The New Jersey Conference by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 11, 1909

The New Jersey Conference

By G. B. Thompson

THE seventh annual session of the New Jersey Conference was held at Jersey City, Jan. 20-24, 1909. The various churches of the conference were represented by over sixty delegates. A spirit of harmony and brotherly love characterized the deliberations of the conference throughout, and this feature of the meeting was thoroughly enjoyed.

The reports rendered in the various departments of the work showed progress. About one hundred believers have been added to the ranks as a result of the labor put forth during the year. Eight tent efforts were conducted the past summer, and several companies are being prepared for church organization. One new church was admitted to the conference. The tithe fund showed an increase over the previous year of more than two thousand dollars. A substantial increase was also seen in the amount given to missions. The efforts put forth to build up and develop the canvassing work have been attended with excellent results. The sale of our subscription books during the year was about eight thousand dollars. The conference was preceded by a canvassers' drill, conducted by Brother R. French, the canvassing agent for the conference, and Brother I. D. Richardson, the union conference canvassing agent; and the outlook for the book work during the coming year is good.

The institute and conference were held in Phillips Hall, which was quite centrally located, and a strong effort was made to bring the truths of the message before the people. The evening discourses were thoroughly advertised, and some of the services were well attended. The city papers sent reporters, and published some favorable reports of our meetings and work. I recommend this aggressive spirit in connection with our meetings. I believe we should advertise our meetings in an interesting and attractive way, and stir the people with the living truths of this message.

Elders K. C. Russell and W. H. Heckman and Dr. W. H. Smith each spent a short time at the meeting. Their labors were much appreciated by all. The writer was also present during the conference. All the conference workers shared in the labors of the meeting.

The officers elected were about the same as last year. Elder B. F. Kneeland was unanimously re-elected president.

A spirit of courage and hope was seen in the conference, and the delegates returned to their homes with a renewed determination to be faithful. How to reach the people of the populous cities is a great problem, but with faith in God it will in some way be solved.

G. B. THOMPSON.