The Ministers Coming

On Tuesday next the 4oth session of the Detroit conference of the Methodist Episcopal church will be opened in Ann Arbor. With one. exception it is the most influential conference in the country. It includes the churches of the northern peninsula and the eastern half of the lower part of the state, about 250 charges. Each one sends its pastor and one lay delégate every fourth year, this being the year for the jresence of the lay delegates. The most important question tocomeup this year will be that of woman suffrage. Bishop John F. Hurst, of Washington, is expected to preside at all the sessions of the conference. The exercises begin Tuesday evening, September to, when, from 7 to 8, the official board of the Ann Arbor church extends an informal reception to the visitors. At 8 p. m. Dr. J. F. Berry, the talented editor of the Epworth Herald, lectures on "What a Tramp Saw in the Emerald Isle." Wednesday morning at 9 o'clock opens the business sessions of the conference to be continued every day at the same hour, except Sunday, till the close of the conference. Wednesday at 2 p. m. Rev. Seth Reed delivers the semi-annual sermón; at 7:30 p. m. is observed the anniversary of the Superannuated Preachers' Aid Society, vith an address by Dr. Whittaker, of Detroit. Thursday at 2 p. m. is the anniversary of the W. F. M. S., address by Miss Mary Danforth, missionary to Japan; evening, educational anniversary, address by President Fiske and Dr. Edwards. Friday at 2 p. m., anniversary of W. H. M. S., address by Prof. Henrietta Bancroft, of Albion College. At 5 p. m. Prof. York, of Detroit, will give a free organ recital on the Columbian organ, and at 7:30 p. m. is celebrated the anniversary of the Freedman's Aid Society, address by Rev. J. C. Hartzell. The lady conference also meets on this day. Saturday afternoon is the Epworth League anniversary, at which Dr. Schell and Dr. Barry will speak. The church extensión anniversary, address by Rev. Dr. Kynett, will occupy the evening of the same day. On Sunday there will be preaching in the various city churches, and in the evening Dr. A. B. Leonard will speak at the anniversary of the Missionary Society.