, its acts will be as legal as if the whole
board were present.
(Signed) A. Grant,
President of Board.
By motion of Bev. A. J. Kershaw, the board
unanimously expressed its concurrence with
the above ruling.
APPENDIX
CHURCH OFFENSES AND PENALTIES. CHARGES AND COM¬
PLAINTS (THEIR DIFFERENCE). SPECIFICATIONS
ECCLESIASTICAL APHORISMS
AN OUTLINE OF TRIAL, METHOD OF PROCEDURE, ETC.
lampton's digest.
313
Cfjurcf) ®ffen£e£ attb $enaltte£.
In Church Jurisprudence, crime is confined
to such flagrant breaches of discipline as
would exclude their perpetrator from the
Kingdom of Grace and Glory. Other offenses
may be termed complaints. Charges are at
once formulated against a member alleged
to be guilty of immorality in its various forms
or drunkenness in its different degrees. In¬
dulging improper tempers, words, of any
kind, imprudent conduct, disobedience to the
order and discipline of the Church are minor
offenses and are hardly to be dignified by call¬
ing them crimes. They do not necessarily ex¬
clude a soul from the Kingdom of Grace and
Glory. There is danger in being too lenient
on the one hand, or extreme in harshness on
tne other; the true aim of all judicial pro¬
ceedings is to rebuke offenders, clear the in¬
nocent, punish the guilty, promote purity and
peace among the membership.
In this category of complaints may be
classed fighting, quarreling, brother going to
law with or against a brother, theatre going,
dancing and similar offenses, which are not
314
lampton's digest.
promotive of peace and harmony, nor growth
and development in spiritual life. The right
of religious bodies to inquire into the conduct
of their members, to record their proceedings,
and expel any who violate their covenant rela¬
tions, has been admitted by the civil courts,
who will in no case go farther than to ascer¬
tain whether the proceedings were in strict
accord with the established usages of the
Church law, in good faith without malice. The
highest civil tribunals of the land recognize
the right of every society to enforce the pro¬
visions of its code of laws, and to discipline
its refractory members, even to the point of
excommunicating them. No bad man or evil
disposed woman need hope to find any bene¬
diction of their unlawful actions at the hand
of the civil courts of the land. While there is
110 connection between the Church and the
State, in view of its prohibition by the Con¬
stitution of the United States; yet the gov¬
ernment recognizes the existence of the Chris¬
tian Church as such, fosters and protects it
in the prosecution of its work to save the
world.
It is conceded that Church or Ecclesiastical
courts and civil courts are not analogous, and
that the two must be kept separate, and each
lampton's digest.
315
administered free from the power of the
other. While acting in the capacity of church
official and discharging duty as such, the civil
court can have no right to interfere. The
Church is, therefore, represented as a distinct
body from the State and its government sepa¬
rate and distinct in administration.
Many thousands live for years without ever
giving the Church an occasion to enforce its
laws upon them for any infraction of any law
or for dereliction of duty on their part; others
because of lack of prayer and watchfulness
are often called before the bar of the Church
to answer for violation of the laws they prom¬
ised to obey when admitted into the Church.
All Church offenses may be properly
classed under the following divisions, to-wit:
1. Such as expressly forbidden by the
Word of God, and sufficient to exclude a per¬
son from the Kingdom of Grace and Glory.
Such as immorality, drunkenness, etc.
2. Neglect of duties and the means of grace,
imprudent conduct, indulging sinful words
and tempers, as well as actions.
3. Sowing dissension in the Church by in¬
veighing either against the doctrines, discip¬
line or the ministry of the Church.
4. Dishonest conduct in business transac-
316
lampton's digest.
tions by contracting debts without a proba¬
bility of paying them.
5. Refusing to accept arbitration of dis¬
puted questions and entering into law suits
with another member before the Church has
decided upon the matter in controversy.
If the offense belongs to the first division,
no Church labor precedes the presentation
of charges; all other cases require steps
which may lead to the presentation of charges
or may not. The above embraces the chief
grounds upon which action may be taken in
respect to a member in regular and full stand¬
ing in the Church. In case of probationary
members, the establishment by the Church of
an accusation in either of the above divisions
without extenuating circumstances, results in
the dropping of their names from the roll of
the Church without any formal trial.
Penalty.—A law without a penalty attached
to it is a worthless law. The object which is
sought in the application of a penalty de¬
served, is to preserve the honor of the Church,
and the reformation of the accused. The fol¬
lowing penalties are enforced as the nature
and circumstances of the offense may war¬
rant.
lampton's digest.
317
(a) Forgiveness; (b) Censure or reproof;
(c) Suspension; (d) Expulsion.
The Church may forgive an offender, when
the best interests of all concerned may be
conserved by that course. The exhibition of
a spirit of proper humiliation and penitence,
opens the door for pardon, and an opportun¬
ity given to show real contrition. Great care
and caution should be exercised in thus deal¬
ing with an offender, and then only for crimes
of moderate degree, lest a stumbling block
be cast before the world.
Censure or reproof is a formal warning of
an offender of his wrongdoing with an earnest
exhortation to amend his way, lest a greater
evil come upon him. Its effect is to tempora¬
rily cut off a member from all the privileges
and rights of the Church; such as admission
to class, love feast and the Lord's Supper.
Suspension is limited to as many months as
may be elected, in no case exceeding one year.
The true spirit of Methodism is shown in
the summarized duty of every Christian as
shown in Matt, xviii. 15, 16: "If thy brother
shall trespass against thee, go and tell his
fault between thee and him alone. If he shall
hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother; but
318
lampton's digest.
if he will not liear thee, then take with thee
one or two more, that in the mouth of two or
three witnesses every word may be estab¬
lished, and he shall neglect to hear them, tell
it unto the Church, but if he neglect to hear
the Church, let him be unto thee as a heathen
man, and a Publican." Here is the aim and
object of discipline in its highest and best
sense. To save the offending member, if pos¬
sible, while maintaining the honor, integrity,
and true character of the Church in its purity
and true dignity. When all has been done to
save an erring man or woman, consistent with
truth and justice, and perverseness of heart
prevents him or her from accepting the olive
branch of peace thus offered, then they must
be cut off from the Church and become strang¬
ers, as though never within the fold of the
Master. The Church must be vindicated and
evildoers must receive the reward of their
wrongdoing.
In this way alone can the body believers
be protected from the evils emanating from
the presence of those led captive by the devil.
Prompt, vigorous enforcement of the laws of
the Church, when necessity arises, is condu¬
cive to the best interests of the offender, no
lampton's digest.
319
less than the Church. Not in a spirit of ven¬
geance, not with personal rancor, hut in the
spirit of Christ, like the surgeon, the diseased
limb must be amputated to save the body. It
is far better that one should suffer than that
the whole body of Christ, the Church, should
perish.
320
lampton's digest.
Charge* anfo Complaints—Cfjetr
Btfference*
There are marked differences between a
charge and a complaint. A charge is a mat¬
ter which concerns the Church as a whole; a
complaint is for the most part, confined to
certain individual members of the Church.
Heresy, immorality, breach of vows action¬
able offenses, which concern the whole
Church. Imprudences indulging improper
words, tempers, and actions are offenses per¬
sonal in their character, which may be ad¬
justed without disturbing the Church or com¬
promising its character as such. A charge
necessitates a speedy trial. A complaint in¬
volves certain preliminaries unknown to a
charge. Lord King, in his "Primitive
Church," correctly declares "The arms of the
Church are spiritual, consisting of admoni¬
tions, suspensions and excommunications, by
which it preserves its peace and purity; for
where there is no law, government or order,
neither Church nor State can possibly exist.
Each must inevitably sink into ruin and con¬
fusion. ''
lampton's digest.
321
A notice to attend a trial, together with a
copy of the charge duly certified by proper
authority, is all that is necessary. In a com¬
plaint, private reproof is given, followed by
a warning with increased force and formal¬
ity; a third offense which shows an incorri¬
gible spirit on the part of the accused; then
a formal trial follows. All these steps are
strictly personal, preceding any practical dis¬
ciplinary measures.
Every pastor solemnly engages to "Take
heed to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost
hath made him overseer." He is enjoined to
use "public and private admonition and ex¬
hortations, as well to the sick as to the whole,
within his charge as need shall require and
occasion shall be given."
Trial and expulsion are the last acts in the
administration of Church law, to be resorted
to only when other measures have failed. The
line, therefore, between charges and com¬
plaints in Ecclesiastical Jurisprudence is
clearly drawn; and irritability, ignorance, or
zeal without knowledge must account for any
act of mal-administration in guarding well
the Church from evildoers.
The judicial prosecution of discipline has
solely for its aim the rebuking of offenders,
6248—21
322
LAMPTON'S DIGEST.
removal of scandal and the vindication of the
character of the Church, by clearing the inno¬
cent, reclaiming the erring, and the promo¬
tion of purity and peace in the membership,
as well as the spiritual well-being of the of¬
fenders themselves.
Immense responsibility rests upon every
gospel minister in the pastorate, as he will
have to answer to the great Head of the
Church for retaining in the Church members
known to be violators of the law the Church,
as well as for excluding from the pale of the
Church those who may be unjustly accused
of crime.
lampton's digest.
323
Specifications.
The several specifications in a charge are
designed to particularize the acts of violation
of which the accused is charged. They should
be numbered one, two, three, and so on. The
accused may be guilty of one specification or
particular thing, and not another; or he may
be guilty of each and all the specifications
covered by the charge. Care must be taken
not to have specification include anything
not included in the charge. It is often true
that the specification may show that the ac¬
cused is guilty of even more than is embraced
in the charge, but the*trial must be confined
solely to the charge for which the accused is
arraigned, and nothing more. It would be
very unfair and unjust to charge a member
with one crime or complaint and then punish
him for the commission of another crime, sim¬
ply because the specification upon which he
has been tried implies that he is guilty of an¬
other charge also, and therefore he is really
guilty of two charges instead of one. Let the
, specifications clearly set forth in what partic¬
ular things the accused is guilty and let the
324
lampton's digest.
witnesses testify directly to each specifica¬
tion, and let it be fully established that the ac¬
cused is guilty or innocent of specifications
one, two, or three, before any attempt is made
to examine the others. In every charge there
is one or more acts, or deeds committed by
the accused to constitute him guilty of the
charge. Let great care be exercised in this
matter, so that there shall be a perfect har¬
mony between the charge and the several spe¬
cifications under it.
Words used in a specification must be un¬
derstood and accepted at their common accep¬
tation in ordinary use.
One specification cannot be used to aid an¬
other specification. Each must stand for it¬
self. The maxim "Falsus in uno, falsus in
omnibus," false in one thing, false in every¬
thing, must not be accepted as always true.
lampton's digest.
325
€ccie£tasrttcal glpf)ori£mS.
maxims admitted as true and accepted in
methodist church courts.
(a) It is at the option of the pastor in
charge whether the accused be tried before
the whole society or Church as a committee,
or a select number.
(b) The accused has a right to challenge
two of a committee of five, in a larger com¬
mittee the same ratio, but no challenge when
tried by the whole Church.
(c) The entire question of the guilt or in¬
nocence of the accused rests solely with the
committee.
(d) It is not admissible for a practicing
attorney in the civil courts to appear in a
church court in behalf of either the accuser
or the accused. Methodism emphasizes the
separation of the Church and the State.
(e) The right of appeal cannot be denied
whether the grounds of appeal be good* or
bad. The court appealed to, and not the court
appealed from, must determine whether there
are valid grounds of appeal.
(f) The accused is presumed to be inno¬
cent till proven guilty, and the burden of
proof rests upon the accuser, who must show
326
lampton's digest.
that the accused did commit the offense be¬
yond a doubt.
(g) A juror ought to be friendly to both
plaintiff and defendant and be able to deal
justly despite friendship or other considera¬
tion toward either.
(h) All doubts in the mind of any juror
should weigh in favor of the accused, and no
extraneous consideration should weigh in de¬
termining the guilt or innocence of the ac¬
cused.
(i) Mal-administration consists in not ad¬
ministering the law in accordance with ac¬
knowledged rule, custom and precedent. For
example, the preacher in charge must expel
a member that is found guilty, to authorize
some one else to expel the said member would
be mal-administration.
(j) It must be remembered that all the
specifications may be proven and not the
charge, unless the specifications, at least some
of them, include the charge. If all the speci¬
fications fail to be proven, then the charge
also fails.
(k) No member can be an accuser, unless
he or she is also a witness in the case they
bring.
(1) Testimony from without shall not be
LAMPTOET'S DIGEST.
327
rejected, implies that persons of repute whose
veracity would not be questioned may testify
in a Church trial, though they are not Church
members. Persons notoriously destitute of
reputable character would not be admitted as
witnesses in a Church investigation or trial.
(m) Expelling a member severs his entire
relation to the Church, officially and other¬
wise.
(n) Members of a trial committee have the
right to ask questions, and cross-examine all
witnesses, if they desire to do so.
(o) In case of a charge involving a crime
sufficient to exclude from the Kingdom of
Grace and Glory, all preliminary steps should
be taken speedily in order that the cause of
Christ be not made to suffer by apparent in¬
difference on the part of the Church.
(p) Notice of time and place for a trial
with a copy of the charges duly signed, left
at the usual place of residence, or should be
served on accused in person, is a legal notice.
(q) Four classes of members are recog¬
nized in Methodism, to-wit: (1) Private mem¬
bers; (2) Local preachers; (3) Traveling
preachers; (4) Bishops; and each should be
tried by their peers, or as near approach to
equality in rank as it is possible to secure.
328
lampton's digest.
Sn©utlmeCrial.
Before entering upon a Church trial, it
should be definitely ascertained that due no¬
tice has been given the accused and sufficient
time allowed for him to be in readiness to
proceed to trial; even facility should be af¬
forded to both the accuser and the accused to
be in readiness, if for any just or reasonable
cause either side is not prepared to proceed,
the court (the presiding officer), must ad¬
journ till such time as will meet the approval
of all concerned. In the event of all being in
readiness, the presiding officer shall state the
nature of the case, giving the names of the
parties, and announcing the counsel, if any,
and appoint a competent secretary. After
this a brief address to the members of the
committee, reminding them of their respon¬
sibility to God, and the importance of the
work they are about to enter upon, as well as
the duty they owe to the Church, as well as to
the accused and the accuser.
lampton's digest.
329
method of proceeding.
1. Religious exercises, including the read¬
ing of the 18th chapter of Matthew.
2. Reading charges and specifications.
3. The accused pleads guilty or not.
4. Witnesses for the prosecution.
5. Cross-examination by the accused or his
counsel.
6. The accused presents his evidence.
7. Cross-examination by the accuser.
8. Rebutting testimony by the accuser.
9. Rebutting evidence by the accused.
10. Then follows the arguments.
(a) By the accuser or counsel.
(b) By the accused or counsel.
(c) By the accuser or counsel.
Submission of the case to the committee.
(d) Verdict of the committee.
(e) Announcement of the result by the
presiding officer without comment.
There should be care exercised in every
way to give each side absolute justice. It is
tiie privilege of either side to give notice then
and there of intention to appeal, should it be
aesired. The presiding officer must admit the
appeal, whatever may be his opinion as to the
justice of the grounds of appeal. As much as
possible, the testimony of each witness should
330
lampton's digest.
be taken as given, word for word, or in sub¬
stance in writing.
trial in detail.
The manner of conducting a trial in a Meth¬
odist Church is virtually the same in all the
branches of Methodism the world over. Every
church court should open and close with
prayer. Before proceeding to trial, the court
should be assured that the accused has been
duly notified of the time and place of the
trial, and that sufficient time has been given
the accused to make preparation to meet the
trial. Unless there is evidence of a disposi¬
tion to evade trial, should the accused not be
present, the trial should proceed, unless good
reason can be shown for delay.
The order of proceeding is the same as
shown in an Outline Trial. A charge express¬
ly forbidden by the Word of God, such as
drunkenness, would be tried on the method
herein described.
Charge—Habitual drunkenness.
First Specification—That Brother A, B, or
C habitually drinks intoxicating drinks as a
beverage. Witnesses thus testify.
Brother Thomas—I live in the same house
with the accused and know positively of my
lampton's digest.
331
own knowledge that he drinks a pint or more
whiskey every day, and has done so for more
than six months.
Question 1. Are you sure that what he
drinks daily is whiskey?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. Are you familiar with the taste
of liquors?
Answer. I am somewhat. I know whiskey
from gin or brandy.
Question 3. Have you ever tasted the liquor
you have seen the accused drink?
Answer. No, but knew it from its color.
Question 4. Would you be able to tell the
different kinds of liquors, such as whiskey,
brandy, and gin, by their taste as well as their
color?
Answer. Yes, because I have tasted all of
tiiem at times.
Question 5. Do you drink liquor?
Answer. I have drank, but not now.
Question 6. As one who drank, do you say
that all whiskey has the same color?
Answer. Yes.
Mary Jackson—I saw the accused on two
occasions staggering on the street and sup¬
porting himself by holding to the fence.
332
lampton's digest.
Question 1. Are you sure that it was he you
saw staggering?
Answer. Yes.
Question 2. Were you near enough to him
to speak to him, or see him well?
Answer. No, but I could tell it was he by
his size and clothes; he always dressed the
same way.
Question 3. Are you on friendly terms with
the accused?
Answer. No, we have not spoken to each
other for a year or more.
Thomas Jackson—I saw the accused broth¬
er step into an alleyway (give day and date)
and take out of his pocket a bottle and drink
from it and then throw the bottle away.
After he was gone, I picked up the bottle and
tasted a few drops in it, and it was whiskey.
The bottle had a label on it, which read '1 Old
Corn Whiskey."
Question 1. l}id the accused see you, while
drinking or after?
Answer. He did npt, as he would hardly
drink before me.
Question 2. What time in the day was it,
when you saw him drinking in that alleyway?
Answer. About 12 :30 in the day, when he
was returning to his work after dinner.
LAMPTON's DIGEST.
333
Question 3. Are you positively sure that
this brother, now before you, was the man
you saw drinking?
Answer. I am sure that he is the same man.
I have met him at the same place a number of
times when he and I have been passing. I
have met him often in church services, and
know him well as one of our members.
The above will give a fair idea of examin¬
ing witnesses and drawing from them facts,
which will enable the jury to determine the
guilt or innocence of the accused. Witnesses
should be allowed to tell in their own way
what they know about the charge, without in¬
terruption; attorneys reserving all questions
till the witness has concluded his or her tes¬
timony. The presiding officer will see to it
that the witnesses are protected in their
rights, and in no instance should they be in¬
duced to give testimony which would incrimi¬
nate themselves. This is often done by the
multiplicity of questions propounded to them,
both by the prosecuting and defending coun¬
sel. The trial thus conducted, till all are
heard for the prosecution, is repeated in de¬
tail in the same manner for the defense. At
the conclusion of the testimony pro and con,
the court determines the time each attorney
334
lampton's digest.
shall consume in their arguments. This set¬
tled, the attorney for the prosecution begins,
after the court has asked the accused the
question, '' Guilty or not guilty ?''
INDEX TO DECISIONS.
PAGE
ALABAMA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 13
Acts of mal-administration 23
Admission of persons, qualification of 17
Children's Day money 27
Conference claims, how raised 20
Converts on probation six months 16
Crime, commission of by ministers in another
conference 24
Delegates and alternates, how elected in case of
death, etc 19
Lord's Supper, not consecrated by deacons, etc. ... 15
Marriage ceremonies, who may perform 18
Ministers of other denominations 27
Missionary money, to whom paid 18, 19
Presiding Elder's salary, how raised 13, 25, 26
Pastors neglecting to attend District Conference.. 26
Salary, how computed 15
Superannuated preachers, must belong to Quarterly
Conference 17
ARKANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 28
Annual Conference, jurisdiction of 29
Circuit, supply of when too large 29
Contingent money, meaning of, etc 29-37
Course of study, completion of 32
Elder's orders, application for, etc 34
Local preachers, examination of, etc 30-32
Membership in A. M. E. Church 28
(i)
ii
PAGE
Ministers reporting to charge 32
Presiding Elders, powers of, etc 34
Probationers, standing of in church 36
Trustees, election of 33-35
BERMUDA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 37
Collegiate institute, relation of to conference 38
Government stipend, distribution of 37
BALTIMORE ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 40
Annual Conference not appellant court 56
Appeals, regular course of 64
Candidates for admission, examination of 45
Church extension money defined 56
Delegates to General Conference, qualification of..60
Dollar money, payment of by all church officers,
etc 58, 59, 62-64
Duties of stewards and trustees, kept separate by
pastors 42
Itinerants, status of 52
Marriage license, when valid 63
Manuscript, use of 59
Maladministration, rule governing acts 40
Ministers entitled to house after death of wife. ... 42
Missionary funds, disbursement of 53
Missionaries, payment of money to, etc 58
Mite missionary societies, rights of 63
Pastor under charges, bishop to be informed 44
Presiding Elder, abolishment of without consent
of bishop 60
Sale of papers in church, violation of 57
Traveling agents, members of any district 40
Trustees, number of in circuit 57
White men, admission of 45
COLORADO ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 65
Evangelists, mode of receiving 65
Laws in force until publication of new ones. ..*... 65
iii
PAGil
CALIFORNIA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 66
Baptism, mode of 67
Characters, examination of 67
Membership 66
Ministers, members of conference to which trans¬
ferred 68
Presiding Elders, status of 67
Supernumerary, rights of 68
Trustees not to borrow money 66
FLORIDA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 69
Candidates, who may be received, etc 72
Dollar money, retaining forty per cent lawful 69
Debt of preachers 70
Names on conference roll, removal of 70
Probationers, dropping of 69
Recording secretary, duties of 72
GEORGIA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 72
Committees, limitation of 72
Contingent expenses, provision for 76
Dollar money, collection of and percentage for
financial secretary 74, 75
Members from other churches, reception of 83
Ministers, general status and duties of. . .73, 74-77, 79-82
Motion to reconsider, attitude of General Con¬
ference toward 77
Pastors and Presiding Elders, duties of 78
Preachers of other denominations, reception of... 74
Probationary parties, reception of 79
Resignations, etc. .: 80
Sacrament, administration in non-Episcopal dis¬
tricts 76
Suffrage, qualification of 83
ILLINOIS ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 84
Applicants, rejected subject to Bishop and Pre¬
siding Elder 87
6248—22
IV
PAGE
Elders, transferred from B. M. E. to A. M. E.
Church legal 85
Judicial Committee, powers of 84
Ministers, general status and duties of..84, 85, 86-88
INDIAN TERRITORY ANNUAL CONFERENCES—89
Baptist preachers, admission and status of 92, 93
Church membership in Territory 89
Complaints, treatment of 94
Local deacons, rights of 92
Members, attendance to church duties 90
Ministers, travel through the year 90
IOWA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 94
Applicants, rejection of 95
Local Elders, examination of 94; 95
Stewards, duties of 95
INDIANA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 96
Conference, jurisdiction over minister who with¬
draws 97
Certificate of membership necessary when leav¬
ing church 116
Church property, sale of 103
Deacons receiving appointments, traveling deacons. 116
Educational money, to be forwarded to secretary.. 115
Itinerants, candidates for and reception of no
Local preachers, trial of and forfeiture of
license 100-110
Marriage ceremony, who may perform 112
Members, exclusion from sacrament and trial of. .96-98
Ministers, trial of, credentials and status of. 103-107, 113
Maladministration cases, witnesses in 112
Ordination vows, when considered, etc 102
Quarterly Conference, journal of proceedings
necessary 115
Rebaptism, when illegal 112
Sunday school department, relation of Bishops, etc. 114
V
PAGE
Stranger, definition of 99
Sacrament, administration of 96
Suspended minister, failure to pay note with in¬
terest 106
Trustees, duties of 106
Women as trustees, stewards, etc 113
KANSAS ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 1x7
Conference minutes, who responsible for 117
Withdrawn preachers debarred from pulpits 117
KENTUCKY ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 118
Dollar money, law of 119
Evidence from investigations must be brought to
Annual Conference 119
Investigation by conference of convicted minister. 124
Local deacons to report annually to conference . .. 124
Missions, work of same 122
Missionary money, who entitled to same 126
Ministers received from other Methodist Churches,
relation of 127
Ministers from church not recognized denied ad¬
mittance 126
Parent missionary society 119
Presiding Elder, not interfering with pastor's
work 118
Withdrawal of members of A. M. E. Church,
legality of 125
Withdrawn case, review of 126
Young men not traveling to attend as itinerants. .. 118
LOUISIANA CONFERENCES— 127
Dollar money, failure to pay, etc 130
Expelled minister, status of 132
Members from other denominations, how re¬
ceived 127
Ministers from other denominations, how received 128
Members must contribute to support of preacher. . 129
vi
PAGE
Money raised, how disbursed !30
Sunday school convention, rights of I32
Trustees, not to pay private debts 128
Transfers of ministers, provision for 129
MICHIGAN ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 133
City missionary, appointment of, etc 136
Local deacons and elders subject to Quarterly
Conferences 133
Ministerial support, parsonage not part of 135
Quarterly meetings belong to Presiding Elder 134
Receipts from general officers 134
MISSISSIPPI ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 137
Church extension, definition of 139
Camp meetings, permission to hold 140
Course of study, requirements of 143
Local preachers, members of Annual Conference,
examination of, etc 137
Methodist custom, reference to back salary, etc. .. . 138
Members, transferred, reception of 138
Ministers and Presiding Elders must work in har¬
mony 142
Ordination, requirements for 144
Suspension of member, not justifying immediate
expulsion 140
Unused traveling expenses, disposition of 139
MISSOURI ANNUAL CONFERENCE— 145
Dollar money 145
Elder transferred, status of 145
NEW ENGLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 145
Annual Conference, power over funds 148
Annual Conference, relation to P. H. and F. M.
Societies 148
Conference locus of churches and circuits 149
Conference, rules for improvement 150
Conference, examination, etc 152
vii
PAGE
Conference committee, chairmanship of 157
Communion with churches, recommendation for ad¬
mission 155
Diaconate, ordination for 157
Discipline, pre-eminent, etc 153
Itinerant ministers, requirements of 145
Illiteracy, obstacle to ordination, etc 156
Legal interpretations province of Bishops 152
Local preachers, stewards and trustees, rights of.. 147
Minister's allowance 146
Name, removal from church or class book 155
Superannuated preachers, relation to conferences. . 154
Superannuated Traveling Elders, reports of 154
NEW JERSEY ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 158
Back salary, rule governing same 164
Dollar money, failure to raise subject to discipline. 158
Delegates to Annual Conference, confirmation of. . 163
Discipline silent on law, Bishops to decide 159
Expelled ministers, character to be passed upon, etc. 159
Licentiates probationers, subject of 163
Probationers, voting for delegates 165
Sunday School Union, origin, etc 164
Theological course, requirements for 160
NEW YORK ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 166
Bishops change place of holding conference 168
Baptizing children of unbelieving parents 175
Candidates, status of 175
Discipline, guide of disputes, etc 174
General book steward, editor and supernumerary
preacher 172
Members of Annual Conference, classes of 174
Ministers accused of crime, trial of 166
Ministers expelled, appeals, etc 173
Ministers from other denominations 177
Ordination of ministers just received, etc 169
Report of Committee on Missions 180
Vlll
PAGE
Sabbath schools, organization of 177
Sacraments, administration of 175
Trustees closing doors of church 176
Trial of member to be fair and impartial 178
NORTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCES—182
Choir subject to pastor 189
Child's Recorder, etc : 186
Dollar money, pastor responsible for same 190
Dollar money, no excuse for not raising same 183
District S. S. Superintendent, duties of 188
Duty of large churches, forming of missions 182
Female cannot be ordained deacon 189
Full members, reception of 183, 184
Local deacons, examination of 185
Members added to church by certificates, etc 187
Members leaving without certificates 185
Ministers support, board, salary, house rent, etc. . . 187
Ministers attending conference, etc 188
Ordaining under missionary rule, etc 192
Pastors visiting former charges 186
Sunday school officers must be Christians 185
Sunday school and mite missionary money not the
same 186
Traveling preacher's character, examination of. .. . 184
Traveling ministers two years' standing, status of. 182
OHIO ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 193
Appeals, rights of 203
Conference, jurisdiction of, not affected by loca¬
tion 209-212
Churches must pay pastors 205
Dollar money, law of collection 206
Deacon's order, eligibility for 208
Lay members, power to try others, etc 196
Local preachers, examination of 198
Marriage relationship during slavery 199
ix
PAGE
Marriage ceremony, right to perform 214
Ministerial power, etc 213
Ministers, status of 196
Minister, located not itinerant 214
Postponement of case in Quarterly Conference.. .. 203
Pastors without appointments, etc 209
Preachers from other churches 215
Quarterly Conference, powers and jurisdiction
of 193, 194
Stewards and stewardesses, appointment of 215
Transfers, acceptance of 212
Voters in Annual Conference, requirements of 200
PHILADELPHIA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 216
Annual Conference to supply deacons' forfeited
papers 237
Authority of ministers commences with appoint¬
ment 222
Bond approved is one endorsed 229
Conference, jurisdiction of 239
Deacons ordained prior to 1852, status of 230
Debts, defined in discipline 222
Impeachment of ministers, etc 2x9
Local deacon, member of Annual Conference, ex¬
pelled by Quarterly Conference 230
Local deacons and elders members of Annual Con¬
ference 236
Local preacher becomes member of conference by
its vote 238
Local preacher's standing in Annual Conference... 238
Local ministers, members of Annual Conference
subject to appointment by Bishops 232
Law and government, ruling upon 224
Ministers going to war report to Quarterly Con¬
ference 234
Minister from one conference preferring charges in
another 216
PAGE
Missionary money and officers of the society. ..240-242
Ordained deacons members of conference, etc 242
Ordained preachers members of conference subject
to appointment 239
Protracted meetings, employment of evangelists,
etc - 228
Quarterly Conference, jurisdiction over local
preachers 237
Trials in Quarterly Conference, appeals, etc 216
PITTSBURG ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 244
Appointment, grounds for refusal 267
Book concern, ministers in account with, 263
Conference not bound to accept transfer of minister 249
Children's Day collection, rule governing same 260
Dollar money, time for collecting same—church
officers not exempt 244-265
General officers, not created by Bishops 252
Local preachers to act in absence of pastors 250
Ministers transferred, rights of 248
Missions, work of 246
Ministers and probationers, reception of, etc 253
Ministers from other denominations to pass regular
course 260
Minister's character, when to be passed upon, etc. . 263
Pittsburg Conference, boundary of 267
Pastors to suspend not remove trustees 265
Petitions for ordination of Elder to be made by
church members 250
Right to vote, when destroyed 269
Trustees, duties of 265
Sunday school districts, who control same 270
Widows of located ministers not entitled to
widow's pension 269
SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCES—272
Annual Conference, place of same cannot be
changed 274
xi
page:
Actions of pastor and members in church trials, etc. 279
Conversion necessary to full membership 277
Conference claims, laws for collecting same 272
Delegates to General Conference, who may vote for 283
Dollar money, refusal to pay—fair proportion
of. " 275-284
Local elders and deacons, duties of 285
Ministerial report 276
Members of conference, who may belong to 283
Ministers failure to pay note cause for discipline. . 287
Ministers coming from other denominations, etc. .. 273
Member of church leaving wife..'. 272
Probationers, standing of 272
Pastor's character, when to be passed upon 276
Pastor may be arrested for non-acceptability 278
Preachers without work must assign with
Quarterly Conference 284
Presiding elder, rights of 276
Reinstatement to membership in conference '279
Traveling expenses of missionary committee¬
man, etc 285
TEXAS ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 287
Admission to conference, not recommended, etc... 290
Bible cause, moneys for same 288
Itinerant preachers not to be suspended, etc 291
Minute money, collection for same 287
Minister legally dismissed no longer member of
conference 292
Ordination denied men for insubordination 289
Preacher's relation to former charge ends with
appointment of the new 291
Releasing members, four ways of 288
Suspension, how dealt with 292
TENNESSEE ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 293
Chairman's right to vote in case of tie does not pre¬
vail in conferences 295
xii
PAGE
Documentary evidence, kinds of 294
Motion to reconsider 293
Ordination parchment, when received 293-295
VIRGINIA ANNUAL CONFERENCES— 296
Appointment denied those who violate the law. 301
Choice of session given minister when on trial. .. . 299
Church extension money, definition of 296
Conference, arrangements of 298
Dollar money, law of collection 299, 300
Hearsay evidence not admissible 298
Ordination for missionary field, etc 296
Missionary Society, members of 299
Ministers, when received 300
Reports to be made separate by each pastor 301
WINDWARD ISLANDS, BRITISH GUIANA, AND
SOUTH AFRICAN ANNUAL CONFER¬
ENCES— 302
One beyond age limit cannot qualify for the
ministry 302
Violation of church law not countenanced 302
UNCLASSIFIED RULINGS—
Bethel Literary Society Controversy 305
Financial Board, proxies for 309