Chesapeake Conference by F. I. Richardson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 25, 1909

Chesapeake Conference

By F. I. Richardson

IN response to a call from the General Conference Committee, Mrs. Richardson and the writer left our field of labor in Southern California to take up work in the Chesapeake Conference, where we arrived August 25. Since that time we have been very busy getting settled, becoming acquainted with the field, and preparing for the conference which was held at Rock Hall, November 3-8. There was a good representation from nearly all the fourteen churches of the conference. All the conference laborers were in attendance, also Elder B. G. Wilkinson, president of the Columbia Union Conference, and Elder W. A. Spicer. All took hold of the work earnestly, and rendered efficient service. The missionary talks by Elder Spicer were very interesting, and touched the hearts of the hearers, as attested by the many tear-dimmed eyes. The missionary spirit was revived in old and young; and many expressed themselves as having decided to arouse from their lethargy, and begin at once to aid in the spread of the great message, and to try to win souls to accept it.

On the Sabbath at the close of Elder Spicer's sermon, many who had been in a backslidden condition, and some for the first time, went forward weeping and confessing their sins. Again in the afternoon, Elder Wilkinson, at the close of his remarks, made an appeal, and several others expressed a desire to live a better life, and asked the prayers of God's people. At this service Brother W. R. Pohle was set apart to the sacred work of the gospel ministry, by prayer and the laying on of hands. Elder Spicer offered the prayer, and Elder Wilkinson delivered the charge. The Spirit of God was present in a remarkable manner in all of the services of the day. At all the evening services the house was filled to overflowing. Many not of our faith became deeply interested as they listened to the stirring discourses, and at the close asked eagerly if we were not coming back again.

The officers chosen were as follows: President, F. I. Richardson; secretary and treasurer, Miss Emma S. Newcomer. Executive Committee: F. I. Richardson, John F. Jones, G. P. Gaede, R. M. Rosin, and George R. Apsley.

As the brethren and sisters were leaving at the close of the meeting on Monday morning, expressions of praise and thanksgiving to God were heard on all sides, for the controlling and uplifting power of his Holy Spirit which had been felt throughout the entire session of the conference.

F. I. RICHARDSON.