The Annual Maine Conference by W. B. White

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

The Annual Maine Conference

By W. B. White

This meeting was held October 21-24 in the small town of Richmond, on the Kennebec River, about forty miles northeast of the city of Portland. Shortly after the last General Conference in Washington, D. C., the Maine Conference held a camp-meeting in Portland, which Sister E. G. White and other leading workers attended. At this time, however, the conference business was not transacted, but was deferred till the meeting of which we are writing.

Forty-two delegates were present, representing seventeen churches; and the secretary's report showed that during the last year sixty-three members had been added, making the membership of the conference three hundred ninety-three.

The tithe for 1908 was $5,912.36. For the first six months of 1909 the tithe is $103.80 larger than for the first six months of 1908; so we can reasonably expect that a fair increase in tithe will

be seen this year in the Maine Conference.

Their tract society and conference are free from debt, the tract society having a net gain last year of $38.39. The total value of its book and periodical sales for 1908 was $3,852.84, an increase of $1,742.72 over the previous year. Gifts to foreign missions were increased $292.29 in 1908 over the previous year.

A good spirit seemed to pervade the conference, and there was in the hearts of all a strong determination to press the battle forward in old Maine, where the third angel's message had its rise. Resolutions were passed unanimously, touching all aggressive movements of the cause, and we believe the coming year will see a marked advance in all departments of the work.

Elder G. A. Irwin and Brethren F. M. Dana and R. J. Bryant were present, and rendered valuable and much appreciated aid.

Elder J. B. Goodrich presided at all sessions of the conference. Failing strength now compels him to lay on younger shoulders the burdens he has carried so long and faithfully.

The conference at this session did not make choice of a president, but referred the matter of his selection to the Atlantic Union Conference, which convenes at South Lancaster November 14-28. Sister Eliza Morton, who has served the cause in this conference so long and efficiently as its secretary and treasurer, was again elected, as were also the several departmental heads.

Elder H. C. Giles has opened a small Bible Training-school in Portland, and has with him a few earnest, consecrated workers. This seems a step in the right direction, for the Lord has plainly indicated that in Portland labor must be performed, and the attention of the people called to this message. A neat, commodious church building is nearing completion there, which will be a credit to our work.

Sabbath forenoon, Brother A. J. Verrill was ordained to the gospel ministry, the writer offering the prayer, and Elder Irwin giving the charge. God blessed in this service. Maine has a good, warm-hearted, loyal band of Seventh-day Adventists, who believe the present truth with all their heart, and are willing to sacrifice for its advancement; and if these will prove true to him and be workers together with God, his truth will yet triumph gloriously in the Pine Tree State.

W. B. WHITE.