Cumberland Conference by Chas. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1911

Cumberland Conference

By Chas. Thompson

THE eleventh session of the Cumberland Conference was held in connection with the annual camp-meeting at Lenoir City, Tenn., from August 23 to September 3.

Previous to the camp-meeting a tent effort was conducted in the city, during which time the citizens had become thoroughly aroused concerning the message for to-day, and a real interest developed. As a result, we had one of the largest camp-meetings I ever attended.

The conference had just purchased a new pavilion, which will seat about five hundred persons. This was often filled in the day meetings, and in the evenings many could not be seated. Throughout the meeting perfect order was maintained.

The preaching covered various phases of the doctrines we hold, with frequent efforts to bring people to a decision. As a result, several have taken their stand for the truth.

The attendance of the brethren and sisters from the churches of the conference was not large. About one hundred were encamped upon the ground, which was about one half the attendance of the previous year. The reasons for this were that some have moved from the conference during the last year, and that Lenoir City is some distance from Graysville, where the largest church is located. We believe, however, that this meeting demonstrates the wisdom of holding our camp-meetings in new territory. There are many cities in the Cumberland Conference that have never had a series of meetings, and it is the purpose of the present management to enter them as rapidly as possible.

Aside from the local conference laborers there were in attendance L. A. Hansen, of the General Conference; Elder T. H. Jeys, of Huntsville, Ala.; and G. W. Wells, V. O. Cole, Prof. H. M. Hiatt, and the writer, from the union conference.

Revival services were conducted at both Sabbath meetings, and many renewed their consecration, a goodly number starting in the Lord's service for the first time. Fourteen young people were baptized. The business of the conference passed off harmoniously. Elder P. G. Stanley was unanimously chosen president for another year. Brother D. W. Dillen was elected State agent. Brother S. F. Reeder, who had formerly served in this capacity, had accepted a call to Louisiana. The other officers remained about the same as they were last year. One church of fifteen members was admitted to the conference, and twenty-five new members had been added to the churches during the year, making the conference membership at present five hundred five.

The different funds for the advancement of the work, showed an increase over those of last year. The tithe received during the year was $7,948, a per capita of $17. The offerings for missions were $2,473, and the Sabbath-school donations, $723. The book sales for the year amounted to $6,824, a gain over the previous year of $1,853. Their full quota of the $300,000 Fund is in pledges. They raised during the meeting $800 in cash and pledges for missions, and $300 contingent on the sale of property. This was more than double the amount pledged last year. They also raised $42.50 for the Southern Training-school at Graysville, and $30 for the circulation of the Christian Record among the blind. The religious liberty work was given prominence, and 100 subscriptions were taken for Liberty.

All things considered, the Cumberland Conference shows evidence of growth, and all left the camp-ground full of courage. A good interest was left to be developed by the local workers.

We expect to see more rapid growth and advancement during the coming year. For this let us all pray.

CHAS. THOMPSON.