This collection consists of the minutes of annual meetings (called a District Conference) by the New Orleans District of the Louisiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. The district began holding annual meetings in November 1867. These meetings were attended by the district’s clergy and lay delegates from each pastoral charge; it was presided over by the district superintendent.

The minute books document the administrative activities of the meetings and regularly include the following reports: religious and financial state of churches, Sunday School work, missions, and denominational education and literature. By the late 19th century, reports also include information about Epworth Leagues (young adult associations), the Woman’s Parsonage and Home Mission Society, and lay activities. Also included are reports regarding Centenary College of Louisiana and the New Orleans Christian Advocate newspaper.

Note: the 1913-1916 New Orleans District Conference minute book was destroyed by fire in Baton Rouge, La., in fall 1916 (Source: 1917-1920 New Orleans District Conference minute book).