The Louisiana Conference by S. B. Horton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 19, 1907

The Louisiana Conference

By S. B. Horton

THE fifth annual meeting of the Louisiana Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held in connection with a camp-meeting in the town of Boyce, La., July 19-28, 1907. A pleasant grove had been secured, and accommodations were arranged for all who wished to come. Meals were served in a building located a short distance from the grounds. Delegates from nearly all the churches and companies were present.

We were privileged this year to have an officer of the General Conference with us, Elder Spicer, Secretary of the General Conference and Mission Board. Brother Spicer entered actively into the different phases of the meeting, and his services were much appreciated. There was also with us Elder R. W. Parmele, who represented the publishing house of this field. He and Dr. Lydia K. Parmele came at the first of the meeting, and rendered valuable services. Prof. J. E. Tenney, the Educational Secretary of this field, was also present, much to the satisfaction of all. Elder Rees, the Southern Union Conference Auditor, also contributed to the success of the meeting.

Conference sessions were held during the day, as well as revival services, young people's meetings, and health and temperance talks by Dr. Parmele. The evening meetings were devoted very largely to doctrinal discourses, and some interest was developed. Eight persons were baptized in Red River, near the camp-ground.

The reports of the different departments showed an encouraging condition. One church was organized at Newellton, and was admitted into the conference. Another company will soon be ready for organization at Jennings, and another at Hammond.

The conference adopted resolutions expressing gratitude to God for his prospering hand, and urging the churches of the conference to revive the missionary societies, and pledging greater encouragement to the canvassing work. The plans recommended for securing a larger circulation of the Watchman were endorsed, as well as the plan of the Southern Union Conference in starting the biweekly Report of Progress. Several resolutions were passed in reference to the circulation of Liberty and the Religious Liberty leaflets, to avert as long as possible the enactment of laws that will abridge the rights of conscience; and also one seeking so to arouse public sentiment that prohibition of the liquor traffic will be demanded. Other resolutions referred to the speedy finishing of the $150,000 fund, the vesting of titles to denominational property in the Louisiana Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists, and pledging greater activity in establishing church-schools. Also resolutions were passed expressing gratitude to the General Conference and the Southern Union Conference for liberal dealing with the Louisiana Conference, and to the newspapers for kindly notice and reports of the meetings.

As this was an annual meeting, the election of officers took place, resulting as follows: President, S. B. Horton; Secretary and Treasurer and Corresponding Secretary, Mrs. C. A. Saxby, of Welsh, La.; Secretary of Sabbath-school, Young People's Work, and Church-Schools, Miss Kate C. Bickham, of Hayes, La.; Field Missionary, I. T. Reynolds, of Pineville, La.; Secretary of Religious Liberty Department, S. B. Horton. Office, 810 Jackson Ave., New Orleans. Conference Committee: S. B. Horton, H. S. Roach (Shreveport), M. D. Broussard (Hobart), C. A. Saxby (Welsh), I. T. Reynolds. Members of Louisiana Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists: M. D. Broussard, E. E. June, H. S. Roach, C. A. Saxby, H. E. Heald, L. P. Broussard, S. B. Horton.

After adjournment the executive committee adopted the following plans:—

1. That meetings be continued in the large tent at Boyce to give the people of the village further opportunity for hearing the message.

2. That a tent effort be made at De Ridder, to be conducted by Prof. W. E. Straw and B. L. Roberts.

3. That Miss Kate C. Bickham be relieved of the office of Sabbath-school secretary on account of her other duties as teacher, etc., and that Miss Ruby Roach be invited to take the office thus vacated.

At a meeting of the Louisiana Conference Association the following officers were elected:— Board of Trustees: President, S. B. Horton; Vice-president, H. E. Heald; Secretary and Treasurer, W. P. McLennan.

The office of both the conference and the association is at No. 810 Jackson Ave., New Orleans, La.

S. B. HORTON.