Annual Chesapeake Conference and Canvassers' Institute
By B. G. Wilkinson
THE thirteenth annual session of the Chesapeake Conference was held in Walbrook Hall, Baltimore, Md., Oct. 10-17, 1912. Seventy-nine delegates responded to the first roll-call, thus denoting that each church had one or more representatives present. In addition to these, there was of course a large attendance of those who were not delegates. A spirit of harmony prevailed throughout the meeting. All felt that the Lord directed in the selection of the place for the meeting. The weather was all that could be desired. Previous to the holding of the conference proper, a canvassers' institute was held October 7-10. Elder I. G. Bigelow and F. E. Hankins had these meetings in charge. Fifteen canvassers attended this institute. The time of this meeting was very profitably spent, and the canvassers left for their fields of labor full of courage. A meeting was set apart for the purpose of hearing the canvassers relate their experiences, which was edifying and was greatly enjoyed by the delegates and other members present. On October 6, Elder F. C. Gilbert of South Lancaster, Mass., came to Baltimore and conducted meetings for three successive evenings. From the standpoint of a converted Hebrew, he explained the Jewish customs and traditions, and gave the real meaning of many of the rites and ceremonies in connection with the Passover, which made the sacrifice of Christ much more real to those who had the privilege of listening to his discourses. He also conducted a series of helpful morning studies before the canvassing class, on “How to Read the Bible.” The annual report of the president, Elder R. T. Baer, gave marked evidences of prosperity and divine blessing upon the work the past year. A gain of eighty in membership was reported. The treasurer's report showed excellent gains. The increase in the tithe for 1911 over the year 1910 was $1,382.38. There was a gain also in the general trust fund receipts. For the first eight months of 1911 the tithe receipts were $4,596.33. For the corresponding eight months of this year the tithe was $6,310.58, a gain of $1,714.25, with a gain likewise in the general trust funds. But while there has been a financial increase in the conference, there has also been a corresponding increase in the urgent calls from the various parts of the field for laborers. This is as it should be. Nothing runs of itself. The answer to these calls came when several new Bible workers were enlisted to enter the field. Mrs. F. W. Paap was called to labor in Baltimore, Md., Brother H. W. Peden being released to take up the work in Hagerstown. Also Miss Emma S. Newcomer, who for several years has efficiently filled the position of secretary and treasurer of the conference, was released to engage in Bible work in Wilmington, Del. Special calls were made for two ordained ministers, one for the east shore of Maryland and one for the city of Cumberland. The needs are so great and the calls so imperative that men must immediately be supplied for these fields. The same set of officers was elected to continue their duties for the ensuing year with the exception, as noted before, of the release of Miss Newcomer, her place being filled by Brother W. T. Durst. The following-named persons were elected to compose the executive committee: R. T. Baer, R. H. Martin, F. W. Paap, T. L. Thruenler, and G. R. Apsley. Several important resolutions were passed, which received earnest and serious discussion. Possibly none was more important locally than the project to build a church valued at about ten thousand dollars, in the northwestern section of Baltimore. A splendid lot has been secured in the very heart of an excellent residential section surrounded by business houses and business offices of good character. Many of the business and professional men of the community, as well as the friends and sympathizers of the church, have manifested a great interest in this project. The preaching services in the evening were largely attended, the seating capacity at times being taxed to its utmost. There is without question a deep interest on the part of the people in that community in the truths of the prophetic portion of the divine Book. The outlook for the work in the Chesapeake Conference and in the city of Baltimore is most excellent. I was pleased to be at this meeting and note the spirit and progress of the work. From time to time, there were also present Elders A. G. Daniells and W. A. Spicer and Prof. W. W. Prescott, of the General Conference, as well as Elder R. T. Dowsett, of the Columbia Union. These all rendered excellent help, which was greatly appreciated.