The Work in Colorado by Francis M. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 22, 1908

The Work in Colorado

By Francis M. Wilcox

WE are glad to report that the message in Colorado is rising in volume and power. The recent camp-meeting and conference held at Pueblo, August 20-30, was one of the best meetings in the history of the cause in this State. Several important decisions were rendered at this meeting which vitally affect the interests of the local work.

The churches west of the continental divide were formed into a new conference, known as the Western Colorado Conference. W. M. Kennedy was chosen president of this conference, with G. F. Watson, J. W. Norwood, J. F. Pearson, and W. M. Andress as members of the conference committee. J. L. Humbert was elected secretary of the tract society, and the State office is located at Grand Junction.

The churches east of the range constitute what is known as the Eastern Colorado Conference. J. W. Lair, of Kansas, was called to the presidency of this conference, with F. M. Wilcox, E. E. Farnsworth, H. A. Aufdehar, and Malcom Mackintosh as members of the conference committee. Later, on the resignation of Elder Mackintosh, Elder Meade MacGuire was chosen as a member of the committee. R. M. Rockey was elected secretary of the tract society. The headquarters of the Eastern Colorado Conference remains at Denver. This division of the conference was most harmoniously effected, and all believe that it will result in marked benefit to the cause throughout the entire State.

Several resolutions were adopted by the two conferences, in the interests of our people in the various kinds of church work. Colorado has always manifested a deep interest in the work in other lands, and this was the more fully shown in the adoption of the following resolution:—

“Recognizing the great needs of the world-wide mission fields, and the solemn responsibility which rests upon us, as well as the blessed privilege accorded us of sounding the last gospel message, not alone in Jerusalem and Judea, but to all the world as well; therefore,— “Resolved, That this conference dedicate hereafter one third of its income of tithes to this world-wide evangelization, and that the officers of this conference be instructed to turn over, quarterly, to the General Conference the

money thus dedicated to be used for gospel work as the needs of the general work shall demand.”

This was unanimously adopted, and received more hearty and enthusiastic support than any other resolution before the conference. The conference likewise pledged its hearty support to the ten-cent-a-week plan for the support of foreign missions.

This meeting was particularly favored in the help provided by the General Conference laborers. Elders A. G. Daniells, G. A. Irwin, E. T. Russell, C. C. Lewis, B. E. Huffman, H. Shultz, and J. S. Wightman rendered most excellent help throughout the meeting. The practical instruction given by Elders Daniells and Irwin was especially appreciated, and contributed in a large measure to the excellent results attending the meeting. The meeting was largely educational in its character. Important underlying principles affecting the government and direction of our work were dwelt upon, and while no marked excitement attended the work, our people probably received a better foundation for faith through the instruction given than they have had before in their experience. About twenty-five were baptized at the close of the meeting.

Since the camp-meeting the work in the State has continued to progress. In western Colorado our brethren have been busy perfecting their new conference organization. The academy at Palisades opened under most favorable auspices under the direction of Prof. A. M. Woodall; and the Eastern Slope Academy, at Campion, has made a most favorable opening under Prof. E. E. Farnsworth. Both these schools give promise of becoming important factors in the education of young men and women as workers in these two conferences.

Our laborers have taken up their work for the winter with new courage, and the hope of future success and final triumph is bright and strong in every heart. Francis M. Wilcox.