The Eastern Canadian Union Conference by Irwin H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 9, 1916

The Eastern Canadian Union Conference

By Irwin H. Evans

THE Eastern Canadian Union Conference held its seventh biennial session in the new Seventh-day Adventist church building in Toronto, Ontario, Jan. 4-11, 1916.

The entire corps of laborers were present through the session, and took a deep interest in the Bible studies, as well as in the conference business. Elder McVagh, of the West Michigan Conference, was in attendance part of the time.

The reports from the president of the union and from the local conference presidents, together with the reports from departmental secretaries, presented the most encouraging outlook we have ever seen in eastern Canada.

During 1913 the union conference increased its church membership by seventy additions, in 1914 the membership was increased still further by ninety additions, while it is hoped that 1915 will show a still larger growth. This means much to the Eastern Canadian Union. From 1902 to 1912 the conference lost two in its membership. To have the conditions changed, and a growth take place, brought courage to every heart.

The increase in tithe was marked, and each year indicated improvement in each department of work represented. The conference raised $433.08 in excess of its full twenty cents a week per member for 1915, and faces the future with great hopefulness.

Two schools are in operation,—the academy at Oshawa, doing twelve grades of work, and the intermediate school at Williamsdale, Nova Scotia, carrying ten grades. Both schools were filled with students, and doing well financially.

It was my privilege to visit the school at Oshawa, and speak to the students. I was pleased to see such a body of strong, sturdy young men and women in this school. Nearly every student present was preparing for service in the Master's work.

On Sabbath afternoon, following a good sermon on the ministry, by Elder G. B. Thompson, Brother R. A. Hubley, of Newfoundland, was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry.

Officers were reelected for the next quadrennial term. Elder M. M. Hare was asked to take the secretary-treasurer and auditor work of the union. Elder A. V. Olson, president of the Quebec Conference, was asked to take Brother Hare's work in Ontario; Brother W. C. Young, of Newfoundland, to take Brother Olson's work in Quebec; and D. J. C. Barrett, of Nova Scotia, to take the work in Newfoundland. Elder M. N. Campbell, who had been asked to go to Great Britain, and later to India to take the place left vacant by the death of Brother H. R. Salisbury, could not respond, owing to the physical condition of some of his family. His remaining in Canada gives courage and confidence to all the workers are of good courage, and the meeting closed with all in attendance feeling grateful for the presence and blessings of our heavenly Father, and confidently expecting growth and progress in the work in the Eastern Canadian Union Conference.

I. H. EVANS.