Lake Union Conference Bookmen's Convention
By D. W. Reavis
The Lake Union bookmen's convention held in the commodious and beautiful Emmanuel Missionary Training-school buildings, Berrien Springs, Mich., May 5-8, was in every feature a most pleasant and profitable occasion. From the first, there was much evidence of the presence of a most congenial, Christian spirit, and a deep, sincere interest in the study of methods for advancement in the circulation of denominational literature. The following topics composed the principal part of the program of the convention: The Purpose and Importance of Our Literature, Needs of the Work and the Object to Be Gained by this Convention, The Sphere of the Publishing House—Where Should Its Efforts Be Put Forth? What Books Should Receive Special Attention? What Training Is Needed by the Prospective Canvasser, and How Can It Best Be Given? How Can Canvassers Render the Most Efficient Help in Advancing this Message? The Company Plan, Resident Canvassing, The Work of the Field Secretary, The Conference Officers' Part in Building up and Fostering this Department of Their Work, How Can Our Schools Co-operate in Training Canvassers? The Sale of Our Books by the Ministry, and How Ministers Can Help Build up this Work, A Corps of Permanent Canvassers—How Can It Be Secured and Maintained? The Work of the Missionary Secretary. Each of these subjects was thoroughly treated by several experienced workers, through carefully prepared papers, which were discussed by the whole delegation. A remarkable unanimity of sentiment was noticed in all the papers, and, though prepared by individuals far separated, without knowledge of the contents of other papers, there was but little duplication of thought or overlapping on subjects. In this bookmen's convention there were intermingled in common interest and study, the presidents of the conferences, State tract society secretaries, field secretaries, publishing house representatives, and active canvassers. All were alike deeply interested, and took an active part in the work of the convention. It was indeed a bookmen's feast without interruption by the introduction of other kinds of work. The old-time enthusiasm was present at the first meeting, and increased throughout the four days' session. It was heartily acknowledged by all that the importance of the work was greatly emphasized, and that a new consecration to it had been made. There is now a better understanding of the work and its needs, and from this time forward there may be expected much advancement in the book work in the Lake Union Conference.