Northern Illinois Conference
By G. B. Thompson
The annual session of the Northern Illinois Conference was held in the Chicago South Side church, February 8-11. A good delegation was present, representing the various churches in the conferences. The laborers were all present, and shared the burdens of the meeting. The reports presented showed an encouraging growth in various lines of work during the year. One new church was admitted into the conference, and a number of additions were reported in the local churches. The report of the treasurer indicated an increase in tithe of about thirty-six hundred dollars over the previous year. Prof. W. T. Bland was present, and presented the work and needs of the Sheridan school. In many ways the school has had a successful year. A boys' dormitory is greatly needed, and a call was made for fifteen hundred dollars for this purpose. About eight hundred and fifty dollars in cash and pledges was raised at this meeting. The new dormitory will be erected before the school opens next year. Other changes are being planned, which it is expected will add to the efficiency of the school. A very encouraging report of the Moline Sanitarium was given by Dr. S. P. S. Edwards. This institution is exerting a good influence in favor of the truth. Some have accepted the truth during the year, through coming in touch with its work. The increase of patronage is calling for additional room and equipment. All were glad to meet at this meeting the Elder Luther Warren and his wife, who have returned to labor in Chicago. Elder Warren's health seems to be much improved. Plans were laid for an aggressive campaign in the city. A training school for workers will be started. The conference was desirous of connecting with the mission fields abroad in a definite way. As a beginning in this direction it was voted to raise five hundred dollars among the young people of the conference for the school in China. The Spirit of God was present throughout the meeting, and harmony marked all the deliberations of the conference. Elder Wm. Covert was re-elected president, and enjoys the full confidence of all. Some of the preaching services were devoted to emphasizing the message which the Lord has given to us as a people, attention being called to the special warnings sent us through the spirit of prophecy concerning the dangers which are threatening us from within the denomination. This met a hearty response from those present, and the entire conference expressed their unswerving fidelity to the spirit of prophecy. At the closing service on Sunday evening, after a study concerning the need of the Holy Spirit, almost the entire congregation came forward to seek for a greater measure of the Spirit of God. As sins were confessed, the blessing of God came in, in a rich measure. I was glad personally for the blessings of this meeting, and the privilege of meeting those with whom I had labored in former years. G. B. THOMPSON.