Lake Union Conference by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 14, 1910

Lake Union Conference

By Arthur G. Daniells

This conference held its fifth biennial session in Battle Creek, Mich., February 3-13. No general meeting or conference session had been held in Battle Creek since the removal of our headquarters to Washington in 1903. During this time the Battle Creek church has passed through some serious trials, which have proved a great blessing to a large number of the members. During the fifty years that the headquarters of our work were located in that city, the membership of the church became very large. Many who had been resident members removed to other places, and failed to transfer their membership. Others for various reasons became worldly and lost all interest in our message and work. Others remained true and loyal to the cause. The trials and changes which came to the church sifted the chaff from the wheat. While this sifting process has been going on, the church has been endeavoring to place the membership on a right and correct basis. As already stated, the experiences through which the church has passed during these years have drawn the resident members nearer to God and to one another.

When it was necessary to decide upon a place in which to hold the recent session of the Lake Union conference, there was an earnest desire on the part of the church to have the meeting held in Battle Creek. As this was in harmony with the convictions of the union conference committee, it was decided to hold the meeting at that place. The church gave the delegates a warm welcome, and the presence of the large number of the members at the business meetings during the day, as well as at the Bible studies in the evening, gave evidence of their appreciation of the conference. It seemed to be the feeling of the delegates, as well as of the members of the church, that the right step had been taken in deciding to hold the conference in Battle Creek.

The territory of the Lake Union Conference includes Wisconsin, Indiana, two conferences in Illinois, and three in Michigan. This union has a population of twelve millions, and a membership of 12,473. There were eighty delegates present at the conference, representing the entire field, and all departments of work being carried forward in the union. Encouraging reports were presented by the officers of the union conference, the presidents of local conferences, and the secretaries of various departments of the work. In most respects these reports show that encouraging progress is being made. Owing to the corrections of the church records in the Battle Creek church and in a number of the conferences, the membership of the union conference does not show the gain that it would, had these records been adjusted year by year as changes have taken place. But the increase in tithes and offerings and in the sale of our literature, shows an increased interest and effort on the part of the members.

A very interesting convention of the book men was held in connection with the conference. The field agents of the various conferences presented most encouraging reports relating to the distribution of our literature. Brother J. B. Blosser, who has been acting as union field secretary of the publishing department for about eight years, has labored with great determination to build up the book work in that union conference. It has required much wisdom and courage; but success has attended his efforts. The work now being carried forward has a good, substantial basis, and everything indicates that it will continue to make steady progress. The book sales reported for the biennial period of 1906 and 1907 amounted to $34,689.10, and the sales reported for the years 1908 and 1909 to $64,038.05. This shows an increase of nearly one hundred per cent. As the conferences now have good field agents and a large number of energetic, experienced workers, there is every reason to believe that the biennial term upon which they have just entered will record still greater progress.

Encouraging reports were given by those in charge of the educational work. Prof. O. J. Graff presented a very cheering report for Emmanuel Missionary College, of Berrien Springs. We were all glad to learn of the large attendance at this school, and of the excellent work being done. Good reports were given by those in charge of the intermediate schools in the various local conferences. These reports show that our people are making greater efforts to give their children a Christian education.

Two periods of each day were devoted to Bible study. These studies were full of interest, instruction, and spiritual help. They were attended by the entire delegation and by a large number of the resident members of the church. Some of the people from the city who attended the evening services became so interested that they came to the morning studies. On different occasions they telephoned to learn the hour of the Bible study for the day. I have seldom seen a greater interest manifested in the study of the Scriptures than was shown in the lessons given during this conference by Professor Prescott on the prophecies. The presence of the Lord was with the speakers and the hearers. This should be the leading and most impressive feature of all our conferences and conventions.

There were so many important matters of interest demanding attention that ten days seemed hardly sufficient time for the conference. But the delegates returned to their homes full of confidence and courage regarding the message. The closing meeting was a very precious one for both the delegates and the church. Elder Allen Moon and his associates were re-elected for another term. They will have the confidence and the support of the entire union conference. The field is a promising one, and we hope great progress will be made in all departments of the work.

A. G. DANIELLS.