under the amended constitution, Bishop Milton Wright and eleven delegates withdrew to meet elsewhere for legislation under the old constitution. The majority claim that the constitution of 1841 was never submitted to the members of conferences or of the church, but was adopted by the general conference only.

Two important changes were made in the constitution, one admitting laymen to the general conference, and one modifying the section prohibiting membership in secret societies. The old constitution had this section: "There shall be no connection with secret combinations." The new constitution modifies this by providing that all secret combinations which infringe upon the rights of others and whose principles are injurious to the Christian character of their members are contrary to the Word of God, and Christians should have no connection with them. The new section also empowers the general conference to enact "rules of discipline concerning such combinations."

There are in this country 45 annual conferences; also, one in Canada, and mission districts in Africa and Germany. The denomination is not represented in any of the New England States, nor in any of the States south of Virginia, Tennessee, and Missouri. It is strongest in members in the three States of Ohio (47,678), Indiana (35,824), and Pennsylvania (33,951). Its total membership is 202,474, divided among 3731 organizations, with 2836 church. edifices, valued at $4,292,643. The average seating capacity of the edifices is 288, and the average value $1513. There are 780 halls, with accommodations for 93,035.

2.—THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST (OLD CON

STITUTION).

This body consists of those who hold that the act of the general conference of 1885, creating a commission to revise the confession of faith and constitution, was unconstitu

tional, and that all proceedings under it were null and void. Bishop Milton Wright and eleven delegates withdrew from the general conference of 1889 because of the announcement that its proceedings would conform to the revised constitution. They immediately convened in conference and proceeded to legislate and elect bishops and general church officers under the old constitution. The division, begun in this way, was soon widely extended, involving many of the conferences and placing the ownership and occupancy of much church property in dispute. The "Liberals," as the majority are called, continued in possession of the general church property and offices, and also of most of the churches and parsonages. The "Radicals," those who adhere to the old confession and constitution, have churches, ministers, and members in many of the conferences, the titles of which they have preserved. There are therefore two sets of conferences bearing the same names and covering the same territory. Many suits have been entered in the courts to test the control of the property involved. A final decision has not yet been. reached. Those who adhere to the unamended constitution insist that the general conference of 1885 had no constitutional power to provide for the revision of the constitution and confession; that the general conference of 1889 had no right to act under the revised constitution, and that the existing constitution was and still is the organic law of the church. They maintain an exclusive attitude toward all secret societies, according to the provision of the old constitution forbidding connection with any of them.

When the statistics for the eleventh census were obtained, the line of division had not in all cases become distinct, and it was difficult to get returns from some of the

districts. A number of presiding elders reported that much of the church property in their respective districts was in dispute, being claimed by both parties. In tabulating from the schedules returned by the presiding elders of each branch, care was taken not to count the same edifices and property twice. It is possible, however, that in some cases duplication has not been prevented.

The total number of members is 22,807, and there are 795 organizations. The average seating capacity of the church edifices is 302, and their average value $1116. There are 209 halls, with accommodations for 23,285.