The West Michigan Conference by George B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 28, 1910

The West Michigan Conference

By George B. Thompson

The annual session of the West Michigan conference was held in the Seventh-day Adventist church at Grand Rapids, March 21-24. A large number of delegates were present, representing nearly all the churches in the conference. The time devoted to the work of the conference was much too brief to give as careful consideration to the various matters which came before the conference as their importance really demanded. We believe that in all the meetings devoted to the transaction of conference business, the time should be long enough to give not only the necessary consideration to the work in which we are engaged, but also to give ample time for a real spiritual uplift to the conference. To formulate plans without real spiritual power to execute them is of little value. The meetings should include at least one Sabbath in which a strong appeal can be made to the unconverted and backsliders to give themselves anew to the Lord. As the coming of the Lord draws nearer, there should be a corresponding consecration on the part of those who believe.

Careful consideration was given to the various matters which came before the conference, and an earnest effort was made to make such arrangements for carrying forward the work during the coming year as would best advance the message in the conference. Elder S. E. Wight was elected president, and E. L. Richmond secretary and treasurer. A number of changes were made in the personnel of the executive committee for the coming year. It was voted to hold the next conference in connection with the camp-meeting.

The first camp-meeting held by Seventh-day Adventists was in what is now the territory of the West Michigan Conference,—at Wright, not far from Grand Rapids. Numbered among the membership of this conference are many who have been connected with the work of the message from the beginning. For many years they have been sacrificing and laboring for its advancement. They are still faithful and earnest in the work and looking for the consummation of the blessed hope to be realized in the coming of our Lord.

In point of numbers this conference is one of the largest in the United States, and it has great resources with which to advance the message. There are good facilities for the training of the youth for the message, and the outlook for the work in the conference is hopeful.

Elder Allen Moon, president of the Lake Union Conference, Elder A. G. Daniells, Elder E. K. Slade, and the writer were present from outside the conference. Notwithstanding some perplexities which attended the conference, there were many evidences of the leading of the Holy Spirit, and the delegates returned to their homes with renewed determination to be more faithful in the work than ever before.

The Grand Rapids church did their utmost in extending hospitality to the delegates and visitors. A strong, aggressive church has been gathered here. The beautiful and thriving city of Grand Rapids furnishes a splendid field for extending the message, and faithful work on the part of the church will lead many others to accept the truth here, and be prepared for the coming of the Lord.

G. B. Thompson.