East Michigan Conference by G. B. Thompson

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

East Michigan Conference

By G. B. Thompson

The annual session of the East Michigan Conference was held at Flint, April 6-9. This conference was preceded by a four-days’ convention of church officers. Quite a number of the elders and other officers were present from the various churches, and a most profitable time was spent in studying the various phases of church work. Those who attended declared themselves greatly benefited by the instruction given, and expressed a determination to return to their homes to be real leaders, and to feed the flock of God better than in the past. It was regretted by all that every church officer in the conference was not present to share in the blessings of the convention; and similar meetings will doubtless be arranged for in other parts of the conference. I am sure that nothing can be done which will more effectually build up our work in all lines than to instruct our church officers thoroughly concerning the duties and responsibilities which they assume when they accept an office in the church.

The conference was well represented by delegates from the churches. In addition to the conference laborers present, Elder A. Moon, president of the Lake Union Conference, Brother J. B. Blossey and the writer were present to assist in both the convention and the conference. It was a good conference. Unity and a deep missionary spirit characterized the session throughout. In addition to arranging for aggressive work at home, plans were laid to assist the work in other places. The conference voted to give all their surplus tithe to missions, to share several of their laborers with the foreign fields, and pay their salaries, also to continue the salary of Elder F. G. Lane in the West Indies for another year.

A recommendation was passed favoring the plan of our Sabbath-schools’ sending all their donations to missions. It was also voted to send a tent company to the South and to support them for one year. The plan of raising a sum equal to ten cents a week per capita was enthusiastically endorsed by all. If the plan is set in operation in every church by the officers, this amount will be easily raised.

The reports rendered by the various departments of the conference indicated growth. The tithe for the past year was $22,956.47. This averaged $12.41 for each member, and showed an increase over the previous year of $3,577.33. The total Sabbath-school contributions for the year amounted to $1,359.76. Of this sum $922.52 was given to missions.

The report of Prof. R. B. Thurber, the principal of the Adelphian Academy, was encouraging. A number of students are attending who are doing excellent work, and fitting themselves for a place in the cause.

Plans were laid to advance the book and periodical work the coming year. A field missionary agent and a field mission secretary were elected to labor in the interest of these departments, and doubtless the coming year will show substantial growth in the sale of our literature in the conference.

The last day of the meeting brethren Delmer P. Wood and E. R. Lauda were ordained to the sacred work of the ministry. The Spirit of the Lord was present to witness to this step.

We feel sure this meeting will do much to develop and strengthen the work in the conference. Let all pray that the Spirit of God which was present to help in planning, may continue with the work during the year, and make effective the excellent plans laid.

G. B. THOMPSON.