British Columbia Conference by H. S. Shaw

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

British Columbia Conference

By H. S. Shaw

THE ninth annual session of the British Columbia Conference of Seventh-day Adventists convened in the chapel of their commodious school building, at Pitt Meadows, January 20-23. There was practically a full delegation present. It was a pleasure to meet these brethren and sisters from the different churches in British Columbia, and to see their love and zeal for the Master's work.

The report of the conference president in his address to the delegates showed a gain of twenty-five per cent in the membership during the past year, a portion of this number having moved in from other parts of the field. Two new church buildings were erected in the conference during 1909. The tithe shows a gain of about eighteen per cent over the previous year.

The Sabbath-school work is prospering. More interest has been taken in the study of the lessons, and the donations have increased. One feature of interest was that all the Sabbath-school donations went to the support of foreign missions.

The school work is receiving due attention. The Manson Academy has an enrolment of between thirty and forty students. This good school has been struggling under some difficulties, but circumstances are beginning to brighten, and those in charge are much encouraged. Brother Kenneth R. Haughey is principal of the school, and is giving good satisfaction.

The book work has not been so prosperous as was hoped, owing to certain reverses which it suffered, but the prospect is good for a prosperous year in 1910. A competent man has been secured to take charge of this work in the conference, which will add strength and courage to the canvassers.

A good interest has been taken in the matter of donations to missions. More than ten cents a week for each member in the conference has been raised during the year. This is a considerable gain over the year 1908. The conference also voted to raise its part of the $300,000 Fund to be given by our people in North America during the next three years, for the great work to be hastened on in China and the Orient. It was also voted to continue the ten-cent-a-week plan for the support of the missionaries already in the field.

Elder John G. Walker was elected president of the conference, and Sister Bertha Lofstad secretary and treasurer. Brother E. R. Potter was elected to take charge of the canvassing work. Elder W. M. Adams plans to take a much-needed rest, and had requested to be released at this time. Elder Walker is a man of experience in official work, having served as president of the North Dakota Conference a number of years. The brethren in British Columbia have given him a warm welcome. While we regret to see Elder Adams leave Canada, yet he feels that it is best to take a vacation, and we wish him much of the Lord's blessing.

Everything considered, I believe this, though not so large as some, was one of the best conferences I have ever attended. The Lord was present to help us in a special manner, as was manifest to all who were there. Our brethren and sisters returned to their homes full of courage and hope, and with a determination to be loyal to the cause of truth so dear to this people in all the world. May the Lord bless these faithful servants as they labor to hold up the light in the British Columbia Conference.

H. S. SHAW.