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Arizona Conference

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 8, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 49.

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Arizona Conference

By Clarence Santee

THIS meeting was held at Phoenix, November 8-13. The laborers from outside the conference were Brethren P. J. Laird, recently from China, A. Cone, J. J. Ireland, and the writer.
The conference business was hastened through during the first part of the meeting, giving the time later largely to the spiritual interests of those who attended. The conference sessions were marked with freedom in considering matters, and perfect harmony and a general feeling of courage characterized the deliberations. Not being present when the finances were reported, I will leave mention of them to others, except to say that I learned from the secretary that the past year had been one of special growth in the material prosperity of the conference, the tithe amounting to more than twenty-one dollars per capita. The offerings were also good.
Elder H. G. Thurston was unanimously elected president for the coming year, and but one change was made in the committee.
The outside attendance was not large. This was partly due to the many attractions of the State fair. For this reason the instruction was largely along practical themes of Christian duty. An earnest spirit of seeking God was manifested, and on the Sabbath a general response was made to an invitation to seek God, but three or four remaining in their seats.
On Sabbath, following the morning service, Brother George G. Sims was ordained to the gospel ministry, Elder Thurston offering the prayer, and the writer giving the charge.
I feel sure that this good meeting will mark a permanent advance in the spiritual growth of the conference. One thing that added to the blessings of this season was that the committees were so arranged that the members could attend most of the meetings. I believe there is a great advantage in this, both to the committees and to the general interest of the meeting.
An important question before the conference was the opening of a conference school at Phoenix. These believers are far from any of our higher schools, and the step seems a necessity. Elder H. F. Courier is now conducting a successful school there; and at no large expense, changes could be made that would accommodate older students. Another reason why the present seems a favorable time to open such a school, is the opportunity presented to work among the Indians, some of that nationality having expressed a desire to obtain a preparation in our school for labor among their own people.
Arrangements were made for a conference wagon to travel among the scattered settlers. It is hoped in this way to reach many to whom the regular canvasser can not go on account of the distance between settlements and the lack of means of transportation.
The great irrigating dam, now nearing completion, is expected to bring in many settlers, and the brethren see the advantage of being ready to meet them with the saving truths for this time, before they are entirely absorbed in the mania to get rich, which takes possession of so many in a new country. All returned to their homes with added confidence in the success of the message.
CLARENCE SANTEE.