The South African Union Conference by R. C. Porter; J. V. Willson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 11, 1909

The South African Union Conference

By R. C. Porter; J. V. Willson

THE fourth session of the South African Union Conference was held at Claremont, Dec. 24, 1908, to Jan. 3, 1909, Elder R. C. Porter presiding. The conference committee and those in charge of missions met for a few days preceding the opening of the conference, to study the situation and needs of the field. One feature of the conference was the work of the large committee, which met daily to prepare recommendations to be brought before the conference.

From the very first, the conference meetings were characterized by the deep movings of the Holy Spirit, union and harmony prevailing throughout the entire session. Elder Porter's studies on apostasy and on the book of Job were very clear and helpful. Also Elder L. R. Conradi's study on the book of Acts.

The missionaries presented reports from the different mission fields, showing the needs for the coming year. Plans were laid for aggressive work. It was voted to send three additional helpers to the Barotseland Mission,—Brother and Sister J. R. Campbell and Brother C. Robinson. Brother and Sister H. C. Olmstead will connect with the work at the Solusi Mission; Elder M. C. Sturdevant will open a new mission in Rhodesia; Sisters Ina and Ettie Austen will join the work at Malamulo Mission, Nyassaland; and Brother G. A. Ellingworth will connect with the Maranatha Mission.

The report shows the following receipts for the year 1908: Tithes, £356 5s. 6d.; annual offerings, £45 6s. 6d.; weekly offerings, £60 17s.; Sabbath-school offerings, £169 9s. 11d.; a total of £631 18s. 11d. The amount furnished the missions for 1908 was £3,122 11s. 1d.

The following officers were elected: President, R. C. Porter; vice-president, W. S. Hyatt; secretary and treasurer, J. V. Willson; corresponding secretary, Mrs. R. C. Porter; general secretary Volunteer Missionary Society, Miss M. E. Robertson; general secretary Sabbath-school association, Mrs. A. P. Tarr; editor South African Missionary, Mrs. R. C. Porter; editor Sentinel, I. J. Hankins. Union conference committee: R. C. Porter, W. S. Hyatt, E. R. Williams, H. J. Edmed, Geo. Thomason, M. D.; C. P. Crager, I. J. Hankins; J. H. DeBeer.

Ministerial credentials were granted to R. C. Porter, W. S. Hyatt, W. H. Anderson, F. B. Armitage, M. C. Sturdevant, J. C. Rogers, and also to W. C. Walston and J. F. Olmstead, who were ordained to the work of the gospel ministry. Ministerial licenses were given to Dr. Geo. Thomason and M. E. Emmerson, and missionary licenses to H. C. Olmstead, J. R. Campbell, Victor Willson, S. M. Konigmacher, R. Moko, M. D. Kalaka, A. Butterfield, Mrs. M. C. Sturdevant, Mrs. A. Butterfield, Mrs. F. B. Armitage, Mrs. J. C. Rogers, Miss E. Edie, Mrs. R. C. Porter, C. Robinson, G. A. Ellingworth, Ina Austen, and Ettie Austen. Teachers' missionary certificates were given to Miss Ina Austen and Miss Helen Hyatt. One company of sixteen, that had been working independently, asked admission into the conference.

As the brethren separated at the close of the conference, they all felt that this was one of the best conferences ever held in South Africa, and all were full of hope and courage to begin the work of another year.

R. C. PORTER, Chairman; J. V. WILLSON, Secretary.