The Manitoba Meeting by E. L. STEWART

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 13, 1908

The Manitoba Meeting

By E. L. STEWART

LEAVING Hammond, British Columbia, December 17, we reached Regina, Saskatchewan, the evening of the twentieth, and were met by Elder H. S. Shaw, superintendent of the work in this province. The long ride of nearly fifteen hundred miles caused us to realize something of the size of this new union conference. The monotony of the journey, however, is broken by the great variety of mountain scenery. The marked contrast in climate from warm rain to twenty-eight degrees below zero is keenly felt at this time of year.

By invitation, Elder Shaw attended the Manitoba meeting, which opened December 27. Twenty-eight delegates were present, representing seven churches. The meeting was held in the school building at Portage la Prairie, and all that were well cared for in the building.

From the first, the meetings were especially marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit, and only on one occasion did anything like clouds appear. Perfect harmony prevailed in all the actions of the conference. The delegates expressed their approval of the organization of the new union conference, and pledged their hearty support. They also expressed loyalty to the General Conference, and thanked the committee for its liberal appropriation and kindly interest in this new field. They also promised to continue their help in the raising of the $150,000 fund. All returned to their homes full of hope and courage.

The first day of the meeting a telegram came, calling Elder C. J. Kunkle to the presidency of the North Dakota Conference, thus depriving Manitoba of its only ordained German worker. Coming as it did at the opening of the meeting and so unexpectedly, a heavy burden was thrown upon those in charge of the work. As the brethren released him, they felt that God would provide for his work.

The treasurer’s report was read in the early part of the meeting, and showed a very good condition. Frosted crops had caused a decrease in the flow of tithe, but it was thought that the workers could be settled with. The tract society showed a steady gain for some years past. The school also presented a gain, and is free from debt. It was placed upon an academic basis, and its name was changed to “Portage Plains Academy.” About fifteen pupils were in the Home this year, and the school is fully launched for service in this northern field. It was voted to move the tract society and conference office from Winnipeg to Portage la Prairie. Steps were also taken to establish an Indian mission. There are ten thousand Indians in this province, and we hope this step may prove a great blessing to them.

The brethren were very loath to part with Elder W. M. Adams, but as the union conference had recommended him to British Columbia, Elder W. C. Young was unanimously elected president of the conference. Elder Shaw’s labors were much appreciated by all, and we believe this was one of the best meetings ever held in this province.

E. L. STEWART.