second, by prayer, in the scriptural attitude of kneeling, and by the repetition of the Lord's Prayer. II. The Spirit and Truth of Singing 73. To guard against formality in singing: § 1. Choose such hymns as are proper for the occasion, and do not sing too much at once; seldom more than four or five stanzas. § 2. Let the tune be suited to the sentiment, and do not suffer the people to sing too slowly. § 3. In every Congregation let due attention be given to the cultivation of sacred music. § 4. Should the Pastor desire it, let the Quarterly Conference appoint annually a Committee of three or more of which the Pastor shall be chairman, which, coöperating with him, shall regulate all matters relating to this part of divine worship. The action of said Committee shall be subject in every respect to the control of the Quarterly Conference. § 5. As singing is a part of divine worship in which all ought to unite, therefore exhort every person in the Congregation to sing. I. GENERAL CONFERENCE II. ANNUAL CONFERENCES III. LAY ELECTORAL CONFERENCES VII. QUARTERLY CONFERENCES VIII. OFFICIAL BOARD IX. LEADERS AND STEWARDS' MEETING [For JUDICIAL CONFERENCE, see ¶ 292] CHAPTER I GENERAL CONFERENCE The Composition, Organization, Powers, and Restrictions of the General Conference are set forth in the CONSTITUTION of the Church, Division III, Chapter II, ¶¶ 37-47. CHAPTER II ANNUAL CONFERENCES I. Number and Organization 174, 81. There are now one hundred and thirtythree Annual Conferences, and these shall become severally bodies corporate, wherever practicable, under the authority of the laws of the States and Territories within whose bounds they are located. § 2. For the purpose of representation on the Book Committee, the Administrative Boards, and Committees in the General Conference the Annual Conferences shall be grouped into as many General Conference Districts as the General Conference from time to time shall determine. For the present grouping, see Appendix, ¶ 555. ¶ 75. All Members of an Annual Conference and those on Trial therein shall attend its sessions. 176. The Bishops shall appoint the times for holding the Annual Conferences; but they shall allow each Annual Conference to sit one week at least. 177. Each Annual Conference shall appoint the place of its own session; but should it become necessary, from any unforeseen cause, to change the place of its session after it has been fixed by the Conference, the Pastor or Pastors in the place where the Conference was appointed to be held, and the District Superintendent, shall have power to make such change. But this authority shall not be exercised without first consulting the other District Superintendents of the Conference so far as practicable. 178. A Bishop shall preside in the Annual Conference. In case no Bishop is present, a member of the Conference, appointed by the Bishop, shall preside. But if no appointment be made, or if the person appointed shall not attend, the Conference shall elect by ballot, without debate, a President from among the Elders. ¶79. A record of the proceedings of each Annual Conference shall be kept by a Secretary chosen for the purpose, and shall be signed by the President and Secretary; and a copy of said record shall be sent to the General Conference for examination. Journals not properly attested cannot be approved by the General Conference.1 II. Order of Business ¶80. The business of the Annual Conference is to inquire: § 1. Is this Annual Conference Incorporated according to the requirement of the Discipline? § 2. Who have been Received by Transfer, and from what Conferences? § 3. Who have been Readmitted? NOTE. Enter date of Location and the Conference which granted it. 1 See Appendix, ¶ 556. |