The Southern Union Conference
By N. W. Allee
AFTER an absence of nearly two years from this peculiarly interesting field, by recommendation of our last General Conference I returned, arriving at Nashville, Tenn., at the time of the council of the Southern Union Conference Committee early in May. There was quite noticeable improvement in the buildings and machinery of the Nashville publishing house during the time I was away from the field. I have been in this place nine months, and have watched the movements here with much interest, and wish to assure our brethren that I believe that the hand of God is evidently manifest in the work here. As to the need and importance of the publishing house in Nashville the Spirit of God has spoken, and his servants will act in harmony with the instruction. New machinery of the best quality is being placed in the buildings, and the equipment will be quite complete. This institution is rapidly gaining the confidence of the public as a thoroughly reliable firm financially, also as to the quality of work produced. This is encouraging to the friends here. Since my return to the Southern Union Conference, I have labored in Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. Notwithstanding the difficulties to be met in this field, advancement is made, and the message is extending. Each branch of the work will receive encouragement, as there is evidently a determination on the part of the laborers to press together and seek for that unity that must prevail with the children of God. There is a growing interest in the educational work. The schools already established are being strengthened. Church schools and intermediate schools on the industrial basis are being started. The medical missionary work is having encouragement, and small sanitariums are being established in different sections of the South, the last one being at Nashville, Tenn. More vigorous efforts in evangelistic work will be made in new fields the coming summer. The institute and session of the Southern Union Conference recently held at Nashville will have a large influence in shaping the future work in the South. The coming of Elder Haskell and his wife to connect with the interests here will greatly encourage and strengthen the work and the workers. We feel that this field is greatly favored by this addition of the aged and experienced laborers. The circulation of our denominational literature by means of canvassing for the subscription books, also the selling of the smaller publications, including tracts and papers, is receiving much attention. It is being demonstrated that our weekly papers, neatly printed and put in attractive form, can be sold readily in the many cities of the South. There is a large field here, and millions of people who must hear the message, but the laborers are few. Hundreds more should be engaged in the work. Those having a burden to labor for souls, rather than to seek an easier and more lucrative position in life, can find plenty to engage them in this great field.