New York Conference by Francis M. Wilcox

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1910

New York Conference

By Francis M. Wilcox

THIS conference held its annual session and camp-meeting at Syracuse, September 1-10. The conference membership amounts to nearly one thousand, and about one half this number camped on the ground. This makes nearly as large a constituency as existed before the division of the conference five years ago. The camp was located in Kirk Park, an open ground, well within the city limits. This contributed in a large measure to an excellent attendance of the citizens, especially during the evening. The evening preaching services considered, for the most part, subjects pertaining to the distinctive features of our faith, and many manifested so deep an interest that it was decided to continue the meetings after the close of the regular conference.

OUR own people manifested from the first an earnest desire to obtain a richer experience in the things of God, and in this they were not disappointed. Many obtained a new hold on the Christian life, and returned to their homes with strong courage for the future. This work was particularly marked among the young people. The last Sabbath of the meeting fifty were baptized, the majority of whom were youth and children. This was a much larger fruitage of camp-meeting effort than had been seen for a number of years.

Resolutions were adopted pledging hearty co-operation in the raising of the $300,000 Fund, the selling of “Ministry of Healing,” for the relief of the Melrose Sanitarium, the support of South Lancaster Academy, more earnest endeavor in the way of city mission work, greater faithfulness in selling our publications, etc.

A real spirit of revival in the canvassing work was manifested. In response to the efforts of Brother C. J. Tolf, about twenty-five persons signified their purpose of taking up the sale of our publications as soon as circumstances would permit. An institute was held at the close of the meeting to prepare such of the workers as were ready to enter upon service at once.

Elder J. W. Lair, who assumed the presidency of the conference upon the departure of Elder F. H. DeVimney for Japan, was re-elected president. Brother Lair has been given a warm welcome by the people of New York, and has a large place in their affections. Brother F. N. Johnson, who has faithfully served the conference for many years, was re-elected secretary and treasurer. Elders S. B. Horton and B. M. Garten have also recently connected with this conference, and are gladly welcomed by the brethren. In connection with the religious liberty work centered at Albany, N. Y., Elder Horton is finding a wide and valuable field of labor.

The music, under the direction of Brother J. G. White, of the Melrose Sanitarium, added greatly to the interest of the meeting.

Elder A. G. Daniells was present, and spoke particularly on the demands of the work in the great cities. Elder G. I. Butler gave an instructive series of talks on the early work of this movement. Elders White, Town, and Montgomery labored in the general interest of the work; while Prof. C. S. Longacre represented South Lancaster Academy; F. M. Dana, the Missionary Volunteer work; Drs. D. H. and Lauretta Kress, the health work; and C. J. Tolf, the publishing work. It was a great pleasure personally to meet many old friends in this conference, with whom I was associated twenty-five years ago when I began my ministry, particularly Elder H. H. Wilcox, now in his ninety-first year, who, while not related to me after the flesh, I am pleased to consider my father in the truth.

The faithful brethren and sisters in the New York Conference are desirous of a greater measure of God's Spirit and blessing; the Lord is anxious to bestow that which they desire; hence we look for a great forward movement in the future in this old conference of the East. F. M. WILCOX.