Ohio Conference Session by W. J. FITZGERALD

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 27, 1908

Ohio Conference Session

By W. J. FITZGERALD

This meeting was held in the Seventh-day Adventist church in Columbus, Ohio, January 20-23. The churches of the conference were represented by about one hundred thirty delegates. All the ministers and workers of the conference were in attendance. Elder Allen Moon, president of the Lake Union Conference, was present one day. His presence and counsel were much appreciated by all. It was regretted that he could not remain longer. Having entered the ministry in the Ohio Conference, it was a great personal privilege to the writer to attend another session of the conference, after an absence of more than ten years. It was a great pleasure to revive old acquaintances, and form new ones.

It is gratifying to notice the large number of workers that Ohio has contributed to other conferences and mission fields during the last ten years. These workers are to be found in various parts of the world-wide field. There are, in all, thirty-six ministers and workers in the employ of the conference who are engaged in the work in Ohio. Besides the home workers, the conference supports six persons in conferences and mission fields outside of the State.

The conference shows splendid gains in tithes and offerings during a period of four years, for which a comparative statement was presented. The year 1907 showed a gain over 1906 of $1,631.77 in tithes, and $653.74 in offerings to missions. During the year $5,505.54 was contributed by the conference to the $150,000 fund. It is evident that the tithes and offerings of a conference from year to year indicate very clearly the gains or losses in real strength. Accepting this standard of measurement, it is apparent that the Ohio Conference has been steadily gaining ground.

A very commendable spirit of unity and co-operation prevailed in the session from beginning to end. A considerable number of very important matters were passed upon with perfect unanimity of expression, both as regards discussions and votes.

The delegation unanimously took action which transferred the Mount Vernon College to the Columbia Union Conference; also indorsed the plan for making the Welcome Visitor the union conference paper, to be known as the Columbia Union Visitor. Vigorous resolutions were adopted relative to tithes and offerings, the circulation of literature, conventions for church officers, and other phases of work.

Elder H. H. Burkholder was re-elected president of the conference. Brother C. V. Hamer was chosen to serve another year as secretary and treasurer. Some changes were made in the membership of the executive committee. The officers of the tract society and the other departments of the conference remain the same as last year.

At the final meeting of the session Brethren Fred M. Fairchild and J. P. Gaede were ordained to the gospel ministry.

May the Ohio Conference act a noble part in the cause of present truth during 1908. W. J. FITZGERALD.