West Virginia Conference
By H. W. Cottrell
THE West Virginia Conference held its annual session at Parkersburg, Nov. 24-30, 1903. There was a good representation from the various churches. Elders G. B. Thompson, J. E. Jayne, S. G. Huntington, and F. E. Painter, and the writer were in attendance, and assisted in the services. The Spirit of the Lord was present in a marked manner in the transaction of conference business and in the preaching of the word. The brethren and sisters greatly appreciate the efforts of the General and Union Conferences to assist them in their work. Elder S. G. Huntington, of Ontario, who had recently been assigned to this field by the union conference, was elected president of the conference. Three counties in the State of Maryland, belonging to the West Virginia Conference, and three others closely allied, in the State of West Virginia, were transferred to the Chesapeake Conference. Elder J. A. Traugh, one of the West Virginia Conference ministers, will labor in the Chesapeake Conference. The tract and book department of conference work was revived. Brother Painter, the union conference agent, in connection with the local agent, did all he could to encourage others to join the ranks of those already engaged in that department of the work. We are informed by the canvassing agent that West Virginia is a good field in which to sell our books and other literature. Reference was made to the fact that in sections where gas, oil, and coal are found, laborers receive their weekly earnings in money, and are willing to purchase books. I wish that some of the wealthier conferences would consider favorably the idea of sending a strong, well-balanced, thorough-going minister to this conference, and support him as one of their regular workers. I will be pleased to hear from any conference that is willing to assist in this way. We left all of good courage in the Lord, and of strong faith in the final triumph of the message of truth.