Nort~ C~ina Annual Conference

Transcription

1 MINUT 0]1' THE >. s I 0]1' THE Nort~ C~ina Annual Conference s S S S ) ) ) ~ < > ) > ~13dx ).~ fy14 5l'l. tjt.l. ) 0]1' TIlE metboi)ist lbpiscopai burcb, Held inpeki'll!l, Oct.,18t-Jtll" SHL~GHAI: AlIOIOAN' PRESBYTERIAN MISSION PRES'3. -.}894.

2 MINUTES OF TRE OF me Nort~ C~ina Annual Conference OF THE metbobtst lepiscopal (tburcb, HeW, in Peking, Oct.1st-.tp,k J SHANGHAI:

3 f'jorth ehina eonference METHODIST OlP THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH. ORGANIZED, AS A MISSION, IN ORGANIZED, AS A CONFERENCE, IN /!Iis"h"p Jo"hn.$'..!Jiturst crupervision. ~- I. -Officers of Conference. President. Bishop W X. Ninde, D.D., Detroit, Mich., U. S. A. Secretaries. Isaac T. Headland, Peking. T~ J ui, Shan-hai-kuan. Statistical Secretaries. W. F. Walker, Peking. Li Shao-wen. Presiding Elders. W~ F. Walke~, Peking Dist~ict. Marcus L. Taft, South Peking District. Post Office Address :-Peking, China. Geo. R. Davis, Tientsin District. Willia.m T. Hobart, Tsun-hua District. James H. Pyke, Lan-chou District. Post Office Address :-Tientsin, China.

4 2 TREAsuRER.-(Appointed by Board of Managers in New York, U. S. A.), Hiram H. J..4owry. TREASURER OF MISSIONARY COLLECTION.-(Appointed by Conference), J. Fred. Hayner. Standing Committees. Mi.'1sions Ohurch E~ten8'ion Bible Gause... Sabbath Observance Sunday Schools Education Self-support Temperance Tract Gause N. S. Hopkins, Ch'en Ta-yung. W. T. Hobart, Li Shao-wen. G. W. Verity, Wang Ch'eng-p'ei. F. Brown, Chang Pai~lin. J. Fred. Hayner, Ch'en Heng-te. H. H. Lowry, Te Jui. J. H. Pyke, Wang Ch'ing-yun. G. R. Davis, Shang eh'ing-yiin. M. L. Taft, Yang ehlin-ho. Special Committees. Nominations and Anniversary Program } W- F. Walker, Ch'en Ta-yung. To Print the Minutes. The Secretaries. On Estimates Jor next Year The Presiding Elders. Oourse oj Study Jor } H. H. Lowry, J. H. Pyke, Te J ui, Native Preachers Ch'en Ta-yung, W- T. Hobart. Official Oorrespondent... H. H. Lowry. Educational Appointments. Visitors to Educational Institutions. Peking University W. F. Walker, Ch'en Ta-yung. Tientsin Intermediate School J_ H. Pyke, Shang Ch'ing-yiin. Tsun-hua" "W. T. Hobart, Wang Ch'ing-yiin. Lan-chou" "F. Brown, Te J ui. Tai-an " "Li Shao-wen, Wang Oh'ing-yo. Oommittees on Examination. Admiesion on Tria! G. R. Davis, Sun Chio-kao..

5 OontinuanCB on Trial... J. H. Pyke, Li Shao-wen. Deacon'80rder8 W. T. Hobart, Shang Ch'ing-yiin. Committees on ExB.mination of Missionaries in Chinese. Fir8t year W. F. Walker, Mrs. C. M. Jewell. Second Year... Geo. R. Davis, Marcus L. Taf t. Third Year... Wm. T. Hobart, N. S. Hopkins. Anniversary Programme. Sunday preceding Annual Oonference a.m., Love Feast a.m., Sermon 7.30 p.m., " FIRST DAY a.m., Communion p.m., Praise Meeting 7.30 " English Prayer Meeting 7.30 " Chinese" " SECOND DAY. Ch'en Ta-yung. W T. Hobart. Sun Chin-kao. J. H. Pyke. Li Shao-wen. G. D. Lowry. Ch'en Heng-te p.m., Temperance Anniversary... Shang Ch'ing-yun. (Report of Committee on Temperance) p.m., Self-support Anniversary... Wang Ch'ing-yiin. (Report of Committee on Self-support). THIRD DAY p.m., Missionary Anniversary... N. S. Hopkins. (Reports of Committees on Mission and ChurchExtension) p.m., Sunday School Anniversary. J. F. Hayner. (Reports on Sunday Schools and Sabbath Observance). FOURTH DAY p~m., Anti-foot-binding Anniversary... Te Jui " Social Reunion.

6 4: ~.~~~7;,~ ~"~t~~ PEKING, CHINA, Monday, October 1st, The North China Conference of the :M:ethodist Episcopal Church convened for its Second Annual Session in Asbury Chapel, Peking, Ohina, at 9 a.m. of above date. The communion service was conducted by Bishop W- X. Ninde, D.D., assisted by H. H. Lowry. 'rhe regular session began at 10 a.m., Bishop Ninde in the chair. M. L. Taft, English Secretary of the last Conference, called the roll. The following answered to their names :- Hiran H. Lowry, Marcus L. Taft, George R. Davis, George W- Verity, Wilbur F. Walker, J. Fred. Hayner, James H.' Pyke, Isaac T. Headland. N ativ8 Preachers :-Ch~en Ta-yung, Te J ui, Wang Ch'eng-p'ei, Wang Ch'ing-yun, Shang Ch'ing-yiin, Li Shao-wen, Yang Ch'un-ho, Sun Chiu-kao, Ku Ch'i, Sung I, Lin Chi-Hio. Isaac T. Headland and Te J ui were elected English and Chinese Secretaries,respectively. W. F. Walker and Li Shao-wen were elected English and Chinese Statistical Secretaries respectively. J. Fred. Hayrier was elected Conference Treasurer. H. H. Lowry was elected Interpreter.

7 5 The following Standing Committees were approved :- Missions H. H. Lowry, Ku Ch'i. Church Extension G. R. Davis, Sun Ohin-kao. Bible Cause J. H. Pyke, Chang Pai-lin. Sabbath Observance W T. Hobart, Chou Hsiieh-shtn. Sunday Schools G. W. Verity, Sung 1. Education Isaac T. Headland, Liu Ma-k'z. Self-support M. L. Taft, Ch'en Heng-te. Temperance andanti-opiumf. D. Gamewell, P'an Chen. Tract Cause. La Olede Barrow, Chen Ta-yung. On motion W F. Walker and Ch'en Ta-yung were appointed a committee to nominate the S tanding Committees for next year. Voted to open the Conference at 8.30 a.m. and close at ] 2 m.; the first half hour to be devoted to prayer. A statement of the amount of the General Conference expense was then read by the Secretary. The amount to be raised by this Conference is $4 U. S. Gold, which is to be sent to Hunt and Eaton, N. Y. On motion it was decided that the Presiding Elders settle the above account. The Episcopal Fund was then explained by H. H. Lowry. Ordered that the Episcopal Fund be raised by the Presiding Elders, the amount being $4 U. S. Gold. The Methodist Book Concern Dividend, amounting to $152 U. S. Gold in favor of this Conference, was then read. The Chartered Fund, amounting to $25 U. S. Gold in favor of this Conference, was ordered to be drawn. On motion it was decided that the first order of business after the reading of the minutes on the second day should be to vote on the Propositions for Constitutional Changes.

8 6 The 13th question was then taken up. _ The name of H. H. Lowry, Pastor of Asbury Chapel and Presiding Elder of Peking District, was called, his character passed, and he read his report. (See Reports.) Ordered that each person, except Presiding Elders, should present only a report of his collection. The name of Isaac T. Headland was called, character passed, and he reported collection. The name of M. L. Taft, Presiding Elder of South Peking District, was called, character passed, and he read his report. (See Reports.) The name of Gheen Ta-yung was called, character passed, reported his collection. The name of J. Fred. Hayner was called, character passed, reported progress in the language. The name of Geo. R. Davis was called, character passed, read his report. (See Reports). The name of Geo. W. Verity, Pastor of Wesley Chapel, was called, character passed, reported collection. The name of W. F. Walker was called, character passed. The name of Fredrick Brown was called, character passed. (Absent). On motion Geo. R. Davis was, appointed to take the place 'Of F. D. Gamewell to examine candidates for Admission on Trial. On motion Geo. W. Verity was appointed to take the place of W. T. Hobart to examine candidates for D~acon's Orders. Lin Chi-Iun was appointed to conduct the devotional services on the morning of the second daye

9 7 SECOND DAY. Tuesday, October 2nd, Oonference met at 8.30 o'clock. Devotional services were led by Liu Chi-luna Minutes were read and approved. Bishop Ninde submitted the Propositions for Constitutional Changes, which were taken up in order, discussed and voted on as follows, the question being taken by a co un t vote :- Proposition I. Concerning Lay and Clerical Representation. For a change 9. Against a change 8. Proposition II (a.) Concerning the Power of the General Oonference to change the Ratio. For a change 14. Against a change l. (b.) South Carolina Proposition. For a change 13. Against a change l. Proposition III. Concerning Change of Time. For a change 16. The name of W. T. Hobart was called, character passed, and his report read by the Secretary. (See Reports). The report of J. F. Scott was read by the Secretary. (See Reports). The name of Wang Ch'ing-yiin was called, character passed, reported collection. The name of J. H. Pyke was called, character passed, and he read his report. (See Reports.) At this point the doxology was sung by the Conference. The name of Wang Ch'eng-p'ei was called, character passed, reported his collection.

10 8 The name of T~ J ui was called, character passed, reported his collection. In consideration of the fact of the death of three members of the mission during the past year, it was ordered to hold a memorial service on the third day at eleven o'clock, and a committee of three, consisting of H. H. Lowry, Geo. R. Davis and J. H. Pyke, were appointed to represent the late Rev. L. W Pilcher, D.D., Mrs. W. H. Curtiss, and Rev. La Clede Barrow respectively. The names of the following persons were called, their character passed, and they were continued on trial:- P'an Chen, Chang Pai-lin, Ch'en Heng-te, T'sni Wan-fu, Lin Ma-k'e, Chou Hsiieh-shen. The name of Ch'in Lung-chang, a member of the above class, was called, character passed, and continued in the first year. The name of Kung Te-lin was called, character passed,. reported his collection. The name of Wang Ch'ing-yii was called, character passed, reported his collection. Kung Te-lin and Wang Ch'ing-yii having completed the course of study, it was ordered that all further literary examinations be waived. The Secretary was ordered to give a certificate of having passed the studies of the third year to P'an Chen, Ch'en Heng-te, Chou Hsiieh-shen, Chang Pai-lin, T'sui Wan-fu, Liu Ma-k'e.

11 9 THIRD DAY. TITednesday, October 3, Conference,cou:vened at 8.30 o'clock. Devotional services were conducted by Wang Ch'ing-yii. English and Chinese minutes read and approved. Bishop Ninde announced the transfer of Nieh Ch'en-i from the Fuchou Conference to the North China Conference. A fraternal letter, from the Japan Conference to this Conference, was read. On motion a committee of three, consisting of Te J ui, Li ShaD-Wen and Isaac T. lleaaland, was appointed to write a fraternal letter to the Japan Conference. A letter was read from Rev. A. G. Jones, of the Baptist Mission, Shantung, concerning the salaries of llati VB _ preachers. H. H. Lowry was appointed to answer this letter. A letter was read from W- T. Hobart concerning the establishment of a Fund for the Purchase of Church Property. Referred to the Committee on Church Extension. A letter was read from W. T. Hobart concerning the establishment of a Fund for Oonference Olaimants. On motion a committee of three, consisting of W T. Hobart, Ch'en Ta-yung and Te J ui, was appointed to consider the matter of establishing Ii. Preacher's Aid Society, and report at the next Conference. The 7th Question was taken up. The name of Sung I was called. On motion a committee of three, consisting of Wang Ch'fmg-p'ei, Yang Oh'un-ho alld Kung rre-lin, was appointed to inquire into matters concerning Sung I. The name of Yang Ch'un-ho was called, character p:1ssed, and reported his collection.

12 10 On motio~ it was ordered that Wang Ch'ing-yu be ordained deacon. The 9th Question was taken up. The names of the following persons were called, their characters passed, and they were passed to the fourth year:- Sun Chiu-kao, Liu Chi-Iun. The name of Ku Ch'i was called, and his character passed. The 10th Question was taken up. The name of Nieh Ch'en-i, a preacher in the Central China Mission, wa.s called, his character passed, and he was elected to Elder's Orders, on condition of having completed his studies. The 30th Question was taken up. On motion it was decided to hold the next Conference at Tientsin. Reports :-W. F. Walker reported for the Committee on Standing Committees and Program for The Report of W. T. Hobart on Sabbath Observance was read by the Secretary. The Chinese Report by Chou H8ueh-sheng. Ordered that the Reports of the Standing Committee be printed, only if so ordered 'by the Conference. Adjourned for five minutes. MEMORIAL SERVICE. At the Memorial Service H. H. Lowry read a memoir of Rev. L. W. Pilcher, D.D. Geo. R. Davis made ext/ended remarks concerning the life and character of Mrs. Dr. W. H. Curtiss, and J. H. Py ke spoke of the promise that was seen in the enlihusiastic way in which Rev. La Clede Barrow entered upon his study and work.

13 11 FOURTH DAY.. Thursday, October 4, Devotional services were led by Kung Te-lin. Rega Iar session began at 9 o'clock. Minutes of previous day read arid approved. StatisticaJ Secretaries presented their Reports. (See Reports.) Committee in the case of Sung I reported. On motion Sung I was continued on trial, a probationer of the second year. The 11 th Question was taken up. None. Reports :-Treasurer's Report was given by J. Fred. Hayner. Report on Church Extension was read by Geo. R. Davis. Report on Self-support by Ch'en Heng-te. " Education " Secretary. " " Peking University " H. H. J.Jowry. " " Missions " Ku Ch'i.. " " Tract Society " Liu Chi-l un. " " Bible Cause " J. H. Py ke. " " Temp_ and Anti-Opium "P'an Cheng. " " Epworth League was read by the Preaident, " Isaac T. Headland. " Sunday Schools " Sung I. " Each of the above"reports, when read, was adopted. The Secretaries were appointed a committee to print. the minutes. The Presiding Elders were conetituted a Committee to make the Estimates.

14 12 The Committee on Course of Study fol' ~ ative Preachers was continued with the addition of the name of H. H. Lowry. On motion this committee was asked to consider and jf necessary change the course of study for the training school. On motion H. H. Lowry was appointed a committee to examine Ch'in Lung-chang when ready, on the first and second year's course of study. Adjourned to meet at 3 o'clock. FOURTH DAY, 2nd Session. Thureday, October 4, 1894, 3 o'clock. Devotional services were led by J. Fred. Hayner. Minutes read and approved. Wang Ch'ing-yiin was ordained to the office of deacon. Oertificate :-This certifies that on Oct. 4, 1894, in Asbury Chapel, Peking, I ordained Wang Oh'ing-yiin to the office of deacon. W. X.NINDE. Peking, Oct. 4, H. H. Lowry was appointed Official Correspondent of the Conference. The following Resolution was adopted by rising vote : Resolved :-That it js with great pleasure we have been permitted to welcome Bishop Ninde to this session of our Conference, and we desire to express our appreciation of his careful and patient attention to all the details of the work in which we are engaged, and of his kind and wise counsels to us in these troublous times. We shall pray for the blessing of the Father to follow him during the re-

15 13 mainder of his worle in China, and to bring himself and family in peace again to their home. We hope that the next General Conference win decide to locate an Episcopal residence in China, and that Bishop Ninde will be our Resident Bishop. Moved that when the Minutes and Appointments have been read, the devotional services concluded, this second session of the North China Annual Conference adjourn. Minutes were read and approved. At the conclusion of tho devotional services some very appropriate remarks were made by Bishop Ninde, to which the Conference listened with the most wrapt attention. rrhe Appointments Were read, and the Conference adjourned sine die. w X. Nn~DE, Presiding Bishop. ISAAC T. HEADLAND, Secretary.

16 14 APPOINTMENTS. -~o:- PEKING DISTinCT :-W F. Walker, P'l;esiding Elder. Peking-Ashury and}w F W lk d"ch'" H t" VA.reng-c h' en a er an en eng- e. Oh'ang-p'ing Ohou } T b s p r d Circuit... 0 e D p Ie Ku-pei-k'ou Oircuit "" " (Wei Cheng-chih). Yang-ko-chuang " Kung Te-1in. Yen-ch'ing Chou,,. J. Fred. Hayner (Hou Tien). Peking University:-H. H. Lowry, President; F. D. Gamewell, Isaac T. Headland, and Oh'in LU,ng-chang, Professors and members of Asbury Quarterly Oonference ; Hattie E. Da.vis, Edward K. Lowry, H. E. King, Mrs. H. E. King and Alice'rerrell, Instrnctors; M. L. 1'aft and J. F. Havner, Professors in Wiley College of Theology. Peking Methodist Hospital :-Ts'ao Yung-kuei, M.D., G. D. N. Lowry, M.D. W. H. Ourtiss, M.D., absent in United States. SOUTH PEKING DISTRIC'r :-M. L. Taft, PreSiding Elder. Peking-Southern City... I. 'r. Headland and Liu Ma-k'e. " -Huarlt Shih... 'ro be supplied. Han-ts'un Circuit... Ch'en Ta-yung. Huang-ts'un "... To be supplied. Tung-an "..... "",,(nhang yu-ch'eng). Yitng-ch'ing "... " " " (Wei Kuo-shun). TIENTSIN DISTRICT :-G. R. Davis, Presiding Elder. Tientsin- Wesley... F. Brown. " -Feng-chen... Sun Chiu-kao. " - West City... Shang Ch'ing-yiin. Nan-hung Circuit To be supplied (Chang Hsi-t'ung). Tai-ch'eng "... Yang Ch'un-ho (Wang Pao-t'ang), (Hou Wan-yii). Ts'ang-cltou"... To be supplied, (Li u Te-hsin). An-ch a Liu Chi-l un. Ohi-ning Ohm! '... Wang Oh'eng-pei. Kuan-cltuang Circuit.... To be supplied. Ning-yang... Li Shao-w~n. Tai-an Fu...,... Wang Ch'ing-yll.

17 15 I-ntermediate School :-Liu Chi-Iun. TSUN-HUA DISTRICT:-W T. Hobart, Presiding Elder Tsun-hua Chou Hsueh-sheng. ". Circuit... G. W. Verity. P:ing-an~elihl'(:ng... } Ts'ui Wan-fu. Lzang-tzu Sha-liu-ho } W Ch t' li (Ch'" Y h \ Yii.-tien... ang li1g-y n en u-s ani" jj'eng Jen... Chang Pai-ling. Tsun-hua Metlwdist Ilospital :-N. S. Hopkins, M.D. J. F. Scott, M.D., absent in U uited States. LAN-CHOU DIs'rRlCT :-J. H. Pyke, Presiding Elder. Lan-chou P'an Chen. " Oircuit... rro be supplied..a.n-ko-ch1.tang "... " " " (Liu Chen-tung). Oh'an.q-li "... " " " (Huang Wei-k'ang). Okien-an "...,," " (Wang Y nell). O~'ie,!--U)ei "... " " " (Chin Cheng). Ii u-nzng "......" " " I-an and Pei-chia-tien... "" " Ohen-tzu-ch~n... Sung I. Lao-t'ing and P~n-clt'eng... Ku Chi. 8han-ltai-kuan... Te J ui. Lan-chou Intermediate} P' Ch" School..... an eng. --:0:-- Appointments of Woman's Oonference of M. E. Church of North Ohina. PEKING. Country Schools, Cit.y fla,y} Mi A. B S Schools f Industrial Classes ss nme ears. Principal if Girls' High 1. Mrs. Oharlotte M. J ewel1. School J Prindpal 0/ Girls' Primary} Y Em G Y School... r ISS e. onng. MedicalWoTk Dr. Anna D. Gloss. Woman's Work Mrs. Mabel S. Hayner.

18 16 TIENTSIN. })a.1j Sclwols, Indu8t~'ial } Dr. Mar L. Barrow. Classes and WomanYs Work y. {Dr. Rachel R. Benn and Dr. Medzeal Work lviary Ida Stevenson. l.oman's Work and Student} M' A J h. ISS nna 0 nson. of Language... ~.... Woman's Work TSUN-HtrA. 1frs. Emily Hobart. PrincdipCa~ ofdboar~i1h'lg Slclwol} Miss Ella E. Glover. an zty ay oc Medical Work and Country} D Ed G T 1 JJ S l r. na. erry. :a.v 0/1, We submit in addition to the appointments the following recom mendations :- Whereas :-In view of the disturbed condition of affairs and the uncertainty in regard to opening the boarding schools we recommend, rrhat the ladies in charge of boarding schools do Woman's Work, or such other work as may present itself till such time as they may deem it expedient to open the schools. We also recommend, That Mrs. Walker and Mrs. Verity be appointed to Womau's.Work in whatever station they may reside. ANNA E. SrEERE, Chai1 01 man.

19 17 REPORTS.,FRESIDING ELDERS' REPORTS. -e;o!6) ~S93-1S94_ ~.~ - PEKING DISTRICT. At the last Conference this district was divided by the formation of the South Peking District. The district now includes Asbury Church in Peking and the circuits Yench'ing-chou, Ch'ang-p'ing-chou, Ku-pei-k'ou and Yang-kochuang. With the exception of the one charge in Peking the district has a very inadequate force of native workers. Here we have the assistance of one preacher on trial in the Conference, while the circuits are in charge of one local preacher and three colporteurs. Under these circumstances no new work was attempted, and with the multitude of other duties devolving upon me it was impossible to enter upon any vigorous prosecntion of the work already on hand. Two of the circuits received but one visit of the Presiding Elder, while the other two had only two visits each. The work of Drs. Curtiss and Tsao during part of the year more than made up for the lack of direct supervision of the Presiding Elder. We deeply regret that this work, which will be more fully referred to in another part of this report, could not have been continued during the year. Asbury Church in Peking is from its membership and situation the principal station on the district. The congregations are usually large" formed principally of the

20 18 pnpils in schools and training classes of both men and. women. Hence the influence of the- work in this charge is eventually felt throughout the bounds of the Conference. This charge is certainly of sufficient importance to demand the entire services of one ~issionary assisted by a good native pastor. Feng-cheu chapel~ or the street chapel, which is used altogether for preaching to the heathen audiences, is connected with Asbury. The utterly unsuitable character of the building, which is now ready to tum ble down making it unsafe for occupancy during the rainy season, is a great hindrance to the work, and puts unnecessary burdens on those laboring there. The Londun Mission have during the year erected a good new chapel building for street preaching where the advantages over the old building are apparent both in the size and character of the audiences and the facilities afforded the preacher. Mr. Owen says his only regret is that he could not have had these advantages during the past twenty years. And so as we look at our own dilapidated, unventilated street chapel, and think of the possibil ties with a suitable building in this one of the finest situations in the city, we can only exclaim "why all this waste" of so many years of crippled labor, working against conditions that render success almost impossible. How long must it be before we can receive a few thousand dollars for the building and equipment of a chapel and accompanying dispensary by which the"la.bor and strength of the workers may be conserved, and success on a larger scale rendered possible? The membership has been increased but slightly, several having removed by letter. The collections are 01' missionary cause, Gold, $82, for self-support $86.50, for other local purposes $45.50, and for Church extension "$44.60, or a total of 236 Taels.

21 19 The most marked. event of the year was the revival services held under the direction of Bro. Pyke. Those who were privileged to participate in or witness the meetings can never doubt that in China as in the home land" the Gospel of Christ is the power of God unto salvation to all who believe." ~rhere was scarcely a member of the Church who did not corne under the influence of the spirit as never before. Many who were connected with the Ohurch through an intellectual belief in the truth of the Gospel, found for the first time the joy of believing unto saving of their souls. Seldom have we seen evidences of deeper or more genuine conviction of sin, or more marked answers to the promise which was the key-note of all the meetings, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." The lessons in the schools were given up and teachers and pupils were engaged from morning till late at night in seeking or imparting that knowledge which makes wise unto salvation. The encouragement from these meetings is not alone in the number of those who entered into the blessedness of the new life, though there were many, nor in the number of those awakened and brought into the Church, but in the grand possibilities it opened up for the future. The dawn of a brighter day has opened in China. Hasten Lord, the glorious time when all the Lord's people are prophets filled with the spirit ready always to testify that Jesus Christ has power on earth to forgive sins! A.nother reason we have for special rejoicing is that through the representations of Mrs. Gamewell of the conditions and needs of Asbury Chapel Secretary McCabe has undertaken to raise $10,000 for a new chapel in Peking, and plans are already being formed for the new building. The difice in which we are now assembled has been pronounced,

22 20 unsa.fe, and a.lthough the weakest parts have been strengthened we only continue to occupy it because we have no other place to accommodate our congregations. With a new chapel here, followed by a new building for street preaching and dispensary, this charge will be equipped for better work than heretofore has ever been possible. The condition of the medical work on this distript is reported by the physicians in charge. Dr. Curtiss reports as follows :- REPORT OF PEKING MEDICAL "WORK OF THE 1Rortb <tbtna <tonference of tbe metbobist Episcopal <tburcb. The following report is for the seven months of the year, from Aug. 31st, 1893 to April 1st, The report for the remainder of the year will be submitted by Dr. Y K. Tsao, who bas been in cha~ge since April 1st. The end of the summer foui;ld us with enlarged plans for the coming fall and winter campaign, which we were, by reason of sad and unforeseen ~vents, o.nly partially abje to carry out. J nst at Annual Meeting time We were rejoioed at the return to us of Dr.. 'l'sao, ~fter three years well spent in the U. S., bearing with him his well earne.d degree of Doctor of Medicine as conferred by the Long Jsland Hospital College of Brooklyn, N. Y., and after the months of pleasant work together J can heartij.y testify to the doctor's ability and fitness as a medical missionary. Owing to the crippled condition of the rsun-hua medical work, ~y reason of the loss of the assistant, we were com_

23 21 pelled, in justice to the c1aims of that work, to give up OUT two assistants-drs. P'8n and P'ang-w hich threw all of the work with all of the details upon Dr. Tsao and myself. Dr. Pilcher's long illness making it necessary for me to always be within call did not permit us to begin country work until December. The first trip, made in company with Dr. Lowry, was very successful, especially as regards the Dew stations of Yen-ch'ing-chou, beyoud the wall, when about 250 patients were seen in two days. As Dr. Tsao and I had planned to take alternate trips the next one fell to him. During his absence sickness, which had already entered my own family, resulted in the death of one who had in our years of life together upon the field been to me indeed a helpmeet. The oversight of the two little girls left to me made it impossible for me to take any more part in the country work. With all the hardships attending that kind of work Dr. Tsao willingly assumed all of it, leaviug me in charge of the city work. The country work was very encouraging; Dr. 'fsro at one time remaining some ten days at Yen-ch'ing-chou operating upon cases that could not for many reasons come to Peking. The number of patients seen on country trips in four months was 744, with 11 operations of importance. The autumn also brought to our Peking force Dr. AnnaD. Gloss, of the W. F. lvi. S., to re-open the medical work for women, which had not been carried on for more than a decade. Dr. Gloss very prumptly came forward aud began treating the women and children at our own dispensary until hers was ready for occupancy. I had -always been surprised at the Dumber of women who came to a dispensary in charge of a male physician, and I welcomed the coming of Dr. Gloss to develop the work for women in connection wi th our mission. Notwithstanding the taking away of _

24 22 our female attendance our numbers continued to increase, and at the time of my departure was beyond what it was at the same time last year. Having received the sanction of the Board of Managers to take my children home 1 left Peking April 18th. STATISTICS. New patients Return visits' Seen on country trips Patients treated in hospital 1,406 3, Total treatments 6,002 Respectfully submitted, W- H. CURTISS, Superintendent. Greencastle, August 10th, The medical work in the city has gone on uninterrupted during the year, but after the departure of Dr. Curtiss for home no country trips were possible. While he was here both Ch'ang.. p'ing.. chou and Yen-ch'ing-chou were visited regularly twioe a month. Between 800 and 1,000 patients were treated, and at New Year, when I spent a week at Yen-ch'ing-chou, several minor operations were performed with, very satisfactory results. Our good clinics at Lung.. jeu Hospital were suddenly reduoed, and for a time I t}ould give no reasons for it, but I discovered eventually that a former in-door patient, who had been discharged for misconduct, had been spreading evil reports among the people. During the. hot and rainy season we did not receive inpatients, as surgical work at that time is not satisfactory. Besides that the walls of the hospital wards are in such a bad condition that a heavy shower of rain may bringthem down at any time. It is unsafe to have patients in the rooms.

25 23 Several pa.tients have been treated at their own homes; a charge of from,i to 2 taels per visit has been made. This money will apply to the general expenses of the hospital. I am hoping that sufficient money may accumulate to greatly aid to the support of the hospital. From April 1st to August 31st the number of patieuts treated in the hospital and dispensary is as follows :- In-patients Dispensary patients, new,.. " "old... Pupils 31 1,245 3,327 16n 4,768 No written report has been given me of the work of the W F. M. S. The schools and evangelistic work have been conducted with encouraging results, and the medical work for women has, after a long cessation, been re-opened by Dr. Gloss. Although there will be presented separate reports of the work of the ladies their work is an integral part of operations, and we rejoice in all their success, and are glad to testify to their uniform conscientious devotion to their work and their indispensable aid in the evangelisation of Ohina. (Oircuits). While we write the clouds of war are threatening, and much of our work has already been interrupted, but our trust is in Him who holds the destinies of all nations in His hands, and we are assured that He will never leave nor forsake us, and our faith looks beyond the clouds to a time of peace and a wider open field for preaching the Gospel. Respectfully submitted, H. H. LOWRY, Presiding Elder.

26 24 SOUTH PEKING DISTRICT. The work in the country south of Peking had been so steadily progressing year after year tha.t at the last Annual Conference a new district, called the South Peking District, was formed. This includes the Southern City Chapel and Huang-tslln, east of the Nan-hai-tzu, or the Southern Imperial Hunting Park, and also Han-tsun and surrounding villages, lying south of said Park. Han-tsun. Geographically speaking this section of country is a low plain, partly of rich alluvial deposit and partly of un tillable sand. An unfortunate feature of this region is that it is liable to devastating inundations from the Hun River, as well as from excessive rains of the rainy season. One day, last winter, while visiting Han-tsun an applicant for pecuniary assistance, who had formerly studied at the Peking Training School, led me to his house, where his family and furniture were huddled together in two small rooms, and hard baked cakes, as black as coal, were used for food. His house had formerly consisted of five rooms, all on the ground floor, but he had been forced to tear down three of these rooms and sell the timber, bricks and other building materials, in order to obtain food. and raiment for himself and family. Many others were in as bad and some in a far worse condition. Through the charitable gifts of our missionaries in Peking, supplemented by a balance from the Famine Relief Fund of last year, we were enabled to relieve their misery, only in a slight degree. The Chinese government has this spring, in accordance with the plans of a European civil engineer, constructed an embankment on the Hun River, so that there is less danger of these annually

27 25 recurring inundations hereafter. Now, however, the condition of many of the people is most pitiable. Their little homesteads have been either sold or heavily mortgaged, so that they are wretchedly POOf, and will be for several years to come. In addition to this the war between China and Japnn has greatly alarmed some of the members. Humors were af1oat, diligently circulated by' the heathen, that the Chinese officials would gi ye Tls. 50 for the head of each " foreign devil" and Tis. 10 for each counterfeit devil (meaning native Christian converts). This report caused some of the frightened women to burn up their Christian books. Notwithstanding this distress, while Borne have wavered, others have lived consistent Christian lives and have found their Saviour very precious in these troubles. There is a fide intellectual caliber in this district. The brightest student ever graduated from our Collegiate Department at Peking, and also the student who took the highest prizes last commencement, are both frum the South Peking District. The incompetency and quarrels of the helpers at Hantsun during the previous year imperatively required a steady going, reliable pastor, this year. Our veteran preacher, Ch'en Ta-yung, with his ever placid way of acting, has proved himself to be the r~ght man in the right place. Schools have been successfully worked at Han-tsun and the adjoining towns, &.s well as at the southeru city and Huang-tsun, where the schola.rs are prepared for admission into Peking U nl versity. U uder the effioient oversight of Miss Sears, schools for girls have beeu carried on in the southern city and at three places on the HaIl-tsUll circuit. Three students pursaed the Second Year's Post Graduate Course in Theology, studying Hurst's Medireval Church History, Townsend's Outlines of Theology, Hoche's Life,

28 26 of Dr. Durbin, and Stalker's Life of Christ, besides attending to practical Church work. Southern City Chapel. Regular work has characterised this station during the past year. A defection, which at one time look~d serious, occurred among three of our members, who left us and joined the Roman Catholic Church. Since then one has come back to his first love, while the other two are sadly sinking deeper and deeper into sin and misery, becoming opium smokers. Needs. One of the greatest needs upon this district is a system of graded primary Christian schools, supervised by a foreign missionary, who should visit them, at least, once a month. Such elementary educational work in this section of the country, where already so many Christian families live and where the number of converts is continually increasing, would yield untold results for,christianity in the near future. In order to place such a mortgage upon the rising generation by giving them a Christian training in their youthful days the time, skill, and patience of a missionary would be most profitably expended. Another desideratum is to create a spirit of independence among the Ohristians in carrying on their Church 'Work. Nearly all the members are exceedingly poor, which makes this matter of self-support still more difficult, but if some wise plan of action should be devised an attempt might be made in this direction. Respectfully submitted, MAROUS L. TAFT, Presiding Elder.

29 27 TIENTSIN DISTRICT. The last Annual Conference re-arranged the district so as to include within its bounds all the work forme1'ly known as the Shantung district. There are now within its bounds one station and thirteen circuits, manned by ten members of the Conference, assisted by four local preachers and ten exhorters. Much work that was planned and hoped for remains unaccomplished. Still for work done and the very manifest presence of the Master throughout the work of the entire district we have the greatest reason for praise and thanksgiving. The work of the year began in Tientsin by the dedication of our new street chapel. The dedication services took place the second Sunday after the close of Conference, and were conducted by Rev. H. H. Lowry, the entire Christian community of Tientsin being present. The chapel was crowded. Ordinarily t,he chapel is divided by movable partitions into two large halls. The outer one, 40 x 36, is used for daily street preaching. The inner one for the more private Sabbath services. The outer chapel has been open almost constantly since last November for preaching. The native preacher in charge, Sun Chiu-kao, is a very able and entertaining preacher. Several others have daily assisted him. The audiences have been fair. A number of men have been much interested in the Christian doctrines. Four during the year have united with the Church on probation. Wesley Chapel, Rev. G. W- Verity, pastor in charge. Bro. Verity came to us from Central China, reaching Tientsin about the middle of November. During the winter this charge was visited by a most gracious revival, Rev. J. H. Pyke conducting the revival services. Not only our own but the other native

30 28 Churches shared in the blessing. Many of the members were greatly quickened. The good results have been felt throughout the entire year in all departments of the work connected with this charge. Mr. and Mrs. Verity have had charge of the boys' intermediate boarding-school. The school has been in a prosperous condition, but sadly overcrowded. Had we proper accommodations we could double the number with promising boys selected from our country schools. The Sabbath school has been flourishing throughout the year. During the winter the women from the training school and hospital, the girls' day-scbool and the boys from the boarding-school quite filled onr little Church, so that the children coming from without find inadequate room. A large number ~f children from heathen homes come regularly, and though not remarkable for order or cleanliness, still are deeply interested. Mrs. Verity has been greatly interested and very successful in this particular work. The hospital and dispensary work of the Isabella Fisher Hm~pital has greatly prospered. An interesting girls' days,~hool has been carried on. The training school for women, in its new and comfortable quarters, was carried on with great profit to a large number of women coming from various parts of the Lan-chou and Tien tsin districts. All of which work h,as been under the charge of Drs. Benn and Stevenson and Miss Wilson of the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society. The Tientsin Circuit, ~ative Elder Shang Ch'ing-yiin in charge, comprises the work in the north-west city and the large town of Yang-liuch'iug. In both places the premises now rented for chapels are badly located, being on small, retired streets, and are utterly insufficient for our use.

31 29 The work in the north-west city remains much the same as last year. No additions to the membership. The dispensary work carried on there i.s still largely attended by women and girls. We have also a flourishing day-school for boys. Quite a number have been interested in the doctrine at Yang-liu-ch'ing. A number have been baptised and received into the Church. We have been in hopes of secnring a better place for onr needs in the north-west city. Such a place, suitable for all departments of our work, has been offered us just within the west gate of the city. The price of silver has been 80 uncertain during the year that we have not been able to settle on ad vantageous terms. The Tai-chceng Circuit, with Deacon Yang-ch'un-ho in charge, assisted by two local preachers, comprises in reality three large circuits. This circuit has been in a very prosperous condition. At rraich't3ng city we have very good premises, central to a large number of villages where we have members. Here we always have good Sabbath congregation and fine opportunities for street chapel preaching on market days. We have also a large day-school for boys. During the year we succeeded in securing chapel premises in the large town of Wang-chiak'ou, twenty miles north of Tai-ch'eng. At first there was much opposition to our getting a place. This opposition has all died out, and we already have a number of enquirers and probationers in the town and vicinity. Again we were able to rent suitable premises in the large market town of Li-t'an, fifteen miles to the south of Tai-ch 'eng. We have quite a membership in a number of villages near this place. This gives us what we long have needed, a central plaoo

32 30 for Sabbath worship, also an opportunity to preach the Gospel in an orderly way on market days. Alas! just now the whole region is flooded, crops destroyed and a dreary winter looming up before these poor people. The Ts'ang-chou Circuit has been supplied by a local preacher, Liu Ll-hsin. Several years ago we tried very hard to secure chapel premises within this important city, but the opposition to the Gospel was so great that we failed; since then we have been unable to accomplish much in that vicinity. However during the past year the two leaders opposed to our work have died, and we still hope when the present war excitement dies away to gain the desired entrance. While the door seemed to be closed against us at this point the work has unexpectedly developed far to the eastward within the limits of Hai-f'ang Hsien. A small trader from this region, while near our chapel at Shang-chia-chai, became much interested in the Gospel. He and all his family entered the Church. Later, returning to his old home he invited the helper and colporteur to visit him. Others became interested, and now we have a class of over 50 enquirers and probationers. We sincerely hope that this work is of the Lord and the beginning of His Church in this heretofore untouched region. At Shan.g-chia-chai the work seems to have come to a standstill, if not actually retrograding. The N ankung Circuit has been supplied by a local preacher, Chang Rsi-tung. His time has been almost entirely occupied overlooking the building of two. small chapels within the bounds of th6

33 31 circuit, where we have regular Sabbath congregations. These two chapels are twenty miles apart, and our work has long suffered, because we lacked just such building-so At one place during 1893 the members were somewha.t persecuted, which was endured with considerable fortitude. At the other place, a large market town, there was some opposition to our repairing an old building on the street and the building of a smah Church building just within our premises. All 0pptJsition has apparently died out. Not much evangelistic work has been done during the year. rrhe membership remains the same. But now that we 'have better preaching places we hope for better things. T'ai-an Cirouit, with Deacon Liu Chi-Iun in charge, assisted by helper Chang Pai-lin. This circuit is 300 miles south of Tientsin and 150 miles south-east of the Nankung circuit. Liu Chilun has given five years of most faithful and successful labor to this circuit. In the city of T'ai-an we have very desirable premises, a growing Church and a flourishing intermediate boarding-school for boys. We have over a hundred members and probationers. During the earlier part of the year there was a most promising outlook for a large ingathering, especially from the region directly,to the eastward of this city. Later, not only on this but on the other three circuits in Shantung our work has been much disturbed by wild rumors of uprisings of the people. During the New Year festivities the Catholics in the regions to the south of our work were severely persecuted, a number losing their lives. The ringleaders in this persecution, who belonged to the literati, were arrested. The people there-

34 32 npon became much excited and threatened to release these privileged scoundrels by force. rl'he wildest rumors spread like wild fire throughout the whole country. The common people became panic-stricken, many fleeing to the hills for safety. Naturally many enquirers and probationers hesitated, and then turned away from us in their terror. The elder members were unmoved, and. the helpers were wise and fearless. The present war, with its plentiful crop of rumors, has not improved matters. The An-chia~chuang Circuit. Here Wang Ching-yii has labored for five years. The Sabbath congregations are the largest in all the Shantung work. The congregations are altogether too large for the room used as a chapel. We have It boys' day~school, also a semi-seh-supporting boarding-school for girls under Mrs. Wang's charge. I cannot bestow too much praise npon this estimable woman. I can only express a wish that in everyone of the native helper's homes there was just such a clean, ordel'1y, intelligent Christian co.. worker. The work is greatly helped forward by the presence, zeal and example of that elect old lady, Mrs. Wang Sz. During one of our visits we had the pleasure of baptising an olar lady and four grown sons, the father and an older son being in the Church already. Here at our District Conference, held in May, we had a gracious time. I have never been present in a meeting when the Holy 8pirit was more powerfully present among the helpers and members. Both in the large cities of Tung p'ing.. chou and T'ei-ch'~ng Hsien to the west and north of An-chia we have a number of enquirers and a few probationers. We hope to have these two cities Boon on the list of our eircuits.

35 33 'The Ning-yang Circuit lies to the south of An-chia, about 17 mile&-.. Elder Li Sh'ao-wen has jnst closed his second year. From the beginning there has been much opposition to our work. This city is too near the sacred tomb and temple of China's great sage for the quiet entrance of the Gospel. Nevertheless a few have been gathered into the Church, and the Gospel is preached to the people. Cbi-ning-chou Circuit. Deacon Ku Chi has been laboring here fo1"' two years with much success. There are now eleven haptised meid'.. hers, also quite a class of probationers. He has been most systematic in teaching the Bible to his congregation, many of them meeting with him. regularly every evening to hear the Bible read and expounded. This important city is thirty-three miles south of Ning-yang Hsien. Our chapel premises are well located, just within the east ga.te of the city. The Northern Presbyterian friends have a strong foreign force located in the large south-eastern suburb. At T'ai-an city two other missionary organizations have now located foreign workers. Ol1r membership in this region: is the largest, our work the oldest, but if we wish to retain the land we must also locate a. band of foreign workers. I have not been able to visit all parts of this widespread. district as often as I wished during the year. We have colporteurs busy selling Christian books every- where, and in a number of places Christian Hible women doing good service. Every\vhere the na.tive Churches harve

36 34 contribnten towarn self-support. The missionary collection is larger than last year. Weare able to report missionary collection $ or gold $ Respectfully submitted, G. R. DAVIS, Presiding Elder. LAN CHOU DISTRICT. The past year has been characterized by a deep and widespread spirit of revival on the Lan-chou district as well as in other parts of North China. In the late autumn a month was spent in evangelistic work in the cities of Ch'ien-an, Lan-chou and Pen-ch'eng at the time of the semi-annual fairs. The attendance in the chapels during the day and in the evenings was unusually large; the preachers and other workers were warm and earnest. There was much interest and a considerable number of inquirers. Some were added to the Church, others gave an intellectual assent to the Gospel as good, but there was lack of the power that moves to decision and results in conversion. During the winter a series of meetings, lasting over ten days, was held in Lan-chou; the preachers and some of the members from other circuits attending. After eight days of teaching, praying and waiting, with manifestly deepening conviction day by day, suddenl y the entire company began weeping aloud and praying earnestly. After a half-hour or more so spent we arose from our knees, and all rejoiced and praised God for His wonderful salvation. Every countenance seemed bright and happy.

37 35 As I looked with wonder on this strange scene I could but recall Peter's words, "The Holy Ghost fell on them as on us at the beginning." From the morning hour, when this occurred, until night the people could not be gathered for the usual services. Instead there were small groups here and there as they told to each other their experien(}es and confessed their sins. Differences were adjusted, wrongs were righted, debts were provided for, feuds and divisions were healed. The following day was Sunday, and a most delightful day it was in all its services. That Saturday and Sabbath will never be forgotten by those who were present. The following day the meetings closed with a morning service, and the people separated, some returning to their homes, others going by twos and threes to neighboring Churches to carry the glad news and to hold meetings wherever they could. I had it in mind to appoint them when I found they had it all planned out themsel ves, so that meetings should be held simultaneously in all the Churches, and to my great satisfaction without asking for the usual allowance for travelling expenses. From Lan-chou I went to Ch'ien-an, a city 25 miles up the river. There the revival spirit had prevailed for some time, and the preacher had been begging for help, which could not previously be given. The Holy Spirit was present in increasing power from the beginning to the end. The little chapel was filled to overflowing with a score or two gathered in the yard about the door and windows. Earnest attention, deep emotion, confession and strong supplication characterized all the services. A number of inquirers and recent converts looked on these manifestations with wonder, but as something in which they could have no part. It occurred to us to oeparate those who had not received the

38 36 blessing from ~hose who had, who wore requested to offer prayer for them, while the simple way of faith was more fully explained to them. Then all engaged in prayer together, and a number more received the blessing sought. From Ch'ien-an I went to Tsun-hua to spend a few days with Bro. Hobart, who had just held a week of revival services with very encouraging results. Here we were made glad by seeing quite a number of back-sliders reclaimed and the Church much blessed. The next place visited was Peking, where meetings were already in progress, conducted by Dr. Lowry. The services were continued ten days, with very remarkable manifestations of the power of the Holy Spirit. For depth of conviction and emotion, for free and full confession, hearty repentance and restitution, the like has seldom if ever been seen in this land. After the close of the meetings in our mission I was led to accept urgent invitations from the London, American Board, and Presbyterian Missions in Peking, and the American Board Mission in Tungo-chou. God owned His word and poured out His Spirit abundantly. His children were refreshed and encouraged, many re. ceiving a fresh anointing for service; back-sliders were reclaimed and sinners and heathen were converted. Blessed be His holy name! In April meetings ware held at Shan-hai.. kuan and two adjacent cities-all attended with many of the manifestations witnessed in other places just mentioned. Bro. Hobart came to assist, and his preaching was in the demonstration of the Spirit and in power. Miss Wilson and Dr. Terry were also with us in these meetings, holding special meetings for women and treating the sick as well as assisting in the general meetings, contributing not a little to the interest and success (tf the work. Dr. C. F. Reid, of Shanghai, of

39 37 the M. E. Church, South, spent some days with us; most pleasalltly for us and with encouragement to all. From Shan-hai-kuan I went with Bro. Hobart to the Tsun.bua district, where two weeks were spent in similar meetings, attended with the same manifestations of power. As it was in the midst of the busy season with farmers we crowded as much work as possible into the few days the people could spend with us. Four meetings of two bours each were held daily. So great was the interest that no one seemed to tire. Between the services the people gave themselves mostly to religious conversation, singing and praying. In June two weeks were spent at the semi-annual festivals in Ch'ien-an and Lan-cbou, Drs. Scott and Terry earing for the medical work; the former with his assistant, Dr. P'au, dispensing medicines to the men, the latter to the women. The medical work in this region has been of great advantage in removing prejudice and drawing the people to bear the Gospel. The school work on the district has been maintained at its usual efficiency. The teachers are Christians; some of them faithful evangelists. rrhere are ten day-schools, and we could open more to advantage if we had the money. The boarding-school passed through another year successfuby, though more money is sorely needed to enable us to receive au who apply. The W. F. M. S. have supported two day-schools for girls, and two Bible women have been a.t work during the year, with good resnlts. Two new chapels have been built, and are ready for dedication, one costing fifty dollars ($50), of which the native members contributed one.half. The other, including purchase of site with some buildings, cost something over

40 '38 four hundred dollars ($400). This latter amount I bor.. ro wed on my own account. The town is a large and important one. A good work was already begun. An exceptionally good offer was made to us, and we took the risk, hoping Bome kind friend at home would take the Church and perhaps support a preacher. Sixty dollars a year would be required for the preacher's salary. One rented chapel in a large and important city was washed down by the heavy rains of the summer, and another in an equauy important city, where there is a membership -of over one hundred, is so damaged that it can scarcely be used. It is next to impossible to find anything but old dilapidated and disreputable baildings for rent. We need $1,200 for the purchase of suitable property in each of these cities. In the large centres we must have clean, comfortable and commodiolls buildings conveniently situated before we can invite the people with any hope that they will come to us in large numbers or respect us. We have hitherto labored at great disadvantage in both these cities. There is much interest and encouragement, but in the narrow, untidy, out-of-the-way, tumble-down, half-renovated opium dens necessity, rather poverty, has compelled us to occupy, many have been debarred from coming to us, and we have neither room Ror comfort for many who came. We have been trying to work to evangelize,these cities and districts in such premises and buildings as just described, the annual rent for each place being less than thirty gold dollars ($30)., Why do we not rent better? We certainly would if we could. Why do we not buy cheap, plain native houses or shops in a. suitable and convenient

41 .39 place f That we can easily do, and will do at once if YOll will send us $1, (gold). The missional'y society cannot be expected to meet such wants at an early day. We mnst look to some consecrated. servant of God who has been blessed with the means. I cannot mention all the preachers by name. Te J ni has managed, with great good judgment and skill, the affairs of the Church at Shan-hai-kuan. Entering on the work 'last year he encountered persecution and disturbance fl'om without by both people and officials, and within there was complaint. and dissatisfaction. At one time both the civil and military authorities united in persecnting the Church. A squad of soldiers was called out, six native Christians were arrested and taken under a guard of soldiers to the District Magistrate, who examined them, ordered them to be beaten severely, fined them and threatened them with worse punishment if they continued to believe and follow the foreigners' religion. Complaint was made to the U. S. Consul, and by him to the Viceroy, who speedily put an end to the trouble. Too much credit cannot be given T~ Jui, the preacher in charge, for the able and wise way in which he has managed all these affairs and the success with which he has nrged the people to exercise patience and forbearance. Wang Ch'eng-pei has, for many years,. been a successful evangelist. This year he received a fresh baptism, and has been more earnest and successful than ever. Kung Te-liu has had a revival nearly the whole year at Ch'ienan. He fishes for men and gets them. With one or f,wo exceptions the preachers, colporteurs and other workers have done well. We have had a year of great harmood), and good faithful work.

42 40 Eleven years ago, in company with the honored and beloved Superintendent of the Mission, I visit.ed the Lan.. chou district for the first time. Work was begun that soon spread to adjacent towns and villages. Two months later another tour was made, extending to other cities. A plan of occupying and working the entire region was outlined, in which I heartily concurred, and a vision, fair, but distant; of numerous Churches and Christian communities dotting cities, towns and villages rose before the mind. Four years later, in company with Dr. N. S. Hopkins, a still more extended tour was made, going to.shan-hai.. kuan, at the terminus of the Great Wall by the sea. The desirability and. advantage of occupying two or three large cities at once was clearly seen. How it was to be accomplished was by no meads clear. But the conviction that it was God's will was so strong that it became an object of earnest prayer and effort. God has opened the way before us in these and other pla.ces in a manner that has clearly revealed His hand. In and about two of these cities there are DOW more than three hundred Christians, and during the past year congregations have been gathered within their walls and in towns adjacent, in dingy little chapels, made glorious by the descent of the Holy Spirit, the cries of penitents and joyful songs and praises of the redeemed. We praise God for what He has wrought, and that He has permitted us to see, and our confident expectation is that He will do far greater things in the near fature. " Our God is marching on" in the land of Sinim. (Signed) J. H. PYKE.

43 41 TSUN-HUA DISTRICT. By looking over past records it appears that there is ns much work on this one district now as there was in the whole mission when I came to China in Yet last fall, before the Peking district was divided, this was the smahest of the five districts in the mission. The work of the district is divided into four circuits, comprising fourteen appointments. The workers consisted of two missionaries and their families, Olle physician and three ladies of the W. F M. S., four native helpers, two medical assistants, four colporteurs, five chapel keepers and fourteen school teachers. The new chapel at Tsun-hua was dedicated just after Conference by Dr. Leonard and Dr. Lowry, and has met a pl'essing necessity. (fhe new chapel at Sha-liu-ho was also dedicated by them a few days afterward. The evangelistic work has been carried on as usual, and God has given a measure of success. There are seven street chapels on the district open every five da.ys usual1y, though in ona place we have only a chapel keeper to look after it. A large number of tracts and portions of Scripture have been Bold by our colporteurs. Brother Pyke spent nearly two weeks in May on the district, holding revival services with blessed results. Members confessed their sins with many tears and much penitence, and the Lord was present to heal those who truly sought Him. In Tsun-hua an Epworth 'IJeague was organized last December. A Sunday evening league meeting was started, led by differeut members in turn with good results. The ~Iercy and Help Committee has been active, and has collected and disbursed over 100,000 cash in charity to about twenty families.

44 42 There have been eight day-schools for boys and two for girls on the district, and there is a call for more. The two boarding-schools were overcrowded, and pupils turned away. The accommodations for the boys' boarding-school are wretchedly cramped. Our school room was formerly a stable. We have room to build, but no money to build with. With suitable accommodations our school could soon dou ble its n urn bers. Miss Hale returned to the U. S. on furlough this spring, leaving the gil'le,' boarding-school for Miss Glover aloue to carryon. It is too heavy a burden, and she must have help. There have been a few cases of discipline oli the district. Three have been expelled on the Sha-liu-ho circuit. A man and his wife at Hsin-tien-tzu, who kept a small inn and harbored thieves, have been expelled. Also two members at Liang-tzu-ho, who acted as middlemen in selling three little girls, must be expelled. The stat,istics show an increase of only 19 members and 6 probationers. Our collections, though famine stares tnany people in the face, are quite in advance of last year. Sha-liu-ho briugs an especially large missionary collection, though other places have done well. The summer brought us sickness and sorrow. First Dr. Scott came down with a mild case of varioloid, from which he speedily rallied. But on July loch Brother Barrow took to his bed with what proved to be semi-confluent small-pox, and on the morning of the 24th was called home. A few days before he said, "I should like to get well and preach Christ to the Chinese," and then quoted Paul's words, " For to me to live is Ohrist, and to die is gain." Happily the disease spread no farther. It seems an unaccountable providence that calls away one just on the threshold of usefulness, but we know our Father makes no mistakes.

45 43 Mrs. Barrow plans to stay and work among the people for whom her husband gave his life. We need a larger force for the work of the district. We have had only a chapel keeper at Feng-jun the past year. With a capable helper the work would develop rapidly. We have also secured a foothold at Tang-yii, a market town half way between Tsun-hua and Feng-jun, and we need a man to place there. We also need a colporteur to work around Tsun-hua and follow up patients who become interested while in the hospital. The missionary society owns property in but four places outside of Tsnn-hua. There are four other places, centres of work, where we must purchase as soon as possible. At P'ing-an-ch'eng-tzu especially we rent a miserable tumbledown place, which the owner will not repair, nor allow us to except at our own expense, and if we should give it up we might not be able to rent anywhere else in the town. We lj11,ust buy. It is the central town in a valley filled with a teeming population. Or-her places we could enter, but cannot, till we are first established where we are. Altogether, despite affiictions, God has given us a good year. And though flood, famiue and war are gathering about us we trust in Him aud go forward, knowing that nothing can harm us, if we be followers of that which is good. God is working among this people, and will yet raise up bere a Christian nation to His praise. Let us, members, helpers, missionaries, all submit ourselves as willing agents in His hands, not hindering His work in us or through us, and with His anointing resting upon us we shall see greater things in the future than we have in the past. Respectfully submitted, W T. HOBART, Presiding Elder:

46 44 REPORT 011' THE MEDICAL WORK AT THE TSUN-HUA HOSPITAL AND DISPENSARIES. The medical assistants appointed at last Annual Conference arrived at Tsun-hua about the middle of October. They have proved themselves to be reliable, efficient and Christian gentlemen. In company with Presiding Elder of the district, the Rev. W T. Hobart, I made my fir~t visit to the out dispensaries about the middle of November. At Hsiu-chung-tzu, Ping-ch'eng-tzu and Sha-liu-ho dispensing had been kept up regularly until it was of necessity ~uspended about March, The work at Yii-tieu Hsien had been interrupted by the opposition of the people in general and soldiers in particular. At Feng-jen Hsien, 100 li from Tsun-hua, where Dew property had recently been purchased, the work was opened up for the first time in December. At 1'ang-yii, a market town 50 li from Tsun-hua, we began dispensing in a room in an inn the last of December. We had only'hoped to secure an opening in this town, but before two months the property was bought very cheaply, the owner being forced to sell. Tang-yii and Feng-jen Hsien are both on the regular road to T'ang-shan, which i~ the railroad station for Tsun-hua, and from which all stores and supply of coal must be brought. This makes the opening of these towns doubly important. When the work was regularly established the work was carried on in tbefollowi~lg order, following the Chinese calendar.: Hsill-

47 45 chnng-tzu, 2nd; Yu-tien Hsien, 3rd; Ping-an-cheng, 4th; Tang-yii, 5th; Sha-liu-ho, 6th; and Feng-jen Hsien, 7th. As the market at each of these places is every five day! we were only able to visit them e..,ery other market day. We did not confine onrselves simply to the dispen.. sing of medicine, but at each place the chapel was opened and Gospel truths were dispensed to willing and attentive listeners. At Tsnn-hua the city street chapel and dispensary was opened every market day and the hospital dispensary.opened every day. We bad a number of very interesting cases in the hospital within the year, and considerable interest was manifested in the Word. We were unable to keep a record of each patient attellding the various dispensaries, and there was much of statistical interest and importance that we had of necessity to omit. We can only give the number of visits to the dispensaries :- Total visits for year ,686 " " "" ,465 " No. of operations " "of in-patients I have great reason to thank God for His continued presence during the year and forris blessings upon the work. It is with deepest regret and sadness that I have been compelled to withdraw, even temporarily, from the work, but I submit to His will with implicit confidence, and know that all will be well. J. F. SCOTT.,..

48 46 PEKING UNIVERSITY. The last school year has been memorable by the death of the first President of the University, the late Rev Leander W. Pilcher, D.D. The work of the classes had been organized and entel'ed upon with every prospect of a. prosperous year when he was prostrated by the long illness which terminated fatally on the 24th November, He had been so long connected with the institution, and had given to it so much of his thought and energy that he not only fully appreciated the difficulties involved in building up a. Christian college in Peking but was familiar with the details of the immediate requirements, and his loss to the University at this time seems almost irreparable. Testimonies to the work of Dr. Pilcher, not only to t.1lis institution to which },is labors were specially given but to the cau~e of Christian education in China, have been many aud have come from all parts of the empire. The students of the college expressed their estimation of his chamctel' by placing a handsome tablet and scrolls in the

49 47 main hall-way of Durbin Hall, and by sending a beautiful banner by Mrs. Pilcher to be hung in the libral'y of Dr, Pilcher's Alma Mater at Delaware, Ohio. At a special meeting of the Bval'd of :M:anagers, held 5th December, 1893, I was elected Acting President until the office could be permanently filled, but the multiplicity of other duties made it impossible to give to the University the personal attention necessary to secure satisfactory results. At the Annual Meeting,.J Iloe 2nd, 1894, I was elected President. The work is new to me, and I shall need all your prayers and sympathy that the University may do its part in the l'bgeneration of the empire. Some changes have been made in the faculty. Mr. Chu Pao-shen, referred to in the last report, a gl'aduate of the Presbyterian Oollege in Shantung, and for several years a member of its faculty, arrived in March and entered upon his duties. Ho promises to me,et our expectations of his fitness for the posit.ion and the high rec.)mmendations he has received from his former teachers and associates. We are sorry to have to announce that Mr. Gamewell, who has had charge of the department of physics and chemistry, is not to be with us next yeal', having been compelled to return to the United States for a year's vacation on account of his wife's health. His thoroughness in the branches taught, and his success as a teacher', make his services exceedingly valuable, and we can only hope for his speedy return. The work of the other teachers need not be referred GO in detail. The examinations testify to the character of the la~or done. The classes are being graded in the course of study adopted a year ago as rapidly as possible, and the students now passing throngh the preparatory department will be required to pass examinations in this ad vancedr

50 48 conrse. We may also state in this connection that stricter adherence is being given tv the uniform course of study by all the intermediate schools, and we shall hope in a few years to receive a much better prepared class of students into the University. 1'he industrial school is becoming better established and is increasing in usefu1ness. The carpenter shop has more than paid its own way during the past year, that is, if we exclnde the board of the students which has been reckoned with the current expenses of the University. Encouraged by the results already achieved in this line the printing press, mentioned a year ago, has now become an established factor in our educational system. An experienced foreman from Shanghai has been placed in charge, with three students as apprentices. The limited amount of type has prevented our doing other than the simplest form of work, but besides a few small books and tracts we have printed for the North China Tract Society a volume of "Antithetical Sentences" and now have in press a book of "Phrases" in Mandarin, by Rev. C. Goodrich, D.D.: which contains a number of phrases illustra.ting the use of each of the mandarin characters in his H Pocket Dictionn.ry." The main object of the press is to furnish some of our students an opportunity to learn a usefal trade, and our aim is to make it self-supporting as soon as possible. But for this purpose our outfit ought to be considerably increased. The total number of students enrolled during t~e year has been one hundred and forty.one, not'including those in the various intermediate schools. This number has now been considerably diminished by receiving only studen'ts prepared to enter the preparatory department, except those from districts whel'e no intermediate schools hav~

51 49 been established. This course is recommended because of the condition of the funds of the institntion, and because of the limited number of foreign teachers, and also hoping thus to increase the interest in, and efficiency of, the different intermediate schools. Some of these schools greatly need new and enlarged buildings, which we hope will be snpplied next year at Tientsin and Tsun-hua. The University shared with the Churches in Peking in the gracious revival meetings conducted by Mr. Pyke in :March. Many of the students received their first insight into spiritual Christianity, while others were led to a thorough consecration of themselves to Christ and His work. 1\Iany were led to confession of wrong doing that was painful, b1:lt which was an indication of the first steps in genuine reformation. The moral effect upon the entire school has been most wholesome, and we trust will be permanent. 1Vhile conscious of some of our defects, as well as the greatness of the work before us, we are still enabled to look upon the future of the University with hopefulness. Respectfully submitted, H. H. LOWRY.

52 50 PROPOSED COLLEGIA'l'E BUILDING. EDUCATION. When we speak of the importance of education we do not place it first in importance in our work as missionaries. Nothiug is of such vital importance as evangelistic work among all the Ohurches. This is the work of the most of the foreign missionaries, all the Chinese preachers, and most of those whom we call helpers. First of all in importance is the salvation of the souls of as many of the people of China as possible, and this we designate as the first and greatest work of the Church. But in order to the accomplishment of this end there is nothing more important than consecrated, educated men. In China it is the same as in all other countries, the large mass of our converts are from among the common people. These are for the most part uneducated, and even though educated according to the Chinese system they would still be unfit to preach the Gospel. Education in a Chinese school is a hiudrance ratlier than a help to a Chinese Christian boy. There are in their classics enough good things to give them some reason for depelldiug upon them as a moral guide,

53 51 but there are also enough false principles to in some sense counterbalance the good. ""\Vhat is put into the first of life is put into the whole of life," and when a boy learns a false principle from what is to him a holy book it is next to impossible to dislodge it. Almost the first six characters a Chinese boy learns, Men, at their birth, Are by nature radically goqcl, teach him a false principle, and all Chinese, from Confucius to the present time, considel' humility of more importance than truth, as is shown by the inciuent of Mellg Chill-fan. Every Chinese boy is taught in the rules of behuvior for children the service of parents (alld we would in no circumstances underrate the service of parents), but they are taught that,... The dead parents of ~'ou who survive, You should serve as you served them when they were alive, and they must worship their ancestors as they worship t.heir God. All these things make an education ill the Chinese classics, without a Christian commentary, a hiud1'ance rather than a help to those who wuuld become Christian preachers and teachers. IN e think therefore that the hope of the Church, that the hope of the salvation of ClIma, is in the cbildren of Christians who shall he educated in Ohristian schools. Tbey may and ought to be edncated in the Chinese classics, Lut thuse ought to be explained by Christian teachers and the errors pointed out, that the children may not have false pl'inciples instilled iuw them as holy ones. r:rhey ought to be taugh t the relative im portallce of "benevolence, justice, politeness, knowledge and faithfulness" und the distinction between reverence alld worship. Humility sits too much upon a false tongue and a druopillg head, and has not yet

54 52 entered the heart. A lowly spirit, a humble and a contrite heart, is not experienced by many who pass through the Four Books and the Five Classics. From the fact then that most of our converts are from the uneducated classes, that the hope of Christian China depends upon the educated. children of Christian homes, and from the fact that education in Ohinese schools cannot prepare anyone for preaching the Gospel, we cannot help feeling that next to evangelistic work, and hand in hand with it, is the work of education. Every year the pastors and presiding elders come in with praises on their lips and songs of gladness in their hearts, because of the good work done by the younger preachers wbo have had Christian training in our Christian schools.,ve come then to this conclusion, that we should have as much evangelistic work as possible done; everywhere possible we should have a neat little Church built, not simply a house or an inn rented, but a neat little house of a style of m'chiteclure which 'Would show it to be a Ohu?'ch, und then everyone of these Churches ought to be turned into school houses for the education of the children of Ch ristians. The brightest and especially the best of these children ought to be selected to pass through a COllI'se of study which will enable them to enter PekingUlliversity, where they can secure an education which will pl'epare them for a Christian life and for Christ.ian work. I would ask OUI' Bishop to use his i II fiuellce to induce some rich man in the U uited States to erect a hundred small neat Churches here for his brethren in Chiua, and another to take an interest in seclli'jug teachers for all the pupils that can be gathered together in these small Churches, and in a few years these whole north-eastern provinces will be under Chl'istian influence. ISAAC T. HEADLAND.

55 [)3 EPWOR.TH LEAGUE. While the work of the Epwol'th League has been far below our hopes it has nevertheless not been without a heneficial influence upon the general conduct of the school, and has been helpful in a marked degree upon indiyiduu.l workers. Department of Spiritual Work. Under the leadership of this dep(l,)'tment a list of topics was prepared at ehe beginning of last year for t,he use of the League in their weekly pl'ayer-meetings and monthly consecl'ation meetings. This weekly prayel'-meeting is held every Sunday evening during the school year, led by some member of t.he League. A business meeting Ims been held on the fiest, rrhursda,y evening of each month immediately after the ThUl'sday evening prayer-meeting, and on the Sunday evening succeeding this, has been held a consecration meeting, mally or which have been very hel p ful in their spiritual influence. On Sabbath, besides the help given by most of tile older membet's, as teachers in the afternoou Sunday school, a number of the members went to various places away from the city, viz., Huang-tsun, Uh'ung-p'illg-chou aud tile southern city, and there pt'e'iched 01' helped in the Chul'cll work, while a large amount or work has been done by them in the way of street preaching in Feng-chen-ta.llg. The Revival Services held during the past yea.r by Bro. Pyke were inexpressibly helpful to the spirit.oal life of the League, and we could only wish that we could constantly have such a "member ofjthe body of Chl'ist" to help these young people.

56 54 The Department of Mercy and Help has been instrumental in raising a sufficient amount of money during the past year to keep open a school which has gone under the name of Miss Davis' Raggeddy School, because of the character of the clothes of the pupils and the leadel'rhip of Miss Davis in the support and conduct of the school. Several thousand books and tracts were received from the Society for t,he Distribution of General and Christian Knowledge, and these were all distributed by the League at the great examination recently held in Peking. We have felt especially grat.eful dnl'ing the year for the help given during the year by teachers Ohlin and Lu; they have always been ready and able in their work. Junior League. The Junier League has had about sixty members. A DUro bel' of these at the close of last year enter'ed the Epworth League. The Junior League had meetings every Sunday afternoon, which was led by some mamber of the League. Scripture texts were very often illustrated by pictures sent from friends in the IT nited States, which were explained by some of t.he older memhers. 'nie League ha.s been undst, the leader'ship of Miss Davis, to whom I wish here to express my gmtitude for her prayers and her constant sympa.thy and help. ISAAC T. HEADLAND, President.

57 55 OBITU ARIES. REV., LEANDER,\-rILLIAM PILCHER~ D.D. Leander W. Pilcher was born at Jackson, Mich., August 2nd, 1848, and entered into rest at Peking, November 24th, He was at an early age fitted for college through instruction at home and in the public schools. He entered the University at Aun Arbor, and later the Ohio,V'esleyan, where he graduated in the class of 1867 at the age of nineteen. While in cullege he was converted and received his call to preach. In 1869, while in the Union Theological Seminary in New York, he yielded to an urgent call for missionary recruits for China. He reached Peking 20th October, 1870, and entered with enthusiasm and success upon the study of the language, which he acquired with unusual facility and accuracy. In ] 874 he returned to the United States. Being temporarily employed in the mission rooms in New York he availed himself of the opportunity to continue his studies in Union Seminary, and afterwards in the College of Theology of Bos~on University, where he graduated in March, 1876, and soon afterwards returned to China. He always manifested a deep interest in the instruction of children, and he was peculiarly successful in conducting Sunday schools. For six years he was stationed at Tientsin. While there, in addition to his regular duties, he filled the position of Vice-Consul about a year. In 1884 for the second time he visited the home land, and leaving his family in the U llited States returned to China the "following year. At the annual meeting that year he was appointed Presiding Elder of Peking district, and also Principal of Wiley Institute, which a few ye.ars later was organized as the Peking University, to which the remaining years of his life were devoted, having been elected president at the first meet-

58 56 ing of the Bonrd of Managers. Henceforth the energies of Lis life were given to building up the institution with which his nu!lle and wol'k will ever be associated. Oue element of 11is success was his painstaking attention to the minutest details. He had a genius for systematic and orderly arrangement. He had not been in robust health for the past two or three years, and was preparing for a visit to the United States for rest and change, when prostrated by illness that proved fatal. During the ten weeks of his illness his patience and amiability were remarkable, and he always manifested the utmost appreciation for anything that was done for his comfurt. His mental faculties were perfectly clear up to the hour of his death. A day or two before he died he said, "I am in the hands of a good P,'uvidence, and He cares." Only a few hours before the elld his wife asked if he' had any message to selld the children in America, and he said, "Tell them my faith is strong." A few years ago he wrote out a statement of his religious experience, from which only an extract can be given. After rehearsing the unsatisfactory experience of his seventeen years in the ministry, Lis temptations, perfunctory service and lack of interest in divine things he wrote, "Humiliating as this confession is it is not half of what the Lord showed me, until in se1 abasement I could have grovelled in the dust in agony and despair. A great weigh t of pain and sorruw seemed crushing through my very soul. God heard my prayer for forgiveness. At 'our noon prayer-meeting the pathway hegan to open up. The evening, while exhorting the Chinese who had been seeking salvatiun, I had used the illustration of the persistency of the beggar in seeking alms. Good old Bro. Sun arose soon after, and d welling upon the same illustration spoke of how often it was the case that the beggar became so engrossed in seeking that he fails to notice the gift that

59 57 is thrown to him, and allows it to fall unheeded in the dust. I thought while olhers in the noon prayer-meeting were telling their joys, 'Have I not failed to heed the gift already bestowed? ' Then the light began to stream in, slowly filling the broken and empty vessel. Highel' by faith I climbed until soon I stood upon the summit, all bathed in light with the joy that overflowed. I hungered and thirsted and was filled. Oh! blessed experienoe. 0 joy unspeakable! I had asked for a great deal, but the Lord gave me more-ea:cbbd.. ingly, abundantly ABOVE ALL that I asked or thought. Here I want to dwell, not for my peace but for God's glory. 'Ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord.' Signed, LEANDER WILLIAM PILCHER, ' a child of a King.'" REV. LA CLEDE BARROW. La Clede, eldest son of E. H. and Sarah A. Barrow, was born October 2nd, 1863, near Hillsboro, Ohio. His father was an earnest Christian and zealous Methodist, anxious to give his children the best educational.advantages and religious training. As there was no Ghurch near their home he built a school house on his own farm and opened a Sunday school. When old enough La Clede went to Hillsboro to school in the winter and worked on the farm in summer. He was very fond of books, reading everything within his reach. As he grew older every penny he could spare was used to b~y books, mostly cheap editions of standard works or second-hand books. He was especially interested in natural science and history. When about eighteen years of age he obtained lioenoe to teach in the common schools, and taught severa.l terms. He was religiously inclined, but while not yet firmly established in his religious convictions he chanced to read.

60 58 a work on atheism Bnd another on infidelity. As he could not answer the arguments his mind was filled with doubts. He plied the family with questions which they could not answer to his satisfaction. He was not yet free from doubts when his mother died, and in a few months his father followed. Being the eldest he felt he should continue family prayers in his father's stead. He referred to it afterward as one of the hardest duties of his life, but he did it. He had not continued family prayer long when the light began to break in and the doubts to disappear. There was no sudden deliverance! no clearly defiued time of conversion, but the change was thorough and lasting. The family were surprised when they heard he had united with the Church in Hillsboro, as he had told no one of his intention. He commenced regular attendance on class meeting, taking part in the services. A few months afterward he became convinced that he was called to the work of saving souls. To fit himself for this work he went south, entering the Chattanooga University, which was just opening, and offering many advantages to students. It was here he first met the lady who afterward became his wife. He preached his first sermon in the little suburban Church of St. Elmo at the foot of Lookout Mt. when he was twenty-three years of age. A trying incident of the day was his introduction to the congregation by an old brother as "Parson Barrow." Be continued preaching as opportunity offered until the close of the school term, when he was sent to help an old minister in charge of a large circuit in the mountains of Tennessee. He went to work with characteristic earnestness after walkin gmany miles to reach his appointments.

61 59 Dal'ing the summer while holding a series of meetings the number of people was so great he had to speak in the open air. At the beginning of one of the services he found himself very ill ; but the people were present, and no one else to speak to them, 80 he preached as usual, but fainted immediately afterward and knew nothing more for two weeks. After recovery he returned to school, when he was given a charge in Hill City, a suburb of Chattanooga. He organized the Church with six. members, and for a time they ;met in a private house. One of the members built a small chapel, another gave an organ. E\fery moment that could be spared from study was spent in pastoral visiting. At the first quarterly Conference eighteen members, several probationers, and forty Sunday school scholars were reported. Week by week the congregations increased until the little chapel would not contain the people, and it became necessary to build a Church. Before the end of the year they had dedicated a. Church costing $17,000 on a lot valued at $15,000. He refused their earnest request to return the second year, thinking he could accomplish more in the slams of the city. Here he worked for a year when he found it necessary to do other work for support. He left school and began publishing a weekly religious paper called the Lookout, but the enterprise proved unsuccessful after a few months' trial, and was abandoned. During the next two years he was variously engaged in soliciting for newspapers, agent, collector, etc. About this time he wished to join the Holston Conference, but after passing satisfactory examinations was prevented by a technica.lity. He was, however, given cha.rge of a suburban Church of Mission Ridge.

62 60 The Church was in a bad condition. The public I!Ichool had been closed, and the need of a school was apparent. He opened a school in the Church which was free for the children of Church members. He worked earnestly during the next six months visiting from house to house and teach. ing school eight hours each day. A little incident will show how much the children loved him. He knew they were holding some kind of secret meetings and learned that all the children of the school had formed themselves into a society, one of the objects being to relld in the Bible every day, which each member promised to do. They had chosen as a llame "The La Clede Bible Workers." The children had received no prompting from anyone. He continued in this work from November, 1891, to August, In March, 1892, he was united in marriage to Mary Burgess who, at the time, was engaged in the practice of medicine, in which she continued for some months. They had thought and talked much before marriage about their lifework and had decided they could be most useful in mission work, either at home or abroad. Soon after their marriage they applied to the missionary society, stating their desires and asking to be sent to some home or foreign field. Bro. Barrow felt himself highly honored by his appointment to China, and rejoiced in the opportunities for preaching the Gospel he found here. Before the first year was up he had made two or three talks in Chinese and had made many friends among them. His warm sympathetic nature drew the people to him and gave promise of great nsefulness. After Conference last year, when he received his first appointment, the Tsun.-hua circuit, he went to all his appointments. except when too ill to take the long ride

63 61 necessary to reach them. The last six months he failed in health very mnch, but would not be persuaded to rest. Two or three times he was forced to take a week's rest. Resuming study the nervous trouble re-appeared. He found it very discouraging and grew much depressed. He was very unwell the last time he went out, but was not willing to remain at home, though he must ride six long miles on a very hot day to reach his appointment. He returned late, nearly exhausted, and that night was taken ill with the disease that terminated his life. During his illness he was patient and entirely resigned to the will of God. He believed he would not get well. His mind was clear to the end. He talked to his wife calmly of the approaching separation, and arranged all his business in a most satisfactory and business-like manner. He told Bro. Hobart, who watched with him, that he had received much blessing during his sickness. About five o'clock, the morning of July 24th, the spirit of La Clede Barrow entered into rest. That day the first missionary grave was made in the little cemetery on the hill three miles north of the city, and at five o'clock in the evening the body was brought hither, attended only by two members of the mission and deposited in the earth to await the resurrection summons. We do not understand the providence that called our brother to this needy field, and then just as he was entering upon a career of usefulness called him to heaven and rest, but God knows, and He makes no mistakes. For the above facts, the arrangement, and much of the language I am indebted to a letter of Mrs. Barrow. J. H. PYKE. II'

64 62 1Rortb (tbina (tonference JDirecfo~. -oto.. Elders. DATE OF ARRIVAL. NAME. POST OFFIOE ADDRESS Barrow, La Clede Deceased Brown, Frederick Tientsin, China Davis, George R Gamewell, Frank W. Hackensack,N.J " ".,U'~S.A Hayner, J. Fred. Peking, China Headland, Isaac T Hobart, William T. Tientsin " 1867 Lowry, Hiram H. Peking " 1870 Pilcher, Leander W- Deceased Py ke, James H. Tientsin, China Taft, Marcus L. Peking 1890 Verity, George W. Tientsin 1873 Walker, Wilbur F. Peking 1883 Ch'en Ta-ynng Tientsin 1883 Te Jui 1891 Wang Ch'eng-p'ei 1891 Wang Ch'ing-yiin 1892 Li Shao-wen 1892 Shang Ch'ing-yiin " " :peacons Wang Ch'ing-yiin Tientsin, China.~ 1893 Sun Chiu-kao 1893 Lin Ohi-Iun " 1893 Ku Ch'i Yang Ch'fiu-ho " " " "

65 63 Probationers. DATE OF ARRIVAL. NAME. POST OFFICE ADDRESS " Lin :Ma-k'~ Poan Chen Ch'en Heng-te Ch~in Lung-chang Chou Hsueh-shen Chang Pai-lin T'sui Wan-fu Kung Te-lin Sung! Peking, China. Tientsin Peking " " " " " " " " " Tientsin Medical Missionaries Curtiss, William H. Hopkins, N. S. Scott, J. F. Tsao, Y. K. Lowry, George D. N. Greencastle, Ind., IT.S.A. Tientsin, China Mar. St., S. F., Cal. Peking, China. " " Instructors in Peking University. DATE OJ' ARRIVAL. NAME. POST OFFICE ADDRESS Davis, Hattie H. Peking, China King, H. E Lowry, Edward K Terrell, Alice " " " " D '.382 i a

66 64 Annual Meetings of The North Ohina Mission OF The Methodist Episcopal Ohurch. NUMBER. TIME. PLACE. PRESIDENT. SECRETARY Organized : ] Sept Aug. 28, L872 Sept. 1, 1873 Aug. 31, 1874 Sept. 8, 1875 " 7, 1876 Oct. 30, 1377 Sept. 9, 1878 " 1', 1879 " 20, 1880 " 29, 1881 " 7, 1882 " 4, 1883 Oct. 1, 1884 Sept. 10, 1885 Oct. 7, 1886 Sept. 26, 1887 Oct. 10, 1888 " 15, 1889 June 10, 1890 May 13, 1891 Apr. 27, 1892 Sept. 28, 1893 ~eking Calvin Kingsley H. H. Lowry " " L. N. Wheeler " " William H. Harris L. W. Pilcher " H. H. Lowry " " Tientsin Peking " " " G. R. Davis Isaac W. Wiley H. H. Lowry " Th~mas :B~wman H. H. Lowry Stephen M. Merrill Isaac W. Wiley H. H. Lowry G. R. Davis Henry W. Warren Uharles H. Fowler EdwardG.Andrews H. H. Lowry Daniel A. Goodsell H. H. Lowry Randolph S. Foster W:'F. W~lkeI J. H. Pyke L. W. Pilcher J. H. Pyke L. W. Pilcher O. W. Willits L. W. Pilcher " " J.'iI. Pyk~ Marcus L. Taft " " W.'T. Hob~t It " " " L. W. Pilcher Ma.rcus L. Taft NORTH CHINA CONFERENCE. - SESSION. TIME. IPLA= PRESIDENT. SECRETARY. 1 Sept. 29, 1893/ PeJdng Randolph S. Fo,ter Marcus L Taft. 2 Oct. 1, 1894' " I'Villia.m X. Ninde I. T. Hea.dland

67 No. 65 TREASURER'S REPORT NAME OF CHARGES. MISSIONARY SOCIETY. Ca!'h. CHURCH EXTENSION. Oa8h. ] Peking District $81.30 $~ 2 Asbury Chapel $77.DO Yen-ch'ing Chon.80 4 Ch'ang-p'ing Chon Yang-ko-chuang South Peking District Sonthern City i5.62 '""[UTI 8 Hnang-ts'un Han-ts'nn Tung-an Yang-ch'ing Tientsin District ]4.~5 13 'Vesley Chapel 5[M i"i't4 ]4 W est City Circuit T'ai-ch'eng Ts'ang Chon Nan-kung T'ai an An-chia ~O Ning-yang Uhi-ning Tsun-hua District 81.3l Tsnn-hna Station 55.6i Tsun-hna Circuit P'ing-an-ch 'eng-tzu ~ 26 Feng jun, Yii-t'ien, and Sha-liu-ho Cir Lan-elwu District Ch'ien-an Circuit 4:23 -:48 2{l Lan-chou Shan-hai-knan " ~ North China Conference total I ~

68 11/1~ll/il~I/Hruiilli~~II/I~il/l

69 STATISTICS OF THE NORTH CHINA CONFERENCE FOR Peking District:- Asbury Chapel. o ' Yen-ohCing Obou. Ch 'ang-:p'ing Chou 0 o Yang-ko-chullng Ku-pei.k'ou.... o I~l-;---I--I--I--l--I-'l-I---I----r-I---I---I----r-i-'I---I'-l--r---I--I---I!-"---'-~-----I'---~--I-----"-----I----~-I-----r-----~ Total. South Peking District :- Southern City... '0 Huang-ts un. 'Han-ts'llD _ Tung-a.n,..... Ya.ng-ch 'ing... I-I-!----'I-II-I--I--I-'I-I---I---I -I---I---I---II-I--I---I-I'-I--- I-II---I--I--I--I----I----r-I'-----II-----,I-----I-~---,I-----~----~---I Total. Tientsin Distriot :- Wesley. Cha~e1.!'..... West City CIrcwt ~ Tai -ch '~ng "..... Ts'ang Chou"..... Nan-kung n T'ai.an It.... Au-chia " ' Ning-yang "..... Chi-Ding It..... I-+-l---I-I-I--I--I--I-I---I--I--I---II---I----I,-I--I---Ii--I-~---r-I'---ri---~--I----I---I'-I-----I'-----I TotaL... Tsun-hua District:- Taun-hua Station... Taun-hua Circuit u" P'ing-an.;ch 'eng-tzu Circuit. 0 Feng-jun, Yii-t'ien and Sha..} liu-ho Circuit... o. Total.. o... 0 Lan-chou District:- ChCien-an Circuit.... an-chou "... o.... Shan ha.i.kuan.,... II.... Total... '" RECAPITULATION. Peking District.... South P~king District ~. o. Tientsin District. Tsun-hua.,.. Lan-chou "..... TQtal :--This Year. II Last". Increase Decrease. '''' ~ ~ ~f Orxl CI) ofj 0 -=~ t:. I.e... ~ -0 ~ ~a e ~I.e~ ;.. CI) ~! -c-= :Se- ~~ ~... ~I:S CD-= CD Q.c ::::0 ~ $