Pacific Union Conference
By F. M. Burg
THE third biennial session of the Pacific Union Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was called to order in the Portland church at 10 A. M., Thursday, February 15. The session was preceded by a devotional meeting, in which many delegates and others participated. This hour's season of seeking God and consecrating of heart and life to service was a very fitting preliminary to this important meeting of the conference, in which it is hoped that spiritual interests will have the first place. Elder W. B. White, president of the conference, expressed his especial desire that such should be the case, and also read a letter from Elder A. G. Daniells, in which such an experience for the conference was mentioned as its first need. An earnest desire for a special manifestation of God's presence among us during this gathering was plainly evinced at this first devotional service of the conference. The conference was led in prayer by Elder H. W. Decker, after the delegates had been seated. The roll-call was responded to by fifty-two delegates, twelve of a total of sixty-four not having yet arrived. It brought some disappointment to the conference when the Chair reported that Elder Daniells would not be able to attend this meeting on account of matters at Washington which call for his attention at this time. However, Elder G. A. Irwin is expected to arrive Monday, and withal the outlook is good for a meeting of great light and power. The Chair was empowered by the house to name the regular committees. In harmony with this action and with previous arrangements by the executive committee, the following standing committees were appointed: On nominations, G. W. Reaser, F. M. Burg, E. L. Stewart, M. E. Cady, C. M. Gardner, F. S. Bunch, J. A. Holbrook; on plans and recommendations, W. T. Knox, T. H. Starbuck, H. H. Hall, W. R. Simmons, M. E. Cady, H. W. Cottrell, A. J. Breed; on credentials and licenses, J. N. Loughborough, M. C. Wilcox, H. W. Decker; pastoral committee, G. E. Langdon, W. B. White, H. W. Cottrell; on distribution of labor, the conference presidents; press committee, F. M. Burg, A. O. Tait, A. J. S. Bourdeau. The president's address and review of the past biennial period was presented, from which the following statistics are gleaned:— Number of churches in the Pacific Union Conference, 241, with an aggregate membership of 11,029. In addition18there are forty unorganized companies, with 144 members; and a total of 327 Sabbath-schools, with a total membership of 10,499, was reported. Ninety ordained ministers, thirty-four licensed ministers, and fifty-nine missionary licentiates make an aggregate of one hundred and eighty-three evangelical workers. The remainder of time for conference work of the first day was given to conference presidents to report work and interests in their fields for the two years past. These reports were encouraging, all showing advancement. Further reports of the present conference session will be furnished the REVIEW as the work proceeds.