OCTOBER 15-20 the delegates of the South Russian Conference, and about twenty representatives of the Middle Russian Mission, had their annual meeting in Alexandrodar, Caucasus, one of the German colonies in a fertile farming country, whose climate, soil, and productions much resemble those of Kansas or Oklahoma. Snow-capped Mt. Elbrus, towering more than eighteen thousand feet above the level of the sea, stood in plain sight to the southeast, and by walking a few rods up the hill to the west of us, we could easily see the nearer half of the entire Caucasian range. Renowned and picturesque Vladikavkaz, the famous health resort, was only a few hours' distant by train. The weather was pleasant throughout the meeting; the air remained pure and balmy,—a typical Indian summer of the West, save that the “dreamy and magical light” so often accompanying this season in the States, was lacking; the sun shone by day, and the clear atmosphere beautifully revealed the diamond-studded heavens at night. The simple life of the two thousand colonists in the neighborhood, their warm-hearted hospitality, their easy-going habits, the cattle driven to pasture in the morning, and their return at sunset, the cackling geese and crowing cocks of the farmyard, the ever-vigilant watch-dog whose serious duty it is to warn of approaching horse thieves, the stalks of sorghum and pumpkins and Indian corn upon the ground, the low, tile-roofed, newly whitewashed, mud-walled houses, whose lofts contain the season's stores of wheat and oats and rye, and the peace and quiet that everywhere prevailed, all contributed their part in making this one of the most pleasant experiences I have had since I have been on this side of the Atlantic.
In addition to the regular laborers of the South Russian Conference, and the three brethren of the Middle Russian Mission who are working among the native Russians, Elders Conradi and Huenergardt were present. The Russians met by themselves in the house of one of our brethren. The meetings for the public were conducted in German, and part of the time they were held in the village schoolhouse, with a good attendance. In Alexandrodar about six different denominations are represented,—none of them the established church of Russia,—and at a gathering in which all these took part, it was decided that it would be very unwise for any one to report a sister denomination to the police, as the trouble which such a course might occasion would, perhaps, bring about government interference, and restrict or entirely abolish the toleration of them all. Thus far, our people in this part of Russia have not had so much difficulty. Indeed, very great favors are granted us by a princely landowner farther to the south, as he is glad to have our brethren work his lands. We have a church of about one hundred and fifty members at that place. It is in this neighborhood that one of our brethren who has spent some time at the school in Friedensau has opened a small, self-supporting health institute.
The subjects dwelt upon at this conference were, chiefly, practical godliness, church, organization, missionary and Sabbath-school work, the necessity of educating more native laborers, and the importance of increasing the regular conference funds. Several young people are to attend the school in Friedensau. The efforts which our people in this field have put forth to develop their tithe are certainly pleasing to God, and have been crowned with success. In 1902 the tithe of the South Russian Conference was $1,752; donations, $336; during the first nine months of 1903 the tithe was $2,035; donations, $336; 69 new members have been received. The Middle Russian Mission's tithe during 1902 was $144.30; no donations were reported; 12 members were received during 1903 (the first three quarters, of course), tithe, $455; donations, $14; additions, 45. The present membership of the South Russian Conference is 785; of the Middle Russian Mission, 280. The territory of the South Russian Conference includes the German colonists in South Russia, numbering about 1,000,000; while the Middle Russian Mission contains all the native Russians in Russia, about 100,000,000.
A RUSSIAN-FARMER
We will not stop to enumerate all the resolutions passed at this time, but simply refer to them. There was special reason why thankfulness should be rendered the Heavenly Father, because of the freedom and protection which our workers have enjoyed in this field. Appropriate resolutions were passed concerning the circulation of “Christ's Object Lessons,” and increasing the material fund for that book; entering fields hitherto unwarned by the third angel's message; expressing gratitude to the German Union Conference for financial aid rendered in the past; devoting the First-day offerings to the German East Africa Mission the coming year; and indorsing the health reform movement.
The health of Elder H. J. Loebsack is such that he now is able to do much more active work in visiting the churches than last year. He was again elected president.
The work for the future promises well, and we would especially ask that our people keep the Russian field ever in mind; for it is a great field, an important field, a promising field, and a hard field. Yet God is greater than the obstacles, and he hears the prayers of his children in behalf of the gospel in that mighty empire.
