3-034-563 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Rev. John H. James, D.D., 1871. Engraving from a photograph by Mr. P. P. Skeolan. 'The Rev. John H. James...entered the ministry in the year 1836. He was appointed one of the Conference assistant secretaries in the year 1857, and Conference secretary last year. His elevation to the presidential chair is a deserved acknowledgment of his abilities and of the value of his services to Methodism. Dr. James is an able and lucid preacher, a correct and welcome speaker on the platform, a judicious and successful superintendent, and a kind and discriminating friend. He presides over the Conference with an easy grace, and, without any undue laxity, he held the reins with freedom and impartiality. Dr. James is a gentleman, and this renders it impossible for him to give any reasonable offence in the complex cases and personal affairs upon which he must sometimes lay his official hand. His year of office has every prospect of being one of prosperity and peace...The proceedings of the Wesleyan Conference, which had been sitting for the last fortnight at Manchester, are said to have been remarkable for their harmony, and the great importance of the questions with regard to the economy of the Wesleyan system which have been discussed and settled'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.