Two Important Meetings by I. D. Richardson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1908

Two Important Meetings

By I. D. Richardson

The first two canvassers' institutes of the Columbia Union Conference for 1908 are now in the past, and good reports are coming in from those who were in attendance at the first one, which was held February 1-15, at Parkersburg, W. Va.

West Virginia had no State agent to work up the institute, but the untiring labors of the president, Elder J. M. Rees, brought together a company of consecrated men, all of whom feel a great burden for the success of the canvassing work in that field.

All present took a deep interest in the instruction given. Two classes a day were conducted in practical canvassing, and one in the theory and art of canvassing. The commercial phase of the work received due attention, while Testimony and Bible studies were conducted daily, making clear the missionary side of the work. All agreed that this was by far the more important.

In view of the fact that our canvassers have to meet the health reform and diet question, as probably no other workers do, this subject was studied carefully from the Testimonies. All the experienced canvassers agreed that it was possible to live good health reform as far as a flesh diet is concerned, and they resolved that they as well as other workers should bring their lives into harmony with health reform principles.

The Chesapeake institute was held February 15-29, at Baltimore, Md. Brother G. H. Clark, the State agent, had labored for weeks among the churches, and had a good company of canvassers present to begin the institute on time. We were pleased to see some of our sisters present at this institute, and also some of our colored brethren.

A spirit of consecration and devotion prevailed throughout this institute, as well as the one held in West Virginia. Never before had I attended two institutes where all seemed to have such a deep realization of the great responsibility resting upon them. It was expressed

by several that the institute had proved a great blessing to the churches in Baltimore. We believe that some of the brethren in Baltimore will soon enter the work.

At both institutes we closed with a short consecration meeting, and all expressed themselves as having determined to do faithful work, putting in full time (forty hours a week). Each one, I think, felt that he should induce some one else to enter the work this year, and thus double our numbers. Never did the future look brighter for the canvassing work.

I. D. RICHARDSON, General Agent.