The Virginia Conference by B. G. Wilkinson

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

The Virginia Conference

By B. G. Wilkinson

THE annual session of the Virginia Conference assembled October 26 to November 7 at Lynchburg, Va. A goodly delegation, representing about ten churches, had come from the different parts of this great State to deliberate for the advancement of the cause of present truth. An excellent spirit, both for harmony and for progress, prevailed, and the opinion was expressed that this was the best meeting the Virginia Conference had held for some time.

There has been commendable improvement in the Virginia Conference during the last two or three years. There is a growing disposition throughout the field to do greater things for God. The president's report showed sixty-nine added to the membership of the churches for 1908, and fifty-seven for the first nine months of 1909. During 1908 there was an increase of $1,108.30 in the tithe, and of $7,600 in the tract society book sales, over the tithe and book sales of 1907.

Resolutions were enthusiastically passed in behalf of the young people's, the educational, and the periodical work, and for greater activity in the religious liberty work. It was voted to hold a camp-meeting next summer, and to hold the next session of the conference in connection with this camp-meeting. This was especially encouraging, inasmuch as so many members of the different conferences lying near to Washington having attended the General Conference, camp-meetings during 1909 were held in only two of the conferences of the Columbia Union. A liberal donation was given toward the camp-meeting fund. One resolution, to which all responded with hearty assent, was that accepting Virginia's share in raising the $300,000 fund.

The following officers were elected: President, H. W. Herrell; secretary, A. M. Neff; treasurer, O. F. Dart; tract society secretary and treasurer, A. M. Neff; Sabbath-school secretary, Naomi M. Herrell; Religious Liberty secretary, B. L. House; field missionary agent, V. O. Punches; field missionary and Missionary Volunteer Department secretary, J. G. Hanna; Educational secretary, C. A. Maxwell. Executive Committee: H. W. Herrell, R. D. Hottel, O. F. Dart, J. E. Gardiner, A. C. Neff.

At the evening meetings, there was a good attendance of those not of our faith. On the last Sabbath day, heaven came very near while Elder W. A. Spicer was breaking the bread of life to the people. The meetings of that Sabbath will long be remembered, and will tell strongly for the work in Virginia.

B. G. WILKINSON.