The German-Swiss Meeting by Ludwig Richard Conradi

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 14, 1912

The German-Swiss Meeting

By Ludwig Richard Conradi

L. R. CONRADI

From August 14 to 18 the German-Swiss Conference had its annual session in a tent pitched on the outskirts of Basel, the large pavilion being well filled. We were pleased indeed to see the good attendance at this meeting, and the excellent spirit manifested by those who attended. The German-Swiss Conference has shown a steady growth since the separation from the French field, and by the end of June, the membership had risen to 633. Last year, not less than 106 members were added. Its tithe was about $7,000 last year, and it is steadily increasing. Our business was transacted very harmoniously, and Elder O. E. Reinke was again chosen president. Up to the present he has been living in Zurich, but as he has also been appointed president of the Central European Union, he will move his headquarters to Basel. A good place has already been rented, as we need larger quarters for our book depository, food store, and union office. Though we have no institution at present in Basel, yet a strong influence is exerted through our gospel work.

The canvassing work has more than doubled during the last few years, the sales in German Switzerland amounting to about $14,000. Brother Boex, the canvassing agent for the German unions, was present to assist in the colporteur work. Brother Melchiore, an Italian who had been doing good canvassing work in Turkey, is now in the Italian canton of Tessin, and we hope soon to have the Italian canvassing work on a better footing.

Sabbath was a good day in the camp, and three ministers were ordained. A collection for missions yielded about $500, and the Sabbath collection was about $160. Elders W. J. Fitzgerald, J. G. Oblaender, and Guy Dail, and the writer assisted at the meeting. Quite an active campaign has been planned for this field during the coming year, and the outlook seems better for the growth of the work here than it has ever been before.