Important Meetings in the Southern Field by Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 28, 1909

Important Meetings in the Southern Field

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

A NUMBER of very important and encouraging meetings in the interests of the work in the Southern field have been held at Nashville, Tenn., during the month of January. The first of these to convene was the bookmen’s convention. This was attended by the leading workers in the publishing department in the Southern, Southeastern, and Southwestern union conferences. The reports presented by these workers were very encouraging. They showed that a larger amount of our literature has been distributed in the territory represented by these union conferences during the last year than in any previous year. They also show that at the present time there is by far the largest number of well-trained, capable workers engaged in this department of the work that these union conferences have ever had. During the convention, representatives of this work laid broad plans for its development in the future. All the State conventions are being held early in the year, that the large staff of canvassers may reach their fields at an early date, to press forward their work through the entire year. With the large number of well-trained, courageous workers in the field, the outlook for this branch of our work appears the most encouraging that it ever has in the South. This is the result of years of earnest, persistent effort put forth by the leading men in the field. We are glad to see their faithful services thus rewarded.

Following the bookmen’s convention, the Southern Publishing Association held its annual meeting. Our brethren and sisters who have kept a close watch of the development of this association will be greatly cheered to learn that the association was able to report a net gain of a little more than $10,000 for the year; $6,674.43 of this amount is the gain in the working operations of the association; $3,401.78 was donated by friends. During the first years of the history of this association, it sustained a very heavy loss in its operations. But four or five years ago affairs began to improve, and they have been growing better each year. The first gain in operation was for the year 1907, when the office showed a gain of $688.23. This was encouraging to those who were closely identified with the institution. While we all hoped that the affairs of the institution would still improve, no one expected such splendid results from the operations of the past year. And we are more thankful than words could express for this substantial and encouraging gain. The office is now well-equipped, and has a good, competent staff of workers. The field is well organized, and a large body of successful workers is engaged in the distribution of the literature. The prospects for the present year seem the brightest of any in the history of the association.

In connection with the meetings of the publishing association, there was held a general council of the Southern and Southeastern union conferences. Many important matters relating to the division of the territory and the development of the work in its various departments were considered; and broad, aggressive plans were laid for the progress of the work in the South. Elder G. A. Irwin, who, during the past year, has acted as president of the Southern Union Conference, and chairman of some of the institutional organizations, retired from the field, and Elder C. F. McVagh was chosen to take his place. Brother McVagh has been vice-president during the past year, and has become well acquainted with conditions throughout the South. The work is surely moving forward in that part of the field. A

number of good workers have been transferred from Northern conferences to different conferences in the South during the year 1908. The division of the field has provided more burden-bearers, thus increasing the number of workers. And yet more should be done by our Northern conferences for the South. There are many large cities ready for the message; but the conferences in which they are located have not the laborers necessary to enter these cities. The people in the South respond as readily to this message as do the people in any other part of the country. What is needed is a large number of capable men and women to give the message.

As one traces with care the development of the work in the South during the last eight years, he can but feel to rejoice over the progress that has been made. For years our dear Brother Butler, president of the Southern Union Conference, labored untiringly for the enlargement of the work. It was a long, hard pull, but each year recorded advancement, until now there is a steady and very perceptible progress, and the outlook is cheering. Elder McVagh, president of the Southern Union Conference, and Elder W. A. Westworth, president of the Southeastern Union Conference, are supported by loyal, earnest men, whose hearts are set to carry forward the work against all difficulties and obstacles. Our Northern conferences should continue to share their laborers and means with these conferences until there is a more equal distribution.

Good reports were presented by those in charge of the principal schools in the South. The attendance is good, and the students are taking a deep interest in their work. The Nashville Sanitarium has been passing through difficulties; but it is believed that these are being overcome, and that the institution will soon enjoy its share of prosperity.

For all these blessings we thank God, and take courage. Let us remember our work and workers at the throne of grace.

A. G. DANIELLS.