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COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT.
The Constitution
OF THE
/
Methodist Episcopal Chuech,
AND THE
Constitutions and Charters
OF THE
SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS
AUTHORIZED BY THE
GENERAL CONFERENCE
TO WHICH IS ADDED
THE CONSTITUTION OF THE METHODIST
EPISCOPAL CHURCH, SOUTH
Cincinnati: Jennings and Pye
New York: Eaton and Mains
L
FEB 21
CopvrigM bntry
CLASS CX. XXc. No*
A- fc»Vt. Ve
COP,
Copyright, 1902,
BY
Jennings & Pye.
This collection of the Constitutions and
Charters of the Methodist Episcopal Church is
published by order of the General Book Com-
mittee. Originally intended as a book of refer-
ence for this Committee, it has grown in the
hands of its Editors so as to become, in the judg-
ment of the publishers, a work of very great value
to all who are interested in the several depart-
ments of our Church work. It is worthy a place
in the study of every pastor and officer of the
Church and on the table of every progressive lay-
man. AVe commend it as a hand-book which will
aid in answering many questions hitherto difficult
of solution.
The Publishers.
CONTENTS.
PAGE
Editorial Note 1
Historical Introduction 3
Constitution of the Methodist Episcopal Church:
Of 1784 26
Of 1787 27
Of 1808 28
As Amended in 1868-1872 30-35
Of 1900 41
Proclamation of Adoption 68
Trustees of General Conference:
Incorporation 70
Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal Church:
Incorporation (Amendment of previous charter) 79
The Permanent Fund 84
Book Concern:
Action concerning Incorporation (New York) ... 97
First Act of Incorporation 100
Present Charter 102
Western Book Concern:
First Act of Incorporation (Cincinnati) Ill
Present Charter 113
The Chartered Fund (Philadelphia) 119
vi Contents.
PAGE
The Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church :
Early Charters 137
Charter of 1873 ir,l
Early Constitutions 156
Constitution of 1900 172
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society:
Incorporation 181
Constitution 1st
Proposed Changes (1901) 198
Form of Will and Devise 200
Woman's Home Missionary Society:
Incorporation 20:;
Constitution 208
Board of Education:
Charter 218
Constitution 22(3
Sunday-school Union:
Charter 232
Constitution 237
Tract Society:
Charter 241
Constitution 246
Church Extension Society:
' Revised Charter 250
Early Constitution 255
Present Constitution 260
Contents. vii
PAGE
Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education Society:
Organizing Convention of "Freedmen's Aid So-
ciety" 270
Original Constitution 282
Act of Incorporation 287
Amended Act of Incorporation, changing name
to "Freedmen's Aid and Southern Education
Society" 293
New Constitution 294
The Ep worth League:
Organization 300
Constitution 301
Church Insurance:
Organization ordered 300
Charter, "National Mutual Church Insurance
Company," Chicago 309
Constitution of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
South 312
EDITORIAL NOTE.
At the last session of the Book Committee it was
ordered that "the Publishing Agents be requested
to publish, in suitable form, a book containing the
Constitutions and Charters of the organizations au-
thorized by the General Conference."
It was also ordered that R. T. Miller and W. F.
Whitlock, D. D., "be appointed to edit this book."
We understand it to have been intended only that
we should collect and arrange these instruments, with
related historic matter, in an orderly manner for
publication, having due reference to accuracy. To
secure this we have obtained from the secretary or
other responsible officer of these several organiza-
tions the instruments referred to. No other "edit" is
attempted. By "Constitution," reference is had to
the authority given by the General Conference to the
organizations herein named; and by "Charter," the
authority granted in the Act of Incorporation by any
State under whose laws the business of any of the or-
ganizations may be conducted. The one may there-
fore be called the ecclesiastical, and the other the
civil, authority, by which their powers are defined,
their rights established, and their responsibilities de-
clared.
1
- Editorial X<>te.
It is hoped this compilation will prove to be use-
ful and convenient to the administrative officers of
the Church, and perhaps lead to a more complete
codification of both the organic and statutory laws
of the Church, than which need there is perhaps no
greater in any department of Church work.
We wish to acknowledge the valuable services of
Bishop Walden, to whom we are indebted for the his-
toric and documentary matter relating to the Charters
and Constitutions of the Missionary Society. The
courtesy and helpful assistance of Professor Williams,
the Publishing Agents, and the managers of the print-
ing department at Cincinnati are also gratefully ac-
knowledged.
It has been suggested that we give a brief state-
ment of the circumstances leading up to the organiza-
tion of the Church whose Constitution is herein con-
tained, and of the action taken in connection with
that event, and that also relating to the various forms
of the department work of the Church. No more
faithful account of the first can be offered than that
given by Jesse Lee, William Watters, Freeborn Gar-
rettson, and Adam Fonerden ; and, of the second, none
more reliable than is found in the original documents.
From these sources, therefore, so far as is possible,
we have taken what hereinafter relates to these sub-
jects.
The Editors.
HISTORICAL INTRODUCTION.
(From Lee's History.)
From the first General Conference in 1784, to
the end of the year 1786.
The Methodists had until this time one form
both of worship and Discipline in every part of
the world; but the independence of these United
States of America, confirmed by the peace of 1783,
occasioned an extraordinary change in this re-
respect. During the war our societies were de-
prived of the ordinances of baptism and the Lord's
Supper; for the ministers of the Church of Eng-
land had mostly left their parishes: some of them
were silenced; others left off preaching, because
they could not procure a maintenance by it; and
man}^ more went into the British dominions.
From the time of the peace no ecclesiastical
authority of any kind was either exercised or
claimed by any person or persons whatsoever.
In this situation, we desired Mr. Wesley's ad-
vice and assistance; and as he observes, "His
scruples being at an end, he conceived himself
3
4 Historical Tni/roduction.
at perfect liberty to exercise that right which he
doubted not God had given him."
At the British Conference held at Leeds, in
July, 1784, Mr. Wesley declared his intention of
sending Dr. Coke and some other preachers to
America. Mr. Richard Whatcoat and Mr. Thomas
Vasey offered themselves as missionaries for that
purpose, and were accepted. But before they
sailed, Mr. "Wesley wrote to Dr. Coke, then in
London, desiring him to meet him in Bristol, to
receive fuller powers; and to bring the Bev. Mr.
Creighton with him. The doctor and Mr. Creigh-
ton accordingly met him in Bristol, where Mr.
Wesley, with the assistance of Dr. Coke and Mr.
Creighton, ordained Richard Whatcoat and Mr.
Thomas Vasey presbyters for America; and did
afterwards ordain Dr. Coke a superintendent, giv-
ing him letters of ordination under his hand and
seal. Previous to this, Dr. Coke had been or-
dained a presbyter by a bishop of the Church of
England.
Dr. Coke, with Messrs. Whatcoat and Vasey,
sailed for America in the month of September,
and landed at New York on the third day of
November.
By these preachers, Mr. Wesley wrote a letter
to us in America, to be printed and circulated
among us. The following is the letter:
Historical Introduction. 5
"Bristol, September 10, 1784.
"To Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and our Brethren in
North America:
"1. By a very uncommon train of providences,
many of the provinces of North America are
totally disjoined from the British Empire, and
erected into independent States. The English
Government has no authority over them, either
civil or ecclesiastical, any more than over the
States of Holland. A civil authority is exercised
over them, partly by the Congress, partly by the
State Assemblies. But no one either exercises
or claims any ecclesiastical authority at all. In
this peculiar situation, some thousands of the
inhabitants of these States desire my advice, and,
in compliance with their desire, I have drawn up
a little sketch.
"2. Lord King's account of the primitive
Church convinced me, many years ago, that
bishops and presbyters are the same order, and,
consequently, have the same right to ordain. For
many years I have been importuned, from time
to time, to exercise this right by ordaining part
of our traveling preachers; but I have still re-
fused, not only for peace's sake, but because I
was determined as little as possible to violate
the established order of the national Church to
which I belonged.
6 Historical Int/roduction.
"3. But the case is widely different between
England and North America. Here there are
bishops who have a legal jurisdiction; in America
there are none, and but few parish ministers,
so that for some hundred miles together there
are none either to baptize or administer the
Lord's Supper. Here, therefore, my scruples are
at an end, and I conceive myself at full liberty,
as I violate no order, and invade no man's right,
by appointing and sending laborers into the har-
vest.
"4. I have accordingly appointed Dr. Coke
and Mr. Francis Asbury to be joint superintend-
ents over our brethren in Xorth America; as also
Richard Whatcoat and Thomas Vasey, to act as
elders among them, by baptizing and administer-
ing the Lord's Supper.
"5. If any one will point out a more rational
and Scriptural way of feeding and guiding those
poor sheep in the wilderness, I will gladly em-
brace it. At present I can not see any better
method than that I have taken.
"6. It has indeed been proposed to desire the
English bishops to ordain part of our preachers
for America; but to this I object: 1. I desired
the Bishop of London to ordain one only; but
could not prevail. 2. If they consented, we know
the slowness of their proceeding; but the matter
Historical Introduction. 7
admits of no delay. 3. If they would ordain
them now, they would likewise expect to govern
them; and how grievously would this entangle
us! 4. As our American brethren are now totally
disentangled, both from the State and from the
English hierarchy, we dare not entangle them
again, either with the one or the other. They
are now at full liberty simply to follow the Scrip-
tures and the primitive Church; and we judge
it best that they should stand fast in that liberty
wherewith God has so strangely made them free.
"Johx Wesley."
At the same time, Mr. Wesley prepared a
Liturgy little differing from that of the Church
of England, or, rather, revised the Common
Prayer-book, leaving out certain parts, and alter-
ing some of the ceremonies and some of the
psalms, and making the morning and evening
service much shorter than it was before. He
advised all the traveling preachers to use it on
the LordVday in all the congregations, reading
the Litany only on Wednesdays and Fridays, and
to pray extempore on all other days. He also
advised the elders to administer the Supper of
the Lord on every LordVday.
As soon as Dr. Coke landed in America, he
laid his plan to meet Mr. Asoury as soon as pos-
8 Historical Introduction.
sible, and traveling from New York to Phila-
delphia, and then down into the Delaware State,
he met with Mr. Asbury, at BarraWs Chapel, on
the 14th day of the same month. They then
consulted together about the plan which Mr. Wes-
ley had adopted and recommended to us. After
the business was maturely weighed, and sufficient
time was taken to consult some more of the
preachers who were present on that day, it was
judged advisable to call together all the travel-
ing preachers in a General Conference to be held
in Baltimore at Christmas.
Mr. Freeborn Garrettson undertook to travel
to the South in order to give notice to all the
traveling preachers of this intended meeting; but
being fond of preaching by the way, and thinking
he could do the business by writing, he did not
give timely notice to the preachers who were
in the extremities of the work; and, of course,
several of them were not at that Conference.
In the "Travels and Experiences of Freeborn
Garrettson" he gives the following account of this
journey and the Conference of 1784:
I went as far as Dover, and intended to stay
at R. B/s, Esq., a few days. The evening fol-
lowing a friend came to my room and informed
me that Doctor Coke had arrived, and was below.
Historical Introduction. 9
I went down and received him and Brother W.
as welcome messengers, and accompanied them,
the next day, to a quarterly-meeting held at Bar-
ratt's Chapel. Dear Mr. Wesley had gratified the
desires of thousands of his friends in America
in sending a power of ordination and giving his
consent to our becoming a separate Church.
About fifteen preachers were present, and it was
concluded that I should go through the Conti-
nent, and call a Conference at Baltimore imme-
diately. Within six weeks, after traveling up-
wards of twelve hundred miles, I settled the
business, besides preaching almost every day
once, and sometimes twice, and made my return.
The preachers being gathered, our Conference
began on Christmas-day, and we acceded to the
method proposed by Mr. W T esley, and men were
set apart and consecrated for the different orders
of the Church.
Mr. Lee continues his account, as follows:
December 27, 1784.— The Thirteenth Confer-
ence began in Baltimore, which was considered
to be a General Conference, in which Thomas
Coke and Francis Asoury presided.
At this Conference we formed ourselves into
a regular Church, by the name of The Methodist
Episcopal Church, making, at the same time, the
10 Historical Introduction.
episcopal office elective, and the elected superin-
tendent amenable to the body of ministers and
preachers.
Mr. Asbury was appointed a superintendent by
Mr. Wesley, yet he would not submit to be or-
dained unless he could be voted in by the Con-
ference. When it was put to vote, he was unani-
mously chosen. He was then ordained deacon,
then elder, and afterwards superintendent, before
the end of the Conference. At the request of
Mr. Asbury, when he was about to be ordained
a superintendent, Mr. Otterbein, a German min-
ister, who was a pious man, assisted in his ordina-
tion by the laying on of his hands with the other
ministers.
At this Conference there were thirteen
preachers elected to the elder's office, and most
of them were ordained. Their names were:
Freeborn Garrettson,* William Gill, LeRoy Cole,
John Hagerty, Reuben Ellis, James O'Kelly,
Richard Ivey, James 0. Cromwell,* John Tunnel,
Xelson Reed, Jeremiah Lambert,f Beverly
Allen4 Henry Willis.||
*Mr. Garrettson and Mr. Cromwell were ordained for
Nova Scotia, and were sent there immediately afterwards.
+ Mr. Lambert was ordained for Antigua, in the West
Indies.
J Mr. Allen was not ordained until the Conference held at
Green Hills, in North Carolina, in the latter part of April, 1785.
|| Mr. Willis was not at the Conference, but was ordained
a few weeks afterwards by the Bishop and one Elder only.
Historical Introduction. 11
They also elected three deacons: John
Dickins, Caleb Boyer, and Ignatius Pigman. Mr.
Boyer was not present.
Being now formed into a Church, a regular
plan of proceeding was laid and a form of Dis-
cipline drawn up. In the Minutes of this Con-
ference there were eighty-one questions, with an-
swers, a few of which I shall take notice of. If
any one wishes to see the whole, he may read
the Minutes of that General Conference.
This being the beginning of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, it will be necessary to take
particular notice of those regulations, or rules,
which were formed at that time, especially such
as had not been previously practiced by us.
Q. 2.* "What can be done in order to the
future union of the Methodists ?"
A. "During the life of the Eeverend Mr. Wes-
ley we acknowledge ourselves his sons in the gos-
pel, ready, in matters belonging to Church gov-
ernment, to obey his commands. And we do
engage, after his death, to do everything that
we judge consistent with the cause of religion
in America and the political interest of these
States, to preserve and promote our union with
the Methodists in Europe."
*In the early period of the Church the business of the Con-
ferences was done by questions and answers, and, therefore,
appears so in this compilation.
12 Historical Irrf/rodv&twn.
Q. 3. "As the ecclesiastical as well as civil
affairs of these United States have passed
through a very considerable change by the Eevo-
lution, what plan of Church government shall
we hereafter pursue?"
A. "We will form ourselves into an Episcopal
Church, under the direction of superintendents,
elders, deacons, and helpers, according to the
forms of ordination annexed to our Liturgy and
the form of Discipline set forth in these
Minutes."
Q. 4. "What may we reasonably believe to be
God's design in raising up the preachers called
Methodists ?
A. "To reform the continent and to spread
Scriptural holiness over these lands."
This simple formulation, though destitute of
ponderous "Whereas," "Therefore," and "Resolved,"
may be set down as the first Constitution of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and is characterized by
that dignity which always attends simplicity and
completeness in statement.
They formed "a Church;" it was "an Episcopal
Church;" it was put "under the direction of ordained
men; the forms of ordination were annexed to a
Liturgy; it was "our Liturgy," and the Discipline
was that "set forth in these Minutes."
Mr. Lee's account of this action and of the formu-
lation of this first organic act of the Church, when
compared with the printed Minutes of 1785— an orig-
inal copy of which we have— is fully verified.
Historical Introduction. 13
The following is taken from "A Short Account of
the Christian Experience and Ministerial Labour of
William Watters— Drawn up by Himself:"
In the autumn following, Doctor Coke came
over with two other preachers, and with Mr.
Wesley's advice respecting the administering the
ordinances, which we had laid before him, and
on which he had delayed giving us his opinion
until now. He had viewed the subject as a very
weighty one, and was unwilling to say anything
one way or the other till hp had deliberately
and fully made up his mind.
On the twenty-fifth of December, one thou-
sand seven hundred and eighty-four, our Confer-
ence met in Baltimore to consider the plan of
Church government which the doctor brought
over recommended by Mr. Wesley. It was
adopted and unanimously agreed to with great
satisfaction, and we became, instead of a religious
Society, a separate Church, under the name of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
This change gave great satisfaction through
all our Societies in America, and the more so, as
it met with the approbation of our European
brethren, and particularly those who had some
time past thought it their duty to administer the
ordinances, but had desisted therefrom rather
than rend the flock of Christ; as also to those
14 Historical Introduction.
who had long felt scruples of conscience in re-
ceiving them from men that they could not be-
lieve were sent by the Lord Jesus to minister in
holy things, many of whose lives were immoral.
The following, taken from the same source, will
prove of further interest as setting forth the views
of a colaborer of Williams, Strawbridge, King, and
Owen on the events and discussions of that day. It
is not generally known that the preachers had "elected"
Mr. Ashunj to succeed Mr. Rankin as General Assistant
prior to having "elected" him as General Superintendent.
But here is Mr. Watters' story:
"1 will here take the liberty of giving an ex-
tract of a letter, a copy of which I have by me:
"My Dear Brother,— That there should be
those who, through prejudice, think the Meth-
odists since they have had bishops amongst them
are quite a different people, is not strange. But
is it not strange that any who have known them
from the beginning should admit such a thought
till they have investigated the matter thor-
oughly ? All must know that names do not alter
the nature of things. We have from the begin-
ning had one amongst us who has superintended
the whole work. At first this person was solely
appointed by Mr. Wesley, and called the general
assistant, at a time when there was none but
European preachers on the continent. But why
Historical Introduction. 15
was the name of general assistant ever changed?
All that will open their eyes may know why. The
Methodists in England and in America formerly
did not call themselves a particular Church, but
a religious Society in connection with different
Churches, but mostly with the Episcopal Church.
After the Eevolutionary War the Episcopal
clergy became very scarce, and in far the great-
est number of our Societies we had no way of
receiving the ordinances of baptism and the
Lord's Supper. It was this that led many of
our preachers, as you well know, to take upon
them the administration of the ordinances. Mr.
Eankin, who was our first general assistant, after
staying the time in this country he came for, re-
turned home. This was at a time when we had
no intercourse with England, and Mr. Asbury,
the only old preacher that determined (in those
perilous times) to give up his parents, country,
and all his natural connections, was finally and
unanimously chosen by the preachers (assembled
in Conference) our general assistant. He con-
tinued such until the year 1784, when the doctor
came over, and not only the name of general
assistant was changed to that of superintendent,
but we formed ourselves into a separate Church.
This change was proposed to us by Mr. Wesley
after we had craved his advice on the subject,
1(5 Historical Introduction*
but could not take effect till adopted by us, which
was done in a deliberate, formal manner at a
Conference called for that purpose, in which
there was not one dissenting voice. Every one
of any discernment must see, from Mr. Wesley's
circular letter on this occasion, as well as from
every part of our mode of Church government,
that we openly and avowedly declared ourselves
Episcopalians, though the Doctor and Mr. Asbury
were called superintendents. After a few years
the name of superintendent was changed to
bishop; but from first to last the business of
general assistant, superintendent, or bishop has
been the same. Only since we have become a
distinct Church he has, with the assistance of
two or three elders, ordained our ministers, whose
business is to preside in our Conferences, and,
in case of an equal division on a question, he
has the casting vote; but in no instance whatever
has he a negative, as you are told. He has also
the stationing of all the traveling preachers,
under certain limitations; which power is given
him by the General Conference, so it can be
lessened or taken from him at any time Confer-
ence sees fit. But while he superintends the
whole work, he can not interfere with the par-
ticular charge of any of the preachers in their
stations. To see that preachers fill their places
Historical Introduction. 17
with propriety, and to understand the state of
every station or circuit, that he may the better
make the appointments of the preachers, is, no
doubt, no small part of his duty; but he has
nothing to do with receiving, censuring, or ex-
cluding members; this belongs wholly to the
stationed preacher and members. His power, I
confess, is great; but let it be well observed that
it entirely respects the traveling preachers, and
none else. It never can, from the nature of
things, be put into the hands of any man but
one in whom the whole have the highest con-
fidence, and that no longer than he faithfully
executes his trust. I know of no way the preach-
ers can be as well stationed as by one that goes
through the whole work, and is without his local
prejudices in favor of or against any place, as
he seldom stays longer in one place than an-
other. The whole body of preachers in Con-
ference can not station themselves, I am well
assured; and a committee chosen by them for
that purpose would find many insurmountable
difficulties, as they could have but a very super-
ficial knowledge of the particular gifts of many
of the preachers or state of many of the cir-
cuits. The sacrifice that a preacher makes in
giving up his choice, and going wherever he is
appointed, is not small; but no one is worthy
1 8 Historical Introduction.
of the aame of a traveling preacher that does
not cheerfully go anywhere he can, for the gen-
eral good. If he is so circumstanced that he can
not go anywhere and everywhere that is thought
best, he should Bay so when he first oifers him-
self to Conference. If it so happens after he has
been traveling, he ought to let it he known as
soon as possible, and whenever he can not be
accommodated with a circuit that he can fill, he
ought to be contented to stop till he can. You
will say, This is the hardship I complain of.
Every station in life has its difficulties. But this
can not be remedied in the present state of
things. It is then our duty to do the best we
can under unavoidable difficulties. Better many
individuals suffer than the work at large should.
I would rather be in the more general work; yet,
if circumstances prevent, let me be content to
act in some humble way. As for my own part,
I am so fearful of seeing the traveling connec-
tion clogged with the local preachers, that I never
wish a seat in Conference, as a member, unless
I can fill some proper station. They can do w T ell
enough without my weak counsel, while I with-
hold my labors, whether I do it willingly or
through necessity.
"But a greater charge than the love of power
Historical Introduction. 19
has been brought against Mr. Asbury (though I
believe only by a few), even that of the love of
money. I think a devil ought to blush (if it were
possible) at such a charge. Where is all that he
has been heaping up for near these forty years?
I confess, if this was his object, he has stood
so high in the estimation of many that he might
have accumulated considerably by this time. But
is it so ? Where is it ? I have been as long and
as intimately acquainted with him as most men
in America, and I must give this testimony: Of
all men that I have known he is, in my estima-
tion, the clearest of the love of money, and the
most free to give away his all, in every sense of
the word. I ask Mr. Asbury's pardon for taking
this liberty in defending a character that speaks
louder for itself than many such witnesses can
for it; but the time and place I live in shall be
my apology for so doing.
"I am as ever yours, etc.,
"William Watteks."
"To Mr. B., March, 1806."
By the courtesy of Rev. J. F. Goucher we are en-
abled to present the Fonerden letters, which were ad-
dressed to Mr. Stephen Donaldson, Leesburg, Va.,
and never before fully printed. These, we think, will
20 Historical Introduction.
prove of further interest, as showing the understand-
ing of the contemporaries of those who organized the
Church, and in connection with the letter of Mr. Wat-
tera are of special historical importance, being free
from the interpretations subsequently put upon the
transactions of the early period to which they refer.
Here is Dr. Goucher's letter of information:
Baltimore, April 21, 1902.
My Dear Mr. Miller,— Your favor was received
some time since, and I have had copies of the Foner-
den letters made, which I inclose. This should have
been attended to sooner: hut necessary absence from
my office of late 1ms interfered with my correspond-
ence and my work in general.
Adam Fonerden, who wrote the letters, is spoken
of by J. Lednum in his "Rise of Methodism in Amer-
ica," page 171, as follows:
"177G— Frederick Circuit, Virginia.
"Messrs. McClure and Fonerden were stationed
with Mr. Watters. Adam Fonerden appears to have
been a local preacher from Baltimore or Frederick
County, taken up as a temporary supply,— after this
we do not meet with his name."
In addition to the above, it appears from the
record of the Exeter street Church, which was the
third Methodist church built in Baltimore, that the
ground on which that church stands was deeded by
Samuel Swan on February 28, 1795, to nine persons,
of whom Adam Fonerden was one. lie was a class-
Historical Introduction. 21
leader and local preacher in Baltimore. But here are
his letters:
Baltimore Nov? 28^ 1784.
much Esteemed friend.
I receiv d your favour, &
according to your request went to purchase the
Crucibles — in my way I call'd upon James, Ex-
pecting he could inform me where they might be
had. He immediately resolv'd to go with M. r .
Murrey to Leesburg to make up matters with
you, & said I need give myself no further trouble
after the Crucibles that He would carry them
himself — while I am writing this Mr. Murrey is
waiting for him to set off — & He has just now sent
word he will be up directly — I hope he won't de-
ceive, otherwise shall be exceeding sorry of y r 2not
getting them. We have three English preachers
arriv? their names — D r . Coke, M. r . Whatcoat, &
M^ Vasey. These three are ordain'd a presbytry
by M? Wesley & his Clergy, who together with a
new form of Church Goverment, Suggested by
M* Wesley, are to Organize us as a Church, to
have a Liturgy & administration of ordinances.
But as this is not to be forced upon us, but left
to our Choice — if we approve of it, they Stay and
exercise their new functions — otherwise matters
are left as they are at present, & after a little
22 Historvrdl Introduction.
Stay they depart again for England. Mr Asbury
& Dl Coke are Constituted Joint Superinten-
dants, & as .M r Asbury would not in a matter of
Buch [mportance, do anything by himself. He
baa Call'd a Conference to deliberate thereon,
which is to meet here on Christmas day. I hope
if you can make it convenient you will be here at
that time, mean while I hope you Still believe
me to be, with my kind love to your Spouse
y r Sincere & affectionate friend & B r
Ad" 1 Fonerden.
Baltimore Decem r 30^ 1784.
much Esteemed friend
I receiv d your favour by
l) 1 ; Murrey, & in answer to your request Shall
inform you as follows. We have at this Confer-
ence agreeable to Ml" Wesley's advice and direc-
tion, handed to us by that Worthy Man Dl
Coke 1'orm'd ourselves unanimously into an
Independent Church under the Title of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. To be govern 'd
by Superintendent, Elders & Deacons, with a
Liturgy Little differing from the Church of
England. The Itinerant plan still to be con-
tinued, & by the Church Government Adopted,
somewhat Strengthened. Which will be printed
Shortly. Ml Asbury was ordained Superinten-
Historical Introduction. 23
dant Last Sunday by the D r . & the two Elders
who came over with Him, which power of ord-
ination being convey'd to them by three pres-
byters of the Church of England, M. T . Wesley
being one, we think as Valid as any ordination
whatever. It being now well known that in
primitive times the Office of presbyter or Elder
which are Synonimous Terms, & Byshop were
one and the Same, with only this Small difference
that the Chief or prime presbyter was sometimes
called a Byshop. With us, The Superindant
answers to Byshop, who is to have the Oversight
of all & we think it a better name, because
modern Byshops by being Lords are generally
devourers of the flock, & a Curse to the people.
& the Very Name conveys a disagreeable Savour.
Our Elders answer to presbyter which are the
same in office. And Deacons are to assist the
Elders in admins the Lords Supper & may bap-
tise in the Elders Absence. About 15 Elders
will be Ordain'd before Conference breaks up, &
Several Deacons, The greatest Caution will be
used in future in admitting of preachers into
Connection, & any Elder who loquates himself,
is no Longer to Exercise the peculiar functions
of his Office, without Consent of Conference,
under the penalty of Expulsion.
Something is now before Confer? respecting
Slavery. This Extraordinary Man Dl" Coke, Has
24 Historical Introduction.
Set his heart much upon Extirpating it from
among us, All the Lenity will be exercised as far
as may be consistend with Virginia you arc to
have two years to agree to the plan proposed for
freeing them, & in that time you must record
their Manumission, which is to take place at
certain periods according to their age which is
made as easy for the holder as possible. Inclosed
I have sent you M* Wesley's Circular Letter and
for want of time must subscribe myself j r .
Sincere & Affect e
friend & B^
Ad m Fonerden.
The direction of the affairs of the Church thus
constituted was exercised by the preachers iu the
several Conferences until 1792, when, according to
Jesse Lee, "the first regular General Conference" oc-
curred, and was composed of all the traveling preach
era. In 1812, the first Delegated General Conference
occurred, which, as was provided, iu 1808, "shall have
full power to make rules and regulations for our
(hurch, under the following limitations and restric-
tions."— recit inu- the "Six Restrictive Rules." This
('•institution, with such changes as weir made in con-
formity with the clause providing for changes, to-
gether with all others, is given in the following pages
preceding the Constitution of 1900.
The General Conference of 1900 recommended for
adoption as the Constitution of the Methodist Bpl -
copal Church that herein printed. The bishops hav-
Historical Introduction. 25
ing examined the vote of the Annual Conferences,
and finding that three-fourths of all the members
present and voting had cast their votes in favor
thereof, have proclaimed it to be "now the funda-
mental law of the Church."
Thus has been settled, until further changes are
constitutionally made, what is and what is not Con-
stitution;— to which, "let all the people say 'Amen!'"
The Editors,
Cincinnati. Ohio, November, 1902.
THE CONSTITUTIONS OF THE METH-
ODIST EPISCOPAL CHUfiCH.
THE CONSTITUTION OF 1784.
(From Minutes oi
Future union of "Q. 2. Whal can be done in order to the future
Methodists, union of the Methodists?"
"A. During the Life of the Reverend Mr. Wesley
we acknowledge ourselves his sons in the gospel,
ready, In matters belonging to Church government, to
obey his commands. And we do engage, alter his
(hath, to do everything that we judge consistent with
the cause of religion in America and the political in-
terest of these States, to preserve and promote our
union with the Methodists in Europe."
"Q. 3. As the ecclesiastical as well as civil affairs
of these United States have passed through a very
considerable change by the Revolution, what plan of
Church government shall we hereafter pursue?"
Church Episcopal "A. We Mill form ourselves Into an Episcopal
in form, church, under the direction of superintendents, elders.
deacons, and helpers, according to the forms of ordi-
nation annexed to our Liturgy and the form of Disci-
pline set forth in these Minutes."
Design of the "Q. 1. Whal may wo reasonably believe to be
ministry. <; () -
s-
tles can be proved neither from Scripture nor An-
tiquity, we therefore have constituted ourselves into
an Episcopal Church, under the Direction of Bishops,
Elders, Deacons, and Preachers, according to the Forms
of Ordination annexed to our Prayer Book, and the
Regulations laid down in this Form of Discipline.
THE CONSTITUTION OF 1808.
(See Discipline of 1808.)
"Of the General Conference.
"Ques. 2. Who shall compose the General Confer-
ence, and what are the regulations and powers be-
longing to it?
"Ans. 1. The General Conference shall be com-
posed of one member for every five members of each
Annual Conference, to be appointed either by senior-
ity or choice, at the discretion of such Annual Confer-
ence: yet so that such represenatives shall have
traveled at least four full calendar years from the
lime that they were received on trial by an Annual
Conference, and are in full connection at the time of
holding the ( 'onference,
The Constitution of 1808. 29
"2. The General Conference shall meet on the first When to elect,
day of May, in the year of our Lord 1812, in the city
of New York, and thenceforward on the first day of
May once in four years perpetually, in such place or Where,
places as shall be fixed on by the General Conference
from time to time: but the General Superintendents,
with or by the advice of all the Annual Conferences,
or if there be no General Superintendent, all the An-
nual Conferences respectively shall have power to
call a General Conference, if they judge it necessary, Called,
at any time.
"3. At all times when the General Conference is Quorum,
met, it shall take two-thirds of the representatives
of all the Annual Conferences to make a quorum for
transacting business.
"4. One of the General Superintendents shall pre- President,
side in the General Conference; but in case no Gen-
eral Superintendent be present, the General Confer-
ence shall choose a president pro tempore.
"5. The General Conference shall have full powers Powers of General
to make rules and regulations for our Church, under Conference,
the following limitations and restrictions, viz.:
"1. The General Conference shall not revoke, Restrictions,
alter, or change our Articles of Religion, nor estab-
lish any new standards or rules of doctrine contrary
to our present existing and established standards of
doctrine.
"2. They shall not allow of more than one repre-
sentative for every five members of the Annual Con-
ference, nor allow of a less number than one for every
seven.
"3. They shall not change or alter any part or rule
of our government, so as to do away Episcopacy
or destroy the plan of our intinerant General Superin-
tendency.
30 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
'4. They shall not revoke or change the general
rules of the United Societies.
".". They shall not do away the privileges of our
ministers <»r preachers of trial by a committee, and
of :in appeal: neither shall they do away the privillges
of our members of trial before the society or by a
committer, ami of an appeal.
••<;. They shall nut appropriate the produce of the
Book Concern, or of the Charter Fund, to any pur-
pose other than for the benefit of the traveling, super-
numerary, superannuated, and wornout preachers.
their wives, widows, and children: provided, never-
theless, that upon the joint recommendation of all
the Annual Conferences, then a majority of two-thirds
of the General Conference succeeding shall suffice to
alter any of the above restrictions."
ACTION OF GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 18C>8.
(See Journal, page 275. )
"The report of the Committee on Lay Representa-
tion, as amended and adopted, was as follows:
"Whereas, The General Conference of I860 ex-
pressed its willingness to admit lay delegates to the
General Conference whenever the people should do-'
sire it; and
"Whereas, The General Conference of 1864 con-
CUrred in that action; therefore.
Plan. "Resolved, 1. That we also concur in the same,
and recommend the following plan to the godly con-
sideration of our ministers and people:
"Change the Discipline, page i5, Fan II. chap, i,
see. 1. so thai it shall read as follows:
General Conference of 1868. 31
"Question. 'Who shall compose the General Con-
ference, and what are the regulations and powers
belonging to it?'
"Answer 1. The General Conference shall be com- Lay delegates,
posed of ministerial and lay delegates. The minis-
terial delegates shall consist of one member for every
thirty (30) members of each Annual Conference, to
be appointed either by seniority or choice, at the dis-
cretion of such Annual Conference, yet so that such
representatives shall have traveled at least four full
calendar years from the time that they were received
on trial by an Annual Conference, and are in full con-
nection at the time of holding the Conference.'
"The lay delegates shall consist of two laymen Ratio.
for each Annual Conference, except such Conferences
as have but one ministerial delegate, which Confer-
ences shall be entitled to one lay delegate each.
"The lay delegates shall be chosen by an Electoral How chosen.
Conference of laymen, which shall assemble for the
purpose on the third day of the session of the Annual
Conference, at the place of its meeting, at its session
immediately preceding the General Conference.
"The Electoral Conference shall be composed of Electoral Confer-
one layman from each circuit or station within the ence -
bounds of the Annual Conference, and on assembling
the Electoral Conference shall organize by electing a
Chairman and Secretary of their own number; such
layman to be chosen by the last Quarterly Conference
preceding the time of its assembling; provided that
no layman shall be chosen a delegate either to the
Electoral Conference or to the General Conference
who shall be under twenty-five years of age, or who
shall not have been a member of the Church in full
connection for the five consecutive years preceding
the elections.
32 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
"Alter Answer 3 as follows, page 46:
Quorum. "Answer :;. At all times when the General Confer-
ence is met it shall take two-thirds of the whole Dum-
ber of ministerial and lay delegates to form a quorum
for transacting business.
One body. '*The ministerial and lay delegates shall sit and
deliberate together as one body, hut they shall vote
separately whenever such separate vote shall be de-
manded by one-third of either order, and In such
cases the concurrent vote of both orders shall be nec-
essary to complete an action.
"Resolved 2. That during the month of June, I s '"-'.*.
on any day except the Sabbath, the time to be deter-
mined by the pastor and the two laymen appointed
by the Quarterly Conference, as hereinafter provided.
Vote of the there shall be held a general election in the several
membership, places of worship of the .Methodist Episcopal Church,
at which all m 'tubers in full connection, and not less
than twenty-one years of age, shall be invited to vote
by ballot: 'For Lay Delegation,' or 'Against Lay Dele-
gation.' This election shall be held under the direc-
tion of the preacher in charge and two laymeu ap-
pointed for the purpose by the Quarterly Conference.
who shall see that due notice is given thereof for at
least twenty days before the election, and who shall
superintend all the details of the election. They shall
report the result within ten days after the election
to the presiding elder of the district, who shall report
the same to the bishop presiding at the ensuing An-
nual Conference, to be entered upon the Conference
Journal.
"It shall be the duty of the bishops presiding at
the several Annual Conferences, at their first sessions
Amendments after the above elections, to lay before those bodies
submitted, the following proposed amendments to the second be-
General Conference of 1872. 33
strictive Rule, namely: At the end of line three, after
the word 'one,' insert the word 'ministerial' (page 47
of the Discipline); and after the word 'forty-five,' line
seven, same page, add the words, 'nor more than two
lay delegates for any Annual Conference:' and to re-
port the result to the next General Conference, so
that, as amended, it shall read: 'They shall not allow
of more than one ministerial representative for every
fourteen (14) members of the Annual Conference, nor
allow of a less number than one for every forty-five
(45), nor more than two lay delegates for any Annual
Conference.'
"Resolved, 3. That should a majority of votes cast Vote required,
by the people be in favor of lay delegation, and should
three-fourths (%) of all the members of the Annual
Conferences present and voting thereon vote in favor
of the above proposed change in the Constitution of
the Church, then the General Conference meeting in
1872, by the requisite two-thirds (%) vote can com-
plete the change, and lay delegates previously elected
may then be admitted."
ACTION OF GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1872.
"The first item of the resolution was therefore
adopted by a vote of 252 to 36, in words following,
viz.:
" 'Resolved, That said Plan is hereby ratified and Plan adopted,
adopted.'
"By this action, answer 1 to the question, 'Who
shall compose the General Conference, and what are
the regulations and powers belonging to it?' in Part
34 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
(omposite body.
II. chap. i. Bee. 1. of the Discipline was so changed
:is to read:
Lfttftoer 1. The General Conference shall be com-
posed of ministerial and lay delegates. The minis-
terial delegates shall consist of one member for every
thirty members of each Animal Conference, to be ap-
pointed by seniority or choice, ;it the discretion of
sncli Annual Conference, yet so that such representa-
tives shall have traveled at least four full calendar
years from the time that they were received on trial
by an Annual Conference, and are in full connection
at the time of holding the Conference.
44 'Tlie lay delegates shall consist of two laymen
for each Annual Conference, except such Conferences
as have hut one ministerial delegate, which Confer-
ences shall be entitled to one lay delegate each.
44 'The lay delegates shall be chosen by an Elec-
toral Conference of laymen, which shall assemble for
the purpose on the third day of the session of the
Annual Conference, at the place of its meetiug, at its
session immediately preceding the General Confer-
ence.
44 'The Electoral Conference shall be composed of
ference. one layman from each circuit or station within the
bounds of the Annual Conference, and, on assembling,
the Electoral Conference shall organize by electing a
Chairman and secretary of their own number: such
layman to be chosen by the last Quarterly Conference
preceding the time of its assembling: Provided, that no
layman shall he chosen a delegate either to the Elec-
toral Conference or to the General Conference who
Eligibility, shall lie under twenty-five years of age, or who shall
not have been a member of the Church in full con-
nection for i he live consecutive years preceding the
elections.'
Lay delegates,
How many.
How elected.
Electoral Con-
The Constitution of 1872. 35
"Also answer 3 to the same question was altered
by this action so as to read:
" 'Ansicer 3. At all times when the General Con- Quorum,
ference is met it shall take two-thirds of the whole
number of ministerial and lay delegates to form a
quorum for the transaction of business.
" 'The ministerial and lay delegates shall sit and One body,
deliberate together as one body, but they shall vote
separately whenever such separate vote shall be de-
manded by one-third of either order, and in such
cases the concurrent vote of both orders shall be nec-
essary to complete an action.'
"Samuel A. W. Jewett submitted, as a substitute Lay delegates ad-
for the remaining portion of the resolution, a motion mitted.
that the roll of laymen whose certificates of election
are in the hands of the Secretary be now called, and
that those persons who may be duly accredited be
admitted to seats in this General Conference."
This motion prevailed, by a vote of 288 for to 1
against. The Whereas of the paper offered Jby Jesse
T. Peck was laid on the table, after which the cer-
tificates of the lay delegates were presented, and the
delegates elect were admitted to the Conference.
THE CONSTITUTION OF 1S72 AS ADOPTED.
"I. The General Conference shall be composed of Composition and
ministerial and lay delegates. The ministerial dele- basis of repre-
gates shall consist of one member for every forty- sentation.
five members of each Annual Conference, to be ap-
pointed either by seniority or choice at the discretion
of such Annual Conference, yet so that such repre-
36 Methodist Constitution and Cha
sentatlves shall have traveled al least four full calen-
dar years from the time that they were received on
trial by an Annual Conference, and an- in full con-
nection at the time of holding t li* ■ Conference.*
•The lay delegates shall consisl of two laymen
for each Annual Conference, except such Conferences
as have hut one ministerial delegate, which Confer-
ences shall he entitled t<> (.no lay delegate each.
Io> delegates. "The lay delegates shall be chosen by an Electoral
How chosen. Conference of laymen, which shall assemble for the
purpose on the third day of the session of the Annual
Conference, :it the place of its meeting, at its b
immediatefy preceding the General Confer
Composition of "The Electoral Conference shall be composed of
Electoral Con- one layman from each circuit or station within the
ference. bounds of the Annual Conference; and, on assembling,
'he Electoral Conference shall organize by electing a
chairman and secretary of their own number, such
layman to be chosen by the last Quarterly Confer-
ence preceding the time of the assembling of such
Electoral Conference; provided, that no layman shall
be chosen a delegate either to the Electoral Confer-
ence or to the General Conference who shall be under
Eligibility, twenty-live years of age, or who shall not have been
a member of the Church in full connection for the rive
consecutive years preceding the elections, f
a transferred preacher shall not be counted twice in the
same year as the basis «.f the election of Delegates to theGen-
eral Conference, nor vote for Del< gates to the Genera] Con-
ference in any Annual Conference where he is nol counted as
i representation, nor vol- twice the Bame
"D any constitutional question.
Of the several Annua] and Electoral Gon-
*• fences Bhall Bend to the Secretary of the last General Oon-
' " certified copy of the election of Delegates and Be-
to the next General Conference, In the order of their
The Constitution of 1872. 87
"II. The General Conference shall meet on the first General Confer-
day of May, in the year of our Lord 1812, in the city ence sessions.
of New York, and thenceforward on the first day of
May once in four years perpetually, in such place or
places as shall he fixed on hy the General Conference
from time to time; hut the General Superintendents,
or a majority of them, by or with the advice of two-
thirds of all the Annual Conferences, or, if there be
no General Superintendent, two-thirds of all the An- Extra sessions,
nual Conferences shall have power to call an extra
session of the General Conference at any time, to be
constituted in the usual way.
"III. At all times when the General Conference Quorum.
is met it shall take two-thirds of the whole number
of ministerial and lay delegates to form a quorum for
transacting business.
"IV. The ministerial and lay delegates shall sit
and deliberate together as one body, but they shall
vote separately whenever such separate vote shall be How vote,
demanded by one-third of either order; and in such
cases the concurrent vote of both orders shall be nec-
essary to complete an action.
"V. One of the General Superintendents shall pre- President,
side in the General Conference; but in case no General
Superintendent be present, the General Conference
shall choose a president pro tern.
"The General Conference shall have full powers Powers limited,
to make rules and regulations for our Church, under
the following limitations and restrictions, namely:
"I. The General Conference shall not revoke, alter,
or change our Articles of Religion, nor establish any
election, as soon after the election as practicable, so that a
roll of Members and Reserves may be prepared for the open-
ing of the next General Conference.
38 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
11. 'w standards or rules of doctrine contrary to our
presenl existing and established standards of doctrine.
•II. They shall nol allow of more than one min-
isterial representative for every fourteen members of
the Animal Conference, nor allow of a less number
than one for every forty-five, nor more than two lay
delegates for any Annual Conference; provided, never-
theless, that when there shall be in any Annual Con-
ference a fraction of two-thirds the number which
shall be fixed for the ratio of representation, such
Annual Conference shall be entitled to an additional
delegate for such fraction; and provided, also, that no
Conference shall be denied the privilege of one dele-
gate.
"III. They shall not change or alter any part or
rule of our government, so as to do away Episcopacy,
or destroy the plan of our itinerant General Super-
intendence; but may appoint a Missionary Bishop or
Superintendent for any of our foreign missions, limit-
ing his jurisdiction to the same respectively.
"IV. They shall not revoke or change the General
Rules of the United Societies.
"V. They shall not do away the privileges of our
ministers or preachers, of trial by a Committee, and
of an appeal; neither shall they do away the privileges
of our members, of trial before the Society, or by a
Committee, and of an appeal.
"VI. They shall not appropriate the produce of
the Book Concern, nor of the Charter Fund, to any
purpose other than for the benefit of the traveling,
supernumerary, superannuated, and wornout preach-
ers, their wives, widows, and children.
"Provided, nevertheless, that upon the concurrent
recommendation of three-fourths of all the members
of the several Annual Conferences who shall be pres-
The Constitution of 1872. 39
ent and vote on such recommendation, then a major-
ity of two-thirds of the General Conference succeed-
ing shall suffice to alter any of the above restrictions, Alterations,
excepting the first article; and also, whenever such
alteration or alterations shall have been first recom-
mended by two-thirds of the General Conference, so
soon as three-fourths of the members of all the An-
nual Conferences shall have concurred as aforesaid,
such alteration or alterations shall take effect."
4<> Methodist Constitution and Charters.
PROPOSED REVISION OF ORGANIC LAW
OF 1872.
(See Bishops' Address <»r L900.)
n Jntlinn '* In ,llis r< ,ni " '<•' i( "> the bishops commend to the
rerommended I in favoraWe attention of the General Conference the re-
1900. !,,,n oi tne ( '<»i"iiiissi,m <.n Hi.. Organic Law of the
Church, it is not probable thai any member of this
body or any one of tin- bishops Mill hold that every
provision of the new Constitution is the best prac-
ticable. Sour wisdom may possibly amend the report
in this or that particular. But we are united in the
• •pinion that it is a lucid arrangement of our funda-
mental law; that it makes explicit statement of Items
of that law heretofore somewhat inferential and,
therefore, of somewhat doubtful interpretation; that
it makes due provision for new conditions of Church
life which have already arrived; and that, while it
admits greater ease of constitutional change than has
heretofore existed, it makes plain for ourselves and
our successors the distinction which must be recog-
nized in all well-ordered organizations between or-
ganic law and statutory enactments. .Meantime we
suggest the expediency of adopting, as a Rule of
Order for this session, one of its provisions, namely.
that changes in the Discipline be made only by the
concurrent vote of a majority of both orders."
THE CONSTITUTION OF 1900*
ORGANIC LAW AS ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL
CONFERENCE.
Peeamble.
In order the better to preserve our historic Preamble,
heritage, and the more effectually to co-operate
with other branches of the one Church of Jesus
Christ in advancing the kingdom of God among
men, we, the ministers and laymen of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, in accordance with the
methods of Constitutional legislation in force
among us, hereby ordain, establish, and set forth,
as the fundamental law or Constitution of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, the Articles of Re-
ligion, the General Rules, and the Articles of
*In the Constitution as printed in the Discipline only the
titles, " The Articles of Religion," and "The General Rules,"
are given as divisions I and II.
We have inserted the Articles and General Rules in full,
as they appoar in the Discipline of 1900. The Editobs.
4 41
42 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Organization and Government, here following,
to wit :
DIVISION I.
Articles of Religion.
I. Of Faith in the Holy Trinity.
There is but one living and true God, ever-
lasting, without body or parts; of infinite power,
wisdom, and goodness; the Maker and Preserver
of all things, both visible and invisible. And in
unity of this Godhead there are three Persons
of one substance, power, and eternity — the
Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.
77. Of the Word, or Son of God, who was made
very man.
The Son, who is the Word of the Father, the
very and eternal God, of one substance with the
Father, took man's nature in the womb of the
blessed Virgin; so that two whole and perfect
natures — that is to say, the Godhead and man-
hood — were joined together in one Person, never
to be divided, whereof is one Christ, very God
and very man, who truly suffered, was crucified,
dead, and buried, to reconcile his Father to us,
and to be a sacrifice, not only for original guilt,
but also for actual Bins of men.
The Constitution of 1900. 43
III. Of the Resurrection of Christ.
Christ did truly rise again from the dead, and
took again his body, with all things appertaining
to the perfection of man's nature, wherewith he
ascended into heaven, and there sitteth until he
return to judge all men at the last day.
IV. Of the Holy Ghost.
The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father
and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and
glory, with the Father and the Son, very and
eternal God.
V. Of the Sufficiency of the Holy Scriptures for
The Holy Scriptures contain all things neces-
sary to salvation; so that whatsoever is not read
therein, nor may be proved thereby, is not to
be required of any man, that it should be be-
lieved as an article of faith, or be thought req-
uisite or necessary to salvation. In the name of
the Holy Scriptures, we do understand those
canonical books of the Old and New Testaments,
of whose authority was never any doubt in the
Church.
The Names of the Canonical Books
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuter-
onomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, the First Book of
44 "Methodist Constitution cmd ChaHers.
Samuel, the Second Book of Samuel, the First
Book of Kings, the Second Book of Kings, the
First Book of Chronicles, the Second Book of
Chronicles, the Book of Ezra, the Book of Nehe-
miah. the Book of Esther, the Book of Job, the
Psalms, the Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, or the
Preacher, Cantica, or Songs of Solomon, Four
Prophets the greater, Twelve Prophets the less.
All the books of the New Testament, as they are
commonly received, we do receive and account
canonical.
VI. Of the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is not contrary to the
New; for both in the Old and New Testaments
everlasting life is offered to mankind by Christ,
who is the only Mediator between God and man,
being God and man. Wherefore they are not to
be heard who feign that the old fathers did look
only for transitory promises. Although the law
given from God by Moses, as touching ceremonies
and rites, doth not bind Christians, nor oughl
the civil precepts thereof of necessity to be re-
ceived in any commonwealth; yet, notwithstand-
ing, no Christian whatsoever is free from the
obedience of the commandments which are called
moral.
The Constitution of 1900. 45
VII. Of Original or Birth Sin.
Original sin standeth not in the following of
Adam (as the Pelagians do vainly talk), but it
is the corruption of the nature of every man,
that naturally is engendered of the offspring of
Adam, whereby man is very far gone from orig-
inal righteousness, and of his own nature in-
clined to evil, and that continually.
VIII. Of Free Will
The condition of man after the fall of Adam
is such that he can not turn and prepare him-
self, by his own natural strength and works, to
faith, and calling upon God; wherefore we have
no power to do good works, pleasant and ac-
ceptable to God, without the grace of God by
Christ preventing us, that we may have a good
will, and working with us, when we have that
good will.
IX. Of the Justification of Man.
We are accounted righteous before God, only
for the merit of our Lord and Savior Jesus
Christ, by faith, and not for our own works or
deservings; wherefore, that we are justified by
faith only, is a most wholesome doctrine, and
very full of comfort.
46 Methodist Constitution and Charters,
A". Of Good Works.
Although good works, which are the fruits of
faith, and follow after justification, can not put
away our sins, and endure the severity of God's
judgment; yet are they pleasing and acceptable
to God in Christ, and spring out of a true and
lively faith, insomuch that by them a lively faith
may be as evidently known as a tree is discerned
by its fruit.
XI. Of Works of Supererogation.
Voluntary works, besides over and above
God's commandments, which are called works of
supererogation, can not be taught without arro-
gancy and impiety. For by them men do declare
that they do not only render unto God as much
as they are bound to do, but that they do more
for his sake than of bounden duty is required;
whereas Christ saith plainly, When ye have done
all that is commanded you, say, We are unprofit-
able servants.
XII. Of Sin after Justfication.
Not every sin willingly committed after jus-
tification is the sin against the Holy Ghost and
unpardonable. Wherefore, the grant of repent-
ance is not to be denied to such as fall into sin
The Constitution of 1900. 47
after justification: after we have received the
Holy Ghost, we may depart from grace given,
and fall into sin, and, by the grace of God, rise
again and amend our lives. And, therefore, they
are to be condemned who say they can no more
sin as long as they live here, or deny the place
of forgiveness to such as truly repent.
XIII. Of the Church.
The visible Church of Christ is a congrega-
tion of faithful men, in which the pure Word of
God is preached, and the sacraments duly ad-
ministered according to Christ's ordinance, in all
those things that of necessity are requisite to
the same.
XIV. Of Purgatory.
The Eomish doctrine concerning purgatory,
pardons, worshiping, and adoration, as well of
images as of relics, and also invocation of saints,
is a fond thing, vainly invented, and grounded
upon no warrant of Scripture, but repugnant to
the Word of God.
XV. Of Speaking in the Congregation in such a
Tongue as the People understand.
It is a thing plainly repugnant to the Word of
God, and the custom of the primitive Church,
48 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
to have public prayer in the Church, or to ad-
minister the Sacraments, in a tongue not under-
stood by the people.
XVI. Of the Sacraments.
Sacraments ordained of Christ are not only
badges or tokens of Christian men's profession,
but rather they are certain signs of grace, and
God's good will toward us, by the which he doth
work invisibly in us, and doth not only quicken,
but also strengthen and confirm, our faith in
him.
There are two Sacraments ordained of Christ
our Lord in the Gospel; that is to say, Baptism
and the Supper of the Lord.
Those five commonly called Sacraments— that
is to say, confirmation, penance, orders, matri-
mony, and extreme unction— are not to be counted
for Sacraments of the Gospel; being such as have
partly grown out of the corrupt following of the
Apostles, and partly are states of life allowed
in the Scriptures, but yet have not the like na-
ture of Baptism and the Lord's Supper, because
they have not any visible sign or ceremony or-
dained of God.
The Sacraments were not ordained of Christ
to be gazed upon, or to be carried about; but that
The Constitution of 1900. 49
we should duly use them. And in such only as
worthily receive the same they have a wholesome
effect or operation: but they that receive them
unworthily, purchase to themselves condemna-
tion, as St. Paul saith, 1 Cor. xi, 29.
XVII. Of Baptism.
Baptism is not only a sign of profession and
mark of difference whereby Christians are dis-
tinguished from others that are not baptized;
but it is also a sign of regeneration or the new
birth. The baptism of young children is to be
retained in the Church.
XVIII. Of the Lord's Supper.
The Supper of the Lord is not only a sign
of the love that Christians ought to have among
themselves one to another, but rather is a Sacra-
ment of our redemption by Christ's death; inso-
much that, to such as rightly, worthily, and with
faith receive the same, the bread which we break
is a partaking of the body of Christ; and like-
wise the cup of blessing is a partaking of the
blood of Christ.
Transubstantiation, or the change of the sub-
stance of bread and wine in the Supper of our
Lord, can not be proved by Holy Writ, but is
50 Methodist Cmistitution and Charters,
repugnant to the plain words of Scripture, over-
throweth the nature of a Sacrament, and hath
given occasion to many superstitions.
The bod}' of Christ is given, taken, and eaten
in the Supper, only after a heavenly and spiritual
manner. And the means whereby the body of
Christ is received and eaten in the Supper is faith.
The Sacrament of the Lord's Supper was not
by Christ's ordinance reserved, carried about,
lifted up, or worshiped.
XIX. Of Both Kinds.
The Cup of the Lord is not to be denied to
the Lay People; for both the parts of the Lord's
Supper, by Christ's ordinance and commandment,
ought to be administered to all Christians alike.
XX. Of the one Oblation of Christ, finished upon
the Cross.
The offering of Christ, once made, is that per-
fect redemption, propitiation, and satisfaction for
all the sins of the whole world, both original and
actual ; and there is none other satisfaction for
sin but that alone. Wherefore the sacrifice of
masses, in the which it is commonly said that the
priest doth offer Christ for the quick and the
dead, to have remission of pain or guilt, is a blas-
phemous fable and dangerous deceit.
The Constitution of 1900. 51
XXI. Of the Marriage of Ministers.
The Ministers of Christ are not commanded
by God's law either to vow the estate of single
life, or to abstain from marriage: therefore it is
lawful for them, as for all other Christians, to
marry at their own discretion, as they shall judge
the same to serve best to godliness.
XXII. Of the Rites and Ceremonies of Churches.
It is not necessary that rites and ceremonies
should in all places be the same, or exactly alike ;
for they have been always different, and may be
changed according to the diversity of countries,
times, and men's manners, so that nothing be
ordained against God's Word. Whosoever,
through his private judgment, willingly and pur-
posely doth openly break the rites and ceremonies
of the Church to which he belongs, which are
not repugnant to the Word of God, and are or-
dained and approved by common authority, ought
to be rebuked openly (that others may fear to
do the like), as one that offendeth against the
common order of the Church, and woundeth the
consciences of weak brethren.
Every particular Church may ordain, change,
or abolish rites and ceremonies, so that all things
may be done to edification.
52 Methodist Constitution and Charters,
XXIII. Of the Rulers of the United States of
America.
The President, the Congress, the General
Assemblies, the Governors, and the Councils of
State, as the Delegates of the People, are the Rulers
of the United States of America, according to
the division of power made to them by the Con-
stitution of the United States, and by the Con-
stitutions of their respective States. And the
said States are a sovereign and independent
Nation, and ought not to be subject to any for-
eign jurisdiction.*
XXIV. Of Christian Men's Goods.
The riches and goods of Christians are not
common, as touching the right, title, and pos-
session of the same, as some do falsely boast.
Notwithstanding, every man ought, of such things
as he possesseth, liberally to give alms to the
poor, according to his ability.
* As far as it respects civil affairs, we believe it the duty of
Christians, and especially of all Christian Ministers, to be
subject to the supreme authority of the country where thej
may reside, and to use all laudable means to enjoin obedience
to the powers that be; and therefore it is expected that all our
Preachers and People, who maybe under the British or any
other Government, will behave themselves as peaceable and
orderly sublects.
The Constitution of 1900. 53
XXV. Of a Christian Man's Oath.
As we confess that vain and rash swearing
is forbidden Christian men by onr Lord Jesus
Christ and James his Apostle; so we judge that
the Christian religion doth not prohibit, but that
a man may swear when the magistrate requireth,
in a cause of faith and charity, so it be done
according to the Prophet's teaching, in justice,
judgment, and truth.
DIVISION II.
THE GrENERAL EULES.
The Nature, Design, and General Eules of our
United Societies.*
In the latter end of the year 1739 eight or origin of the
ten persons who appeared to be deeply convinced United Societies,
of sin, and earnestly groaning for redemption,
came to Mr. Wesley in London. They desired,
as did two or three more the next day, that he
* The United Societies founded in this country by the
apostolic Asbury and his colaborers were, in 1784, organized
into the Methodist Episcopal Ohurch. But in this chapter,
and occasionally elsewhere in the Discipline, the words
Sni-irtt/ and Societies are retained as the equivalent of the
words Church and Churches, both as a convenience, and as a
memorial of our early ecclesiastical life.— Com. of Revision,
1892.
54 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
would spend some time with them in prayer, and
advise them how to flee from the wrath to come,
which they saw continually hanging over their
heads. That he might have more time for this
great work, he appointed a day when they might
all come together; which from thenceforward
they did every week, namely, on Thursday, in
the evening. To these, and as many more as de-
sired to join with them (for their number in-
creased daily), he gave those advices from time
to time which he judged most needful for them;
and they always concluded their meeting with
prayer suited to their several necessities.
Origin of This was the rise of the United Society,
Methodism. £ rs ^- j n Europe, and then in America. Such a
society is no other than "a company of men hav-
ing the form and seeking the power of godliness,
united in order to pray together, to receive the word
of exhortation, and to watch over one another in
love, that they may help each other to work out their
salvation"
The class, and That it may the more easily be discerned
the leader. w ] ie ^ er they are indeed working out their own
salvation, each Society is divided into smaller
companies, called Classes, according to their re-
spective places of abode. There are about twelve
persons in a Class, one of whom is styled The
Leader. It is his duty,
The Constitution of 1900. 55
§ 1. To see each person in his Class once a Duties of leaders,
week at least; in order, (1.) To inquire how his
soul prospers. (2.) To advise, reprove, comfort,
or exhort, as occasion may require. (3.) To re-
ceive what he is willing to give toward the relief
of the Preachers, Church, and poor.*
§ 2. To meet the Ministers and the Stewards Leaders' meeting,
of the Society once a week; in order, (1.) To in-
form the Minister of any that are sick, or of
any that walk disorderly and will not be reproved.
(2.) To pay the Stewards what he has received
of his Class in the week preceding.
There is only one condition previously re- Condition of mem-
quired of those who desire admission into these ers Ip '
Societies — "a desire + o flee from the wrath to
come, and to be saved from their sins." But
wherever this is really fixed in the soul it will
be shown by its fruits.
It is therefore expected of all who continue Proofs,
therein that they shall continue to evidence their
desire of salvation,
First : By doing no harm, by avoiding evil of Reforming,
every kind, especially that which is most generally
practiced; such as,
The taking of the name of God in vain.
The profaning the day of the Lord, either
*This part refers to towns and cities, where the poor are
generally numerous and Church expenses considerable.
56 Methodist Constitution and Cha/rters-.
by doing ordinary work therein or by buying or
selling.
Drunkenness, buying or selling spirituous
liquors, or drinking them, unless in cases of ex-
treme necessity.
Slaveholding; buying or selling slaves.
Fighting, quarreling, brawling, brother going
to law with brother; returning evil for evil, or
railing for railing; the using many words in buy-
ing or selling.
The buying or selling goods that have not
paid the duty.
The giving or taking things on usury — that
is, unlawful interest.
Uncharitable or unprofitable conversation;
particularly speaking evil of Magistrates or of
Ministers.
Doing to others as we would not they should
do unto us.
Doing what we know is not for the glory of
God, as:
The putting on of gold and costly apparel.
The taking such diversions as can not be used
in the name of the Lord Jesus.
The singing those songs, or reading those
books, which do not tend to the knowledge or love
of God.
Softness and needless self-indulgence.
The Constitution of 1900. 57
Laying up treasure upon earth.
Borrowing without a probability of paying;
or taking up goods without a probability of pay-
ing for them.
It is expected of all who continue in these Further proofs.
Societies that they shall continue to evidence
their desire of salvation,
Sceond: By doing good; by being in every Performing,
kind merciful after their power; as they have
opportunity, doing good of every possible sort,
and, as far as possible, to all men:
To their bodies, of the ability which God giv-
eth, by giving food to the hungry, by clothing
the naked, by visiting or helping them that are
sick or in prison:
To their souls, by instructing, reproving, or
exhorting all we have any intercourse with;
trampling under foot that enthusiastic doctrine,
that "we are not to do good unless our hearts oe
free to it."
By doing good, especially to them that are
of the household of faith or groaning so to be;
employing them preferably to others; buying one
of another; helping each other in business; and
so much the more because the world will love
its own and them only.
By all possible diligence and frugality, that
the Gospel be not blamed.
58 Method ix1 ( 'mist it i/t ion and Charters.
By running with patience the race which is
set before them, denying themselves, and taking
up their cross daily; submitting to bear the re-
proach of Christ, to be as the filth and offscour-
ing of the world; and looking that men should
say all manner of evil of them falsely, for the
Lord's sake.
ontinued proofs. It is expected of all who desire to continue
in these Societies that they shall continue to evi-
dence their desire of salvation,
Conforming. Third: By attending upon all the ordinances
of God; such are,
The Public Worship of God;
The Ministry of the Word, either read or ex-
pounded;
The Supper of the Lord;
Family and private Prayer;
Searching the Scriptures;
Fasting or Abstinence.
Origin of the These are the General Rules of our Societies;
General Rules. all which we are taught of Go d to observe, even
in his written W T ord, which is the only rule, and
the sufficient rule, both of our faith and practice.
And all these we know his Spirit writes on truly
awakened hearts. If there be any among us who
observes them not, who habitually breaks any
of them, let it be known unto them who watch
The Constitution of 1900. 59
over that soul as they who must give an account.
We will admonish him of the error of his ways.
We will bear with him for a season. But if then Self excluded.
he repent not, he hath no more place among us.
We have delivered our own souls.
DIVISION III.
Articles of Organization and Government.
Part I.
Pastoral Charges, Quarterly and Annual Confer-
ences.
Article I. Pastoral Charges. — Members of
the Church shall be divided into local Societies,
one or more of which shall constitute a Pastoral
Charge.
Article II. Quarterly Conferences. — A
Quarterly Conference shall be organized in each
Pastoral Charge, and be composed of such per-
sons and have such powers as the General Con-
ference may direct.
Article III. Annual Conferences. — The
Traveling Preachers shall be organized by the
General Conference into Annual Conferences, the
sessions of which they are required to attend.
60 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Part II.
The General Conference.
Composition. Article I. How Composed. — The General
Conference shall be composed of Ministerial and
Lay Delegates, to be chosen as hereinafter pro-
vided.
Article II. Ministerial Delegates. — § 1.
Each Annual Conference shall be entitled to at
least one Ministerial Delegate. The General Con-
Ministerial ference shall not allow more than one Ministerial
Delegates. Dd e g a i; e for every fourteen members of an An-
nual Conference, nor less than one for every
forty-five; but for a fraction of two-thirds or
more of the number fixed by the General Con-
ference as the ratio of representation an Annual
Conference shall be entitled to an additional
Delegate.
§ 2. The Ministerial Delegates shall be elected
by ballot by the members of the Annual Con-
ference at its session immediately preceding the
liow chosen. General Conference. Such Delegates shall be
Elders, at least twenty-five years of age, and shall
have been members of an Annual Conference
Eligibility, four successive years, and at the time of their
election and at the time of the session of the
General Conference shall be members of the An-
nual Conference which elected them. An Annual
The Constitution of 1900. 61
Conference may elect Eeserve Delegates, not ex-
ceeding three in number, and not exceeding the
number of its Delegates.
§ 3. Xo minister shall be counted twice in '
the same year in the basis for the election of
Delegates to the General Conference, nor vote in
such election where he is not counted, nor vote
in two Conferences in the same year on a Con-
stitutional question.
Article III. Lay Delegates. — § 1. A Lay How constituted.
Electoral Conference shall be constituted quad-
rennially, or whenever duly called by the Gen-
eral Conference, within the bounds of each An-
nual Conference, for the purpose of electing Lay
Delegates to the General Conference, and for the
purpose of voting on constitutional changes. It Composition,
shall be composed of lay members, one from each
Pastoral Charge within its bounds, chosen by the
lay members of the Charge over twenty-one years
of age, in such manner as the General Conference
may determine. Each Pastoral Charge shall also
elect in the same manner one Eeserve Delegate.
Members not less than twenty-one years of age,
and holding membership in the Pastoral Charges
electing them, are eligible to membership in the
Lay Electoral Conference.
§2. The Lay Electoral Conference shall as- Time and place
Bemble at the seat of the Annual Conference on o{ meetin 9-
62 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
the first Friday of the session immediately pre-
ceding the General Conference, unless the Gen-
eral Conference shall provide otherwise.
Organization. § 3. The Lay Electoral Conference shall or-
ganize by electing a President and Secretary, shall
adopt its own Rules of Order, and shall be the
judge of the election, returns, and qualifications
of its own members.
^ntXT ® 4 ' Each Lay Electoral Conference shall be
entitled to elect as many Delegates to the Gen-
eral Conference as there are Ministerial Dele-
gates from the Annual Conference. A Lay Elec-
toral Conference may elect Reserve Delegates,
not exceeding three in number, and not exceed-
ing the number of its Delegates. These elections
shall be by ballot.
Eligibility. § 5. Lay members twenty-five years of age, or
over, holding membership in Pastoral Charges
within the bounds of the Lay Electoral Confer-
ence, and having been lay members of the Church
five years next preceding, shall be eligible to elec-
tion to the General Conference. Delegates-elect
who cease to be members of the Church within
the bounds of the Lay Electoral Conference by
which they were elected shall not be entitled to
seats in the General Conference.
Article IV. Credentials.— The Secretaries
The Constitution of 1900. 63
of the several Annual and Lay Electoral Confer-
ences shall furnish certificates of election to the
Delegates severally, and send a certificate of such
election to the Secretary of the preceding Gen-
eral Conference immediately after the adjourn-
ment of said Annual or Lay Electoral Conference.
Article V. Sessions. — § 1. The General General Confer-
Conference shall meet at ten o'clock on the morn- ence session -
ing of the first Wednesday in the month of May,
in every fourth year from the date of the first
Delegated General Conference — namely, the year
of our Lord 1812 — and at such place in the
United States of America as shall have been de-
termined by the preceding General Conference,
or by a Commission to be appointed quadrennially
by the General Conference, and acting under its
authority; which Commission shall have power
also in case of emergency to change the place
for the meeting of the General Conference, a
majority of the General Superintendents concur-
ring in such change.
§ 2. The General Superintendents, or a major- Extra session of
ity of them, by and with the advice of two-thirds same -
of all the Annual Conferences, shall have the
power to call an extra session of the General Con-
ference at any time, constituted in the usual way;
such session to be held at such time and place
64 Methodist Constitution and Charters,
as a majority of the General Superintendents,
and also of the above Commission, shall desig-
nate.
Extra session § 3. In case of a great emergency two-thirds
of Annual f ^e General Superintendents may call special
sessions of the Annual Conferences, at such time
and place as they may think wise, to determine
the question of an extra session of the General
Conference, or to elect Delegates thereto. They
may also, in such cases, call extra sessions of the
Lay Electoral Conferences for the purpose of
electing Lay Delegates to'the General Conference.
Presiding officers. Article VI. Presiding Officers. — § 1. The
General Conference shall elect by ballot from
among the Traveling Elders as many General
Superintendents as it may deem necessary.
President pro § 2- The General Superintendents shall pre-
tempore. s id e j n the General Conference in such order as
they may determine; but if no General Superin-
tendent be present, the General Conference shall
elect one of its members to preside pro tempore.
§ 3. The presiding officer of the General Con-
ference shall decide questions of order, subject
to an appeal to the General Conference; but ques-
tions of law shall be decided by the General Con-
ference.
How organized. Article VII. Organization. — When the
time for opening the General Conference arrives
The Constitution of 1900. 65
the presiding officer shall take the chair, and
direct the Secretary of the preceding General
Conference, or in his absence one of his assist-
ants, to call the roll of the Delegates-elect. Those
who have been duly returned shall be recognized
as members, their certificates of election being Credentials.
prima facie evidence of their right to member-
ship; provided, however, that in case of a chal-
lenge of any person thus enrolled, such challenge
being signed by at. least six Delegates from the
territory of as many different Annual Confer-
ences, three such Delegates being ministers, and
three laymen, the person so challenged shall not
participate in the proceedings of the General Con-
ference, except to speak on his own case, until
the question of his right shall have been decided.
The General Conference shall be the judge of the
election, returns, and qualifications of its own
members.
Article VIII. Quorum. — When the General Quorum.
Conference is in session it shall require the pres-
ence of two-thirds of the whole number of Dele-
gates to constitute a quorum for the transaction
of business; but a less number may take a recess
or adjourn from day to day in order to secure a
quorum, and at the final session may approve the
Journal, order the record of the roll-call, and
adjourn sine die.
66 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Noting. Article IX. Voting.— The Ministerial and
Lay Delegates shall deliberate together as one
body. They shall also vote together as one body
with the following exception: A separate vote
shall be taken on any question when requested
by one-third of either order of Delegates present
and voting. In all eases of separate voting it
shall require the concurrence of the two orders
to adopt the proposed measure; except that for
changes of the Constitution a vote of two -thirds
of the General Conference shall be sufficient, as
provided in Article XL
Powers. Article X. Powers and Eestrictions. — The
General Conference shall have full power to make
rules and regulations for the Church under the
following limitations and restrictions, namely:
Limitations. § 1. The General Conference shall not revoke,
alter, nor change our Articles of Religion, nor
establish any new standards or rules of doctrine
contrary to our present existing and established
standards of doctrine.
§ 2. The General Conference shall not or-
ganize nor authorize the organization of an An-
nual Conference with less than twenty-five mem-
bers.
§ 3. The General Conference shall not change
nor alter any part or rule of our government
so as to do away Episcopacy, nor destroy the
The Constitution of 1900. 67
plan of our itinerant General Superintendeney;
but may elect a Missionary Bishop or Superin-
tendent for any of our foreign missions, limiting .
his Episcopal jurisdiction to the same, respect-
ively.
§ 4. The General Conference shall not revoke
nor change the General Eules of our Church.
§ 5. The General Conference shall not deprive Right to trial,
our ministers of the right of trial by the Annual
Conference, or by a select number thereof, nor
of an appeal; nor shall it deprive our members
of the right of trial by a committee of members
of our Church, nor of an appeal.
§ 6. The General Conference shall not appro- Proceeds of Book
priate the produce of the Book Concern, nor of Concern -
the Chartered Fund, to any purpose other than
for the benefit of the Traveling, Supernumerary,
and Superannuated Preachers, their wives,
widows, and children.
Article XL Amendments. — The concurrent Amendments,
recommendation of two-thirds of all the members
of the several Annual Conferences present and
voting, and of two-thirds of all the members of
the Lay Electoral Conferences present and vot-
ing, shall suffice to authorize the next ensuing
General Conference by a two-thirds vote to alter
or amend any of the provisions of this Constitu-
tion excepting § 1, Article X; and also, when-
68 Methodist Constitution and Charters,
ever such alteration or amendment shall have
been first recommended by the General Confer-
ence by a two-thirds vote, then so soon as two-
thirds of all the members of the several Annual
Conferences present and voting, and two-thirds
of all the members of the Lay Electoral Confer-
ences present and voting, shall have concurred
therein, such alteration or amendment shall take
effect; and the result of the vote shall be an-
nounced by the General Superintendents.
PROCLAMATION OF THE ADOPTION OF THE
NEW CONSTITUTION.
"Whereas, The General Conference of the year
of onr Lord 1888 inaugurated a movement for a more
accurate statement of the organic law of the Church,
and provided for a Commission to prepare paragraphs
to take the place of the paragraphs constituting the
chapter on the General Conference in the Discipline
of 1884, which revised paragraphs should determine
and define the Constitution of the General Confer-
ence, its composition, organization, powers, and the
method of amending said Constitution; and
"Whereas, The General Conferences, respectively,
of 1892 and 1896 provided for like Commissions for
the same general purpose; and
"Whekeas. The twenty-eighth General Confer-
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on the 22d
day of May. A. D. 1900, having considered and
amended the report of the last appointed Commission,
did (by a vote of 542 for to 94 against) on its part
The Constitution of 1900. 69
adopt and recommend to the Annual Conferences a
revised fundamental law or Constitution for said
Church, which new Constitution is duly set forth on
pages 416 to 421 of the Journal of said General Con-
ference, and also on pages 356 to 362 of the Discipline
of said Church of the edition of the year 1900; and
"Whereas, The said General Conference directed
that the said new Constitution be submitted in the
year 1901 to the several Annual Conferences for their
action thereon, and further directed that in case three-
fourths of all the members of said Annual Confer-
ences present and voting should concur with the ac-
tion of the General Conference above recited, the
bishops should thereupon declare the new Constitu-
tion adopted; and
"Whereas, It has been duly certified to the bish-
ops by the secretary of the General Conference of
1900 and by the secretary of the Board of Bishops
that in the Annual Conferences held in the said year
1901, 10,766 members thereof were present and voted
on the question of concurrence or nonconcurrence
with the action of the General Conference of 1900 as
above recited, and that of this total number of voters,
8,241, being more than three-fourths of all, voted to
concur with such action;
'•Now, therefore, the Bishops of the Church, being
assembled in semi-annual session in the city of Chat-
tanooga, Tenn., do, in pursuance of the above author-
ization, on this the 6th day of May, A. D. 1902, de-
clare that the said Constitution has been duly adopted,
and is now the fundamental law of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
"By order and in behalf of the Board of Bishops,
"James N. FitzGerald, Secretary.
"Chattanooga, Tenn.. May 6, 1902."
BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE METH-
ODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
[It is believed the following Act was never before
printed. It is inserted only for its historic interest.
For the existing Charter, see page 72.]
ACT OF INCORPORATION (1864)
Of "The Board of Trustees of the General Conference
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United
States." Revised in 1868.
"I, William L. Harris, Secretary of the General
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church of the
United States of America, duly constituted, which
held its sessions in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsyl-
vania, beginning on the 2d day of May, 18G4, and con-
tinuing from day to day thereafter, until the 27th
day of May, 1864, do hereby certify:
"That at the said sessions, the said General Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to wit.
on the 4th day of May, 1864, the following proceedings
were had: 'Resolved, That a Committee of seven be
appointed to report a plan of trusteeship in behalf
of the General Conference to represent the Methodist
Episcopal Church in the United States of America,
and by virtue of their corporate powers secure and
hold all bequests made to the Church for benevolent
purposes.'
70
Board of Trustees. 71
"On the 7th day of May, 1864, the following Com-
mittee to report a Plan of Trusteeship for the General
Conference was appointed, to wit: William Young,
Elijah H. Pilcher, Albert Church, Williamson Terrill,
James Lawson, John Miley, Kasimir P. Jervis.
"On the 16th day of May, 1S64, the following pro-
ceedings were had: William Young, Chairman of the
Special Committee on a Plan of Trusteeship for the
General Conference, submitted a report on that sub-
ject, and it lies on the table under the rule.
"On the 23d day of May, 1864, the following pro-
ceedings were had: On motion of William Young, the
order of business was suspended to take up the report
of the Committee on a Plan for Trusteeship for the
General Conference, presented and laid on the table
May 16th; and it was taken up and the following
changes of Discipline proposed in the report were
adopted; namely, to insert in the chapter on Temporal
Economy the following question and answers:
"Question 1. What shall be done for the better se-
curity of donations, bequests, grants, etc., made for
benevolent purposes to the Methodist Episcopal
Church in the United States of America?
"Answer 1. The General Conference shall appoint
and perpetuate a Board of Trustees, composed of min-
isters and laymen, consisting of not less than five nor
more than nine, who shall be invested with corporate
powers, and shall be authorized to receive and hold
in trust for the benefit of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, under the direction of the General Confer-
«'ii<«>. any and all donations, bequests, grants, etc.,
made to the Methodist Episcopal Church not specially
<1< situated or directed, but simply made to the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in the United States of
America.
7*2 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
'"2. When any such donation, bequest, grant, etc.,
is made to the Church, it shall be the duty of the
preacher in the bounds of whose charge it occurs, to
give an early notice thereof to the Board, who shall
proceed without delay to take possession of the same
according to the provisions of their charter.
"3. The Board shall make a faithful report of their
doings and of the funds or property on hand at each
quadrennial session of the General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and all donations thus
reported and received shall be disposed of by order
of the General Conference for the benefit of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in the United States of
America.
•'The following resolutions contained in the report
were also adopted:
" 'Resolved, That the foregoing Board shall be
located at Cincinnati, in the State of Ohio.
" 'Resolved, That the following be, and they are
hereby appointed to fill the said Board, to wit: Rev.
Davis W. Clark, Rev. Joseph M. Trimble. Rev. Wil-
liam Nast, Rev. Adam Poe, Rev. William Young, A. X.
Riddle, Esq., M. B. Hagans, Esq., Thomas H. Whet-
stone, Esq., John Fudge, Esq.
" 'Resolved, That the Board so appointed are
hereby instructed early to take steps to secure cor-
porate powers under the laws of the State of Ohio,
under the name and style of the "Board of Trustees
of the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church in the United States." to enable them legally
to execute the prescribed trusts.'
"The report of the Committee was then adopted
as a whole, as follows:
" 'The Committee on the Plan of Trusteeship for
the General Conference would present the following:
Board of Trustees. 73
" 'In the judgment of your Committee there is a
pressing necessity that some measure of this kind
should be inaugurated in the Church. The plan we
propose, we think, will meet this necessity. It can,
at least, do no harm, and may result in much prac-
tical good; it may save to the Church donations, be-
quests, etc., which otherwise would be lost to it. We
therefore recommend that the following question and
answer be inserted in the Discipline in the chapter
on Temporal Economy:
" 'Question 1. What shall be done for the better se-
curity of donations, bequests, grants, etc., made for
benevolent purposes to the Methodist Episcopal
Church in the United States of America?
" 'Answer 1. The General Conference shall appoint
and perpetuate a Board of Trustees, composed of
ministers and laymen, consisting of not less than five
nor more than nine, who shall be invested with cor-
porate powers, and shall be authorized to receive and
hold in trust for the benefit of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, under the direction of the General Con-
ference, any and all donations, bequests, grants, etc.,
made to the Methodist Episcopal Church, not specially
designated or directed, but simply made to the "Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in the United States of
America."
•' "1. When any such donation, bequest, grant, etc.,
is made to the Church, it shall be the duty of the
preacher in the bounds of whose charge it occurs to
give an early notice thereof to the Board, who shall
proceed without delay to take possession of the same
according to the provisions of their charter.
" 'The Board shall make a faithful report of their
doings, and of funds or property on hand, at each
quadrennial session of the General Conference of the
74 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Methodist Episcopal Church, and all donations thus
reported and received shall be disposed of by order
of the General Conference for the benefit of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in the United States.
" 'The Committee would further recommend to the
General Conference the passage of the following reso-
lutions:
" '1. Resolved, That the foregoing Board shall be
located at Cincinnati, in the State of Ohio.
" '2. Resolved, That the following persons be, and
are, hereby appointed to fill the said Board, to wit:
Rev. D. W. Clark, Rev. J. M. Trimble, Rev. W. Nast,
Rev. A. Poe, Rev. W. Young, A. N. Riddle, Esq.,
M. B. Hagans, Esq., T. H. Whetstone, Esq., and John
Fudge, Esq.
" '3. Resolved, That the Board so appointed are
hereby instructed early to take steps to secure cor-
porate powers under the laws of the State of Ohio,
under the name and style of "The Board of Trustees
of the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church in the United States," to enable them legally
to execute the prescribed trusts.
" 'Respectfully submitted.
" 'William Young,
" 'E. H. PlLCHER,
" 'A. Church,
" 'W. Terrell,
" 'James Lawsox,
" 'K. P. Jervis,
" Mxo. Miley.'
"And I do further certify that thereupon Davis
W. Clark, Joseph M. Trimble, William Nast, Adam
Poe, William Young, Adam N. Riddle, Marcellus B.
Hagans, Thomas H. Whetstone, and John Fudge were
duly elected the Board of Trustees of the General
Board of Trustees. 75
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church in the
United States, to hold their offices during the pleasure
of the said General Conference; and that the corpo-
rate name given to the said Trustees by the said Gen-
eral Conference is, 'The Board of Trustees of the Gen-
eral Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church
in the United States.'
"And I do finally certify that the Methodist Epis-
copal Church of the United States of America has a
principal place of business within the State of Ohio,
to wit, in the city of Cincinnati, in the County of
Hamilton; that I was the Secretary of the General
Conference above mentioned, and that the foregoing
is a true record of the proceedings thereof in this
behalf.
"Thus done and certified this seventh day of Feb-
ruary, in the year of our Lord, 1865.
"William L. Haeeis,
"Secretary of the General Conference."
"Ceetificate of Acceptance.
"The undersigned, being a majority of the Board
of Trustees of the General Conference of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in the United States, and hav-
ing been elected as such as appears by the certificate
of William L. Harris, Secretary of the General Con-
ference, above, and being desirous of availing our-
selyes of the provisions of an Act of the Legislature
of Ohio, entitled 'An Act to provide for the creation
and regulation of Incorporated Companies in the
suite of Ohio,' passed May 1, 1852, and the acts sup-
plementary and amendatory thereto, do hereby certify
that we do accept the provisions of the said Act, and
the supplements and amendments thereto, and we do
accepl and undertake the trusts imposed by the reso-
76 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
lutions and proceedings of the said The General Con-
ference as set forth above.
"Thus done and certified at Cincinnati, Ohio, this
twenty-eighth day of February, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and sixty-five.
"D. W. Clark,
"Joseph M. Trimble,
"Adam Poe,
"William Nast,
"A. N. Riddle,
"Marcellus B. Hagans,
"William Young."
We think this document was never before printed.
It is given only for its historic value.
ACT OF INCORPORATION OF THE METH-
ODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
(Copy of Original Document.)
Be it remembered, That the Methodist Episco-
pal Church of the United States of America,
by the General Conference, an organized body,
representing the said The Methodist Episcopal
Church, at a session of the majority of the
members of said Conference, held in the city
of Chicago, in the State of Illinois, commencing
on the first day of May, 1868, had the following
proceedings, with a view of obtaining an Act Action of General
of Incorporation, to be known under the form corporate t he
and style of "Trustees of the Methodist Epis- Church,
copal Church" — having a central or principal
place of business in the city of Cincinnati, in
the State of Ohio — said Act of Incorporation to
be under and by virtue of "An Act to provide
for the creation and regulation of Incoporated
Companies in the State of Ohio," passed May
77
78 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
1, 1852, and the acts amendatory thereof, and
supplementary thereto, namely: —
On the fourth day of May, 1868, F. C. Holli-
day moved the appointment of a committee
of seven persons "On the Trusteeship of the
Methodist Episcopal Church," and the said corn-
Committee, mittee was thereupon appointed, to wit: Daniel
P. Kidder, William L. Harris, Cyrus Brooks, John
L. Smith, Francis A. Blades, Charles A. Holmes,
and John W. Locke.
And on the first day of June the said com-
mittee made the following report, which was
adopted by the General Conference, namely :
Report. Whereas, The General Conference in 1864
provided for the incorporation of a board of
trustees, under and by authority of the laws
Charter ot 1864. of the State of Ohio, to be known under the
form and style of "The Board of Trustees of
the General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in the United States;" and,
Amendment Wheeeas, It is desirable to obtain a new
and amended charter under the general law of
the State of Ohio, entitled "An Act to provide
for the creation and regulation of incorporated
companies in the State of Ohio/' passed May
1st, 1852, and the acts amendatory and supple-
mentary thereto; therefore,
Resolved, That the General Conference of the
Act of Incorporation. 79
Methodist Episcopal Church, now assembled in
Chicago, 111., hereby apply for such charter, Applied for.
wherein the organization of the Board shall be
more clearly defined, and its objects and scope
enlarged. And the General Conference having
elected D. W. Clark, F. C. Holliday, Joseph M. Board of Trustees
Trimble, John Cochnower, Edward Sargent, e ec e '
Amos Shinkle, Luke Hitchcock, W. H. Goode,
William Young, Harvey DeCamp, M. B. Hagans,
and A. X. Riddle, the first Board of Trustees,
hereby adopt the following
Articles of Incorporation.
First. The Board of Trustees hereby ere- Articles adopted,
ated shall consist of six ministers and six lay- Composition,
men in good and regular standing in the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, six of whom shall be
appointed by the General Conference at each How and for how
quadrennial session, and to hold office till their long appointed.
successors have been regularly and duly ap-
pointed; said corporation to be known under
the form and style of "Trustees of the Meth- Corporate name
odist Episcopal Church." And Davis W. Clark, propose '
F. C. Holliday, Joseph M. Trimble, Luke Hitch-
cock, William H. Goode, William Young, min-
isters, and Harvey DeCamp, M. B. Hagans, A.
N. Eiddle, John Cochnower, Edward Sargent,
Amos Shinkle, laymen, — are hereby elected and
80 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
appointed trustees to constitute the board be-
Perpetual fore named, which board shall have perpetual
succession. . l l
succession,
Powers. Second. The said board of trustees, under
their corporate name, shall have power to take
and hold by donation, gift, grant, devise, or
otherwise, any property, real, personal, or mixed
in any State in the United States, in behoof of
and for the benefit of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and the same to manage, grant, convey,
lease, or otherwise dispose of, and to execute
such trust or trusts as may be confided to said
corporation — the whole to be under the super-
vision of, and amenable to, the General Confer-
ence,
Third. The said board shall also be deemed
competent to receive and administer any special
Special trusts, benevolent trust in behalf of the church, not
otherwise provided for in the benevolent so-
cieties now existing under the authority or by
the sanction of the General Conference.
Fourth. The General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in the United
Successors. States shall elect or appoint successors of the
said trustees hereinbefore named, at the quad-
rennial meetings of said Conference, provided,
Vacancies, however, that all vacancies occurring more than
six months before the session of the General
Act of Incorporation. 81
Conference shall be filled by the bishops, the
persons so appointed to hold office only up to the
time of the General Conference, when their places
shall be held as vacant, and shall be filled as
aforesaid.
Fifth. The Board shall have authority to Make By-laws and
enact By-laws, not inconsistent with the design appoint officers -
and provisions of this charter, for the transac-
tion and regulation of its business, and shall
have authority to appoint the necessary officers
for the transaction of all business that pertains
to it or that may come before it.
Sixth. The Board of Trustees herein pro- Amenability,
vided for shall be amenable to the General Con-
ference for the management of the trust reposed
in them, and they shall make quadrennial re-
ports to that body.
Seventh. A failure to elect a Trustee or
Trustees, at any time, shall not work a disso-
lution of this corporation.
All of which is respectfully submitted.
D. P. Kidder, Cyeus Brooks,
W. L. Harris, C. A. Holmes,
Jxo. W. Locke, F. A. Blades,
John L. Smith, Committee.
And the said report was adopted by the f ol- General Confer-
Lowing vote, viz.: — one hundred and eighty-one for, ™" t a op s
and none against.
82 Methodist ( Constitution and Charters.
And this was all the action of the said The
General Conference in this behalf.
Now, therefore, I, William L. Harris, Secre-
tary of the said The General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, duty elected and
acting as such at the session aforesaid, do hereby
Proceedings certify that the foregoing is a true record of
certified. the procee ai n g S f t he said The General Con-
ference in this behalf.
Certificate of And I do further certify, That Davis W.
election. Clar ^ R Q Holliday, Joseph M. Trimble, Luke
Hitchcock, William H. Goode, William Young,
ministers, and Harvey DeCamp, M. B. Hagans,
A. N. Riddle, John Cochnower, Edward Sargent,
Amos Shinkle, laymen were duly elected Trus-
Corporate name tees as aforsaid, and that the name of the cor-
certified. poration adopted by the said The General Con-
ference is, The Trustees of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and that its principal enterprise or busi-
ness is carried on in the County of Hamilton,
in the State of Ohio, and this Certificate is made
for the purpose of becoming incorporated as
aforesaid.
William L. Harris, Secretary.
Chicago, III., June 1st, 1868.
Act of Incorporation. 83
Certificate of Acceptance.
The undersigned, having been elected Trus-
tees of the Methodist Episcopal Church, as ap-
pears by the foregoing certificate of William L.
Harris, Secretary of the General Conference,
above named, and being desirous of availing
ourselves of the provisions of an Act of the
Legislature of the State of Ohio, entitled, "An
Act to provide for the Creation and Eegulation
of Incorporated Companies in the State of Ohio,"
passed May 1, 1852, and the Acts supplementary
and amendatory thereto, do hereby certify that
we do accept the provisions of the said Act, and
the supplements and amendments thereto, and
we do accept and undertake the Trusts imposed by Trust accepted,
the resolutions and proceedings of the said The
General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church of the United States of America, as set
forth above.
This done and certified at Cincinnati, Ohio,
this Twenty-Second day of July, in the Year of
our Lord, one Thousand Eight Hundred and
Sixty-Eight.
Davis W. Clark, William Young,
F. C. Holliday, Harvey DeCamp,
Joseph M. Trimble, M. B. Hagans,
William H. Goode, Edward Sargent,
Adam N. Eiddle, John Cochnower,
Luke Hitchcock, A. Shinkle.
84 Methodist ( Constitution and < %a/rU rs.
Received Noy 12, 1SGS. Recorded in Book
of Church Records No. 2 page 296, Hamilton Co.,
Ohio,, Records.
(Signed) Thos. L. Youxg,
Recorder.
THE PERMANENT FUND.
Permanent Fund. There shall be a Fund known as "The Per-
manent Fund/' to he held by the Trustees of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, the principal of
which shall be intact forever, and which shall be
invested by said Trustees in first-class securities,
and at as favorable rates as can be legally secured.
THE BOOK CONCERN.
[Under this name are included the publishing interests
of the Church, which are quite as old as the Church itself. It
was first used in this sense in the year 1800, as will appear from.
th< j following historical facts taken from the early Disciplines.
Special reference is made to pages 90, 92, 93, 94, where we
have "book concerns," "the concerns of the books," "our
Book Concerns," " the concern," " the book concern," and
finally "the Book concern" used as the name of "the busi-
ness." We may justly claim the name therefore as being an
American institution originated by our fathers and as belong-
ing exclusively to us.]
(Discipline of 1787.)
SECTION XXXI.
On the Printing of Books, and the Application of the y ne printing of
Profits arising therefrom. books in this
"As it has been frequently recommended by the country.
Preachers and People that such Books as are wanted
be printed in this Country, we therefore propose—
"1. That the Advice of the Conference shall be Conference
desired concerning any valuable Impression, and their control.
Consent be obtained before any Steps be taken for
the Printing thereof.
"2. That the Profits of the Books, after all the Profits applied.
necessary Expenses are defrayed, shall be applied,
according to the Discretion of the Conference,
towards the College, the Preachers' Fund, the De-
85
86 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
ficiencies of Preachers' Salaries, the distant Missions,
or the Debts on our Churches."
In Discipline of 1790, the above paragraph (2) was
changed so as to read:
Profits in 1790. "2. That the profits of the Books, after all neces-
sary expenses are defrayed, shall be applied as the
Bishop and Council shall direct."
In 1792 a very much elaborated statement was
made, as follows:
"SECTION II.
"Of the Printing of Books, and the Application of the
Profits arising therefrom.
First Manager. "Quest. 1. Who is employed to manage the Print-
ing-business?
"Answ. John Dickins.
"Quest. 2. What allowances shall be paid him an-
nually for his services?
"Answ. 1. 200 Dollars, for a dwelling-house and
for a book-room.
"2. 80 Dollars for a boy.
"3. 53 Dollars 1-3, for fire wood: and,
"4. 333 Dollars, to clothe and feed himself, his
wife, and his children. In all, 666 dollars 1-3.
His powers. -Quest. 3. What powers shall be granted him?
"Answ. 1. To regulate the publications according
to the state of the finances.
Called "2. To determine, with the approbation of the
"Book Fund." Book-Committee, on the amount of the draughts
which may be drawn from time to time on the book-
fund.
"3. To complain to the District Conferences, if
any Preachers shall neglect to make due payment for
books.
The Book Concern. 87
"4. To publish from time to time such books or
treatises, as he and the other members of the Book-
Committee shall unanimously judge proper.
"Quest. 4. Who shall form the Book-Committee? First Book
"Ansiv. John Dickins, Henry Willis, Thomas Has- Committee,
kins, and the Preacher who is stationed in Philadel-
phia from time to time.
'•Quest. 5. How much shall be annually allowed Book Fund applied
out of the book-fund for Cokesbury College, till the to Cokesbury
next General Conference? Colle 9 e - '
"Answ. Eight hundred dollars, for the ensuing
year: and one thousand fifty-six dollars and two-
thirds, for each of the remaining three years.
"Quest. 6. What directions shall be given, concern- How used,
ing the application of the money allowed as above for
Cokesbury College?
"Answ. The money shall be applied as follows:
"1. For the education and board of the boys that
are now on the charitable part of the foundation.
But no boy shall be again placed on the charity till
the next General Conference.
"2. The surplus of the money, after the charity is Charity first,
supplied, shall be from time to time appropriated to
the payment of the debt of the College, and to the
finishing of the building, under the direction of the Bishop directs
Bishop and the Committee of safety. book fund.
N. B. The present debt of the College is about
eleven hundred dollars. The present expence of the
charity is about nine hundred and sixty-three dollars
annually; but this will probably sink into less than
one half before the next General Conference.
"Quest. 7. What sum of money shall be allowed Book Fund applied
distressed Preachers out of the book-fund, till the to help distressed
next General Conference? preachers.
"Answ. 266 dollars and 1-3 per annum.
88 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
"Quest. 8. How is the money mentioned above, for
the benefit of distressed Preachers, to be drawn out
of the book-fund?
How drawn. "Answ. By the Bishop, according to the united
judgment of himself and the District Conferences.
District schools Quest. 9. What shall be allowed the Bishop out of
helped, the book-fund, for the benefit of district-schools, till
the next General Conference?
"Anew. 04 dollars per annum.
Surplus appro- ''Quest. 10. How shall the surplus of the book-fund
priated to carry be applied till the next General Conference, after the
° n *l , ^. h ** c J? nc J rn »? provisions above mentioned are made?
"Answ. To the forming of a capital stock for the
carrying on of the concerns of the books."
In 1796 this was changed so as to read from Q. 3:
"Quest. 3. What powers shall be granted him?
Powers of Man- "Answ. 1. To regulate the publications according
ager. to the state of the finances.
"2. To complain to the district conferences, if any
preachers shall neglect to make due payment for
books.
"3. To reprint, from time to time, such books or
treatises, as he and the other members of the book-
committee shall unanimously judge proper.
"Quest. 4. Who shall form the book-committee?
Second Book "Answ. John Dickins, Thomas Haskins, and the
Committee, preachers who are stationed in Philadelphia, from
time to time.
"Quest. 5. What sum of money shall be allowed
distressed preachers out of the book-fund, till the next
general conference?
"Answ. 266% dollars per annum.
"Quest. 6. How is the money mentioned above, for
the benefit of distressed preachers, to be drawn out of
the book-fund?
The Book Concern. 89
"Answ. By the bishop, according to the united
judgment of himself and the district conferences.
In 1798 it was again changed so as to read from
Q. 3.:
'•Quest. 3. What powers shall be granted him?
"Answ. 1. To regulate the publications according
to the state of the finances.
"2. To complain to the yearly conference, if any
preachers shall neglect to make due payment for
books.
"Quest. 4. What sum of money shall be allowed
distressed preachers out of the book-fund, till the
next general conference?
"Answ. 2GG dollars and % per annum.
"Quest. 5. How is the money mentioned above,
for the benefit of distressed preachers, to be drawn
out of the book-fund?
"Answ. By the bishop, according to the united
judgment of himself and the yearly conferences.
"Quest. 6. In what manner shall the accounts of Accounts audited,
the general book- steward be examined?
"Answ. The Philadelphia conference shall from
year to year appoint a committee, who shall examine
quarterly his receipts and disbursements and other
accounts.
•'Quest. 7. What mode shall be struck out for the Bad debts,
recovery of bad or suspected book-debts?
"Answ. 1. Let every yearly conference appoint a
committee or committees for the examination of the
accounts of the travelling book-stewards in their re-
spective districts.
''2. Let every presiding elder, and every preacher Collecting the
who has the oversight of a circuit, do every thing in debts due.
their power to recover all the debts in their circuit or
district, and also all books which may remain in the
'.hi Methodist Constitution omd Charters.
hands of persons who shall have resigned, or been
Traveling withdrawn from the office of a travelling book-
Book Stewards, steward.
"Quest. 8. Shall any drafts be made on the book-
innd before all its debts are discharged?
Pay debts first. "Answ. There shall be none, till the debts are dis-
charged, except in the case of distressed travelling
preachers.
"Quest. 9. What directions shall be given concern-
ing the regulation of our press?
General Book "Anew. The general book-steward shall print no
Steward, the books or tracts of any kind, without the consent of a
B ' Sh XilaM Ilia ,,ishop and two-thirds of the Philadelphia conference.
Conference. "Quest. 10. 'Will the conference recommend, and
engage to promote the publication of a Magazine, in-
The Methodist titled The Methodist Magazine, which shall consist of
Magazine, compilations from the British magazines, and of orig-
inal accounts of the experiences of pious persons, and
shall be published in monthly numbers?
"Answ. The conference will recommend such a
magazine, and desire that it may be printed."
In 1800 it was changed as follows:
First mention of "Q. 16. What directions are to be given respecting
4I book concerns." om . book concerns?
"A. The second section of the third chapter in
the Form of Discipline on this subject, shall be left
out, and the following be substituted in its place, viz.
"SECTION II.
"Of the printing and circulating of Books, and of the
Profits arising therefrom.
Superintendent of "!• Ezekiel Cooper is appointed the superintend-
Printiny and Book ent of the printing and book business, who shall have
business, authority to regulate the publications and all other
The Book Concern. 91
concerns of the business, according to the state of the
finances from time to time. It shall be his duty to
inform the annual conferences, if any of the preach-
ers or private members of the society neglect to make
due payment. He may publish any books or tracts
which, at any time, may be approved of or recom-
mended by the majority of an annual conference, pro- Annual Conference
vided such books or tracts be also approved of by the and Book Com-
book-committee, which shall be appointed by the mit 5 ee to . ° r r< i er
„.-.... , „ T-T • \ books printed.
Philadelphia annual conference. He may reprint any
bopk or tract, which has once been approved and
published by us, when in his judgment the same
ought to be reprinted.
"2. It shall be the duty of every presiding elder, Presiding Elders
where no book-steward is appointed, to see that his and the books,
district be fully supplied with books. He is to re-
quest the superintendent to send such books as are
wanted, and to give direction to whose care the same
are to be sent; and he is to take the oversight of all
the books sent into his district, and to account with
the superintendent for the same. He is to have the
books distributed among the several circuits in his
district, in such quantities and in such manner as he
may judge proper. He is to keep an account with
every preacher who receives or sells the books; and is
to receive the money, and to forward it to the super-
intendent. When a presiding elder is removed, he is
to make a full settlement with the superintendent for
all the books sold or remaining in his district; and is
also to make a transfer to his successor of all the
books and accounts left with the preachers in the
district, the amount of which shall go to his credit
and pass to the debit of his successor.
"3. It shall be the duty of every preacher, who circuit Preachers'
has the charge of a circuit, to see that his circuit be relation.
92 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
duly supplied with books, and to take charge of all
the books which are sent to him, from time to time.
or which may be in his circuit; and he is to account
with the presiding elder for the same. When a
preacher leaves his circuit, he must settle with the
presiding elder for all the books he has disposed of:
he is also to make out an inventory of all that are
remaining unsold, which shall be collected at one
place; the amount of which shall go to his credit, and
be transferred to his successor, who is to take charge
of the same. If the preacher who has the charge of
the circuit be negligent in dispersing the books, the
persiding elder shall commit the charge of the books
to another.
Superintendent of "4. The superintendent of the book-business may.
Book business, from time to time, supply the preachers with books
in those circuits which are adjacent to Philadelphia,
and settle with the preachers for the same. In such
cases the regulations respecting the presiding elders
are not to apply.
Prices. "5. In all cases where books are sent to distant
places, the presiding elders or preachers shall be al-
lowed to put a small additional price on such books as
will best bear it, in order to pay the expense of freight
or carriage: but the addition must not be more than
what is necessary to defray such expenses.
Committee on "6. Every annual conference shall appoint a corn-
Accounts, mittee or committees to examine the accounts of the
presiding elders, preachers, and book-stewards in
their respective districts or circuits. Every presiding
elder and every preacher shall do every thing in their
" The concern." power to recover all debts due to the concern, and
also all the books belonging to the concern, which
may remain in the hands of any person within their
districts or circuits. If any preacher be indebted to
The Booh Concern. 93
the book-concern, and refuse to make payment, or to "The book
come to a just settlement, let him be dealt with for a concern."
breach of trust, and such effectual measures be
adopted for the recovery of such debts as shall be
agreeable to the direction of the annual conferences
respectively.
"7. There shall be no drafts made upon the Book- First use of "the
concern till its debts are discharged, and a sufficient Book Concern"
capital provided for carrying on the business: after as * ne name -
which the profits arising from the books shall be reg-
ularly paid to the chartered fund, and be applied with Profits to the
the annual income of the funded stock to the support Chartered Fund
of the distressed travelling preachers and their fam- and Preachers,
ilies the widows and orphans of preachers. &c.
"8. It shall be the duty of the preacher or preach- Agents to settle
ers who travel with any of the bishops, if he or they accounts,
be authorized by the superintendent of the book
concern, to act as an agent in the settlement of ac-
counts, or in transacting any business belonging to
the book concern.
"9. In case of the death, dismission, or resigna- Philadelphia
tion of the superintendent during the recess of the Conference fills
general conference, the Philadelphia conference shall vacancies,
have power to appoint another superintendent, till the
next general conference.
"10. No travelling preacher shall print or circulate Preachers not to
any books or pamphlets, without the consent of the print or circulate
annual conference to which he belongs, except as an outside publica-
agent of the superintendent of the book-concern. lons '
"11. The Form of Discipline shall be printed by Discipline: with
itself, and the Bishops' explanatory Notes by them- or without Bish-
selves; but in such a manner that the Notes may be ops' Notes,
conveniently bound up with the Form of Discipline.
And every presiding elder, preacher or other person
who has the charge of the books, may send to the
94 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
The Book Concern, superintendent of the book-eoncern for as many
copies of the Form as he pleases, with or without the
Notes."
No other important changes were made until 1804,
when Section II was changed to read as follows:
"SECTION VII.
"Of the Printing and Circulating of Books, and of the
Profits arising therefrom.
Book Business "1. The Book business shall be removed to and
in New York, carried on in the City of New York. Ezekiel Cooper
is re-appointed General Book Steward, who shall
have authority to regulate the publications and all
First Book other parts of the business, as the state of the
Steward, fi nances and the demands of the connection shall
from time to time require. It shall be his duty to
inform the annual conferences, if any of the preach-
ers or private members of the society neglect to
make due payment. He shall publish such books
General Confer- and tracts as are recommended by the general con-
encemay ference, and such as may be approved of and rec-
recommend. ommended by an annual conference, and none other.
But he may reprint any book or tract, which has
once been approved of and published by us, when
in his judgment, and the judgment of the book com-
mittee, the same ought to be reprinted. The book
committee, consisting of five, shall be annually ap-
pointed by the New- York conference, who shall, pre-
vious to each annual sitting, examine into the ac-
counts of the general book steward, and report to
the conference the state of the concern.— John Wil-
Assitant Editor son is appointed Assistant Editor and General Book
and Book Steward, steward; and in case of the death or resignation of
The Book Concern. 95
the editor and general book steward, the assistant
shall carry on the concern till the sitting of the next
New-York conference.
"2. It shall be the duty of every presiding elder. Duties of Pre-
where no book steward is appointed, to see that his siding Elders.
district be fully supplied with books. He is to order
such books as are wanted, and to give direction to
whose care the same are to be sent; and he is to take
the oversight of all our books sent into his district,
and account with the general book steward for the
same. He is to have the books distributed among
the several circuits in his district, and is to keep an
account with each preacher who receives or sells the
books; and is to receive the money, and to forward
it to the general book steward. When a presiding
elder is removed, he is to make a full settlement for
all the books sold or remaining in his district and
is also to make a transfer to his successor, of all the
books and accounts left with the preachers in the
district, the amount of which shall go to his credit
and pass to the debit of his successor.
"3. It shall be the duty of every preacher, who Preachers' duties,
has the charge of a circuit, to see that his circuit be
duly supplied with books, and to take charge of all
the books which are sent to him, from time to time,
or which may be in his circuit; and he is to account
with the presiding elder for the same. When a
preacher leaves his circuit, he must settle with the
presiding elder for all the books he has disposed of;
he is also to make out an inventory of all that are re-
maining unsold, which shall be collected at one place;
the amount of which shall go to his credit, and be
transferred to his successor, who is to take charge
of the same. If the preacher who has the charge
of the circuit, be negligent in dispersing the books,
96 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
the presiding elder shall commit the charge of the
books to another.
Book Steward's "4. The general bo'ok steward may, from time to
powers, time, supply the preachers with books, in those cir-
cuits which are adjacent or convenient to New-York,
and settle with them for the same: In such cases the
regulations respecting the presiding elders are not to
apply.
Prices charged. "">. In all cases where books are sent to distant
places, the presiding elders or preachers shall be al-
lowed to put a small additional price on such books
as will best bear it, in order to pay the expense of
freight or carriage: but the addition must not be
more than what is necessary to defray such expenses.
Committee on "6. Every annual conference shall appoint a corn-
Accounts, mittee or committees to examine the accounts of
the presiding elders, preachers, and book stewards
in their respective districts or circuits. Every pre-
siding elder, minister, and preacher shall do every
thing in their power to recover all debts due to the
concern, and also all the books belonging to the con-
cern, which may remain in the hands of any person
within their districts or circuits. If any preacher or
member be indebted to the book concern, and refuse
to make payment, or to come to a just settlement,
let him be dealt with for a breach of trust, and such
effectual measures be adopted for the recovery of
such debts as shall be agreeable to the direction of
the annual conferences respectively.
Profits of "~- The profits arising from the book concern,
business after a sufficient capital to carry on the business is re-
apportioned, tained, shall be regularly applied to the support of
the distressed travelling preachers and their families,
the widows and orphans of preachers, &c. The gen-
oral book steward shall every year send forward to
The Book Concern. 97
each annual conference, an account of the dividend
which the several annual conferences may draw that
year; and each conference may draw for their pro-
portionate part, on any person who has book money
in hand, and the drafts with the receipt of the con-
ference thereon, shall be sent to the general book
steward, and be placed to the credit of the person
who paid the same. But each annual conference is
authorized at all events to draw on the general book
steward for one hundred dollars.
"8. In case of the death, dismission, or resigna- New York
tion of the general book steward, during the recess Conference fills
of the general conference, the New-York conference vacanc i es -
shall have power to appoint another general book
steward, till the next general conference."
In 1808 the following was added to paragraph 7
of Section VII— the action of 1804:
"But no general book steward or editor in the Time limit,
book concern shall serve in that department for more
than eight years successively.
"8. No travelling preacher is permitted to publish Restriction,
any book or pamphlet without the approbation of the
annual conference to which he belongs, or of a com-
mittee chosen by them."
FIRST GENERAL CONFERENCE ACTION LOOK-
ING TO THE INCORPORATION OF
THE BOOK CONCERN.
The first motion relating to the incorporation of
the publishing business was in 1804, as follows:
"Dr. Coke moved that the book committee and
the general book steward take such legal steps for
98 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Security but not security to the general conference of the stock and
incorporation cash in hand, and of what may be in future in pos-
desired. sess ion of the general book steward, as may appear
necessary, to some person or persons well versed in
the law of the land, but without any incorporation
whatsoever; and if no other security but an incorpo-
ration be devised, the matter of security shall lie
over to the next general conference." Carried. (See
General Conference Journal, 1804, page 67.)
In 1820 the following action was taken:
"Resolved, That the superintendents be authorized,
with the assistance of the agents and book commit-
tee, if they shall jointly judge it expedient and neces-
sary, to adopt some measures for the purpose of ob-
Incorporation taining an incorporation or incorporations for the
authorized, better security of the stock of the concern perma-
nently to the General Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in conformity to the rules and
regulations which are now or hereafter may be in our
Discipline on the subject."
Committee on In 1836 "the twenty-third article in the report of
Incorporation, the Committee on Book Concern, relating to and
authorizing and directing our Book Agents to obtain
an Act of Incorporation for our Book Concern, was,
on motion, referred to a Select Committee of three,'
to examine and report thereon."
"The Select Committee to whom was referred
the twenty-third resolution in the report of the Com-
mittee on Book Concern report:
"That they have examined the opinions of three
eminent lawyers, to whom were submitted sundry
questions relating to the manner in which the prop-
erty of the Book Concern is held in the city of New
The Booh Concern. 99
York, and, taking these opinions as a guide, we rec- Incorporation
ommend to the Conference the adoption of the follow- recommended,
ing resolutions:
"Resolved, 1. That the surviving joint tenant, the The plan.
Rev. Beverly Waugh, be and he is hereby requested
to convey, under the advice of able legal counsel, the
real estate which he now holds in trust for the Gen-
eral Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
to the Revs. Thomas Mason and George Lane as joint
tenants, and not tenants in common, in trust for the
sole use and benefit of the General Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
"Resolved, 2. That the said Thomas Mason and | n N evv York.
George Lane be and they are hereby directed to
apply to the next Legislature of the State of New
York for such an Act of Incorporation as shall secure
the real estate in the city of New York belonging to
the Methodist Book Concern to the General Confer-
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, to be used
and applied as the Discipline of said Church shall
from time to time prescribe.
"Resolved, 3. That the Book Agents at Cincinnati | n Cincinnati,
are hereby instructed that whenever it is thought
advisable, in conformity with a resolution passed at
rht' present session of this Conference, to purchase
a lot for the purpose of erecting buildings for the
branch of the Book Concern in Cincinnati, to take
measures for securing the premises legally to the Gen-
eral Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
to be used and applied as the Discipline of said
Church shall from time to time direct.
"(Signed,) N. Bangs, Chairman.
"May 27, 183G."
L.ofC.
100 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
The whole report as amended and adopted, so far
as relates to Resolution 3, is as follows (see General
Conference Journal. 1836, pages 488, 491):
Book Concern "6. There shall be an establishment of the Book
at Cincinnati. Concern at Cincinnati, under the superintendence of
an agent and an assistant, who shall manage the
business in the western country so as to co-operate
with the agents at New York/'
"23. That for the purpose of securing the prop-
erty belonging to the Book Concern more firmly to
the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, the Agents at New York and Cincinnati be
authorized and directed to obtain, if practicable, an
Act of Incorporation, and to take such other steps as
may be deemed advisable for the accomplishment of
this object.."
Under this action of the General Conference of
1836, Acts of Incorporation were obtained, and herein
printed for their historic interest. These being about
to expire by limitation, new Charters were ordered
and obtained as hereinafter appears.
FIRST ACT OF INCORPORATION OF "METH-
ODIST BOOK CONCERN."
Laws 1837, Chapter 232.
An Act Relative to the Methodist Book Concern in
the City of New York, passed April 21, 1837.
The people of the State of New York, represented
in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
First incorpora- § 1. It shall be lawful for Thomas Mason and
tion of the Agents. George Lane, agents for the Methodist Book Concern,
The Book Concern. 101
appointed by the General Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and their successors, as such agents,
to take and hold real estate in trust, for the purposes
of such agency, and to demise and convey the same ;
but the value of such real estate, so taken and held by
them, shall not exceed two hundred thousand dollars.
§ 2. The real estate heretofore conveyed to Thomas
Mason and George Lane, as agents as aforesaid, shall
be considered as part of the real estate to be held by
them, and their successors, as such agents, in trust as
aforesaid.
[Note.— The foregoing is given to show the background of
the present — " The Book Concern " — and. to direct the attention
to other inquiry. It shows the original conception to he that
to a unit publishing business, with accommodative distributing
agencies.]
CHARTER OF METHODIST BOOK CON-
CERN IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK.
An Act to Incorporate the Methodist Book Concern
in the city of New York, passed April 21, 1869.
The People of the State of New York, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as
follows :
The Agents § 1. Thomas Carlton and John Lanahan,
re-incorporated. Agents of the "METHODIST Book CONCERN," and
their successor or successors in office, are hereby
created a body politic and corporate by the name
of the
Corporate name. METHODIST BOOK CONCERN IN THE ClTY OF
New York,
and by that name and style they and their suc-
cessor or successors in office shall have perpetual
succession, and shall be capable in law of hold-
Rights and ing property — real, personal, and mixed — either
pnvieges. ^ p Urc ] iase ^ gjf^ grant, devise, or legacy; subject,
however, to all existing provisions of law relative
to devises and bequest by last will and testament,
102
Cha/rter of the Methodist Book Concern. 103
and to sell and convey the same ; but the value of
the real estate so held, in the State of New York,
shall not exceed fifteen hundred thousand dol-
lars ; provided, that all such property shall be held Held in trust,
in trust, and used only for the purpose or pur-
poses hereinafter designated.
§ 2. The object of the said corporation shall Objects.
be to promote the advantages of education and
the spread of Christianity, by the publication
and sale of books, tracts, newspapers, and period-
icals, and by the dissemination of moral and re-
ligious literature; also by such other business as
is commonly connected with publishing-houses or
with book-making and book-selling.
§ 3. The persons named in the first section Term of office,
of this Act shall hold their offices until the quad-
rennial session of the General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church in May, eighteen
hundred and seventy-two, or until a successor
or successors shall be elected in their places; and
they shall have the management and disposition
of the affairs and property of the said corpora-
tion during their term of service.
§ 4. The General Conference of the Methodist Agents appointed.
Episcopal Church, at its session in eighteen hun-
dred and seventy-two, and at each session there-
after, may appoint the Agent or Agents of the
said corporation, and shall have full power to
104 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
By-laws, make by-laws for their government in the
management and disposition of the property and
business of the Concern; and in case of a
vacancy by death, resignation, or removal from
office for cause, the vacancy or vacancies may be
filled as prescribed in the Book of Discipline of
said Methodist Episcopal Church.
Of profits. § 5. None of the profits, produce, or property
of said Methodist Book Concern - shall be em-
ployed, distributed, or donated in any manner
except as the said General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church shall prescribe and
direct.
Succession to § 6. All the real and personal property now
Church of 1837. ^^ ^y, or j n ^e names f^ ^he present or any
former Agents of the "Methodist Book: Con-
cern in the City of New York," under an Act
passed April twenty-first, eighteen hundred and
thirty-seven, relative to the "Methodist Book
Concern in the City of New York," shall, by
virtue of this Act, become the property of this
corporation.
Powers. § 7. The said corporation shall also possess
the general powers specified in the third title
of chapter eighteen of the first part of the Ke-
vised Statutes of the State of New York.*
§ 8. This Act shall take effect immediately.
*The provisions of this title are given on pages 100 to 105.
Revised Statutes of New York. 105
State of New York, "I
Office of the Secretary of State, J
I have compared the preceding with the orig-
inal law on file in this office, and do hereby cer-
tify that the same is a correct transcript there-
from, and of the whole of said original law.
Given under my hand and seal of office, at
the city of Albany, this twenty-first day of April,
in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty-
nine. D. Willers, Jr.,
Dep. Sec'y of State.
THE REVISED STATUTES OF THE
STATE OF NEW YOEK.
Edition of 1859, Part 1, Chapter XVIII, Title III.
Section 1. Every corporation, as such, has Powers of corpora-
power • tions enumerated -
1. To have succession by its corporate name
for the period limited in its charter, and when
no period is limited, perpetually.
2. To sue and be sued, complain and defend,
in any court of law or equity.
3. To make and use a common seal, and alter
the same at pleasure.
4. To hold, purchase, and convey such real
and personal estate as the purposes of the cor-
106 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
poration shall require, not exceeding the amount
limited in its charter.
5. To appoint such subordinate officers and
agents as the business of the corporation shall
require, and to allow them a suitable compensation.
6. To make by-laws, not inconsistent with any
existing law, for the management of its property,
the regulation of its affairs, and for the transfer
of its stock.
Section 2. The powers enumerated in the pre-
ceding section shall vest in every corporation that
shall hereafter be created, although they may
not be specified in its charter or in the act under
which it shall be incorporated.
Section 3. In addition to the powers enumer-
ated in the first section of this title, and to those
expressly given in its charter or in the act under
which it is or shall be incorporated, no corpora-
tion shall possess or exercise any corporate
powers except such as shall be necessary to the
exercise of the powers so enumerated and given.
Section 4. Xo corporation created or to be
created, and not expressly incorporated for bank-
ing purposes, shall, by any implication or con-
struction, be deemed to possess the power of
discounting bills, notes, or other evidences of
debt, of receiving deposits, of buying gold and
silver bullion or foreign coins, of buying and sell-
Bevis<: ihodxst Constitution and ( 'hark r8.
hereditaments and real estate of the said cor-
poration, and the interest of the money by them
lent, shall not exceed the sum of three thousand
dollars, any law or usage of this Common-
wealth to the contrary notwithstanding.] *
s John Laporte,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
J. K. Burden,
Speaker of the Senate.
Approved the eleventh day of June, Anno
Domini eighteen hundred and thirty-two.
Geo. Wolf, Governor.
[Pamphlet Laws of 1832, p. 604.]
Second Amendment.
An Act further to amend the Charter of "The Char-
tered Fund of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in the United States of America."
Whereas, It has been represented to this
General Assembly, that great loss has been sus-
tained by this corporation, by reason of the
Trustees thereof being restricted by the fifth
article of the original Charter, from selling, con-
veying, and transferring the real or personal
* This last proviso repealed and supplied. See third
amendment, page 14.
Charter of the Chartered Fund. 133
estate of the said corporation, without first
making application to the General Conference
for their concurrence and direction, and the said
General Conference have directed the Trustees of
the said Chartered Fund to make application to
the General Assembly, to have the Charter of the
said corporation so amended as to enable the
said Trustees to sell and convey the real estate,
and sell and transfer the personal estate of the
said corporation, when they shall consider it
expedient, and the said corporation pray that a
law may pass so amending their said Charter,
and the prayer of the petitioners appearing to
this General Assembly to be reasonable; there-
fore —
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and
House of Representatives of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and
it is hereby enacted by the authority of the
same, that the whole of the fifth article in the Article V stricken
original Charter of "The Chartered Fund of the ml
Methodist Episcopal Church in the United
States of America," be stricken from the said
Charter, and that the said fifth article be no
longer a part of the said Charter, and that in fu-
ture the fifth article of the said Charter shall be :
Article 5. That it shall and may be lawful
134 Methodist Constitution and Cha/rters.
for the said Trustees, or a majority of them, at
any time when they shall deem it expedient, to
May sell property, sell and convey any real estate which now is or
hereafter may become vested in the said cor-
poration, and to sell and transfer any personal
estate of which the said corporation is or may
hereafter become possessed, and that they invest
the moneys arising from such sale or sales in
such manner or way as they shall consider most
beneficial for the said corporation.
Lewis Dewart,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
J. E. Burdex,
Speaker of the Senate.
Approved the third day of April, Anno
Domini, one thousand eight hundred and thirty-
seven. Jos. Eitxer, Governor.
[Pamphlet Laws of 1837, p. 168.]
Third Amendment.
An Act further to amend the Charter of "The Char-
tered Fund of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in the United States of America."
Section 1. Be it enacted by the Senate and
House of representatives of the Common-
wealth of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly
met, and it is hereby enacted by the authority
Charter of the Chartered Fund. 135
of the same, that the proviso attached to the
second section of the Act, entitled, "An Act to
Amend the Charter of the Trustees of the Fund
for the Relief and Support of the Itinerant, and
Superannuated, and Worn-out Ministers and
Preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
in the United States of America, their Wives
and Children, Widows and Orphans," approved
June eleventh, one thousand eight hundred and
thirty-two, be, and the same is hereby, repealed;
and that hereafter the clear yearly value or in-
come of the messuages, houses, lands and tene- May hold fo-
ments, rents, annuities, or other hereditaments, creased va,ues -
and real estate of the said corporation (which
said corporation is now entitled "The Chartered
Fund of the Methodist Episcopal Church in
the United States of America"), and the inter-
est of the money by them lent, shall not exceed
the sum of ten thousand dollars.
Section 2. That the Board of Trustees shall Fill vacancies,
have the power of filling any vacancy or vacan-
cies that may occur in their body, by death,
resignation, or otherwise; subject, however, to
the approval of the first General Conference that
may be held after such vacancy or vacancies
shall have occurred; and that so much of the
provisions of the original Charter, and the sev-
1 86 Methodist ( Constitution and ( %a tiers.
eral supplements thereto, as is hereby altered,
be and the same is hereby repealed.
William F. Packer,
Speaker of the House of Representatives.
George Darsie,
Speaker of the Senate.
Approved the nineteenth day of February,
one thousand eight hundred and forty-nine.
Wm. F. Johnston, Governor.
[Pamphlet Laws of 1849, p. 70.]
EARLY CHARTERS
OF THE
MISSIONARY SOCIETY
OF TriE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
" An act to incorporate the Missionary Society of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. Passed April 9, 1839.
"The People of the State of New York, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
"§ 1. Robert R. Roberts, Joshua Soule, Elijah
Hedding, James O. Andrew, Beverly Waugh, Thomas
A. Morris, Daniel Ostrander, Nathan Bangs, Thomas
Mason, George Lane, Francis Hall, Joseph Smith,
Peter Badeau, D. M. Reese, M. D., George Innes,
M. Ilouseworth, Philip Romaine, L. S. Burling, J. P.
Aimes, John Valentine, William Gale, Abraham
Stagg, Erastus Hyde, Henry Moore, James Harper,
Thomas Brown, Peter Macnamara, William B. Skid-
more, Stephen Dando, J. B. Oakley, Henry Worrall,
George Suckley, T. Barrett, M. D., G. Coutant, J. L.
Phelps, M. D., B. F. Howe, Israel D. Disosway,
<:. I'. Disosway. Benjamin Disbrow, Ralph Mead,
Jotham S. Fountain, Samuel Martin; and all persons
who now arc or hereafter may become, associated
with them, are hereby constituted a body corporate,
io 137
1 38 Mi tJwdist ( Constitution and ( f harter8.
bj the oame of 'The Missionary Society of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church,' and by thai name and style
be capable of purchasing, holding, and conveying
such real estate as the purposes of the corporation
shall require; but the annual income of the real
• slate to be held by them shall not exceed the sum
of live thousand dollars.
"§ 2. The object of the said corporation is to dif-
fuse more generally the blessings of education, civil-
ization, and Christianity Throughout the United States
and elsewhere.
"§ 3. The management and disposition of the af-
fairs and property of the said corporation shall be
vested in a Board of Managers, to be elected annually
on the third Monday in April in the city of New York.
"§ 4. The persons named in the first section of
this Act shall be the first Board of Managers of such
corporation, and shall hold their offices until the next
annual election, or until others shall be elected in
their places.
"§ 5. The said corporation shall possess the gen-
eral powers, and be subject to the liabilities imposed
in and by the third title of the eighteenth chapter of
the first part of the Revised Statutes.
"§ G. The Legislature may at any time alter or
repeal this Act.
"§ 7. This Act shall take effect immediately.
"An act for the relief of the Missionary Society of the
Methodist Episcopal Church. Passed April 6, 1850.
"The People of the State of New York, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
"§1. The Missionary Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, incorporated on the 9th April,
Early Charters. 139
1839, shall be capable of taking, holding, or receiving
any real estate, by virtue of any devise container!
in" any last will and testament of any person what-
soever, the clear annual income of which devise shall
not exceed the sum of ten thousand dollars: Pro-
vided, no person leaving a wife, or child, or parent,
shall devise to such corporation more than one-fourth
of his or her estate, after the payment of his or her
debts; and such devise shall be valid to the extent of
such one-fourth; and no such devise shall be valid
in any will which shall not have been made and exe-
cuted at least two months before the death of the
testator.
"§ 2. This Act shall take effect immediately.
"An act to amend 'An act to incorporate the Missionary
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.'' Passed
June 30, 1853.
"The People of the State of New York, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
"§ 1. The third section of 'An Act to incorporate
the Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church,' passed April 9, 1839, is hereby amended so
as to read as follows:
"§ 3. The management and disposition of the af-
fairs and property of the said corporation shall be
vested in a Board of Managers, to be annually elected
at a meeting of the Society to be called for that pur-
pose, and held in the city of New York, at such time
and on such notice as the Board of Managers for the
time being shall previously prescribe: such Board
shall consist of not less than thirty-two lay members,
and of so many clerical members, not exceeding that
number, as shall be determined upon at such annual
140 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
meeting, and each of whom shall be a minister In
good and regular standing in the Methodist Episcopal
Church. The Hoard of Managers shall have power
to till any vacancy that may happen, until the ensu-
ing annual election. Thfrteen members of the Board
at any meeting thereof shall be a sufficient number
for the transaction of business; and at any meeting
of the Society twenty-five members of the Society
shall be a sufficient quorum.
"in act to consolidate the several acts relating to the Mis-
sionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church
into one act, and to amend the same. Passed April
11, 1859.
"The People of the State of New York, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
"§ 1. The Act entitled 'An Act to incorporate the
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church,' passed April ninth, eighteen hundred and
thirty-nine, and the several Acts amendatory thereof,
and relating to the said Society, are respectively
hereby amended and consolidated into one Act; and
the several provisions thereof as thus amended and
consolidated are comprised in the following sections:
"§ 2. All persons associated or who may become
associated together in the Society above named, are
constituted a body corporate, by the name and style
of 'The Missionary Society of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church,' and are hereby declared to have been
such body corporate since the passage of said Act
of April ninth, eighteen hundred and thirty-nine; and
such corporation are and shall be capable of pur-
chasing, holding, and conveying such real estate as
the purposes of the said corporation shall require;
but the annual income of the real estate held by them
Early Charters. 141
at any one time, within the State of New York, shall
not exceed the sum of thirty thousand dollars.
"§ v 3. The objects of the said corporation are char-
itable and religious; designed to diffuse miore gener-
ally the blessings of education and Christianity, and
to promote and support missionary schools and Chris-
tian missions throughout the United States and the
continent of America, and also in foreign countries.
"§ 4. The management and disposition of the af-
fairs and property of the said corporation shall be
vested in a Board of Managers, to be annually elected
at a meeting of the Society to be called for that pur-
pose, and held in the city of New York, at such time
and on such notice as the Board of Managers, for the
time being, shall previously prescribe. Such board
shall consist of not less than thirty-two lay members,
belonging to the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of
so many clerical members, not exceeding that num-
ber, as shall be determined upon at such annual meet-
ing, and each of whom shall be a minister in good
regular standing in the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Such Board of Managers may fill any vacancy hap-
pening therein, until the term shall commence of the
Managers elected at such annual meeting; shall have
power to direct by what officer the conveyance of
real estate by said corporation shall be executed; and
shall have such other power as may be necessary
for the management and disposition of the affairs
and property of the said corporation.
"§ 5. Thirteen members of the said Board of Man-
agers, at any meeting thereof, shall be sufficient num-
ber for the transaction of business; and at any meet-
ing of the Society twenty-five members shall be a
sufficient quorum. The managers elected at each
annual meeting of the Society shall be the managers
\4'2 J/< thodist ( institution and ( 'harters.
of such corporation for one year from the first day
of January following, and until others, elected in
their places, shall be competent to assume their
duties.
"§ 6. The said corporation shall be capable of
taking, receiving, or holding any real estate, by virtue
of any devise contained in any last will and testa-
ment of any person whomsoever; subject, however,
to the limitation expressed in the second section of
this Act. as to the aggregate amount of such real
estate; and the said corporation shall be also compe-
tent to act as a trustee in respect to any devise or
bequest pertaining to the objects of said corporation;
and devises and bequests of real or personal property
ruay be made directly to said corporation, or in trust,
for any of the purposes comprehended in the general
objects of said Society; and such trusts may continue
for such time as may be necessary to accomplish the
purposes for which they may be created.
"§ 7. The said corporation shall also possess the
general powers specified in and by the third title of
the third article of chapter eighteen of the first part
of the Revised Statutes of the State of New York.
"§ 8. The Legislature may at any time alter or
repeal this Act.
"§ 9. This Act shall take effect immediately.
"An act to amend the Charter of the Missionary Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Passed April 14,
1869.
"The People of the State of New York, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
"§ 1. The Act entitled 'An Act to consolidate the
several Acts relating to the Missionary Society of the
Methodist Episcopal Church into one Act, and to
Early Charters. 143
amend the same, passed April 11, 1859;' and the Act
entitled 'An Act to incorporate the Missionary Society
of the Methodist Episcopal Church,' passed April
ninth, eighteen hundred and thirty-nine, and the sev-
eral Acts amendatory thereof, and relating to the said
Society, are respectively hereby amended and con-
solidated into one Act; and the several provisions
thereof as thus amended and consolidated are com-
prised in the following sections.
''§ 2. All persons associated or who may become
associated together in the Society above named are
constituted a body corporate, by the name and style
of 'The Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church,' and are hereby declared to have been such
body corporate since the passage of said Act of April
ninth, eighteen hundred and thirty-nine; and such
corporation are and shall be capable of purchasing,
holding, and conveying such real estate as the pur-
poses of the said corporation shall require; but the
annual income of the real estate held by them at any
one time, within the State of New York, shall not
exceed the sum of thirty thousand dollars.
"§ 3. The objects of the said corporation are char-
itable and religious; designed to diffuse more gener-
ally the blessings of education and Christianity, and
to promote and support missionary schools and Chris-
tian missions throughout the United States and Terri-
tories, and also in foreign countries.
"§ 4. The management and disposition of the af-
fairs and property of the said corporation shall be
vested in a Board of Managers, to be annually elected
at a meeting of the Society to be called for that pur-
pose, and held in the city of New York, at such time
and on such notice as the Board of Managers, for the
time being, shall previously lnvscribe. Such Board
1-i-i Methodist Constitution and Charters.
shall consist of thirty-two laymen of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and thirty-two traveling ministers
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Such Board of
Managers may fill any vacancy happening therein,
until the term shall commence of the managers
elected at such annual meeting; shall have power to
direct by what officer the conveyance of real estate
by said corporation shall be executed: aud shall have
such other power as may be necessary for the man-
agement and disposition of the affairs and property
of the said corporation, in conformity with the Con-
stitution of said Society, as it now exists, or as it
may, in the manner therein provided, be from time to
time amended.
"§ 5. Thirteen members of the said Board of Man-
agers, at any meeting thereof, shall be a sufficient
number for the transaction of business; and at any
meeting of the Society twenty-five members shall be
a quorum. The managers elected at each annual
meeting of the Society shall be the managers of such
corporation for one year from the first day of Janu-
ary following, and until others, elected in their places,
shall be competent to assume their duties. The Cor-
responding Secretaries of said Society shall be elected
by the General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and shall hold their office for four years, and
until their successors are elected; and in case of a
vacancy by resignation, death, or otherwise, the
bishops of the said Methodist Episcopal Church shall
elect their successors, to hold their office till the ensu-
ing General Conference.
"§ 6. The said corporation shall be capable of tak-
ing, receiving, or holding any real estate, by virtue
of any devise contained in any last will and testa-
ment of any person whomsoever; subject, however,
Early Charters. 145
to the limitation expressed in the second section of
this Act, as to the aggregate amount of such real
estate; and also to all provisions of law now existing
in relation to devises and bequests; and the said cor-
poration shall be also competent to act as a trustee
in respect to any devise or bequest pertaining to the
objects of said corporation; and devises and bequests
of real or personal property may be made directly to
said corporation, or in trust, for any of the purposes
comprehended in the general objects of said Society;
and such trusts may continue for such time as may
be necessary to accomplish the purposes for which
they may be created.
"§ 7. The said corporation shall also possess the
general powers specified in and by the Third Title
of Chapter Eighteen of the First Part of the Revised
Statutes of the State of New York.
"§ 8. This Act shall take effect immediately.
"REVISED STATUTES OF THE STATE OF NEW
YORK.
"Part I, Chapter XVIII, Third Title of Art. 3,
op the General Powers, Privileges, and Liabil-
ities of Corporations.
"Section 1. Every corporation, as such, has power:
"1. To have succession, by its corporate name,
for the period limited in its charter; and when no
period is limited, perpetually.
"2. To sue and be sued, complain and defend, in
any court of law or equity.
"3. To make and use a common seal, and alter
the same at pleasure.
"4. To hold, purchase, and convey such real and
14lj Methodist Constitution and Charters.
personal estate as the purposes of the corporation
shall require, not exceeding the amount limited in
the charter.
"5. To appoint such subordinate officers and
agents as the business of the corporation shall re-
quire, and to allow them a suitable compensation.
"(I. To make by-laws, not inconsistent with any
existing law, for the management of its property, the
regulation of its affairs, and for the transfer of its
stock.
"Sec. 2. The powers enumerated in the preceding
section shall vest in every corporation that shall here-
after be created, although they may not be specified
in its charter or in the Act under which it shall be
incorporated.
"Sec. 3. In addition to the powers enumerated in
the first section of this title, and to those expressly
given in its charter or in the Act under which it is
or shall be incorporated, no corporation shall possess
or exercise any corporate powers, except such as shall
be necessary to the exercise of the powers so enum-
erated and given.
"AN ACT
" To amend Chapter One Hundred and Ninety-One
of the Laws of Eighteen Hundred and Eighty-
Nine, entitled 'An Act to Limit the Amount of
Property to be held by Corporations Organized
for Other than Business Purposes,' and Relat-
ing to such Corporations.
"Approved by the Governor, June ?', 1890. Passed, three-
fifths being present.
"The People of the State of New York, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
"Section 1. Chapter one hundred and ninety-one
Early Charters. 147
of the laws of eighteen hundred and eighty-nine, en-
titled 'An Act to limit the amount of property to be
held by corporations organized for other than busi-
ness purposes,' is hereby amended so as to read as
follows:
"Section 1. Any religious, educational, Bible, mis-
sionary, tract, literary, scientific, benevolent, or char-
itable corporation, or corporation organized for the
enforcement of laws relating to children or animals,
or for hospital, infirmary, or other than business pur-
poses, may take and hold, in its own right or in trust,
for any purpose comprised in the objects of its incor-
poration, property not exceeding in value three mil-
lion dollars, or the yearly income derived from which
shall not exceed two hundred and fifty thousand dol-
lars, notwithstanding the provisions of any special or
general Act heretofore passed, or certificate of incor-
poration affecting such corporations. In computing
the value of such property no increase in value aris-
ing otherwise than from improvements made thereon
shall be taken into account. The personal estate of
such corporations shall be exempt from taxation, and
the provisions of chapter four hundred and eighty-
three of the laws of eighteen hundred and eighty-five,
entitled 'An Act to tax gifts, legacies, and collateral
inheritances in certain cases,' and the Acts amend-
atory thereof, shall not apply thereto nor to any gifts
to any such corporation by grant, bequest, or other-
wise; provided, however, that this provision shall not
apply to any moneyed or stock corporation deriving
an income or profit from the capital, or otherwise,
or to any corporation which has the right to make
dividends or to distribute profits or assets among its
members.
"Sec. 2. This Ad shall not affect the right of any
14:8 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
such corporation to take and hold property exceeding
in value the amount specified in section one of this
Act, provided such right is conferred upon such cor-
poration by special statute; nor affect any statute by
which its real estate is exempt from taxation.
"Sec. 3. This Act shall take effect immediately.
"VOL. II, LAWS OF 1892.
"The General Corporation Law provides as fol-
lows:
"Section 11. Grant of General Powers.— Every
corporation as such has power, though not specified
in the law under which it is incorporated:
"1. To have succession for the period specified
in its certificate of incorporation or by law, and per-
petually when no period is specified.
"2. To have a common seal, and alter the same
at pleasure.
"3. To acquire by grant, gift, purchase, devise, or
bequest, to hold and to dispose of such property as
the purposes of the corporation shall require, subject
to such limitations as may be prescribed by law.
"4. To appoint such officers and agents as its busi-
ness shall require, and to fix their compensation; and
"5. To make by-laws not inconsistent with any
existing law, for the management of its property, the
regulation of its affairs, and the transfer of its stock,
if it has any. . . .
"Sec. 12. Limitations of Amount of Property of a
Non-stock Corporation.— A corporation not having
capital stock may take and hold property not exceed-
ing in value three million dollars, or the yearly in-
come derived from which shall not exceed five hun-
dred thousand dollars, notwithstanding the provisions
Early Charters. 1^9
of any general or special Act heretofore passed or
certificate of incorporation affecting such corporation.
In computing the value of such property no in-
crease in value arising otherwise than from improve-
ments made thereon shall be taken into account. . . .
"Sec. 14. Acquisition of Property in other States.—
Any domestic corporation transacting business in
other States or foreign countries may acquire and
dispose of such property as shall be requisite for such
corporation in the convenient transaction of its busi-
ness.
"AN ACT
"In Relation to the Exemption of the Real Peop-
ekty of Religious, Chaeitable, and Educa-
tional Coepoeations and Associations feom
Taxation.
"Approved by the Governor, April 29, 1893. Passed, three-
fifths being present.
"The People of the State of New York, repre-
sented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
"Section 1. The real property of a corporation or
association organized exclusively for the moral and
mental improvement of men and women, or for re-
ligious, charitable, missionary, hospital, educational,
patriotic, historical, or cemetery purposes, or for two
or more of such purposes, and used exclusively for
carrying out thereupon one or more of such purposes,
shall be exempt from taxation. But no such corpo
ration or association shall be entitled to any such
exemption if any officer, member, or employee thereof
shall receive or may be lawfully entitled to receive
any pecuniary profit from the operations thereof, ex-
cept reasonable compensation for services in effecting
1 r>( i Methodist ( Constitution and ( 'hark rs.
one or more of such purposes, or as proper benefi-
ciaries of its strictly charitable purposes; or if the
organization thereof, for any of such avowed pur-
poses, be a guise or pretense for directly or indirectly
making any other pecuniary profit for such corpora-
tion or association, or for any of its members or em-
ployees, or if it be not in good faith organized and
conducted exclusively for one or more of such pur-
poses. The real property of any such corporation or
association entitled to such exemption held by it ex-
clusively for one or more of such purposes, and from
which no rents, profits, or income are derived, shall
be so exempt, though not in actual use therefor, by
reason of the absence of suitable buildings or im-
provements thereon, if the construction of such build-
ings or improvements is in progress, or is in good
faith contemplated by such corporation or associ-
ation. The real property of any such corporation not
so used exclusively for carrying out thereupon one or
more of such purposes, but leased or otherwise used
for other purposes, shall not be so exempt; but if a
portion only of any lot or building of any such corpo-
ration or association is used exclusively for carrying
out thereupon one or more of such purposes of any
such corporation or association, then such lot or build-
ing shall be so exempt only to the extent of the value
of the portion so used, and the remaining portion of
such lot or building to the extent of the value of
such remaining portion shall be subject to taxation.
Property held by an officer of a religious denomina-
tion shall be entitled to the same exemptions, subject
to the same conditions and exceptions as property
held by a religious corporation.
"Sec. 2. This Act shall take effect immediately."
Charter of 1873. 151
CHARTER OF 1873.
consolidated.
An Act to Amend the Charter of the Missionary So-
ciety of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Passed
April 4, 1873.
The People of the State of New York, represented
in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The Act entitled "An Act to
Amend the Charter of the Missionary Society
of the Methodist Episcopal Church/' passed April
fourteenth, eighteen hundred and sixty-nine ; also
the Act entitled "An Act to Consolidate the Sev- Former charters
eral Acts Relating to the Missionary Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church into one Act,
and to amend the same/' passed April eleventh,
eighteen hundred and fifty-nine; and the Act en-
titled "An Act to Incorporate the Missionary
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church/'
passed April ninth, eighteen hundred and thirty-
nine, and the several Acts amendatory thereof,
and relating to the said Society, are respectively
hereby amended and consolidated into one Act;
and the several provisions thereof, as thus
amended and consolidated, are comprised in the
following sections :
Section 2. All persons associated, or who may
become associated, together in the Society above
1 52 Methodist ( Constitution and t %a/rti rs.
named are constituted a body corporate, by the
Corporate name, name and style of "The Missionary Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church," and are hereby
declared to have been such body corporate since
the passage of said Act of April ninth, eighteen
hundred and thirty-nine; and such corporation
May buy and is and shall be capable of purchasing, holding,
sell property. an( j CO nveying 8UC h rea i estate as the purposes
of the said corporation shall require; but the
annual income of the estate held by it at any
one time, within the State of New York, shall
not exceed the sum of seventy-five thousand dol-
lars.
Objects. Section 3. The objects of the said corporation
are charitable and religious; designed to diffuse
more generally the blessings of education and
Christianity, and to promote and support mission-
ary schools and Christian missions throughout
the United States and Territories, and also in for-
eign countries.
Section A. The management and disposition
of the affairs and property of the said corpora-
Board of tion shall be vested in a Board of Managers, corn-
Managers. p 0se( i of thirty-two laymen of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and thirty-two traveling min-
isters of the Methodist Episcopal Church ap-
pointed by the General Conference of said
Church at its quadrennial sessions, and of the
Charter of 1873. 153
bishops of said. Church, who shall be ex officio
members of said Board. Such Managers as were
appointed by said General Conference at its last
session shall be entitled to act as such from and
after the passage of this Act, until they or others
appointed by the ensuing General Conference
shall assume their duties. Any such Board of
Managers may fill any vacancy happening therein Fill vacancies.
until the term shall commence of the Managers
appointed by an ensuing General Conference;
said Board of Managers shall have such power
as may be necessary for the management and
disposition of the affairs and property of said
corporation, in conformity with the Constitution
of said Society as it now exists, or as it may be
' from time to time amended by the General Con-
ference, and to elect the officers of the Society,
except as herein otherwise provided; and such
Board of Managers shall be subordinate to any
directions or regulations made, or to be made,
by said General Conference.
Section 5. Thirteen members of the said Quorum.
Board of Managers, at any meeting thereof, shall
be a sufficient number for the transaction of
business. The Corresponding Secretaries, the Election of
Treasurer, and the Assistant Treasurer of said officers -
Society shall be elected by the General Confer-
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
n
154 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Term, shall hold their office for four years, and until
their successors are elected; and in case of a
vacancy by resignation, death, or otherwise, the
bishops of the said Methodist Episcopal Church
shall fill any vacancy in the office till the en-
suing General Conference. And until the next
Board may re- session of the General Conference said Board of
move officers. Managers may appoint and remove at pleasure
the Treasurer and the Assistant Treasurer of
said corporation; and the latter officer may exer-
cise his duties, as the Board may direct, in any
State.
Rights, powers, Section 6. The said corporation shall be ca-
and privileges. p a ]->i e f taking, receiving, or holding any real
estate, by virtue of any devise contained in any
last will and testament of any person whomso-
ever; subject, however, to the limitation expressed
in the second section of this Act as to the aggre-
gate amount of such real estate, and also to the
provisions of an Act entitled "An Act Eelating
to Wills/' passed April thirteenth, eighteen hun-
dred and sixty; and the said corporation shall
be also competent to act as a Trustee in respect
to any devise or bequest pertaining to the ob-
jects of said corporation, and devises and be-
quests of real or personal property may be made
directly to said corporation, or in trust, for any
of the purposes comprehended in the general ob-
Charter of 1873. 155
jects of said Society; and such trusts may con-
tinue for such time as may be necessary to ac-
complish the purposes for which they may be
created.
Section 7. The said corporation shall also pos- General powers.
sess the general powers specified in and by the
Third Title of Chapter Eighteen of the First
Part of the Eevised Statutes of the State of
New York.
Section 8. This Act shall take effect imme-
diately.
EARLY CONSTITUTIONS
OF THE
MISSIONARY SOCIETY.
(Notes by Bishop Walden.)
The Missionary Society having been incorporated
in 1839, the Constitution as revised by the General
Conference of 1840, being in an authoritative sense
the first Constitution of the Society, is published in
full that it may be readily compared with the present
Constitution as revised by the General Conference of
1900 (see pages 000-000). The changes made in the
instrument itself and in the methods of administra-
tion during these sixty years are marked, interesting,
and instructive.
The chief changes were made in 1844, 1860, 1868,
and 1872, and mainly affected the articles relating to
the Corresponding Secretariat, the Board of Man-
agers, and the General Missionary Committee. These
changes mark the transition from a local Society to a
thoroughly Connectional Institution. By giving a
summary of some of the articles referred to, and pub-
lishing others as they existed at different dates, the
evolution of the more essential parts of the Constitu-
tion is here indicated.
156
Early Constitutions. 157
The Secretariat.— At first the only unqualified au-
thority accorded the General Conference was the ap-
pointment of the corresponding secretaries. The
changes made in the article relate to their number
and rank. In 1840 the number was not specified, and
three were elected. In 1844 the number was limited
to one. In 1860 provision was made for one assistant
corresponding secretary; in 1864 for two such assist-
ants. In 1872 provision was made for three corre-
sponding secretaries; in 1884 this number was re-
duced two, and so remained until 1900.
Board of Managers.— Articles 3, 5, and 6 of the
first Constitution remained in force until the amend-
ment to the charter enacted June 30, 1853, went into
effect. After this date the provision of the Constitu-
tion as to the composition of the Board of Managers
was determined by the charter. This was amended
June 11, 1859, April 14, 1869, and April 4, 1873 (see
Section 4 in each enactment herewith published).
General Missionary Committee.— This Committee
was created in pursuance with Article 16 of the first
Constitution, and became operative in 1844. Its rela-
tion and functions are so important, and the changes
in the Constitution affecting it illustrate so clearly
the evolution of the Society, that the provision as
made in 1844 and as revised in 1852, 1864, and 1S6S
are published here.
The most radical and important changes were
made in 1872, but the article adopted then is the same
as that in the present Constitution, except the in-
158 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
crease in the Contingent Fund and the last proviso
limiting the amount of the appropriation.
The Contingent Fund was made $10,000 in 1860.
While minor changes were made at other dates,
what is published will show the steps by which has
been created one of the most potential and effective
agencies in the entire economy of Methodism.
"THE CONSTITUTION AS ADOPTED BY THE
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1836.
"The Constitution as amended by this Conference,
on the recommendation of the Board of Managers, is
as follows, viz.:
"Article I. This association, denominated The
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, is established for the express purpose of
enabling the several Annual Conferences more effect-
ually to extend their missionary labors throughout the
United States and elsewhere; and also to assist in
the support and promotion of missionary schools and
missions in our own and in foreign countries.
"Article II. The payment of two dollars annually
shall constitute a member; the payment of twenty
dollars at one time a member for life.
"Aeticle III. The officers of this society shall
consist of a president, vice-president, recording secre-
tary, treasurer, and assistant treasurer, who, together
with thirty-two managers, shall form a Board for the
transaction of business. They shall all be members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and be annually
elected by the society. Each Annual Conference shall
have also the privilege of appointing one vice-presi-
dent from its own body.
Early Constitutions. 159
"Article IV. There shall also be a resident corre-
sponding secretary appointed by the General Confer-
ence, whose salary shall be fixed and paid by the
Board of Managers, who shall be exclusively em-
ployed in conducting the correspondence of the soci-
ety, and, under the direction of the Board, in promot-
ing its general interests by traveling or otherwise.
With the approbation of the managers, he may em-
ploy such assistance from time to time as may be
judged necessary for the interests of the cause, the
compensation for which shall be fixed by the Board.
He shall be ex-officio a member of the Board of Man-
agers. Should his office become vacant by death,
resignation, or otherwise, the Board shall have power
to provide for the duties of the office until the next
session of the New York Conference, which, with the
concurrence of the presiding bishop, shall fill the
vacancy until the ensuing General Conference.
"Article V. The Board shall have authority to
make by-laws for regulating its own proceedings, to
appropriate money to defray incidental expenses, and
to print books at our own press for the benefit of the
Indian and other foreign missions, fill vacancies that
may occur during the year, and shall present a state-
ment of its transactions and funds to the society at
its annual meeting; and also shall lay before the Gen-
eral Conference a report of its transactions for the
four preceding years, and the state of its funds.
"Article VI. Ordained ministers of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, whether traveling or local, being
members of this society, shall be ex-officio members
of the Board of Managers.
"Article VII. The annual meeting for the elec-
tion of officers and managers shall be held on the
third Monday in April, in the city of New York.
160 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
"Article VIII. At all meetings of the society and
of the Board, the president, or in his absence the
vice-president first on the list then present, and in
the absence of all the vice-presidents a member ap-
pointed by the meeting for that purpose shall pre-
side.
"Article IX. Twenty-five members at all meet-
ings of the society, and thirteen at all meetings of the
Board of Managers, shall be a quorum.
"Article X. The minutes of each meeting shall
be signed by the chairman.
"Article XI. Same as in former Constitution,
with the exception of the following words, inserted
in the second sentence between the words "Confer-
ence" and "society," viz., "or other Auxiliary," so as
to read, "Each Conference or other Auxiliary soci-
ety," etc.
"Article XII. Any Auxiliary or branch society
may appropriate any part or the whole of its funds
to any one individual mission or more under the care
of this society, which special appropriation shall be
publicly acknowledged by the Board; but in the event
that more funds be raised for any individual mission
than is necessary for its support, the surplus shall
go into the general treasury of the parent society, to
be appropriated as the Constitution directs.
"Article XIII. As in the former Constitution.
"Article XIV. As in the former Constitution.
"Article XV. As in the former Constitution.
"Article XVI. As in the former Constitution."
"CONSTITUTION, AS REVISED BY THE GEN-
ERAL CONFERENCE OF 1840.
"Art. 1. This association, denominated 'The Mis-
sionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church,'
Early Constitutions. 161
is established for the express purpose of enabling the
several Annual Conferences more effectually to ex-
tend their missionary labors throughout the United
States and elsewhere; and also to assist in the sup-
port and promotion of missionary schools and mis-
sions in our own and in foreign countries.
"Art. 2. The payment of two dollars annually
shall constitute a member; the payment of twenty
dollars at one time a member for life. Any person
paying one hundred and fifty dollars at one time into
the treasury shall be a manager for life, and the con-
tribution of five hundred dollars shall constitute the
donor a patron for Ufe.
"Art. 3. The officers of this Society shall consist
of a president, vice-presidents, corresponding secre-
taries, recording secretary, treasurer, and assistant
treasurer, who, together with thirty-two managers,
shall form a Board for the transaction of business.
They shall all be members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and be annually elected by the Society, ex-
cept the corresponding secretaries. Each Annual
Conference shall have the privilege of appointing one
vice-president from its own body.
"Art. 4. The corresponding secretaries shall be
appointed by the General Conference, one of whom
shall reside in New York, and shall conduct the cor-
respondence of the Society, under the direction of the
Board. They shall be subject to the direction and
control of the Board of Managers, by whom their
salaries are to be fixed and paid. They shall be ex-
clusively employed in conducting the correspondence
of the Society, and, under the direction of the Board,
in promoting its general interests, by traveling or
otherwise. With the approbation of the managers,
they may employ such assistance, from time to time,
16*2 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
as may be judged necessary for the interests of the
cause; the compensation for which shall be fixed by
the Board. Should the office of the one in New York
become vacant by death, resignation, or otherwise,
the Board shall have power to provide for the duties
of the office until the next session of the New York
Conference, which, with the concurrence of the pre-
siding bishop, shall fill the vacancy until the ensuing
General Conference.
"Art 5. The Board shall have authority to make
by-laws for regulating its own proceedings, to appro-
priate money to defray incidental expenses, to pro-
vide for the support of superannuated missionaries,
widows, and orphans of missionaries who may not
be provided for by the Annual Conferences; and to
print books at our own press, for the benefit of Indian
and other foreign missions, fill up vacancies that may
occur during the year, and shall present a statement
of its transactions and funds to the Society at its an-
nual meeting, and also shall lay before the General
Conference a report of its transactions for the four
preceding years, and the state of its funds.
"Art. 6. Ordained ministers of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, whether traveling or local, being mem-
bers of this Society, shall be ex-offlcio members of the
Board of Managers.
"Art. 7. The annual meeting, for the election of
officers and managers, shall be held on the third Mon-
day in April, in the city of New York.
"Art. 8. At all meetings of the Society and of the
Board the president, or in his absence the vice-presi-
dent first on the list then present, and in the absence
of all the vice-presidents a member appointed by the
meeting for that purpose, shall preside.
*For filling the vacancies of the other secretaries, see
Discipline, part ii, section vi, paragraphs 8 and 9.
Early Constitutions. 163
"Art. 9. Twenty-five members at all meetings of
the Society, and thirteen at all meetings of the Board
of Managers, shall be a quorum.
"Art. 10. The minutes of each meeting shall be
signed by the chairman.
"Art. 11. It is recommended that within the
bounds of each Annual Conference there be estab-
lished a Conference Missionary Society, auxiliary to
this institution, with branches, under such regula-
tions as the Conferences shall respectively prescribe.
Each Conference, or other Auxiliary Society, shall
annually transmit to the corresponding secretary of
this Society a copy of its annual report, embracing
the operations of its branches, and shall also notify
the treasurer of the amount collected in aid of the
missionary cause; which amount shall be subject to
the order of the treasurer of the Parent Society, as
provided for in the thirteenth article.
"Art. 12. Any Auxiliary or Branch Society may
appropriate any part or the whole of its funds to any
individual mission, or more, under the care of this
Society, which special appropriation shall be publicly
acknowledged by the Board; but in the event that
more funds be raised for any individual mission than
necessary for its support, the surplus shall go into the
general treasury of the Parent Society, to be appro-
priated as the Constitution directs.
"Art. 13. The treasurer of this Society, under the
direction of the Board of Managers, shall give infor-
mal ion to the bishops annually, or oftener, if the
Board judge it expedient, of the state of the funds,
and the sums which may be drawn by them for the
missionary purposes contemplated by this Constitu-
tion; agreeably to which information the bishops
shall have authority to draw upon the treasurer for
164 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
any sum within the amount designated, which the
Missionary Committee of the Annual Conferences re-
spectively shall judge necessary for the support of
the missions and of the mission schools under their
care; provided always that the sums so allowed for
the support of a missionary shall not exceed the usual
allowance of other itinerant preachers. The bishops
shall always promptly notify the treasurer of all
drafts made by them, and shall require regular quar-
terly communications to be made by each of the mis-
sionaries to the corresponding secretary of the Soci-
ety, giving information of the state and prospects
of the several missions in which they are employed.
No one shall be acknowledged a missionary, or re-
ceive support out of the funds of this Society, who
has not some definite field assigned to him, or who
could not be an effective laborer on a circuit, except
as provided for in Article 5. The assistant treasurer
shall be subject to the direction of the treasurer, and
of the Board of Managers.
"Art. 14. Whenever a foreign mission, or one not
provided for by an Annual Conference, is to be estab-
lished, or is already established, either among the
aborigines of our country, or elsewhere, it shall be
the duty of the bishops making such appointment im-
mediately to notify the treasurer of the Missionary
Society of the place, the number of missionaries to
be employed, together with the probable amount nec-
essary for the support of any such mission; which
information shall be laid before the managers of the
Society; and they shall make an appropriation ac-
cording to their judgment, from year to year, of the
amount called for to sustain and prosecute the mis-
sion or missions designated; for which amount the
missionary, or the superintendent of the mission or
Early Constitutions. 165
missions, shall hare authority to draw on the treas-
urer of the Society in quarterly or half-yearly install-
ments.
"Art. 15. In all other cases of the appointment of
a missionary, the name of such missionary, and the
district in which he is to labor, together with the
probable expenses of the mission, shall be communi-
cated by the bishop, or the Mission Committee of each
Annual Conference, to the treasurer of this Society,
that a proper record of the same may be preserved.
"Art. 16. This Constitution shall not be altered
but by the General Conference, upon the recommen-
dation of the Board of Managers, or by the Society,
at an annual meeting, on the recommendation of the
General Conference.
"ARTICLE XIII, CONSTITUTION OF 1844.
"The annual conferences shall be divided into as
many mission districts as there are effective super-
intendents, and there shall be a committee, consisting
of one from each mission district, to be appointed by
the bishops, and to be called the General Missionary
Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee
to meet annually in the city of New York, at the time
of the holding of the anniversary of the missionary
society, to act jointly with the board of managers,
the corresponding secretary, and the treasurer, in
fixing the amount which may be drawn for during
the ensuing year, and the division of said amount be-
tween foreign and domestic missions. Said commit-
tee shall, in conjunction with the board of managers
and bishop who shall preside in the New York Con-
ference, determine what fields shall be occupied or
continued as foreign missions, and the number of per-
166 Methodist Constitution and Charter*.
sons to be employed on said missions, and shall, in
conjunction with the board, estimate the sums neces-
sary for the support of each mission, subject to the
approval of the presiding bishop. Said committee
shall determine the amount for which each bishop
shall draw for the domestic missions of those confer-
ences over which he shall preside, and he shall not
draw on the treasurer for more than said amount.
"Provided nevertheless, that in the intervals be-
tween the meetings of the General Missionary Com-
mittees, the Board of Managers, with the concurrence
of a majority of the bishops, may, if they shall deem
it important, adopt a new missionary field, and also
provide for any unforeseen emergency that may arise;
and to meet such demands, may expend any addi-
tional sum not exceeding five thousand dollars.
"Should any of the members of said committee in
the interval of the General Conference go out of office
by death, resignation, or otherwise, the bishop pre-
siding in the conferences where the vacancy shall
occur shall appoint another to fill his place.
"Said committee to be amenable to the General
Conference, to which it shall make full reports of its
doings.
"Any expense incurred in the discharge of its
duties shall be met by the treasurer of the society.
"ARTICLE XIII, CONSTITUTION OF 1852.
"The annual conferences shall be divided into as
many mission districts as there are effective superin-
tendents, and there shall be a committee, consisting
of one from each mission district, to be appointed by
the bishops, and to be called the General Missionary
Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee to
Early Constitutions. 167
meet annually in the city of New York, between the
1st and 15th of November, as shall be determined by
the corresponding secretary and treasurer, to act
jointly with the board of managers, the correspond-
ing secretary, and the treasurer, in fixing the amount
which may be drawn for during the ensuing year, and
the division of said amount between foreign and do-
mestic missions. Said committee shall, with the con-
currence of the board of managers, and with the con-
currence of at least two of the bishops, determine
what fields shall be occupied or continued as foreign
missions, and the number of persons to be employed
on said missions, and shall, in conjunction with the
board, estimate the sums necessary for the support
of each mission, subject to the approval of two or
more of the bishops. Said committee shall determine
the amount for which each bishop may draw for the
domestic missions of those conferences over which he
shall preside, and he shall not draw on the treasurer
for more than said amount.
"Provided nevertheless, that in the intervals be-
tween the meetings of the General Missionary Com-
mittee, the Board of Managers, with the concurrence
of the bishop who has charge or is to have charge of
the work proposed, may, if they shall deem it im-
portant, adopt a new missionary field, and also pro-
vide for any unforeseen emergency that may arise;
and to meet such demands may expend any additional
sum not exceeding five thousand dollars.
"Should any of the members of said committee
in the interval of the General Conference go out of
office by death, resignation, or otherwise, the bishop
presiding in the conferences where the vacancy shall
occur, shall appoint another to fill his place.
"Said committee to be amenable to the General
1 68 Methodist Constitution and Chart* re.
Conference, to which it shall make full reports of its
doings.
"Any expense incurred in the discharge of its
duties shall be met by the treasurer of the society.
"ARTICLE XII, CONSTITUTION OF 1SG4.
"The Annual Conferences shall be divided into as
many mission districts as there are effective super-
intendents; and there shall be a committee consisting
of one from each mission district, to be appointed by
the bishops, and to be called the General Missionary
Committee. It shall be the duty of this committee—
"First. To meet annually in the city of New York
between the 1st and loth of November, as shall be
determined by the corresponding secretary, the assist-
ant corresponding secretary, and the treasurer.
"Secondly. To act jointly with the Board of Man-
agers, the corresponding secretary, assistant corre-
sponding secretary, second assistant corresponding
secretary, and treasurer, in fixing the amount which
may be drawn for during the ensuing year.
"Thirdly. To divide said amount between,
"1. Foreign missions;
"2. Domestic missions;
"3. Missions in the United States and Territories
not included in the bounds of any of the Annual Con-
ferences.
"4. Other missions not under our immediate care.
"Fourthly. Said committee shall, with the concur-
rence of the Board of Managers, and with the concur-
rence of at least two of the bishops, determine what
fields shall be occupied or continued as foreign mis-
sions, and the number of persons to be employed on
said missions, and shall, in conjunction with the
Early Constitutions. 169
Board, estimate the suras necessary for the support
of each mission, subject to the approval of two or
more of the bishops. Said committee, with the con-
currence of the Board and bishops as aforesaid, shall
determine the amount for which each bishop may
draw for the domestic missions of those conferences
over which he shall preside, and shall divide the
amount appropriated to the missions in the United
States and Territories not included in the Annual
Conferences to such sections of the country as in their
judgment the interests of the work require; and the
bishop shall not draw on the treasurer for more than
said amount.
"In the intervals of the annual meetings of the
committee the bishops shall have full power to ad-
minister these missions.
"The Board shall appoint a committee, who, with
the bishop making the appointment, shall fix the
amount for the support of each missionary in this
third class of missions.
"Fifthly. Said committee, by and with the concur-
rence of the Board and bishops, as aforesaid, shall
also determine the amount to be appropriated for the
support of missions not under our immediate care,
and the mode of disbursement thereof.
"Provided nevertheless, that in the intervals be-
tween the meetings of the General Missionary Com-
mittee, the Board of Managers, with the concurrence
of the bishop who has charge, or is to have charge
of the work proposed, may, if they shall deem it im-
portant, adopt a new missionary field, and also pro-
vide for any unforeseen emergency that may arise,
and to meet such demands may expend any additional
sum not exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars.
"Should any of the members of said committee
1 7" Methodist Constitution and Charters.
in the interval of the General Conference go out of
office by death, resignation, or otherwise, the bishop
presiding in the conferences where the vacancy shall
occur shall appoinl another to iill his place.
"Said committee to be amenable to the General
Conference, to which it shall make full reports of its
doings.
"Any expense incurred in the discharge of its
duties shall be met by the treasurer of the society.
"ARTICLE XI, CONSTITUTION OF 18G8.
"General Missionary Committee.
"The Annual Conferences shall be divided into as
many mission districts as there are effective super-
intendents, and there shall be one member from each
mission district to be appointed by the bishops, and
a like number of members to be appointed annually
by the Board of Managers, who, with the correspond-
ing secretaries and treasurer of the Society, shall con-
stitute a committee, to be called the General Mission-
ary Committee.
"The General Missionary Committee shall meet
annually in the city of New York, at such time, in the
month of November, as shall be determined by the
corresponding secretaries and treasurer.
"The bishops shall also be duly notified to attend
the meetings of the General Missionary Committee,
to preside over its deliberations, and to give their ad-
vice in respect to any matters before the Committee.
"Said General Missionary Committee, with the
concurrence of the Board of Managers, and with the
concurrence of a majority of the bishops present,
shall determine what fields shall be occupied as for-
eign missions, the number of persons to be employed
Early Constitutions. 171
on said missions, and the amount necessary for the
support of each mission. Said General Missionary
Committee, with the concurrence of the Board and
bishops, as aforesaid, shall also determine the amount
for which each bishop may draw for the domestic
missions of the conferences over which he shall pre-
side, and the bishop shall not draw on the treasurer
for more than said amount. Nevertheless, in the inter-
vals between the meetings of the General Missionary
Committee, the Board of Managers, with the concur-
rence of the bishop who has charge, or is to have
charge of the work proposed, may, if they shall deem
it important, adopt a new foreign mission field; the
Board may also provide for any unforeseen emer-
gency that may arise in any of our missions. To
meet such demands, the Board may expend any ad-
ditional amount not exceeding, twenty-five thousand
dollars.
"Should any member of the General Missionary
Committee appointed by the bishops go out of office
by death, resignation, or otherwise, the bishops shall
appoint another to fill the vacancy.
"The General Missionary Committee shall be
amenable to the General Conference, to which it shall
make full report of its doings.
"Any expenses incurred in the discharge of its
duties shall be met by the treasurer of the Society."
CONSTITUTION OF THE MISSIONARY SO-
CIETY OF THE METHODIST EPIS-
COPAL CHURCH.— 1900.
As Revised by the General Conference of 1900.
Article I.
NAME AND OBJECTS OF THE SOCIETY.
The name of this association shall be "The
Missionary Society^ of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church." Its objects are charitable and
religious; designed to diffuse more generally the
blessings of education and Christianity, and to
promote and support missionary schools and
Christian missions throughout the United States
and Territories, and also in foreign countries,
under such rules and regulations as the General
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church
may from time to time prescribe.
Article II.
members, honorary managers, and patrons.
The payment of twenty dollars at one time
shall constitute a member for life. Any person
172
Constitution of 1900. 173
paying one hundred and fifty dollars at one time
into the treasur}- shall be an honorary manager
for life; and the contribution of five hundred
dollars shall constitute the donor an honorary
patron for life; any such honorary manager or
patron shall be entitled to a seat, and the right
of speaking, but not of voting, in the Board of
Managers.
Article III.
BOARD OF MANAGERS.
The management and disposition of the affairs
and property of the said corporation shall be
vested in a Board of Managers, consisting of the
bishops of said Church, who shall be ex officio
members of said Board, and thirty-two laymen,
and thirty-two traveling ministers of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church, elected by the General
Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
according to the requirements of the existing
Charter of the Society; vacancies in the Board
shall be filled as the Charter provides; and the
absence without excuse of any Manager from six
consecutive meetings of the Board shall be
equivalent to a resignation. The Board shall
also have authority to make by-laws not incon-
sistent with this Constitution or the Charter; to
print books for Indian and foreign missions, and
174 Methodist Constitution and Charters,
missions in which a foreign language is used;
to elect a President, Vice-Presidents, and a Ee-
cording Secretary; to fill vacancies that may oc-
cur among the officers elective by its own body;
and shall present a statement of its transactions
and funds to the Church in its Annual Report,
and also shall lay before the General Conference
a report of its transactions for the four preced-
ing years, and the state of its funds.
Article IV.
CORRESPONDING SECRETARIES.
There shall be one Corresponding Secretary,
who shall be executive officer of the Society,
and a First Assistant Corresponding Secretary,
both of whom shall be elected by the General
Conference. The Board of Managers shall have
authority to elect such additional Secretaries as
may be necessary.
They shall be subject to the direction and
control of the Board of Managers, by whom their
salaries shall be fixed, and their salaries shall be
paid out of the treasury. They shall be ex-
clusively employed in conducting the correspond-
ence of the Society, in furnishing the Church
with missionary intelligence, and, under the di-
rection of the Board, in supervising the mission-
Constitution of 1900. 175
ary work of the Church, and by correspondence,
traveling, and otherwise, in promoting the gen-
eral interests of the Society.
Should the office of either of the Secretaries
become vacant by death, resignation, or other-
wise, the Board shall have power to provide for
the duties of the office until the bishops, or a
majority of them, shall fill the vacancy.
Article V.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
At the regular meeting of the Board next
succeeding the final adjournment of the G-eneral
Conference, the officers to be elected by the
Board shall be chosen and hold their office for
the term of one year, or until their successors
shall be elected; or, if a vacancy occur during the
year by death, resignation, or otherwise, it may
be filled at any regular meeting of the Board.
Article VI.
PRESIDING OFFICER.
At all meetings of the Board, the President,
or, in his absence, one of the Vice-Presidents,
and in the absence of the President and of all
the Vice-Presidents, a member appointed by the
meeting for that purpose, shall preside.
1 70 JI< thodist ( 'onstitution and < 'harters.
Article VII.
QUORUM.
Thirteen Managers at any meeting cf the
Board shall be a quorum.
Article VIII.
MINUTES.
The minutes of each meeting shall be signed
by the Chairman of the meeting at which the
same are read and approved.
Article IX.
auxiliary societies.
It is recommended that within the bounds
of each Annual Conference there be established
a Conference Missionary Society, auxiliary to this
institution, under such regulations as the Con-
ferences shall respectively prescribe.
Article X.
special donations.
Whenever any charge, including the Sunday-
school, shall raise its full apportionment for Mis-
sions, then any attendant of said charge shall
have the privilege of making special donations
Constitution of 1900. Ill
to any mission or work in such mission under the
supervision of the Missionary Society of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and such special do-
nations shall be received by the Missionary So-
ciety for the specified purpose, and be credited
to said charge.
Article XI.
GENERAL MISSIONARY COMMITTEE.
The General Conference shall divide the An-
nual Conferences into fourteen Mission Districts,
from each of which there shall be one repre-
sentative, to be appointed for the term of four
years by the General Conference at each of its
sessions, on the nomination of the delegates of
the Annual Conferences within the Mission Dis-
tricts respectively, and fourteen representatives,
to be appointed annually by the Board of Man-
agers from its own members, who, with the Cor-
responding and Eecording Secretaries and the
Treasurers of the Society and the Board of
Bishops, shall constitute a committee, to be called
the General Missionary Committee; 'provided that
the bishops shall fill any vacancy that may occur
among the members appointed by the General
Conference, so that each Mission District may
be fully represented at each annual meeting.
The General Missionary Committee shall meet
178 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
annually at such place in the United States as
the Committee may, from year to year, deter-
mine, and at such time in the month of November
as shall be determined by the Secretaries and
Treasurers, of which due notice shall be given
to each member; and the bishops shall preside
over the deliberations of the Committee; but the
annual meeting of said Committee, which for the
year 1888 shall be held in the city of New York,
shall not be held in the same city more frequently
than once in four years.
Said General Missionary Committee shall de-
termine what fields shall be occupied as foreign
missions, the number of persons to be employed
on said missions, and the amount necessary for
the support of each mission; and it shall also de-
termine the amount for which each bishop may
draw for the domestic missions of the Confer-
ences over which he shall preside, and the bishop
shall not draw on the Treasurers for more than
said amount. Nevertheless, in the intervals be-
tween the meetings of the General Missionary
Committee, the Board of Managers may provide
for any unforeseen emergency that may arise in
any of our missions, and, to meet such demands,
may spend any additional amount not exceeding
fifty thousand dollars; provided, the General Com-
mittee shall not appropriate more for a given
Constitution of 1900. 179
year than the total income of the Society for
the year immediately preceding.
The General Missionary Committee shall be
amenable to the General Conference, to which it
shall make a full report of its doings.
Any expenses incurred in the discharge of its
duties shall be paid from the treasury of the
Society.
Article XII.
SUPPORT OF SUPERANNUATED AND OTHER MIS-
SIONARIES.
The Board may provide for the support of
superannuated missionaries, widows and orphans
of missionaries, who may not be provided for by
their Annual Conferences respectively, it being
understood that they shall not receive more than
is usually allowed to other superannuated min-
isters, their widows, and orphans.
The amount allowed for the support of a mis-
sionary shall not exceed the usual allowance of
other itinerant preachers ; and in the case of
domestic missions the bishop or President of the
Conference shall draw for the same in quarterly
installments, and shall always promptly notify
the Treasurer of all drafts made by him. The
administration of appropriations to foreign mis-
sions shall be under the direction of the Board
of Managers.
180 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
No one shall be acknowledged as a mission-
ary, or receive support as such from the funds
of the Society, who has not some definite field
assigned to him in the service of the Society,
or who could not be an effective laborer on a
circuit, except as above provided.
Article XIII.
AMENDMENTS.
This Constitution shall be subject to altera-
tion or amendment only by the General Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
CHARTER
OF THE
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society
OF THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
ACT OF INCORPORATION.
State of New York, )
City and County of New York, )
We, the undersigned, Caroline R. Wright,
Anna A. Harris, Sarah K. Cornell, and Harriet B.
Skidmore, of the City of New York, and Susan A.
Sayre, of the City of Brooklyn, being all citi-
zens of the United States of America, and citizens
of the State of New York, do hereby, pursuant
to, and in conformity with the Act of the Legis-
lature of the State of New York passed on April
12, 1848, entitled, "An Act for the Incorporation
of Benevolent, Charitable, and Missionary So-
cieties," and the several Acts of the said Legisla-
181
182 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
hire amendatory thereof, associate ourselves to-
gether and form a body politic and corporate,
under the name and title of "The Woman's For-
eign Missionary Society of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church/' which we certify is the name or
title by which said Society shall be known in law.
And we do hereby further certify that the par-
ticular business and object of said Society is to
engage and unite the efforts of Christian women
in sending female missionaries to women in for-
eign mission fields of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and in supporting them and native Chris-
tian teachers and Bible-readers in those fields.
That the number of managers to manage the
business and affairs of said Society shall be seven-
teen, and that the names of such managers of
said Society, for the first year of its existence,
are: Lucy A. Alderman, Sarah L. Keen, Ellen T.
Cowen, Hannah M. W. Hill, Mary C. Nind, Eliza-
beth K. Stanley, Harriet M. Shattuck, Isabel
Hart, Caroline E. Wright, Harriet B. Skidmore,
Rachel L. Goodier, Annie R. Gracey, Harriet D.
Fisher, Sarah K. Cornell, Anna A. Harris, Or-
delia M. Hillman, and Susan A. Sayre.
That the place of business or principal office
of said Society shall be in the City and County of
New York, in the State of New York.
Act of Incorporation. 183
Witness our hand and seal this 20th day of
December, A. D. 1884.
Caroline E. Weight, [Seal]
Anna A. Harris, "
Harriet B. Skidmore, "
Susan A. Sayre, "
Sarah K. Cornell, "
State of New York, |
City and County of New York, j
On the 20th day of December, 1884, before
me personally came and appeared Caroline E.
Wright, Anna A. Harris, Harriet B. Skidmore,
and Sarah K. Cornell, to me known, and to me
personally known to be the individuals described
in and who executed the foregoing certificate,
and they severally duly acknowledged to me that
they executed the same.
[Xotary's Seal.]
Axdrew Lemon,
Notary Public (58) New York County.
State of New York, County of Kings, 1
City of Brooklyn, j
On the 22d of December, A. D. 1881 before
me came Susan A. Sayre, to me known, and known
to me to be one of the individuals described in
184 Methodist ConsUimUon and Charters.
and who executed the foregoing certificate, and
duly acknowledged to me that she executed the
same.
[Notary's Seal.]
F. G. Mintram,
Notary Public for King's County.
State of New York. j
County of Kings, j ss '
I, Eodney Thursby, Clerk of the County of
Kings and Clerk of the Supreme Court of the
State of New York, in and for said county (said
court being a Court of Records) Do Hereby
Certify, that F. G-. Mintram, whose name is sub-
scribed to the Certificate of Proof, or acknowl-
edgment of the annexed instrument and thereon
written, was at the time of taking such proof or
acknowledgment, a Notary Public of the State
of New York, in and for said County of Kings,
dwelling in said County, commissioned and sworn,
and duly authorized to take the same. And,
further, that I am well acquainted with the hand-
writing of such Notary, and verily believe the
signature to the said Certificate is genuine, and
that said instrument is executed and acknowl-
edged according to the laws of the State of New
York.
A ct of Incorpora tion . 185
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand and affixed the seal of the said County
and Court, this 24th of December, 1884.
[Seal] Rodney Thursby, Clerk.
[Endorsed.]
THE WOMAN'S FOREIGN MISSIONARY SOCIETY OP
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION, DECEMBER
27, 1884.
I, the undersigned, one of the Justices of the
Supreme Court of the State of New York, for
the First Judicial District, do hereby approve
the within certificate, and do consent that the
same be filed pursuant to the provisions of an
Act of the Legislature of the State of New York,
entitled, "An Act for the Incorporation of Be-
nevolent, Charitable, Scientific, and Missionary
Societies," passed April 12, 1848, and the sev-
eral Acts extending and amending said Act.
Dated New York, December 26, 1884.
Abm. E. Lawrence, J. 8. C.
State of New York, j
City and County of New York, J
I, James A. Flack, Clerk of the said City and
County, and Clerk of the Supreme Court of said
State for said County, do certify that I have
186 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
compared the preceding with the original Cer-
tificate of Incorporation of the Woman's Foreign
Missionary Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, on file in my office, and that the same
is a correct transcript therefrom, and of the whole
of such original. Endorsed, filed, and recorded,
December 27, 1884, 1 hour, 25 minutes.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto sub-
scribed my name, and affixed my official seal, this
12th day of November, 1888.
[Seal] James A. Flack, Clerk.
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society
OF THE
3IETH0DIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
Article I.
NAME.
This organization shall be called "The
Woman's Foreign Missionary Society oe the
Methodist Episcopal Church/'
Article II.
purpose.
The purpose of this Society is to engage and
unite the efforts of Christian women in sending
missionaries to the women in foreign mission
fields of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
in supporting them and native Christian teach-
ers and Bible-readers in those fields and all forms
of work carried on by the Society.
187
188 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Article III.
MEMBERSHIP.
The payment of one dollar annually shall
constitute membership, and twenty dollars life-
membership. Any person paying one hundred
dollars shall become a Manager for life, and the
contribution of three hundred dollars shall con-
stitute the donor a Patron for life.
Article IV.
. ORGANIZATION.
The organization of this Society shall con-
sist of a General Executive Committee, Co-ordi-
nate Branches, District Associations, Auxiliary
Societies, to be constituted and limited as laid
down in subsequent articles.
Article V.
GENERAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Section 1. "The management and general ad-
ministration of the affairs of the Society shall
be vested in a General Executive Committee con-
sisting of a President, Recording Secretary, Gen-
eral Treasurer, the Corresponding Secretary, and
two delegates from each Branch, the Literature
Committee, and the Superintendent of German
Constitution. 189
Work. The President, Eeeording Secretary, Gen-
Treasurer, and Superintendent of German Work
shall be elected annually by the General Execu-
tive Committee. The two delegates and reserves
shall be elected at the Branch Annual Meetings."
Said Committee shall meet in Boston, the third
Wednesday in April, 1870, and annually, or
oftener, thereafter, at such time and place as
the General Executive Committee shall annually
determine.
Section 2. The duties of the General Execu-
tive Committee shall be:
First. To take into consideration the inter-
ests and demands of the entire work of the So-
ciety as presented in the report of the Branch
Corresponding Secretaries, and in the estimates
of the needs of mission fields; to ascertain the
financial condition of the Society; to appropriate
its money in accordance with the purposes and
method therein indicated; to devise means for
carrying forward the work of the Society; fix-
ing the amounts to be raised; employing new
missionaries, designating their field of labor, ex-
amining the reports of those already employed,
and arranging with the several Branches the work
to be undertaken by each.
Second. To transact any other business that
the interests of the Society may demand, pro-
190 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
rided all the plans and directions of the Com-
mittee shall be in harmony with the provisions
of the Constitution.
Article VI.
PERMANENT COMMITTEES OF WOMAN'S FOREIGN
MISSIONARY SOCIETY
REFERENCE COMMITTEE.
1. The Committee of Reference shall be com-
posed of the Branch Corresponding Secretaries.
2. It shall meet immediately after the ad-
journment of the General Executive Committee,
and organze by the election of a Chairman and
Secretary.
3. All cases of emergency that would come
before the General Executive Committee, arising
in the interim of its sessions, shall be submitted
to this Committee, and decided by a majority
vote.
4. The Chairman shall send each resolution
that is submitted to the Committee to each mem-
ber, and when all have returned their votes, the
Recording Secretary shall declare the result, and
record both resolutions and votes.
5. The Committee shall present a full report
of its action during the year to the General Ex-
ecutive Committee for approval and permanent
record.
Const it ution. 191
CONSTITUTIONAL PUBLICATION COMMITTEE.
1. This Committee shall be composed of the
Branch Corresponding Secretaries.
2. It shall meet and organize immediately
after the adjournment of the General Executive
Committee, by the election of a Chairman and
Secretary.
3. This Committee shall take charge of the
missionary periodicals of the Society and arrange
for the publication of an Annual Report of the
work of the Society. This Committee shall re-
port annually to the General Executive Com-
mittee.
4. The publisher shall give the Chairman an
itemized report for the receipts and expenditures
of the periodicals, properly audited, by the first
of October. If she finds it necessary to deviate
from the published instructions of the General
Executive Committee, she shall lay the matter
before this Committee, and be subject to its
direction.
5. A Committee of Three shall be appointed
annually by the Constitutional Publication Com-
mittee, to whom shall be intrusted the invest-
ment and control of the funds of these publica-
tions.
6. The publisher shall commence and close
her financial year with October 1st.
192 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
7. If the office of editor or publisher becomes
vacant during this year, this Committee shall
have the power to fill the vacancy.
LITERATURE COMMITTEE.
There shall be a Literature Committee of
Three, whose duty it shall be to provide all the
literature of the Society except the periodicals
and the General Executive Committee's Eeport.
Article VII.
CO-ORDINATE BRANCHES.
Section 1. Co-ordinate Branches of this So-
ciety, on their acceptance of this relationship
under the provisions of the Constitution, may
be organized in accordance with the following
general plan for districting the territory of the
Church :
Name. Headquarters.
New England Branch Boston, Mass.
New England States.
New York Branch New York, N. Y.
New York, New Jersey.
Philadelphia Branch Philadelphia, Pa.
Pennsylvania and Delaware.
Baltimore Branch Baltimore, Md.
Maryland, District of Columbia, Eastern Virginia, and
Florida.
Constitution. 193
Name. Headquarters.
Cincinati Branch Cincinnati, O.
Ohio. West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
Northwestern Branch Chicago, 111.
Illinois, Indiana. Michigan. Wisconsin.
Des Moines Branch Des Moines, la.
Iowa, Missouri. Arkansas, and Louisiana.
Minneapolis Branch Minneapolis, Minn.
Minnesota. North and South Dakota.
Topeka Branch Topeka, Kan.
Kansas, Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, Texas, New
Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Pacific Branch Los Angeles, CaL
California, Nevada, Arizona, and Hawaii.
Columbia River Branch Portland, Ore.
Montana, Idaho, Washington, and Oregon.
This plan, however, may be changed by an
affirmative vote of three-fourths of the members
of the General Executive Committee present at
any annual meeting of the same.
Section 2. The officers of each Branch So-
ciety shall consist of a President, one or more
Vice-Presidents, a Eecording Secretary, a Cor-
responding Secretary, a Treasurer, an Auditor,
and such other officers as shall be necessary for
the efficient work of the Branch. These, with
1 ( J4 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
the exception of Auditor, shall constitute an
Executive Committee for the administration of
the affairs of the Branch, nine of whom shall
be a quorum for the transaction of business.
These officers shall be elected at the annual meet-
ing of the Branch, and shall continue in office
until others are chosen in their stead.
Section 3. The Executive Committee shall
have supervision of the work assigned to the
Branch by the General Executive Committee,
provide for all the needs, and receive reports
from all forms of work carried on by the So-
ciety, who, by the plan of the General Executive
Committee, are to be supported by the Branch.
Section 4. No Branch shall project new work,
or undertake the support of new missionaries,
except by the direction or with the approval of
the General Executive Committee.
Section 5. Each Branch may make such by-
laws as may be deemed necessary to its efficiency,
not inconsistent with this Constitution.
Article VIII.
DISTRICT ASSOCIATIONS.
District Associations shall be formed wher-
ever practicable; said Associations to have super-
vision of all Auxiliaries within their limits.
Constitution. 195
Article IX.
AUXILIARY SOCIETIES.
Any number of women who shall contribute
annually may form a Society auxiliary to that
Branch of the Woman's Foreign Missionary So-
ciety of the Methodist Episcopal Church, within
whose prescribed territorial limits they may re-
side, by appointing a President, one or more Vice-
Presidents or Managers, a Eecording Secretary,
Corresponding Secretary, and Treasurer, who to-
gether shall constitute a local Executive Com-
mittee.
Article X.
RELATING TO THE MISSIONARY AUTHORITIES OF
THE CHURCH.
Section 1. This Society shall work in har-
mony with and under the supervision of the au-
thorities of the Missionary Society of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church. The appointment, re-
call, and remuneration of missionaries, and the
designation of their fields of labor, shall be sub-
ject to the approval of the Board of Managers
of the Missionary Society of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and annual appropriations to mis-
sion fields shall be submitted for revision and
approval to the General Missionary Committee
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
196 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Section 2. All missionaries sent out by this
Society shall labor under the direction of the par-
ticular Conference or Missions of the Church in
which they may be severally employed. They
shall be annually appointed by the President of
the Conference or Mission, and shall be subject
to the same rules of removal that govern the
other missionaries.
Section 3. All the work of the Woman's So-
ciety in foreign lands shall be under the direc-
tion of the Conference or Missions, and their
Committees, in exactly the same manner as the
work of the Missionary Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, the Superintendent or Presid-
ing Elder having the same relation to the work
and the person in charge that he would have
were it in charge of any other member or the
Conference or Mission.
Section 4. The funds of the Society shall not
be raised by collections or subscriptions taken
during any of our regular Church services, nor
in any Sunday-schools, but shall be raised by
such methods as the Constitution of the Society
shall provide, none of which shall interfere with
the contributions of our people and Sunday-
schools for the treasury of the Missionary So-
ciety of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and the
amount so collected shall be reported by the pas-
Constitution. 197
tor to the Annual Conference, and be entered
in a column among the benevolent collections in
the Annual and General Minutes.
Section 5. Section 4 of this paragraph (fl 362)
shall not be so interpreted as to prevent the
women from taking collections in meetings con-
vened in the interests of their Societies ; nor from
securing memberships and life-memberships in
audiences where their work is represented; nor
from holding festivals, or arranging lectures in
the interest of their work.
Article XI.
CHANGE OF CONSTITUTION.
This Constitution may be changed at any
annual meeting of the General Executive Com-
mittee, by a three-fourths vote of those present
and voting, notice of the proposed change hav-
ing been given at the previous annual meeting;
but Article X shall not be changed except with
the concurrence of the General Conference of
the Methodist Episcopal Church.
198 Methodist < Constitution and < f hark rs.
PBOPOSED CHANGES IN CONSTITUTION.
Notice of the following changes in Constitution
were given at the General Executive Committee held
in Philadelphia, 1901:
Notice is hereby given that the following
change is asked in Article III of the Constitu-
tion: In place of the words, "The payment of
one dollar annually shall constitute membership,"
insert the words, "The payment of ten cents a
month shall constitute membership." When this
is adopted, a by-law shall be framed, providing
that twenty cents of this amount may be used as
contingent funds.
Mrs. L. P. Hauser,
Mks. I. W. Joyce,
Mrs. L. E. McKixstry.
Mrs. Keen presented the following proposed
Constitutional changes :
Articles I and II under Constitutional Pub-
lication Committee to remain the same, but Ar-
ticle III modified to read:
Article III. All cases of emergency concern-
ing publications arising in the interim of the
sessions of the General Executive Committee
shall be submitted to the Constitutional Publica-
Proposed Changes in Constitution. 199
tion Committee, and the case shall be decided
by the majority vote.
Article IV. As Article III. This Committee
shall take charge of the missionary periodicals
of the Society, and arrange for the publication
of an Annual Report of the work of the Society,
and shall have supervision of all business con-
cerning the publications.
This Committee shall report annually to the
General Executive Committee.
Article V. As Article IV. Same as printed
to last line, where add, "She shall report semi-
annually to the Constitutional Publication Com-
mittee."
Article VI. Same as Article V.
Article VII. Same as Article VI.
Article VIII. If the office of editor, pub-
lisher, or member of Literature Committee be-
comes vacant during the year, this Committee
shall have power to fill the vacancy. Add at the
end of Literature Committee, "and shall report
semi-annually to the Constitutional Publication
Committee."
Mrs. O'Neal gave notice of change of Con-
stitution in Article V, to insert, after Literature
Committee, "Superintendent of Little Light
Bearers."
200 Methodist Constitution and Charters,
FORMS FOR WILL AND DEVISE.
Special attention is called to the following
form of bequest and devise required by the in-
corporation of the Woman's Foreign Missionary
Society :
FORM OF BEQUEST.
I hereby give and bequeath to the "Woman's
Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church/' incorporated under the laws
of the State of New York dollars
to be paid to the Treasurer of said Society, whose
receipt shall be sufficient acquittance to my
executors therefor.
FORM OF DEVISE OF REAL ESTATE.
I hereby give and devise to the "Woman's
Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church/' (describe land, etc., intended
to be given to the Society) and to their successors
and assigns forever.
Note. — Prompt notice of all bequests and de-
vises should be given to the Corresponding Sec-
retary of the Branch within which the donor re-
sides.
Forms for Will and Devise. 201
Mrs. H. B. Skidmore, 230 West 59th Street,
New York, is the Treasurer of the Woman's For-
eign Missionary Society, with power to sign re-
lease to executors, through whom the Society may
receive bequests, and to perform such other acts
as are required by the Act of Incorporation, and
which can not be legally executed by Branch
Treasurers.
The following resolution was adopted at the
General Executive Committee at Springfield,
Mass., and ordered published in the Annual Be-
port:
Resolved, That the Treasurer of the Woman's
Foreign Missionary Society of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, a corporation duly organized under
the laws of the State of New York, be author-
ized to accept and receive all gifts and legacies
to the Woman's Foreign Missionary Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, or to any
Branch thereof, and to give all suitable receipts,
releases, and acquittances therefor, under the cor-
porate seal, or otherwise; and also, by the direc-
tion of a majority of the members of the Befer-
ence Committee given either at a meeting of said
Committee, or separately by the individuals com-
prising the same, to execute under the corporate
seal, acknowledge, and deliver conveyances or re-
202 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
leases of any land or property owned, held, or
claimed by the said Society, or any other instru-
ment necessary or useful for the promotion of
the purposes of said Society.
Lucy A. Alderman, Sarah E. Crandon,
Harriet B. Skidmore, Mary S. Huston,
Sarah L. Keen, Charlotte S. Winchell,
Eliza P. Stevens, Matilda Watson,
Ellen T. Cowen, Elizabeth M. Crow.
CHARTER
OP THE
Womafs Home Missionary Society
OF THE
Methodist Episcopal Church.
ACT OF INCORPORATION.
The undersigned, a majority of whom are citi-
zens of the State of Ohio, desiring to become
incorporated under the laws of Ohio, in such
cases made and provided, do hereby subscribe
and acknowledge the following Articles of In-
corporation :
First. The name of the corporation shall be
"The Woman's Home Missionary Society of the
Methodist Episcopal Church."
Second. The said corporation shall be located
at Cincinnati, Hamilton County, Ohio.
Third. The said corporation is not for profit,
but is wholly benevolent and charitable.
203
204 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Fourth. The purpose and objects of the cor-
poration shall be to enlist and organize Christian
women to labor in behalf of needy and destitute
women and children in all parts of our country,
without distinction of race, and to co-operate
with the other Societies and agencies of The
Methodist Episcopal Church in educational and
missionary work; to employ women to work in
destitute localities; to instruct the ignorant and
unfortunate in the. practice of industry and
economy; and in the principles of sanitary law
and morality, and to establish schools and evan-
gelistic agencies throughout the United States
and Territories.
Thus done and certified at Cincinnati, Ohio,
this 20th day of November, A. D. 1884.
Eliza G. Davis, [Seal]
Elizabeth Eust, "
E. J. Fowler Willing, "
M. E. Ampt, "
Louisa Hemesath, "
The State of Ohio, )
Hamilton County, j
Be it remembered that on the 20th day of
November, 1884, before me the subscriber, a
Notary Public in and for the County aforesaid,
personally appeared Eliza G. Davis, Elizabeth
Act of Incorporation. 205
Rust, E. J. Fowler Willing, M. E. Ampt, and
Louisa Hemesath, known to me to be the per-
sons whose names are subscribed to the foregoing
Articles of Incorporation, and severally acknowl-
edged that they respectively signed and sealed
the same as their voluntary act and deed for the
uses and purposes therein mentioned.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto
subscribed my name and affixed my Notarial Seal,
the day and year last aforesaid.
[Seal] Wm. J. T. Wilson,
Notary Public, Hamilton County, 0.
The State of Ohio, 1
Hamilton County. }
I, Daniel J. Dalton, Clerk of the Court of
Common Pleas, a Court of Eecord within and for
the County and State aforesaid, do hereby certify
that it appears of record in this office that Wm.
J. T. Wilson, whose name is subscribed to the
annexed instrument, was at the time of taking-
such proof, or acknowledgment, a Notary Public
in and for said County, duly commissioned and
qualified, and duly authorized to administer oaths,
to take acknowledgments of deeds, etc.
And further, that 1 am well acquainted with
the handwriting of said Wm. J. T. Wilson, and
verily believe that the signature to the said cer-
206 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
tificate, or proof of acknowledgment, is genuine.
I further certify that said instrument is exe-
cuted and acknowledged according to the laws
of this State.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto set
my hand, and affixed the Seal of said Court, at
Cincinnati, this 21st day of November, A. D.
1884.
r ~ Daniel J. Dalton, Clerk,
- 1 By Eichaed C. Eohner, Deputy.
[Certificate under Section 906, Eevised Statutes
of the United States.]
United States of Ameeica, State of Ohio. |
Office of the Secretary of State. j
I, Lewis C. Laylin, Secretary of State of the
State of Ohio, and being the officer who, under
the Constitution and Laws of said State, is duly
constituted the keeper of the records of articles
of incorporation of all companies incorporated
under the laws thereof, and the records of all
papers relating to the creation of said incor-
porated companies, and empowered to authen-
ticate exemplifications of the same, do hereby
certify that the annexed instrument is an exem-
plified copy, carefully compared by me with the
original record now in my official custody as Sec-
Act of Incorporation. 207
retary of State, and found to be true and cor-
rect, of the Articles of Incorporation of "The
Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church," filed in this office on
the 22d day of November, A. D. 1884, and
recorded in Volume 31, Page 242, of the
Eecords of Incorporations; that said exemplifica-
tion is in due form and made by me as the proper
officer, and is entitled to have full faith and
credit given it in every court and office within
the United States.
In Testimony Whereof, I have hereunto at-
tached my official signature and the Great Seal
of the State oi Ohio, at Columbus, this 1st day
of March, A. D. 1902.
-j Lewis C. Laylin,
L J Secretary of State.
(Signed)
CONSTITUTION
OF THE
Woman's Home Missionary Society
OF THE
Methodist Episcopal Church.
ADOPTED BY THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF 1900,
WITH VERBAL CHANGES, AUTHORIZED BY
THE BOARD OF MANAGERS IN NEW
YORK CITY, NOVEMBER, 1901.
Article I.
NAME.
This organization shall be known as the
"Woman's Home Missionary Society of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church."
Article II.
OBJECTS.
The aim of this Society shall be to enlist and
organize the efforts of Christian women in be-
208
Constitution. 209
half of the needy and destitute in all sections
of our country, and to co-operate with the other
Societies and agencies of the Church in educa-
tional, missionary, and deaconess work.
Article III.
ORGANIZATION.
Section 1. This Society shall be incorporated
under the laws of the State of Ohio. The head-
quarters and principal office of the Society shall
be in the city of Cincinnati. The officers of the
Society shall be a President, five Vice-Presidents,
a Corresponding Secretary, a Eecording Secre-
tary, a Treasurer, and twelve Managers (twenty-
one in all), who together shall constitute the
Board of Trustees. There shall also be seven
Associate Managers, who, with the Secretaries of
Bureaus, shall be entitled to sit with the Board
of Trustees and participate in its deliberations.
Section 2. Vacancies in the Board of Trus-
tees occurring ad interim shall be filled by the
Board.
Section 3. The regular meetings of the Board
of Trustees shall be held in November, February,
May, and September. Special meetings may be
held at the call of the President and Recording
Secretary, and eleven shall constitute a quorum.
210 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Section 4. The duties of the Board of Trus-
tees shall be :
(1) To execute all orders of the Board of
Managers.
(2) To determine all matters referred to it
by the Board of Managers.
(3) To administer all the affairs of the So-
ciety between the annual sessions of the Board
of Managers.
Section 5. The Annual Meeting of the Board
of Managers shall be held in the city of Cincin-
nati, unless otherwise provided. The Board of
Managers shall consist of the Board of Trustees
and such of the following persons as shall be in
attendance at the Annual Meeting, viz. : The As-
sociate Managers, the Secretaries of Bureaus, the
General Organizers, the Chairman of Standing
Committees appointed or confirmed by the So-
ciety at its Annual Meeting, the Editor and Pub-
lisher of Woman's Home Missions, the Editor of
Children's Home Missions, the Editor of the An-
nual Report, and the Corresponding Secretary
of and one delegate from each Conference So-
ciety.
Section 6. The work of the Annual Meeting
shall be :
(1) To elect the officers of the Society and
the Associate Managers as indicated in Section 1.
Constitution. 211
(2) To take into consideration the demands
of the entire work of the Society, to receive the
reports of the Corresponding Secretary and
Treasurer, of Secretaries of Bureaus, of Confer-
ence Secretaries, and Standing Committees, to
determine the fields of labor, to estimate the
needs of the various fields, and to make appro-
priations for the ensuing year.
(3) To transact any other business that the
interests of the Society may demand; provided
all its plans and enactments be in harmony with
the Constitution.
Section 7. The duties of the President, Vice-
Presidents, and Recording Secretary shall be such
as usually devolve upon such officers.
Section 8. The duty of the Corresponding
Secretary shall be to make herself acquainted
with the needs and opportunities of the mission-
fields, to correspond with the Bureau and Con-
ference Secretaries, and to secure from them
such details of their work as will be necessary
to make quarterly reports to the Board of Trus-
tees, and annual reports to the Board of Man-
agers concerning the condition and needs of the
mission-fields.
Section 9. The Treasurer shall keep an ac-
count of the receipts and disbursements of the
Society, and make a report of the same at the
212 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Annual Meeting of the Board of Managers, and
at each regular meeting of the Board of Trus-
tees. She shall pay the appropriations made by
the Board of Managers, and such bills as the
Board of Trustees may approve. The accounts
shall be audited by a committee elected by bal-
lot at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Man-
agers.
Article IV.
CONFERENCE ORGANIZATION.
Section 1. A Conference Society shall consist
of all the Auxiliary Societies in a given Con-
ference, together with a Conference Executive
Board. It shall take the name of the Confer-
ence in which it is located.
Section 2. The officers of the Conference So-
ciety shall be a President, one or more Vice-
Presidents, a Corresponding Secretary (who may
also be Treasurer), a Recording Secretary, and a
Treasurer. These, together with the officers of
the districts, shall constitute the Executive Board
of the Conference Society for the administration
of the affairs of the Society, and five shall con-
stitute a quorum. These officers shall be elected
at the Annual Meeting of the Conference So-
ciety, and hold office till others are chosen.
Constitution. 213
Section 3. The duties of the Executive Board
of the Conference Society shall be: To plan for
the establishment and growth of the Society
within the Conference bounds; to provide for an
Annual Meeting and arrange Anniversary exer-
cises; to transact any other business that the
interest of the Society may demand, provided
its action be in harmony with this Constitution.
Section 4. (1) The duties of the President
and Eecording Secretary shall be such as usually
appertain to their respective officers, and to co-
operate with the Corresponding Secretary and
other officers in organizing and conducting the
work.
(2) The duties of the Corresponding Secre-
tary shall be to attend the session of the Annual
Conference; to create interest in the work of
the Society; to organize Auxiliary Societies in
the various charges in the Conference; to con-
duct the correspondence of the Society; to for-
ward quarterly to the General Corresponding
Secretary a statement of the work of the Con-
ference Society (as per blank provided); and to
present an annual report to the Board of Man-
agers at its Annual Meeting.
(3) The duty of the Treasurer shall be to
receive and to forward quarterly to the General
Treasurer the funds of the Society.
214 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
(4) Special Work. Individuals, Auxiliaries, or
Conference Societies may, subject to the approval
of the Conference Board and of the Board of
Trustees, raise special funds for the purchase of
property for the building or care of Homes, for
the support of teachers, deaconesses, or pupils
in the schools or Homes of the Society.
Article V.
AUXILIARY SOCIETIES.
Any number of women who shall organize
under the Constitution and By-laws for Auxil-
iaries and pay their annual dues, thereby become
a Society auxiliary to the Conference Society,
and are entitled to one delegate for every twenty
members to the Annual Meeting of the Confer-
ence Society, provided that each Auxiliary shall
have one delegate.
Article VI.
MEMBERSHIP.
The payment of one dollar annually shall
constitute membership in the Society, and the
payment of twenty dollars life membership. Any
person paying one hundred dollars shall become
an Honorary Manager for life, and the contri-
bution of three hundred dollars shall constitute
the donor an Honorary Patron for life.
Constitution. 215
Aeticle VII.
RELATION TO OTHER BRANCHES OF CHURCH WORK.
Section 1. This Society shall engage in edu-
cational, missionary, and deaconess labor, ex-
clusively in our own land, and shall work in har-
mony with the eonnectional Societies of the
Church.
The missionaries supported by the Woman's
Home Missionary Society shall labor under the
direction of the authorities of the Missionary So-
ciety, and if in a mission shall be subject to the
same rules and regulations that govern the other
missionaries in that particular mission.
Section 2. The funds of the Woman's Home
Missionary Society shall not be raised by collec-
tion, nor by subscriptions taking during any regu-
lar Church service, nor in Sunday-schools, but
shall be raised by securing members, life mem-
bers, honorary members, managers, and patrons,
by collections taken in audiences convened in the
interests of the Society, and by other methods
which will not interfere with the collections and
contributions for the Treasury of the Missionary
Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church; and
the amounts so collected shall be reported to the
Annual Conference through the preachers in
charge, in order that ihey may be entered among
21H Methodist Constitution and Charters.
the benevolent collections, and published in the
Annual and General Minutes.
Section 3. The Annual Meeting of the Board
of Managers of the Woman's Home Missionary
Society, which determines its work for the en-
suing year, shall be so arranged that its fields of
labor, its general plans of work, and its appro-
priations may be submitted to the General Mis-
sionary Committee of the Methodist Episcopal
Church for approval at its Annual Meeting in
November.
Article VIII.
This Constitution, except Article VII, may be
amended by the Board of Managers at its Annual
Meeting by a two-thirds vote of the members
present and voting, three months' notice of the
proposed change having been sent to each or-
ganization, and published in Woman's Home Mis-
sions.
Amendments to Article VII may be proposed
as above, but to become effective must be ap-
proved by the General Conference.
CHARTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
As enacted by the Legislature of the State
of New York, April 14, 1869, and amended by
an Act of the said Legislature passed February
17, 1885.
For the action of the General Conference
authorizing the Board to secure such an amend-
ment to its Charter see Journal of the General
Conference of 1884, pages 251, 353.
For the full text of the Act of Amendment
see Chapter 19 of the Laws of the State of New
York, enacted in the year 1885.
15 217
2 1 8 Mt ihodist ( 1 onstitution and < 'barters.
i 'llARTER.
Ail Act to Establish and Incorporate The Board of
Education of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Passed April 14, 1869.
The People of the State of New York, represented
in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. Edmund S. Janes, Calvin Kingsley,
John W. Lindsay, John McClintock, William L.
Harris, Thomas Bowman, John Elliott, Oliver
Hoyt, Charles C. North, Harvey B. Lane, James
Harlan, Isaac Rich, and their successors in office
as hereinafter provided for, are hereby constituted
a body corporate by the name and style of The
Corporate name. Board of Education of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and such corporation is and shall
be capable of purchasing, holding, and conveying
such real estate as the purposes of the said cor-
poration shall require; but the annual income of
the real estate held by it at any one time within
the State of New York shall not exceed the sum
of thirty thousand dollars.
Objects. Section 2. The object of the said corporation
shall be to diffuse more generally the blessings
of education and Christianity throughout the
United States and elsewhere, under the direction
of the General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church.
Charter. 219
Section 3. The government of the said cor-
poration, and the management of its property,
business, and affairs, are hereby vested in a Board Management,
which consist of twelve Trustees, of whom six
shall be ministers, two of these bishops, and six
laymen, all of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
of which number five shall be a quorum, and
competent to act at any regular or adjourned
meeting thereof; and the said Trustees, as such,
shall constitute the said corporation.
Section 1. The persons first herein named
shall be and act as the first Board of Trustees Trustees,
of the said corporation, classified as follows,
namely: From the first day of May, 1868, for four
years, Calvin Kingsley, William L. Harris, Harvey
B. Lane, Isaac Kich; for eight years, Edmund S.
Janes, John McClintock, Charles C. North, James
Harlan; for twelve years, John W. Lindsay,
Thomas Bowman, John Elliott, Oliver Hoyt ; and
the General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church at each regular session shall elect
four Trustees to serve for twelve years, to fill
the places vacated according to the above classi-
fication; Provided, however, that all vacancies oc-
curring more than six months before the session
of the General Conference shall be filled by the
bishops of said Church, the persons so appointed
to hold office only up to the time of the General
220 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
"Conference, when their places shall be held as
vacant, and shall be filled by said General Con-
ference; Provided, also, that should any one of
the Trustees of said corporation cease to be a
member or minister of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, his office and membership as said Trustee
shall at the same time cease.
Powers. Section 5. The Board of Trustees herein pro-
vided for shall have such power as may be neces-
sary for the management of the affairs and prop-
erty of said corporation not inconsistent with
this Charter or the rules and regulations of said
General Conference, and shall make quadrennial
reports to that body; and it shall be the duty of
the Board to receive and securely invest the prin-
cipal of the Centenary Educational Fund of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, and to appro-
priate the interest only, from time to time, to
the following purposes, to wit:
Purposes. To aid young men preparing for the foreign
missionary work of the Methodist Episcopal
Church; to aid young men preparing for the
ministry of the Methodist Episcopal Church;
To the aid of the Biblical or theological
schools now in existence, and of such others as
may, with the approval of the General Confer-
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, here-
after be established; to the aid of the universities,
Charter. 221
colleges, or academies existing under the pat-
ronage of said Church, or which may hereafter
be established;
Provided, that no appropriation shall be made Can not build,
by the Board at any time for building purposes,
whether for Biblical schools or for universities,
colleges, or academies; and provided, further,
that no university, college, or academy not now
in existence shall be aided by the Board unless
the Board shall first have been consulted and shall
have approved of the establishment and orgniza-
tion of such institution.
All future contributions of money or property
made to the Fund shall be held in trust by the
Board for the aid of needy and worthy young
persons seeking an education, or for such specific
educational purposes as the donors shall direct.
It shall also be the duty of said Board of
Education to receive, separately invest, and aug-
ment the Sunday-school Children's Fund, com-
menced during the centenary year, and to appro-
priate only the interest and income thereof, and
of all contributions thereto received prior to the
first day of January, one thousand eight hundred
and eighty-five, to assist meritorious Sunday-
school scholars in obtaining a more advanced edu-
cation; provided, however, that the said Board
of Education may appropriate immediately, in aid
222 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
of students, such a proportion of the principal
of all gifts and contributions to said Sunday-
school Children's Fund, which may be received
after said first day of January in the year one
thousand eight hundred and eighty-five, as will
enable it to provide suitably for the aid of all
properly-recommended students; and if any sur-
plus remain in any year after appropriating so
much of the principal of such gifts and contri-
butions as may be requisite for the purpose afore-
said, such surplus shall be added to the perma-
nent Sunday-school Children's Fund, accumu-
lated and invested by said Board of Education
prior to the said first clay of January, one thou-
sand eight hundred and eighty-live.
Each Annual Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, in behalf of properly-recom-
mended students from within its bounds, shall be
entitled to share equitably in the income of the
permanent Sunday-school Children's Fund afore-
said, and in the appropriation of gifts and con-
tributions to the Sunday-school Children's Fund
received after the first day of January, one thou-
sand eight hundred and eighty-five; provided, no
Conference shall share in the income or distribu-
tion of said Fund which shall not take annual
collections in behalf of this Fund in the Sunday-
schools within the bounds of said Conference.
Charter. 223
The Board shall also serve as a general agency
of the Church in behalf of ministerial and general Ministerial
education. It shall recognize as auxiliaries all
educational societies now existing within the
Church, and which may hereafter be formed, on
condition that such societies send an annual re-
port of their statistics to the Board. Any An-
nual Conference may form an Educational So-
ciety, auxiliary to the Board of Education, with
the understanding that all collections or contri-
butions for educational purposes made by order
of said Conference shall be appropriated at its
discretion. All contributions to permanent funds
made by order of an Annual Conference may be
held and administered by the Conference Aux-
iliary, if it be incorporated, and, if not, shall be
forwarded to said Board of Education, to be held
in trust for the purposes specified by the donors.
The Board shall seek to promote the cause
of education throughout the Church by collect- Statistics,
ing and publishing statistics, by furnishing plans
for educational buildings, and by giving counsel
with regard to the location and organization of Aid.
new institutions, and shall also have authority to
constitute a general agency for communication
between teachers desiring employment and those
needing their services.
Section 6. The said Trustees at the first meet-
22-4 Mi thodist < Constitution and ( '/mrters.
ing of the said Board, and annually thereafter,
Organize Board, shall organize said Board by the election from
their number of a President, Secretary, and
Treasurer; and shall have power to adopt and
enforce a Constitution, and such By-laws, Kules,
and Regulations, not inconsistent with the Con-
stitution or laws of this State, or of the United
States, as may be deemed advisable for the gov-
ernment of the business and affairs of said cor-
poration, and for the regulation of the action of
the said Board, its officers and agents, in the
discharge of its and their duties, in fully exe-
cuting and carrying into effect the objects, in-
tents, and purposes of this act; but the acts of
the said Trustee, as such, shall be subject at all
times and subordinate to the directions and in-
structions of said General Conference relative
thereto.
May receive and Section 7. The said corporation shall be
o gran s. ca p a | 3 i e f taking, receiving, and holding any real
or personal property by virtue of any devise or
bequest contained in any last will or testament
of any person whomsoever, subject, however, to
the limitation expressed in the first section of
this Act, and subject also to the restrictions upon
devises and bequests contained in an Act entitled
"An Act Relating to Wills/' passed April thir-
teenth, one thousand eight hundred and sixty;
Charter. 225
and the said corporation shall be also competent
to act as a Trustee in respect to any devise or May act as
bequest pertaining to the object of said corpora-
tion, and devises and bequests of real or personal
property may be made directly to said corpora-
tion or in trust for any of the purposes compre-
hended in the general objects of said society,
and such trusts may continue for such time as
may be necessary to accomplish the purposes for
which they may be created.
Section 8. The said corporation shall also pos-
sess the general powers, and be subject to the
liabilities, specified in and by the Third Title of
Chapter Eighteen of the First Part of the Re-
vised Statutes of the State of New York.
Section 9. This Act shall take effect imme-
diately.
CONSTITUTION OF THE BOAKD OF
EDUCATION.
Article I.
OBJECT AND DESIGN.
The object of this Board is, to promote
theological and general education in the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church under the conditions pre-
scribed by the Charter and by the General Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Article II.
TRUSTEES.
The Board shall consist of twelve Trustees,
chosen as provided in the Charter, section 4, and
with the powers and duties prescribed in the
Charter, sections 5, 6, 7, and 8.
Article III.
officers.
The officers of this Board shall consist of a
President, Recording Secretary, and Treasurer, to
226
Constitution. 227
be elected at the annual meeting. Besides these
officers, the Board may appoint such other offi-
cers or agents, paid or unpaid, as may from time
to time be necessary in the judgment of the
Board to carry out its objects. The duties of all
the officers shall be prescribed in the By-laws.
All elections shall be by ballot, unless the bal-
lot be dispensed with by a vote of two-thirds
of the members present and voting.
Akticle IV.
QUORUM.
Five members of the Board shall constitute
a quorum for the transaction of business at all
meetings of the Board.
Article V.
FINANCE COMMITTEE.
There shall be annually appointed three mem-
bers of the Board who shall constitute the Stand-
ing Committee on Finance, to whose care and
management shall be intrusted the funds of the
corporation, the fixing and changing the official
bonds of the Treasurer, and the proper invest-
ment and appropriation of the moneys and reve-
nues of the corporation, under the direction of
the Board of Trustees; and no investments or
228 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
securities shall be* changed by the Treasurer with-
out the consent of a majority of this Committee
first obtained by resolution adopted at a regular
meeting thereof; and minutes of all the proceed-
ings of the Finance Committee shall be kept and
submitted to the stated meetings of the Board of
Trustees for approval.
Article VI.
AUXILIARY SOCIETIES.
Section 1. Any Annual Conference or Asso-
ciate Conferences may form an Education Society
auxialiary to the Board of Education with the un-
derstanding that all collections or contributions
for educational purposes, made to such Education
Society, shall be appropriated at its own dis-
cretion. All contributions to permanent funds
made by order of an Annual Conference may be
held and administered by the Conference Auxil-
iary if it be incorporated, and if not, shall be
forwarded to this Board of Education to be held
and administered for the purposes specified by
the donors.
Section 2. All Auxiliary Societies are required
to send annually a report of their doings to this
Board.
Constitution. 229
Akticle VII.
SUNDAY-SCHOOL FUND.
Section 1. It shall be a special interest and
duty of this Board to augment the Sunday-school
Children's Fund commenced during the cente-
nary year, and to appropriate its proceeds accord-
ing to the directions of the Charter and of the
General Conference.
Section 2. ~No Conference shall share in the
proceeds of money contributed hereafter to this
fund which shall not direct that annual collec-
tions be taken up in its behalf in the Sunday-
schools within the bounds of said Conference,
according to the recommendation of the General
Conference fixing on the second Sunday in the
month of June as the ChildrenVday ; said col-
lection to be taken on that day, if possible, and,
if not, on such other day as may be found prac-
ticable.
Article VIII.
OF CHANGES IN THE CONSTITUTION.
The Board of Trustees may, at any stated
meeting, or at a special meeting called for the
purpose, make amendments to this Constitution
not inconsistent with the Charter, provided that
such amendment or amendments shall have been
230 Methodist Constitution and Cha/rters.
proposed at a previous meeting, and shall be
passed by an affirmative vote of two-thirds of
the Board.
University Senate.
Section 1. There shall be a University Senate
of the Methodist Episcopal Church quadrennially
appointed by the bishops under the authority of
the General Conference It shall be composed
of persons actively engaged in the work of edu-
cation, one from each General Conference Dis-
trict and one at large. It is not required that
the Conference relation of a ministerial member
be held in the General Conference District which
he represents, provided his residence and edu-
cational work are within such District. If, in
consequence of the retirement of a member from
educational w r ork, or from any other cause, a
vacancy occur in the body during the quadren-
nium, it shall be the duty of the bishops at their
next semi-annual meeting to fill said vacancy.
Section 2. The Senate shall determine and at
least quadrennially revise the minimum equiva-
lents of academic work to be required for pro-
motion to the Baccalaureate degrees in the edu-
cational institutions of our Church. The cur-
ricula thus determined shall provide for the his-
torical and literary study of the Bible in the
vernacular.
Constitution. 231
Section 3. At the written request of the Presi-
dent and Corresponding Secretary of the Board
of Education, or at the written request of any
three of its own members, the Senate shall in-
vestigate the scholastic requirements and methods
of any designated institution claiming to be under
the patronage of the Methodist Episcopal Church,
and shall report to the Board of Education its
decision as to whether the requirements and
methods of said institution are such as to justify
its official recognition by the authorities of the
Church. Such decision shall thereafter govern
the action of the Board of Education.
Section 4. The Senate shall at least quadren-
nially report to the Board of Education its re-
quirements and decisions, and on the basis of
these the Board of Education shall in its official
lists and in its administration classify the educa-
tional institutions of the Church, whatever their
legal or self-chosen name may be.
CHARTER OF THE SUNDAY-SCHOOL
UNION.
An Act to Amend the Charter of the Sunday-school
Union of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the
Acts Amendatory thereof. Passed April 11, 1874.
The People of the Stale of New York, represented
in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The Act entitled an "Act to In-
corporate the Sunday-school Union of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church," passed February four,
eighteen hundred and fifty-two, and any Act
amendatory thereof, or relating to said Society,
are hereby respectively amended so as to read
as follows:
Section 2. The several persons now composing
the said Society, and all persons who may be-
come associated with them, and their successors,
are hereby constituted a body corporate and
politic, by the name of the "Sunday-school Union
of the Methodist Episcopal Church," and by that
232
Charter. 283
name they and their successors shall and may
have perpetual succession, and shall, in law, be
capable of suing and being sued in any court
whatever, and may have and use a common seal,
and may alter the same at pleasure; and such
corporation is and shall be capable of purchasing,
holding, and conveying such real and personal
ostate as the purposes of the said corporation
shall require, not exceeding in amount the sum
of five hundred thousand dollars; but the annual
income of the real estate held by it at any one
time within the State of Xew York shall not
exceed the sum of seventy-five thousand dollars.
Section 3. The objects of the said corporation
are charitable and religious; designed to advance
the interests and promote the cause of Sabbath-
schools in connection with the Methodist Epis-
copal Church in the United States and elsewhere.
Section 4. The management and disposition
of the affairs and property of the said corpora-
tion shall be vested in a Board of Managers, com-
posed of thirty-two laymen of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, and thirty-two traveling min-
isters of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ap-
pointed by the General Conference of said
Church, at its quadrennial sessions, and of
the bishops of said Church, who shall be ex
officio members of said Board. Such Managers
16
234 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
as were appointed by said General Conference
ai its lasl session shall be entitled to act as such,
from and after the passage of this Act, until they
or others appointed by the ensuing General Con-
ference shall assume their duties. Any such
Board of Managers may fill any vacancy happen-
ing therein until the term shall commence of the
Managers appointed by an ensuing General Con-
ference. Said Board of Managers shall have such
power as may be necessary for the management
and disposition of the affairs and property of the
said corporation, in conformity with the Consti-
tution of said Society, as it now exists, or as it
may be from time to time amended by the Gen-
eral Conference, and to elect the officers of the
Society, except as herein otherwise provided; and
such Board of Managers shall be subordinate to
any directions or regulations made, or to be made,
by said General Conference.
Section 5. Thirteen members of the said
Board of Managers, at any meeting thereof, shall
be a sufficient number for the transaction of
business. The Corresponding Secretaries and the
Treasurer of said Society shall be elected by the
General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and shall hold their offices for four years,
or until their successors are elected; and in case
Charter. 235
of a vacancy by resignation, death, or otherwise,
the bishops of the said Methodist Episcopal
Church shall fill any vacancy in the office till the
ensuing General Conference. And, until other-
wise provided by the General Conference, said
Board of Managers may appoint and remove at
pleasure the Treasurer of said corporation.
Section 6. The said corporation shall be ca-
pable of taking, receiving, or holding any real
or personal estate, by virtue of any devise con-
tained in any last will and testament of any per-
son whomsoever; subject, however, to the limita-
tion expressed in the second section of this Act
as to the aggregate amount of such real estate,
and also to the provisions of an Act entitled "An
Act Eelating to Wills/ 5 passed April thirteenth,
eighteen hundred and sixty ; and the said corpora-
tion shall be also competent to act as a Trustee
in respect to any devise or bequest pertaining
to the objects of said corporation, and devises and
bequests of real or personal property may be
made directly to said corporation, or in trust,
for any of the purposes comprehended in the
general objects of said Society, and such trusts
may continue for such time as may be necessary
to accomplish the purposes for which they may
be created.
236 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
Section 7. The said corporation shall also pos-
sess the general powers specified in and by the
Third Title of Chapter Eighteen of the First Part
of the Eevised Statutes of the State of New York.
Section 8. This Act shall take effect imme-
diately.
CONSTITUTION OF THE SUNDAY-
SCHOOL UNION.
(Adopted by the General Conference at Cincinnati,
May 27, 1880.)
Article I.
NAME.
The title of this Association shall be the Sun-
day-school Union of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Article II.
OBJECT.
The object of this Society shall be to pro-
mote the cause of Sunday-schools in connection
with the Methodist Episcopal Church in the
United States and elsewhere.
Article III.
membership.
The payment of ten dollars at one time to
this Society Bhal] constitute an Honorary Mem-
ber for life; and the payment of fifty dollars at
one time an Honorary Director for life.
237
238 Methodist ( institution
give orders on the Book Agents for such books
240 Methodist Constitution and Charters,
as may be needed; and to transact such other
business as of right belongs to their station, and
which the interests of the Union may demand.
Article VIII.
When any member of the Board shall have
been absent from four consecutive regular meet-
ings of the Board without sending an excuse, such
absence shall be treated as a resignation, and the
Board shall have authority to declare his place
vacant and to fill it as other vacancies are filled.
Article IX.
AMENDMENTS.
This Constitution can not be altered except
by the General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church.
CHARTER OF THE TRACT SOCIETY.
An Act to Amend the Charter of the Tract Society
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Passed April
20, 1874.
The People of the State of New York, represented
in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The Act entitled "An Act to In-
corporate the Tract Society of the Methodist
Episcopal Church," passed April fifteenth, eight-
een hundred and fifty-four, and any Act amenda-
tory thereof, or relating to said Society, are
hereby respectively amended so as to read as
follows :
Section 2. The several persons now composing
the said Society, and all other persons who may
become associated with them, and their succes-
sors, are hereby constituted a body corporate and
politic, by the name of "The Tract Society of the
Aiethodisl Episcopal Church/ 5 and by that name
they and their successor- shall and may have per-
241
242 Methodist Constitution avid Charters.
petual succession, and shall, in law, be capable
of suing and being sued in any court whatsoever,
and may have and use a common seal, and may
alter the same at pleasure; and such corporation
is and shall be capable of purchasing, holding,
and conveying such real and personal estate as
the purposes of the said corporation shall re-
quire, not exceeding in amount five hundred thou-
sand dollars; but the annual income of the real
estate held by it at any one time within the State
of New York shall not exceed the sum of seventy-
five thousand dollars.
Section 3. The object of the said corporation
shall be to diffuse the blessings of education,
civilization, and Christianity, throughout the
United States and elsewhere, by the publication
and distribution of tracts, cheap publications, and
books.
Section 4. The management and disposition
of the affairs and property of the said corpora-
tion shall be vested in a Board of Managers, com-
posed of thirty-two laymen of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and thirty-two traveling min-
isters of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ap-
pointed by the General Conference of said
Church at its quadrennial sessions, and of the
members of said Board. Such Managers as were
bishops of said Church, who shall be ex-officio
Charter. 243
appointed by said General Conference at its last
session shall be entitled to act as such, from
and after the passage of this Act, until they or
others appointed by the ensuing General Con-
ference shall assume their duties. Any such
Board of Managers may fill any vacancy happen-
ing therein until the term shall commence of the
Managers appointed by an ensuing General Con-
ference. Said Board of Managers shall have such
power as may be necessary for the management
and disposition of the affairs and property of
the said corporation, in conformity with the Con-
stitution of said Society, as it now exists, or as
it may be from time to time amended by the
General Conference, and to elect the officers of
the Society, except as herein otherwise provided;
and such Board of Managers shall be subordinate
to any directions or regulations made, or to be
made, by said General Conference.
Section 5. Thirteen members of the said
Board of Managers, at any meeting thereof, shall
be a sufficient number for the transaction of
business. The Corresponding Secretaries and the
Treasurer of said Society shall be elected by the
General Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and shall hold their offices for four years,
or until their sucessors are elected; and in case
of a vacancy by resignation, death, or otherwise,
244 Meth odist L f onst if ut ion and Charters.
the bishops of the said Methodist Episcopal
Church shall fill any vacancy in the office till
the ensuing General Conference. And, until
otherwise provided by the General Conference,
said Board of Managers may appoint and remove
at pleasure the Treasurer of said corporation.
Section 6. The said corporation shall be
capable of taking, receiving, or holding any real
or personal estate, by virtue of any devise con-
tained in any last will and testament of any per-
son whomsoever; subject, however, to the limita-
tion expressed in the second section of this Act
as to the aggregate amount of such real estate,
and also to the provisions of an Act entitled
"An Act relating to Wills," passed April eight-
eenth, eighteen hundred and sixty; and the said
corporation shall be also competent to act as a
trustee in respect to any devise or bequest per-
taining to the objects of said corporation, and
devises and bequests of real or personal prop-
erty may be made directly to said corporation,
or in trust for any of the purposes comprehended
in the general objects of said Society, and such
trusts may continue for such a time as may be
necessary to accomplish the purposes for which
they may be created.
Section 7. The said corporation shall also pos-
Charter. 245
sess the general powers specified in and by the
Third Title of Chapter Eighteen of the First
Part of the Revised Statutes of the State of
New York.
Section 8. This Act shall take effect imme-
diately.
CONSTITUTION OP THE TRACT
SOCIETY.
(Adopted by the General Conference at Cincinnati,
May 27, 1880.)
Article I.
NAME.
This Association shall be denominated the
Tract Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Article II.
OBJECTS.
Its object shall be to diffuse knowledge by
the circulation of the publications of the Meth-
odist Episcopal Church in the English and other
languages in our own and foreign countries.
Article III.
membership.
Any person paying to this Society at one time
$10 shall thereby become an honorary member
for life; and the payment of $25 at one time
shall constitute an honorary director for life.
246
Constitution. 247
Article IV.
HONORARY MEMBERS.
Persons constituted honorary life members
by the payment of $10, not designated for any
special object, shall be entitled to receive tracts
to the value of two dollars each year; or, if they
prefer, they may receive tracts at any one time
to the amount of half the sum paid.
Article V.
ANNIVERSARIES.
A public anniversary shall be held each year
at such time and place as the Board of Managers
shall determine.
Article VI.
PRESIDENT.
The senior bishop of the Methodist Episcopal
Church shall be President of the Society. The
remaining bishops shall be its Vice-Presidents,
ranking in the order of seniority. An honorary
Vice-President may be appointed by each An-
nual Conference. There shall be appointed by
the General Conference a Treasurer and a Cor-
responding Secretary, who shall be the editor of
the tracts. The other officers of the Society shall
be a Eecording Secretary and two elected Vice-
Presidents, who shall severally be appointed by
248 Methodist Constitution and Charters,
the Board of Managers at the regular quarterly-
meeting held in June of each year.
Article VII.
EXPENDITURES.
The funds of this Society shall be expended
under the direction of the Board of Managers
in payment of the necessary expenses of the in-
stitution, and in the promotion of its general
objects. In all cases of gratuitous aid, books and*
tracts shall be given instead of money, unless the
latter is strictly necessary to the accomplishment
of a constitutional object.
Article VIII.
POWERS OF BOARD.
The Board of Managers shall have power to
enact their own by-laws; to fill vacancies in the
Board occurring in the intervals of the General
Conference ; to remove the Treasurer from office,
for cause to them sufficient, but only after a fair
investigation before a quorum of the Board with
a bishop in the chair; to provide for the trans-
lation and publication of tracts; to employ col-
porteurs; to print and circulate appeals to the
Churches in behalf of the benevolent objects of
the Society; to raise and disburse funds for those
objects, and to establish committees of finance
and appropriations wherever necessary.
Constitution. 249
Article IX.
AUXILIARIES.
Each Annual Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church may form a Conference Tract
Society auxiliary to this, with power to adopt
such measures as in the judgment of said Con-
ference are best calculated to promote the ob-
jects of this association, and to form sub-auxil-
iaries in its several circuits and stations. The
Presidents of the Conference Auxiliaries shall
be honorary Vice-Presidents of this Society, or,
where there is no Auxiliary, the Conference may
appoint an honorary Vice-President.
Article X.
VACANCIES.
When any member of the Board shall have
been absent from four consecutive regular meet-
ings of the Board without sending an excuse,
such absence shall be deemed a resignation, and
the Board shall have authority to declare the
place vacant, and to fill it as other vacancies are
filled.
Article XL
AMENDMENTS.
This Constitution can not be altered except
by the General Conference of the Methodist
Episcopal Church.
REVISED CHARTER
OF THE
BOARD OP CHURCH EXTENSION
OF THE
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
As embodied in the Original Act of Incorporation,
approved March 13, 1865; and a Supplement
thereto, approved March 11, 18G9; and modified
by a further Supplement, approved February
2G, 1873.
Whereas, The General Conference of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, at a session held
in the city of Brooklyn, in the State of New
York, did, on the twenty-eighth day of May,
Anno Domini one thousand eight hundred and
seventy-two, provide for the appointment of a
Board of Church Extension of the Methodist
Episcopal Church, and did on the first day of
June, one thousand eight hundred and seventy-
two, designate the persons constituting the
Board of Managers of the Church Extension So-
ciety of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in-
250
Revised Charter. 251
corporated by an Act of the General Assembly
of the State of Pennsylvania, entitled "An Act
to Incorporate the Church Extension Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church," approved the
thirteenth clay of March, Anno Domini one thou-
sand eight hundred and sixty-five, to constitute
said Board of Church Extension; and
Whereas, The Church Extension Society of
the Methodist Episcopal Church, incorporated as
aforesaid, did at the regular annual meeting of
the said Society, duly convened in the city of
Philadelphia, on the twenty-second day of No-
vember, Anno Domini one thousand eight hun-
dred and seventy-two, unanimously concur with
the aforesaid action of the General Conference
of the said Methodist Episcopal Church; and
Whereas, The Board of Managers of the said
Church Extension Society of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church has, in pursuance of the action of
the said Society and of the action of the Gen-
eral Conference aforesaid, petitioned the General
Assembly of the State of Pennsylvania for an
Act amendatory to the Act of Incorporation of
said Church Extension Society to conform with
the action of said Church Extension Society and
the General Conference of the Methodist Epis-
copal Church, as hereinbefore recited ; now, there-
fore,
252 Mi thodist ( Constitution anil ( 'ha/rh. rs.
Section 1. Be it enacted, By the Senate and
House of Representatives of the Commonwealth
of Pennsylvania, in General Assembly met, and
it is hereby enacted by the authority of the same :
That the name of the said corporation be and is
hereby changed from that of the Church Ex-
tension Society of the Methodist Episcopal
Church to that of the Board of Church Extension
of the Methodist Episcopal Church.
Section 2. That Thomas T. Tasker, Sr. (and
others named), and their successors, and such
others persons who are now or shall hereafter be
associated with them as members of said Board,
upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth, be and they are hereby enacted into a body
politic and corporate in deed and in law by the
Corporate name, name, style, and title of "The Board of Church
Extension of the Methodist Episcopal Church,"
and by that name shall have perpetual succession,
and be able to sue and be sued, plead and be
impleaded, in any court of law and equity, and
elsewhere, and shall be able and capable in law
Powers, and equity to take and hold to them and their
successors, either by gift, devise, grant, bargain,
sale, release, or otherwise, any lands, real estate
whatsoever, and also to take and hold, for the
use of said Board, any goods and chattels, sum
or sums of money and other personal property
Revised Charter. 253
whatever, by gift, grant, bargain, sale, will, de-
vise, bequest, or otherwise, from any person what-
ever, capable of making the same; and the said
real and personal estate to grant, bargain, sell,
mortgage, alien, and dispose of at their pleasure,
and generally to do all and singular the matter
and things which shall be lawful for them to do
for the well-being and due management of the Annuities,
affairs of the said Board. Provided, That the real
estate of the said Board shall not exceed the
net yearly income of one hundred thousand dol-
lars.
Section 3. That it shall be lawful for the said
Board of Church Extension to accept contribu-
tions to the funds of said Board from any per-
son or persons capable of making the same, sub-
ject to an annuity payable to the order of the
persons making such donations. Provided, how-
ever, That all amounts so received shall be loaned
by said Board on adequate securities; and pro-
vided further, That the aggregate amount of an-
nuities that the said Board shall assume to pay
shall never be allowed to exceed the annual inter-
est receivable on the loans made by the said
Board.
Section 4. That it shall and may be lawful
for the said corporation to have a common seal, Seal,
and the same at will and pleasure change, alter.
iir>4 Methodist Constitution and Charters.
and renew, as they shall think proper, and shall
have and exercise all the rights, privileges, and
immunities, necessary for the purposes of the
corporation hereby constituted, and as herein
expressed.
Section 5. That the said Board of Church
Extension shall be appointed by the General Con-
ference of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and
perpetuated in the manner set forth in the Book
of Discipline of said Church; and the said Board
General Confer- shall be under the direction and control of the
ence control. General Conference of the said Methodist Epis-
copal Church in all things not inconsistent with
the Constitution and laws of the United States
and of the State of Pennsylvania.
Section 6. That the present Board of Man-
agers of the Church Extension Society aforesaid
shall constitute the said Board of Church Ex-
Tenure, tension until the next ensuing session of the Gen-
eral Conference of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and until their successors are duly ap-
pointed as provided in the preceding section.
(HISTORIC.)
EAELY CONSTITUTION OF THE CHUKCH
EXTENSION SOCIETY OF THE METH-
ODIST EPISCOPAL CHUKCH.
(See General Conference Journal, 1864, page 492.)
Article I.
"This association, denominated 'The Church Ex-
tension Society of the Methodist Episcopal Church,'
is organized for the purpose of enabling the several
Annual Conferences to extend and establish our
Christian influence and power throughout the United
States and Territories, by aiding, wherever neces-
sary, to secure suitable houses of public worship
and such other church property as may promote the
general design.
Article II.
"The payment of twenty dollars at one time shall
constitute a member for life. Any person paying one
hundred and fifty dollars at one time into the treas-
ury shall be an honorary manager for life; and the
contribution of five hundred dollars shall constitute
the donor an honorary patron for life; both of whom
shall be entitled to a seat and the right of speaking,
but not of voting, in the Board of Managers.
255
L'50 JL thodist ( Constitution and ( '//