The Southwestern Union Conference
By A. G. Daniells
THE Southwestern Union Conference was organized at the close of the General Conference of 1901. It held its first conference session at Topeka, Kan., in the spring of 1902. At that meeting, the conferences of Colorado, Kansas, and Missouri were transferred from the Southwestern to the Central Union, which was organized at that time. This change left the territory of the Southwestern Union to be composed of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and the Indian Territory. The headquarters were, at that time, located at Keene, Tex. The second session of this union conference was held at Keene, February 24 to March 2. Nearly all the local conference workers in the union were present at this meeting. I desire here to express my hearty concurrence in the policy of the local conferences to have7their regular laborers attend the union conference sessions, even though they may not all be delegates. These workers are scattered over the territory of the union conference, and never have an opportunity to meet one another as a company of workers, except at the biennial sessions of the union conferences. Comparatively few of them attend the General Conference. I feel sure, from my observation, that the losses in the time and expense involved in having all these workers meet together once in two years are small losses compared with the gains of various kinds. The meetings of this conference were held in the chapel of Keene Academy. The students attended the Bible study in the morning, and the preaching service in the evening. The presence of these young people added much to the life and enthusiasm of the conference. The instructors endeavored to make their lessons especially interesting and profitable to the students. The proceedings of the conference have been furnished to the REVIEW by the secretary. The deliberations were very harmonious and brotherly. Our Southern brethren have a faculty of saying what they mean in words that need not be misunderstood. Personally, I appreciate their open-hearted frankness. The working of the conference in its various features during the last two years was carefully reviewed, and such changes and adjustments were made as were thought would increase the efficiency of the organization. The reports of the local conferences did not show the growth that ought to attend this work. This is not peculiar to the Southwestern Union Conference. The small results in all our conferences from the number of laborers in the field and the tithe used are humiliating and disheartening. Earnest consideration was given to those features of the work which relate to the proclamation of the third angel's message to those who are not acquainted with it. Preaching in new fields, selling our books and papers, distributing tracts, and doing personal service for those needing help, were especially emphasized as the work for the hour. As the conference was held in the school building, it was but natural that the educational interests should receive a share of attention. Under all the circumstances, I felt that the school has an excellent attendance. It will be remembered that the principal was not secured, nor was the calendar brought out, much in advance of the opening of the last school year. But the attendance is good, and the general character of the students is encouraging. Keene enjoys the privilege of seeing several of her young men and women doing good work in this cause in various parts of the world. Professor Hughes and his staff of teachers are working earnestly to make the present school year contribute its share to this important end. The interests of the medical missionary work were not forgotten in this conference. Dr. Haskell, who has charge of the little sanitarium at Keene, was overworked during the conference, so that he could attend but few of the meetings. This made the medical missionary work less prominent than it would have been if he had been permitted to attend the meetings. A medical missionary department of the union conference was organized, and a department committee of seven was elected. As most of the members of the board were at the meeting, they organized, and outlined their plans of work for the coming year. Dr. Haskell was elected chairman, and Brother C. N. Woodward, secretary. The delegates manifested a deep interest in all that was brought forward in behalf of the advancement of this branch of our work. All who understand our views regarding health and temperance know that this light is needed in the South more than in any other part of the United States. A general determination was expressed by the ministers to do more for this branch of our work than ever before. Most of the officers of the union conference were re-elected. Elder Nelson continues as president. Brother Nelson needs much help from above for the difficulties of that field. The territory is large, the membership is small, and much scattered. The people generally are rather poor. The income of the conference is not sufficient to meet the necessary expenses. The brethren of the Central Union have rendered substantial help thus far. It will not be long until the conference will be self-supporting, and will be doing good missionary work in the remote, needy portions of its large territory. Besides the conference laborers, Brother and Sister Haskell, who came from Nashville, Brother E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union Conference, and the writer were present. Our association with these workers in the southwest was most enjoyable and encouraging. It enlisted our sympathies anew in their interests. With all our hearts we wish them Godspeed.