ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN CONFERENCE REPORT by T. M. STEWARD

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 18, 1867

ILLINOIS AND WISCONSIN CONFERENCE REPORT.

By T. M. STEWARD

The fourth annual session of the Illinois and Wisconsin State Conference of S. D. Adventists was held at Clyde, Ill., pursuant to appointment in Review, May 30 to June 2, 1867. Conference convened Thursday at 6 P. M. Eld. I. Sanborn in the chair.

Ordained ministers present: Sanborn, Andrews, and Steward, also J. N. Loughborough of Michigan. Opened with prayer by Bro. Loughborough. The credentials of delegates called for and examined. Seventeen delegates present, duly authorized, representing fourteen churches. Four were represented by letter, and two not represented. On motion the church at Fish Lake, Waushara Co., Wis., was admitted into the Conference.

Voted, To amend our State Conference Constitution by adding to Art. VII, Sec. 3, as recommended by Gen. Conf. (See report in Review, Vol. 29, p. 284.) All brethren present, in good standing in any of our churches, were invited to take part with us in the discussion of business. Report of last Conference read by secretary. On motion the subject of resolutions was referred to the executive committee, and Bro. Loughborough. Reports of ministers called for, when the following brethren responded: Elds. Sanborn, Andrews, and Steward, ordained, H. C. Blanchard, and J. Matteson (absent) licensed.

Voted, That the following brethren be our auditing committee to settle with ministers: C. W. Olds, R. Baker, P. S. Thurston, G. W. Colcord, T. Brown, and C. H. Bliss. Adjourned to 31st at 9, A. M.

Morning session May 31st, 9 A. M. Prayer by Bro. Andrews. Treasurer's report read, and approved as follows: Receipts since last Conference, $1133.84. Disbursements, 785.27. Amount now on hand, $348.57. I. COLCORD, JR., Treasurer.

Voted, That we adopt the same amendments to our State Conference Constitution, that were adopted by the Michigan State Conference. (See report in Review, Vol. 29, p. 285;) viz., the addition to Art. III, Sec. 2, and the addition to Art. IV, of Secs. 3 and 4.

Voted, That we elect our officers by ballot. The election resulted as follows: For President, Eld. R. F. Andrews; Secretary, Eld. T. M. Steward; Treasurer, Bro. I. Colcord, Jr.; Executive Committee, Elds. R. F. Andrews, I. Sanborn, and H. C. Blanchard.

Voted, To renew the credentials of the following brethren for the ensuing year: I. Sanborn, R. F. Andrews, T. M. Steward, H. C. Blanchard, John Matteson, and Wm. Russell.

Voted, That this Conference recommend that Bro. H. C. Blanchard be ordained and receive full credentials. Adjourned to 2½ P. M.

Afternoon session. Prayer by Bro. Loughborough. The executive committee then presented the following resolutions which were adopted.

Resolutions on the following points, adopted by the Gen. Conf. (See report in Review, p. 284), viz., Fields of Labor, Letters of Commendation, Members Moving, Ordinances, Patent-Rights, Persons traveling about without a license, Better to live out the truth than to be always contending about it, Health Reform, Health Institute, Dress, Reform Dress, War, Call for humility on our part, Brethren over anxious to impress the public that they are a very upright, and worthy people, Spiritual Gifts, and Appeal to mothers. Adjourned to call of committee.

Called by Committee, June 2, 9 A. M. Prayer by Bro. Loughborough.

Resolved, That this Conference fully approve of the proposed enlargement of the Review, and the Semi-monthly issue of the Youth's Instructor, and we will endeavor to extend their circulation, and contribute of our means to meet the expense of the same.

Resolved, That this Conference donate the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to the S. D. A. P. Association.

Resolved, That this Conference donate the sum of one hundred and twenty-five dollars to the Gen. Conference Missionary fund.

Resolved, That this Conference donate the sum of one hundred dollars to the Health Institute for the charitable fund.

Resolved, That this Conference donate the sum of one hundred and eight dollars and thirty-three cents, willed to them by Bro. Ivory Colcord Sen., deceased, to the charitable fund of Health Reform Institute. Adjourned to call of Committee.

Afternoon session. Prayer by Bro. T. M. Steward, R. F. Andrews in the chair. Standing of churches reported by secretary showing a deficit of six hundred dollars on last year's pledge. Auditing Committee made their report which was accepted.

Amount due preachers, $610.82.

Resolved, That this Conference recommend to their churches to pay 80 per cent. of all moneys paid into their respective treasuries, into the State Conference fund, excepting the churches at Princeville and Little Prairie, who are building, and repairing meeting houses; and these churches are hereby requested to retain one-half of their S. B. fund for such purpose.

Resolved, That this Conference donate to the Sand Prairie church the full amount of their past indebtedness to use in building their meeting house.

Resolved, That this Conference recommend to those who take the trip of Quarterly Meetings, to travel as much as practicable by private conveyance, and thereby save expense.

Resolved, That this Conference recommend to its churches, to hold a convocation at Johnstown Center, Rock Co., Wis. Commencing Sept. 4, 1867, at 9 A. M. and continuing over the following first-day.

Resolved, That we hereby express our love and sympathy for Bro. and sister White, in all their afflictions; and we join with them in prayer to God that they may be fully restored to health, and to active labor in this cause. And we hereby request them, if their health will permit, to meet with us in our convocation proposed above.

Resolved, That we tender our thanks to the church at Clyde for their kind hospitality during these meetings. Adjourned to call of committee. R. F. ANDREWS, President. T. M. STEWARD, Secretary.

REMARKS.

This fourth annual session of the Ill. and Wis. State Conference has been one of much interest to the cause. All our business passed harmoniously and our religious meetings were interesting, and the attendance was good.

After two discourses on the Sabbath, Bro. H. C. Blanchard was ordained, and set apart to the gospel ministry. Eld. Sanborn offered the ordination prayer, Eld. Loughborough gave the charge and Elds. Andrews and Steward gave the right hand of fellowship. We felt that we enjoyed the approval of our heavenly Father. T. M. STEWARD, Secy.