The Atlantic Union Conference Meeting by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Dec 25, 1913

The Atlantic Union Conference Meeting

By I. H. Evans

ACCORDING to appointment, the Atlantic Union Conference convened November 25 and closed on the evening of December 6. The meeting was held in the South Lancaster church building, which furnished room for the large number in attendance, and proved very convenient for all.

The attendance at this meeting was remarkably good, nearly all the workers in the union being present. Most of them were at the opening meeting and remained through the business session. The committee on location had greatly exerted itself to provide suitable accommodations for all visitors. The school being full of students, it was necessary to secure rooms outside for most of those who were in attendance. A splendid cafeteria was operated, which gave the best of satisfaction.

South Lancaster Academy adjourned its school work two days preceding Thanksgiving and the day immediately following. It also adjourned on the following Tuesday, allowing the students to attend the institute from the beginning, with the exception of one day.

A Bible institute preceded the business of the conference. This was conducted by Elders A. G. Daniells and G. B. Thompson and the writer. The key-note of the instruction given at this institute was the finishing of our work. All the studies were given with this special point in view.

On the first Friday morning the workers were much stirred by a study given by Elder Daniells on “How We Can Finish the Work in This Generation.” It is hardly possible that those in attendance will ever forget that day. It was a time when the heart cried out for God. The day was given to heart searching and seeking God in prayer. As one speaker followed another in stating our greatest need in order to finish the work, one could but note the unanimity of sentiment,—a clean heart, the infilling of the Holy Spirit, every believer at work. To many it seemed that we were face to face with the greatest crisis in our lives. Either there must be a new experience, a new power, a new baptism of the Holy Spirit, or the work cannot be done.

The following evening Elder Thompson gave a very stirring talk on personal piety and the need of meeting the high standard required by the Word of God. Those present were greatly moved. That sermon is indelibly inscribed on many hearts, never to be forgotten.

Special revival services were held during the institute, and again and again the workers consecrated themselves anew to God. Many sins were confessed, experiences which had been a hindrance in the spiritual lives of the workers were acknowledged, and solemn promises were made to rectify past wrongs. Nearly all resolved to make such a complete consecration that the blessing of God can fill the soul.

A number who requested special prayer for physical healing testified publicly of the remarkable experiences through which they had passed, and of the work wrought in their bodies; still the greatest encouragement to all was the spiritual healing and the spiritual infilling which came to those in attendance at the meeting.

At the beginning of the meeting, the president of the union read his biennial address. Committees were then appointed, which worked at intervals during the institute. The business was well done in three days. Careful consideration was given to the various branches of the work, and recommendations were passed inaugurating such policies as the brethren present thought best to set on foot.

The attendance on the last Sabbath of the meeting was probably as large as at any time since the church building was erected. The afternoon service was a solemn, earnest one. It was a testimony meeting in which many took part, nearly all of whom put themselves on the Lord’s side for the finishing of the work.

The majority bore the testimony that this was the best meeting they had ever attended. The spirit of the services reminded one of the earnest seeking of the Lord which characterized our workers in 1893-94. The brethren went to their respective fields full of courage, determined to press the preaching of the message as never before. On parting, the warmest wishes expressed were that our other union conference meetings might be blessed with the same spirit and the same power that attended this meeting.

I. H. EVANS.