p. 17 | Canadian Union Conference by W. H. THURSTON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 23, 1908

Canadian Union Conference

By W. H. THURSTON

In closing the work for the past year and making up the reports, we find that some progress has been made in all departments, and we enter upon the new year with hope and courage.

In reviewing the work of the year, we are pleased to note the blessing of the Lord in the efforts to spread the truth and to warn the people of the judgment-hour. The blessing of the Lord has been with the ministry, and while we have not realized all we had hoped for, yet we are thankful for what has been accomplished by the preaching of the Word.

Near the close of the year we made some changes in our laborers which we believe for the good of the work in general. Elder J. G. Hanna of the Maritime Conference was transferred to the Quebec Conference and located in Montreal. Elder F. A. Tracy of New Brunswick was transferred to the Ontario Conference and stationed in Ottawa. These brethren need the prayers of our people as they take up the work in these important cities. A few young men and women have entered the various departments of the work during the year, and they give promise of success.

Our educational work is making gradual progress, and our schools are being better equipped for successful work. There are thirty students in the Williamsdale Academy this year, and the most of them show evidence that they are there for the purpose of better knowing the Lord and his will concerning them, and of receiving a preparation to labor in the Master's vineyard. The new building at Lornedale was not quite finished when school opened January 6, but will soon be ready for occupancy. It is gratifying to see so many of our young people attending and planning to attend these schools to fit themselves for a part in this closing work.

A good record was made in the publishing work, compared with past years. Brother I. S. Jones has labored faithfully, encouraging the canvassing work and getting others to enter the field with our books. Over seven thousand dollars' worth of books were put out by these workers, not including the large number of “Christ's Object Lessons” that were sold. Time only will tell the full result of the faithful labors of our young men and women in placing these books, laden with present truth, in the hands of so many people. We expect a larger number will enter the field this year with our publications, and that a greater work will be done.

The medical work is moving on with very good results and those who are engaged directly in this work feel much encouraged. Since Dr. R. M. Clarke took the work at the Knowlton Sanitarium, the patronage has gradually increased. There being no doctor there for so long, the patronage had fallen off. There is a good work started, and had we a doctor qualified in Quebec who could take full charge of the work, there would be no question as to the success of the institution. Our treatment rooms conducted in Ottawa by Brother and Sister W. J. Hurdon, and in Lindsay, Ontario, by Brother and Sister Henderson, are doing successful work with good results. Our people as a whole throughout the conference are, as far as we know, of good courage, and are helping on the work as far as they are able, being anxious to see the message advance at home and abroad.

Some general meetings are being held, and our ministers are laboring mostly in the cities during the winter season. The Lord has preserved the health and lives of our workers, and we all have much to be thankful for. We reconsecrate ourselves to the Lord as we take up the work of the new year, and hope and pray for more of the Holy Spirit and for greater results in spreading the message. Our tithes and offerings have gradually increased, and we hope the time is not far distant when every one professing this truth will feel it a duty, as well as a privilege, to return to the Lord his own,—one tenth of all. It is the finishing of the work in which we are engaged, and as we all take hold, under God, we shall see of his salvation. Some of our people are doing good work with our papers, and it is hoped that many more will take up this work. Our papers grow better every year, and the message for this time is being proclaimed to thousands through their instrumentality.

“The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light.” As we do this we shall triumph with the message and finally receive crowns of righteousness.

W. H. THURSTON.