The Massachusetts Conference by I. H. EVANS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 19, 1914

The Massachusetts Conference

By I. H. EVANS

It was my privilege to attend the Massachusetts conference, held at South Lancaster, September 29 to October 4. A good representation from the various churches was in attendance, and from the beginning a spirit of unity and consecration characterized the meeting.

Elder H. C. Hartwell, president of the conference, gave a very interesting report of the work done in his territory during the past year. He sounded the keynote of the meeting by declaring that he wished this conference to be a genuine missionary conference. This it proved to be in a very definite way, each meeting seeming to emphasize the importance of winning souls to Christ and finishing the work. The entire conference was surcharged with a spirit of missionary zeal and activity.

Elder F. W. Paap, home missionary secretary of the North American Division Conference, and Elder W. W. Eastman, secretary of the North American Division Publishing Department, were in attendance, and rendered valuable help in preaching and in conference work. The Atlantic Union Executive Committee held a council during this conference, which gave the meeting the additional influence of these strong union men.

The reports made by the heads of departments showed growth in every department of the work. The tithe had increased materially over that for the previous year; the book sales were most encouraging; and the conference is doing its best to secure the full twenty cents a week per member for missions. An encouraging growth in membership was also reported. Altogether, the conference seems to be in a prosperous condition, and the workers are of good courage.

The Atlantic Union Executive Committee invited Elder H. W. Carr, president of the Western New York Conference, to take the presidency of the Maine Conference, and Elder H. C. Hartwell to take the presidency of the Western New York Conference. Elder Hartwell had already been elected president of the Massachusetts Conference, and it was with deep regret that the delegates received his resignation, and released him to answer the call of the union committee. Elder Hartwell had been president of the Massachusetts Conference for five years, and the conference had made splendid progress in all lines of work during his administration. Elder Allen Moon was elected by the conference to succeed Elder Hartwell as president.

I was much pleased with the good spirit and courage which prevailed during the entire meeting. Every one seemed willing and anxious to make any necessary sacrifice for the advancement of the work. The council of the union conference committee was characterized by unity and a spirit of sacrifice that the cause of God might be built up and greatly strengthened in the Atlantic Union Conference. I. H. EVANS.