The Western Canadian Union Conference by Irwin H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 23, 1916

The Western Canadian Union Conference

By Irwin H. Evans

The fourth biennial session of the Western Canadian Union Conference was held in Calgary, Alberta, February 24-29, in a building rented and prepared for the meeting.

The weather was fine throughout the session, and nearly every worker was present, those absent being kept away on account of sickness.

All seemed to enter into the spirit of the meeting, and though the field and government is English, yet there were many Germans, Russians, and other foreigners present. They were a united band of laborers and believers, and all seemed to enjoy the spirit that prevailed. The Bible studies found a response in the hearts of the workers, and each one reconsecrated himself to God.

The president’s address and the reports from the local conference presidents and departmental secretaries indicated growth in numbers, as well as progress in every line of work.

The membership of the conference, Jan. 1, 1908, was 777. Its membership Jan. 1, 1916, was 2,318. The tithes increased from $35,942.30 the first biennial term to $92,876.23 the last biennial term. The first term, offerings to missions amounted to $11,428.05, and the last two years to $41,224.33. The book sales increased from $24,924.70 the first term to $74,937.12 the last term. The last two years showed an increase in church membership of 767.

Brother H. S. Shaw, who has served as president of this union conference during the entire time of its organization (over seven years), did not think it best to carry the work for another term of four years, and requested that some one else be chosen to take the work. His health has not been good. The conference now demands heavy work of its president, which compels his absence from home much of the time. Many kind words were spoken by various workers in appreciation of Brother Shaw’s work, after which the delegates were asked by the chairman to unanimously vote that the Division Conference secure as their incoming president Elder C. F. McVagh, now the president of the West Michigan Conference. This arrangement has been completed, and it is expected that the new president will soon enter upon his work.

The business of the conference was conducted without one discordant note. The last afternoon, at 4 P. M., the conference adjourned, and after a short talk the workers present came to the front for a consecration service. It seemed like a baptismal scene. All hearts were touched. Many wept, while several united in earnest prayer. It was a solemn hour. The Holy Ghost witnessed to the covenant vows that were made between the workers and our God.

Elder Meade MacGuire and Brother James Cochran were with Brother G. B. Thompson and me, and took an active part in the meetings.

The conference set as its goal the doubling of its membership during the next four years. This will mean much to the cause in the Western Canadian Union, and surely it is a goal worthy our best efforts. The meeting was a good one. It marks another milestone, and this conference will soon be a strong factor in helping to finish the work.

I. H. EVANS.