A New Conference Organization by G. B. Thompson

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

A New Conference Organization

By G. B. Thompson

WHEN the General Conference headquarters was removed from Battle Creek, Mich., to Washington, D. C., the territory included within the District of Columbia and the corporation of Takoma Park, Md., was set apart as General Conference territory, instead of being connected with one of the adjoining local conferences. This seemed to be, and doubtless was, the best arrangement for that time. A large part of the membership being composed of those who were here as a direct result of the locating of the headquarters of our work in this place, it seemed but just that some of the funds should be under the direction of the General Conference, to be used in the carrying forward of the message in “the regions beyond.” Since this time the work in the District has been managed by a committee composed of members of the General Conference Committee, and those representing the various churches.

But the work grew, and the details of carrying it forward increased. Prior to the time of the removal of our headquarters to this place, we had but one church in the District, which paid, in tithes and offerings, about two thousand dollars a year. At the present time we have a membership of about five hundred sixty, with perhaps one hundred others who keep the Sabbath. There are five churches, and one company not organized into a church. The total amount of tithe paid in 1908 was $11,168, or about twenty dollars a member. Other offerings for home and foreign work raised

during the year brought the total given for all purposes up to $18,378. More than ten cents a week for each church-member was given to foreign missions.

This development of the work made it apparent that, in order properly to carry forward the work for the future in an aggressive way, it would be best to organize a conference. At a meeting of the constituency held Sunday, Feb. 14, 1909, representing all the churches and various departments of our work in the District of Columbia, it was voted that the churches in this territory be organized into a conference, to be called the District of Columbia Conference. This was done, and a full set of officers was elected. Prof. B. G. Wilkinson was elected president; H. E. Rogers, secretary; and S. E. McNeil, treasurer.

WORKERS WHO ATTENDED THE BIENNIAL CONFERENCE, DECEMBER 25 TO JANUARY 4, LUCKNOW, INDIA

In the constitution adopted it was specified that one third of the tithe received shall be turned over to the General Conference for work in foreign fields. As the work in the District develops, it is expected that this requirement will be changed, and a larger amount be used in the general work.

This new conference requested admission into the Columbia Union Conference, which will be materially strengthened by this addition to it.

A great future is doubtless before the work in Washington. Here some of the vital issues connected with the closing work of God in the earth will be met. Let all pray that the work in this field may be especially directed by the Lord. G. B. THOMPSON.