Northwestern California Conference by J. ADAMS STEVENS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 2, 1915

Northwestern California Conference

By J. ADAMS STEVENS

The Northwestern California Conference was organized at a joint session of the California, Central California, and Northern California Conferences, held at Oakland, Feb. 4-9, 1915. The conference territory embraces the counties of Solano, Marin, Napa, Sonoma, Lake, Mendocino, Trinity, Humboldt, and Del Norte, with a population of 201,823.

The conference was organized with twenty-one churches, with a membership of 1,261, whose tithe for 1914 had been $20,758.96. The conference office is located at Santa Rosa. With the exception of the young people's and home missionary secretary, all the departmental

secretaries are shared with the California Conference. The Northwestern California Missionary Society is operated in conjunction with the California Bible House at Oakland, and the same camp meeting equipment serves both conferences.

Inasmuch as the actual division did not take place until April 1, and some of the laborers could not be released until May 1, a large part of the year had passed before active field work could be started. It has taken time, also, for the conference to adjust itself to the new order of things. However, the people have had a mind to work, and the blessing of God has rested upon the workers, and encouraging progress has been made.

The reports for the third quarter show that 132 have been baptized since January 1. Tithe increase amounts to $1,841.54, and the offerings to missions average about fifteen cents a member. There are twelve young people's societies, an increase of five; also fifteen home missionary societies, an increase of six. The church schools have opened with increased attendance, and one new school has been started, making ten schools in the conference. It has been necessary for two schools to employ an extra teacher. Several colporteurs have been at work this summer, and a large amount of other literature has been circulated.

The churches have entered the Harvest Ingathering campaign with enthusiasm, and we fully expect to reach the goal set for our mission offerings. Everything indicates that we have reached the time when we should invest heavily in God's closing work. Now while there is peace and comparative plenty in our nation, is our greatest opportunity to hasten the triumph of the everlasting gospel, and the spirit of the message is stirring our people to do their part.

J. ADAMS STEVENS.