The West Michigan Conference
By G. C. Tenney
The third annual meeting of the West Michigan Conference was held at Grand Rapids, January 20-25. Although about one half of the churches in the conference were without representation, there was a large attendance of delegates and visitors, which, with the local attendance, filled the place of meeting at every service. On the Sabbath not all who desired to do so were able to find a place in the hall. In addition to the regular delegation the following brethren were with us a part or all of the time: Elders Kauble, of the Emmanuel Missionary College; S. E. Wight, of the North Michigan Conference; E. K. Slade, of the East Michigan Conference; and Brother J. B. Blosser, general canvassing agent of the Lake Union Conference. It was a disappointment that the president of the Lake Union Conference was unable to be present. While due attention was given to the necessary business, it was blended with spiritual interests, and these were kept prominently before the meeting throughout. A large portion of the time of the conference was spent in receiving reports from various departments and institutions embraced in our work, and from the workers, and in discussing the best methods for carrying on the work God has given us. The educational, missionary, medical missionary, and other features of gospel work were fully considered. Reports were presented by those representing the various institutions within the bounds of the conference. These were uniformly encouraging and inspiring. Each report showed plainly that God is at work with his people; and as we listened and communed together, his good Spirit came into our meetings, often with power. Decisions and conclusions were reached in a united spirit. The Sabbath forenoon discourse was given by Elder Kauble. The afternoon service was in the interests of the youth. Evening discourses were given by Elders Haughey, Van Horn, and Van Deusen. A large hall was secured near the center of the city, and four popular health lectures were given by Drs. Morse and Read, of the Battle Creek Sanitarium. The officers of the conference remain nearly as before. Measures were adopted for securing an increased attendance for both Berrien Springs and Cedar Lake schools, and for improvements in some other directions, all of which will appear in the published minutes of the conference. A delegation of about forty persons represented the Battle Creek church and sanitarium. The friends at Grand Rapids did nobly in entertaining their visitors and making their stay pleasant. There were many expressions of the satisfaction and enjoyment afforded by the meeting, and, altogether, it was a season of much interest and profit. G. C. TENNEY.