The Atlantic Union Biennial Conference by W. B. WHITE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 8, 1912

The Atlantic Union Biennial Conference

By W. B. WHITE

The biennial session of the Atlantic Union Conference was held in the city of Brooklyn, Jan. 8–21, 1912, and was attended by fifty-two delegates, and many of our conference workers and brethren and sisters from all parts of New England and New York. The conference was held in Tollner Hall at the corner of Bedford and Putnam avenues, in a large block newly built, and was about all that could be desired as a place in which to hold such a gathering. Every thing was new and clean; and the large hall, with its committee-rooms, banquet-hall, kitchen, and ladies’ and gentlemen’s parlors, all nicely furnished, made a very inviting place in which to hold our meeting.

The evening services had been especially arranged for the public. About sixteen or eighteen thousand attractive four-page announcements had been scattered in that part of Brooklyn. But the weather during the conference was not at all propitious for a large attendance. Sleet, rain, and snow, with severe cold, had to be contended with, and only a few outside persons were present during the week; but on the three Sunday evenings our hall was well filled, and at the last meeting many could not be seated. Our brethren in Greater New York are following up the interest with Sunday evening meetings.

Elders A. G. Daniells and G. B. Thompson were with us during the first week. Elder O. A. Olsen was with us three or four days, and Elders W. W. Prescott and S. B. Horton and Brother A. J. S. Bourdeau were with us the last week. Elders B. G. Wilkinson, B. F. Kneeland, and A. R. Sandborn spent a few days at the convention.

City work among the English-speaking people was the topic of the conference for the first three days. The next two days were given to the consideration of our duty to the foreigners that are flocking to the Atlantic Union from all quarters of the earth. A day and a half was given to the consideration of our publishing interests and to our home and foreign missionary work. Papers had been prepared upon these different topics, and their reading was followed by discussion. Much thought had been given to these papers, and valuable information was imparted.

The conference presidents had their biennial reports in writing, and their statistical and financial reports were upon wall charts, which showed very clearly the progress each conference is making. Success has attended the work in the Atlantic Union the last two years. It is estimated that about six hundred new Sabbath-keepers have been brought into the church. The tithe of the union has increased $38,241, and the funds sent to the General Conference have increased $36,806. Our Sabbath-school offerings increased $5,873, and our annual offerings, $4,441. The treasurer’s report showed that during the biennial term, which covered the years 1910 and 1911, the Atlantic Union paid $2,153 more than its quota on the ten-cent-a-week plan. The reports of the conference presidents showed a healthy increase in all lines of effort, and were very encouraging.

One of the greatest problems that the Atlantic Union has to face is the matter of bringing the truth to the millions of foreigners within its borders. Greater New York Conference is fully alive to this line of work. This question was given earnest consideration, and there was a general feeling that decided efforts must be put forth to reach the great mass of people from other lands. The work has been well started among the French; and it must be started and carried forward among the other nationalities.

A Bible workers’ institute was held during the union conference, and the most of the Bible workers in the Atlantic Union were present. Their work was carefully studied, and we are sure that all our Bible workers were greatly encouraged by the meetings. To reach the great cities of the East, a strong band of consecrated Bible workers is greatly needed, and an earnest effort is being made throughout the union to develop such a class of workers.

During the last week of the conference, Prof. W. W. Prescott gave a series of stirring addresses and Bible studies on true Protestantism, the growth and development of papal influence in this nation, and the mediatorial work of Jesus Christ as our High Priest, contrasted with the false mediatorial system established by the Catholic Church. These addresses and studies were greatly appreciated by the conference.

An excellent spirit of harmony and love pervaded all the sessions, and a good spiritual influence was felt throughout the meeting. On the last Sabbath the delegates and visiting brethren and sisters visited the several churches of the Greater New York Conference. In many places powerful revival efforts were held, backsliders were reclaimed, and all reconsecrated themselves anew to the work of quickly giving this message to all the world.

The same officers who served the last biennial term were reelected. We feel that this meeting has been truly an inspiration to the work in the Atlantic Union. W. B. WHITE.