The Central Union Conference
By A. O. Tait
The Central Union Conference held its second biennial session at Kansas City, Mo., January 18-28. Nearly all of the eighty-five delegates entitled to seats in the conference were present. The tone of the conference from beginning to end was strong in its expressions of determination to stand firmly on the old foundation platform of the third angel’s message, and to push the work to the ends of the earth in this generation, so that the end may come. It was very interesting to hear the different conference presidents tell of the number of laborers that they are supporting in foreign fields. Several of the conferences are paying both the wages and the expenses of five or six workers, in such distant lands as Africa, China, and Japan. In reporting the work being done in foreign lands by the Colorado Conference, Elder Watson told of the experience of Paul Branch, a boy of twelve who had gone to Africa with his father as a missionary. Paul was an earnest $133,180. This shows an increase for 1905 over 1904 of $6,770. Elder R. A. Underwood, the president of the Northern Union Conference, was present during the greater part of the meeting, and gave some important and much-appreciated instruction upon the mission and work of the Spirit of God, showing that every one in this time must become familiar with the Bible teaching upon this subject in order to have the strength to stand in these closing hours of time. Elder W. C. White gave some facts in regard to the manner in which the Testimonies are given, showing that the human instrumentality is under the control of God’s Spirit in doing this appointed work. The charge that has been so often made that various individuals influence Sister White in giving her testimonies is without foundation. Elder Geo. A. Irwin gave instruction on church organization, and the principles and methods that should govern us in the choosing of church officers. He also set forth in several discourses the necessity of standing firmly upon the established pillars of our faith. Certain well-defined truths have made us the people that we are, and these truths are the message we are to bear to the world. The Testimonies have been a very important factor in developing our work, and we must not listen to the insidious teachings of men who are discrediting these messages sent us under the guidance of the Spirit of God. The Testimonies, the tithing, and the health reform have been the questions over which the most of those who have apostatized from us have stumbled. Therefore it behooves us to look well to our bearings upon these important Bible doctrines. The hearty response from those present, as Elder Irwin was dwelling upon this theme, showed that the matter was appreciated as meat in due season. Elder J. G. Hanhardt, of the Kansas Conference, has responded to a call to go to Jersey City, N. J., and Elder H. Meyer, of the Missouri Conference, has responded to a like call to Philadelphia; both are to labor among the Germans in those fields. The conference voted to defray the expenses incident to the transfer to their new fields. Elder E. T. Russell was re-elected president, Elder A. T. Robinson was chosen vice-president, and Elder B. E. Huffman secretary. Owing to the poor health of himself and some members of his family, Elder Crane resigned the presidency of the Kansas Conference, and Elder R. C. Porter, the president of the Missouri Conference, was requested to go to Kansas and take the position made vacant by the resignation of Elder Crane. Elder Stewart, the vice-president of the Missouri Conference, will act as president in that field until the time of the next annual conference. It was never my privilege to attend a conference where everything moved more smoothly. Perfect harmony characterized the discussions, and there was a spirit of hospitality, friendliness, and brotherly love that was indeed good for the soul. The Lord is surely training a strong class of men and women who will courageously, cheerfully, and speedily carry this message forward to its great consummation. A. O. TAIT.