The West Indian Union by A. J. HAYSMER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 24, 1915

The West Indian Union

By A. J. HAYSMER

In July, 1913, the writer returned to this field, after an absence of eight years, to act as president of the union. On account of our financial condition the union conference, which was to have been held in October, 1913, was postponed. But we had a meeting of the conference committee in May, 1914, when the needs of the field were carefully considered.

It was the unanimous opinion that the field was altogether too large for one man to look after properly. So the General Conference was asked to take over the Central American Conference, and the mission fields of Guatemala, Cuba, Haiti, and Porto Rico. After due consideration this was done. Other territorial changes were made to further facilitate our work. Colombia was given to the West Caribbean Conference, and the Venezuela, Guiana, and East Caribbean Mission fields were added to the South Caribbean Conference.

It was voted to hold our union and local conferences early in 1915; but on account of the changes made in the sailings of the steamships, because of the war, it was very difficult for us to decide upon dates; but the following were carried out:—

The Jamaica conference was held in Kingston, March 26 to April 4; the ministerial institute, union conference, and West Caribbean conference were held in Colon, April 9-27; and the South Caribbean conference was held in Port of Spain, Trinidad, May 6-12. These meetings were all well attended, and much of God’s blessing was manifested.

Elder G. B. Thompson and Prof. M. E. Kern attended the Jamaica and Colon meetings, and their services and counsel were appreciated by all. We are sure that the ministerial institute, the first one that our workers in this union have had the privilege of attending, was appreciated by them; and I believe it marks a new epoch in our work. The principles there brought out will be put into practice, and much more efficient work will be done in winning souls.

The spirit of the other meetings was brought into the South Caribbean meeting, and nearly all report that it was the best conference they have ever attended in this field.

The enemy of the work had laid his plans to bring confusion into all these meetings, but we are glad to be able to say that he has not had his way. When the enemy came in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord lifted up a standard against him.

Very few changes were made in the officers of the union and local conferences. The officers for the Jamaica Conference are: President, Elder E. C. Boger; secretary and treasurer, Charles Degering; executive committee, Elders E. C. Boger, C. H. Keslake, W. M. Crothers, and Brethren W. Burkley and C. C. McCatty.

The officers of the West Caribbean Conference are: President, W. G. Kneeland; secretary and treasurer, to be supplied; executive committee, Elders W. G. Kneeland, D. E. Wellman, J. W. Shultz, J. A. Reid, and Dr. D. E. Blake.

The officers of the South Caribbean Conference are: President, N. H. Pool; secretary and treasurer, F. Hutchinson; executive committee, Elders N. H. Pool, E. C. Widgery, E. C. Boynton, S. A. Oberg, and Brethren S. A. Crichlow, E. C. Henriques, and Thomas Cotton.

The officers of the West Indian Union are: President, A. J. Haysmer; secretary and treasurer, F. H. Raley; executive committee, Elder A. J. Haysmer, E. C. Boger, W. G. Kneeland, N. H. Pool, E. C. Widgery, and Brethren F. H. Raley and A. F. Haines.

Plans have been laid at all these conferences that, when carried out, we trust will greatly advance the work in these fields. Realizing the scattered condition of our territory and the great distances to travel, thus making it very difficult to meet together, it was voted to hold our union conference every four years, and the local conferences once in two years.

Plans were also laid to push the Watchman and other literature as we have never done before. It was also decided for the union to secure a large tent and plan to make strong evangelistic efforts in our large cities.

Field agents who speak both English and Spanish were called for in both West and South Caribbean fields, Jamaica already being supplied.

We are sure that our conference officers and workers are going from these meetings with renewed courage, and a strong determination to accomplish greater things in the future.

A. J. HAYSMER.