The Ohio Conference Offering

Maxwell P. Gaddis collected a number of sermons from the junior preachers of this Ohio conference in 1851, and, also, a number of sermons and sketches from distinguished and beloved ministers who have died in the work. Brother Gaddis proposed to publish said sermons and sketches in a book to be called the "Ohio Conference Offering," the proceeds to be applied to the benefit of the widows and orphans of deceased ministers of the Ohio annual conference; therefore, the Methodist church cordially approved of this benevolent and praiseworthy undertaking of brother Gaddis, and recommended its speedy publication; and moreover promised, that they would use their influence to encourage its circulation in their respective fields of labor.

Maxwell Pierson Gaddis (1811-1888) was a prolific author and Methodist itinerant preacher. His best known book is his autobiography "Footprints of an Itinerant," which has been reprinted dozens of times.