The Southern Union Conference by Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 24, 1910

The Southern Union Conference

By Arthur Grosvenor Daniells

The fifth session of the Southern Union Conference was held at Nashville, Tenn., Dec. 20-30, 1909. Forty delegates were enrolled, representing all parts of the union, and all phases of its work.

At the biennial session two years ago five conferences — Cumberland, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida — were cut off from the Southern Union Conference and organized into the Southeastern Union Conference. Although this took from the Southern Union Conference about one half of its territory, population, and membership, the attendance at the session just held seemed as large, and the courage and enthusiasm of all present as good, as at any previous session.

The reports from conference presidents, secretaries of departments, and managers of institutions were truly encouraging. They showed that substantial progress is being made in all branches of the work. There has been a decided gain during the last two years in offerings to missions and the sale of our literature. These reports show that according to their membership, the local conferences in the South now stand with our best conferences in the North in all phases of our work. A marvelous change has been brought about during the last ten years by the faithful, persevering labors of the leaders. If the same faithful work is continued in the South, the conferences there will soon be reckoned among our strongest conferences. Of this I feel confident. The South itself is awakening and developing wonderfully in financial, educational, and industrial lines. Our people love this truth. They have the spirit of the message, and are glad to give and serve to the extent of their ability.

The Southern Publishing Association presented the best report this year in its history. The factory is well equipped, the work is well organized, and the whole staff has been kept busy during the year with our denominational work. The balance sheet showed the splendid gain of $15,132.45 for the year, only $2,150.76 of this amount being donations. Thus it will be seen that nearly the entire gain is profit from the operations of the institution. Once this institution was down, and each year showed a loss of from eight to twelve thousand dollars in its operations. Those were dark days, but our dear Brother George I. Butler, who was then in charge of our work in the South, vowed that, by the Lord’s help, some day that publishing house and the canvassing work in its territory would stand among our best, and now it is so. The outlook for the present year is very encouraging. Everything indicates that even a greater work will be done, and that a larger gain will be made.

The delegates were greatly cheered by the report Dr. W. A. George gave of the Nashville Sanitarium. At the time of the conference this institution was full of patients. The patronage has been growing gradually but steadily during the past year, until the house is full. Those who are acquainted with the struggles through which this sanitarium has passed since it was opened, can appreciate the change that has been brought about.

The Nashville Sanitarium Food Factory began operations about one year ago. Under the efficient management of Brother M. F. Knox this enterprise has made a splendid showing from the start. It turns out good products, and is developing a substantial and growing business. So far it has more than met the fullest expectations of those who launched it.

Encouraging reports of the educational work being carried on at Graysville, Oakwood, Madison, Hillcrest, and the out-stations, were made by those in charge of these enterprises. We are glad that it is now possible for our young people, both white and colored, in the South to secure a Christian education in our own schools. We look to them to strengthen our forces of laborers in both home and foreign fields.

Thus all phases of our work are forging ahead in the Southern Union Conference. And still we want to see greater results in the future. We need more of the convincing, moving power of God to make our efforts effective. For this we should all steadfastly pray and draw near to God. He has more wisdom and grace and victory for us, and will impart them to us as we are able to appreciate and use them.

A. G. DANIELLS.