The Chesapeake Conference
By G. B. Thompson
The annual meeting of the Chesapeake Conference was held at Rock Hall, Md., June 20-27. The services were held in the church, and instead of tents being pitched, the delegates were entertained in the homes of the resident members of the church. All the conference laborers were present, and there was a reasonable attendance from the various churches of the conference. Elder R. D. Hottel, Dr. J. E. Froom, and the writer were present from outside the conference. The Lord helped in the presentation of his word. On Sabbath especially the Holy Spirit wrought a good work among us. It was remarked by some that they never saw a meeting more fully under the control of the Spirit of God than was witnessed on this occasion. Some division had manifested itself in the business deliberations of the conference, and all felt that they must have special help from the Lord in order that this might be put away, and the work not be hindered. In response to the earnest petitions of his people the presence of the Spirit was manifested, and hearts were made tender. Sins were confessed, and alienation and strife were put away. As brethren, in whose hearts there had been feelings of discord, embraced each other, confessing their wrongs, the congregation was deeply moved. And when wrongs have been confessed as brethren, we should forget them, not for a day, but forever. Had all done this and yielded up their own ways and plans, all disunion would have been put away, and harmony restored. But truly the Lord wrought a good work. Backsliders were reclaimed, and sinners converted. The attendance from the outside was good. On Sunday night many were unable to find seats in the church. All seemed interested, and the19wish was expressed that the services might be continued longer. Could some arrangement have been made to do this, we feel that a harvest of souls would have been the result. All manifested a deep interest in the practical health talks by Dr. Froom, and it is hoped that a school of health may be held here later. During the year a very successful church-school has been conducted by the Rock Hall church, with Miss Lula Tarbell as teacher. The closing exercises took place during the meeting. It is the plan, I believe, to continue the school another year. Elder O. O. Farnsworth was re-elected president of the conference. Some changes were made in the other officers. The brethren and sisters of this conference have a great work given them to carry the message to those within the limits of their conference; but if they press together, and lay hold of the source of strength, the Lord will accomplish through them a mighty work. We trust that the coming year will be one of marked prosperity, and that many souls will be brought to a knowledge of the truth.