p. 16 | The Iowa Conference by William T. Knox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 23, 1914

The Iowa Conference

By William T. Knox

THE fifty-first annual session of the Iowa Conference was held in conjunction with its State camp meeting, at Des Moines, May 28 to June 7. The camp was pitched on the beautiful and commodious State fair grounds, one of the large buildings being used as the main pavilion. The excellent sanitary conditions, the comfortable and convenient arrangement of the camp, and the efficient provision for caring for the temporal wants of those in attendance, contributed materially to the success of the meeting.

The conference was well attended by representatives from all parts of the State. In addition to the regular conference workers, the meeting enjoyed the benefit of the labors of the following-named brethren of the North American Division Conference: Prof. Frederick Griggs, educational secretary; Elder F. W. Paup, home missionary secretary; Elder Chas. Thompson, president of the Northern Union; and Elder W. T. Knox.

From the first, there was a deep interest manifested in all the devotional services, every appeal for an advanced move in Christian experience receiving a hearty and general response. The revival services, which were numerous, yielded most encouraging results. This was especially so among the young people. Before the close of the meeting forty were buried with their Lord in baptism. The meetings held during the last Sabbath of the session were especially helpful, the morning service being characterized by a deep spirit of consecration, and a number gave their hearts to God for the first time. In the afternoon, Brethren W. A. McKibben and Geo. R. E. McNay were, with the approval of the conference, set apart to the work of the gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands.

The report of the president concerning the progress of the work of the previous year, contained many interesting and encouraging features, not the least of which was the recounting of some of the many laborers Iowa has furnished, who are now proclaiming the truth in other lands, and occupying positions of responsibility in the leadership of the denomination. Mention was made of the evangelical efforts of the various workers during the year just closed, showing not only a good degree of activity, but also encouraging results in conversions and accessions to the faith. Two church buildings were dedicated.

The financial features of the report showed the tithe for the year as $43,789.68; mission offerings, $22,483.54, the latter being within a few hundred dollars of equaling the entire amount contributed during the previous two years. Of this amount, $3,251.45 was realized from the Harvest Ingathering campaign. The conference association, which carried the obligations of the Oak Park Academy and the Iowa Sanitarium, showed a reduction of its liabilities amounting to approximately $5,000.

The business of the conference was conducted with reasonable dispatch, and with perfect harmony. There were but few changes in the officers. Elder A. R. Ogden was again called to the presidency of the conference. Sister Flora V. Dorcas was chosen secretary, and Brother J. W. Dorcas, treasurer.

One very encouraging feature of the session that received most interested attention, and gives promise of great future benefit to the conference, was the consideration of the home missionary work. The plans adopted, if carried out, cannot fail to result in great benefit to the denomination in the spiritual growth of its members, and in a large increase in its constituency. These plans involved a definite work on the part of all the membership in the circulation of our tracts and periodicals, holding Bible readings, and in all similar Christian activities for winning souls to Christ.

A very aggressive effort was also planned for the coming Harvest Ingathering campaign. A standard of five dollars a member was established as the goal for their solicitation of funds, all conference laborers planning to take a very prominent part in this effort, with one hundred dollars each as their standard.

W. T. Knox.