British Guiana Conference Meeting by O. E. DAVIS

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

British Guiana Conference Meeting

By O. E. DAVIS

THE second annual session of the British Guiana Conference convened at Georgetown, from Nov. 29, 1907, to December 3. Owing to unusually hard times in the colony, the attendance from the different churches and companies was small, but a deep interest was manifested in the deliberations by all the members present. The evening meetings were well attended by the people of the city. The president's address giving the conditions and the progress of the work showed a general improvement throughout the colony. The reports of the workers were noted with interest as all showed success and prosperity during the past year and bright prospects for greater success the year to come.

The work for the native Indians was presented by Brother T. J. Kennedy, who has charge of the mission and school. This report shows an increase in church-membership, and a fair attendance at school. Since Elder J. B. Beckner came to the colony, land has been purchased, and this work placed on a permanent basis. A mission house is now being constructed, and it is hoped that soon the work will be fully established.

The work among the East Indian people was presented by Brother R. Hyder, our native worker, and while the present results are not all we could hope for, still we believe the seed is being sown that will bring forth a harvest of souls from among this people.

The school for the children is prospering, and the roll shows an increase of scholars. Many of these are bright and quick to learn, and we hope, if time should last, that some may become efficient workers in God's cause. This gives us a school for both classes of Indians, but we have no school for the colored children; these must all, as yet, attend the schools of other churches or the public schools. We hope soon to have a school in the city for our Sabbath-keeping children.

The financial report showed an increase in the tithe, and notwithstanding the hard times the value of books sold by the canvassers has far surpassed that of the preceding year.

The Sabbath-school, educational, and Missionary Volunteer work received special attention, and good results are anticipated.

The visiting brethren who attended the meetings were Elders U. Bender, president of the West Indian Union Conference; Elder W. G. Kneeland, president of the Jamaica Conference; Elder W. Jay Tanner, superintendent of the Hayti Mission Field; and Brother H. H. Cobban. These brethren rendered valuable assistance and instruction in placing the work in this new conference on a more thorough and systematic basis.

Officers for the ensuing year were elected as follows: President, to be supplied by the West Indian Union Conference; vice-president and treasurer, O. E. Davis; secretary of tract society and Sabbath-school work, Mrs. A. Sampson. Owing to long service in the tropics, and to repeated attacks of fever in this colony, Elder Beckner was obliged to leave this field. All regret the loss of his fatherly counsel. His ardent labors for the time he was with us have been an inspiration to us all, and we earnestly pray God's blessing of health on him in his future labors. As the meetings closed, all felt it was good to have been present as the Spirit of the Lord was in our midst, and unity prevailed in the deliberations. Resolutions were passed expressing gratitude to God for his blessings on the work in this conference.

O. E. DAVIS.