The Central Union Conference
By Arthur G. Daniells
THE Central Union Conference was formed at the time of the reorganization of the Northern and Southwestern Union Conferences, in the spring of 1902. Its first session was held in Omaha, Neb., March 4-14, 1904. The Central Union Conference is one of the strongest of all our union conferences. Its territory is composed of the States of Iowa, Nebraska, Wyoming, Kansas, and Missouri. The population of these States is nearly nine million. The church membership is reported as 13,486. The States comprising this conference are no doubt the most prosperous and wealthy of any in the United States. Our brethren and sisters in this conference share the financial blessings of the States in which they live. The largest educational institution in the denomination, and several well-equipped sanitariums, are located in the Central Union Conference. As there was a full delegation from the local conferences, the meeting was a large one, about one hundred and fifty7delegates being present. In addition to the regular delegation, there were present during the greater portion of the time the members of the publishing committee, who met in conjunction with the union conference. As this is a large committee, and is composed of the leading men who are carrying on the business of the denominational printing and book work, its presence added much to the size and importance of the conference. The business proceedings of the meeting have already appeared in the REVIEW. From a careful study of the resolutions it will be seen that broad, progressive measures were adopted for a forward movement. This was one of the strong features of the conference. In many respects this was an excellent meeting. The large delegation of vigorous men, representing the sturdy membership of the Central Western States, revealed a strength in the resources of this movement that we are not always conscious of. The Lord has done great things in the Mississippi Valley States, since the messengers first entered that territory. As we see what has been developed where there were no believers nor facilities, we are confident that a great work can be done if the Lord is permitted to use the resources in that territory as he may choose. But this report will not be altogether fair and impartial, unless it states that the beauty and harmony of this conference were marred by too much solicitude on the part of delegates in behalf of their local conference interests, or “State rights,” as some expressed it. The effort to advance local conference interests was more marked in the Central Union Conference than in any other union conference I have ever attended. As might naturally have been expected, the results were anything but satisfactory; in fact, they were quite opposite to the end sought, and this for the reason that the gospel is based upon principles contrary to nature. Unselfish, disinterested love for the welfare and prosperity of others is the basis of true gospel motive. I have watched the movements of conference officers and delegates in union conferences in all parts of the world, and I have seen the best results come from those meetings where the least is done to “instruct” State delegations during the conference sessions. Those delegations that have spent the most time in the Bible studies and devotional meetings, and devoted themselves most heartily to the general interests of the session, have made the deepest impression for good upon the conference. As already stated, but for this one regrettable feature, the Central Union Conference was an excellent meeting. The reports of the presidents of conferences and the heads of departments and institutions were interesting and encouraging. A deep interest was manifested by many of the delegates in the daily Bible studies. The evening services were well attended. This union conference, if rightly managed, will be a strong factor in the closing struggles of the great controversy. It has a large membership of sturdy believers. It has great financial resources. And it has a fine army of intelligent young men and young women who are capable of rendering this cause signal service. Surely great and solemn responsibilities rest upon the union and State conference officers in that highly favored region. They have our prayers for the anointing required to cause them to see the Lord’s way, and for strength to walk in it.