p. 16 | The Western Canadian Union Conference

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

The Western Canadian Union Conference

By E. L. STEWART.

THIS vast territory (extending from Manitoba to British Columbia, and as far north as inhabited) is rapidly being settled, and the third angel's message is finding its way among all classes. It has been but a few years since our first missionaries came here.

Now we have a union conference with three organized conferences and one organized mission field, three academies, six church-schools, and one sanitarium. The Pacific Press Publishing Association has a branch at Regina, and our canvassers have sold more than sixteen thousand dollars' worth of our books the past year.

Our first annual council was held the last of November, and plans were laid for carrying forward the work in 1909. We have just returned from the annual meeting of the British Columbia Conference.

This meeting was held at Port Hammond, in the new academy building, and the conference headquarters are also located at this place.

The building referred to is a well-built, four-story structure, costing about six thousand dollars. Most of this amount is to be raised by the sale of a portion of the large school farm, which consists of one hundred eighty-seven acres. The building can accommodate about fifty students in the home. One hundred sixteen persons were in attendance at this meeting. By invitation Elder W. B. White, president of the North Pacific Union Conference, was present, and rendered valuable assistance and counsel.

There were thirty delegates, representing twelve churches. One church was not represented by delegates. One new church was added to the conference. Our Indian elder was also present, and gave an interesting account of his work at Port Simpson. There were but few changes made in the conference officers.

On my way to this conference I attended a small meeting in southern Alberta. Owing to the bitter cold at this time, only a few could attend; but the Spirit of God was present, and those who came were encouraged. On my return I spent a Sabbath in Saskatchewan, and one day at our Portage Plains Academy in Manitoba. This school has about twenty young men and women in the home who are preparing for the work.

I thank God for the victories gained on this trip, and for the prospect of so many workers preparing for service.

E. L. STEWART.