Annual Session of the Maritime Conference
By W. H. Thurston
This meeting was held June 2-12, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in the church building recently erected on the corner of Ontario and Maynard Streets. The weather was fair during part of the meeting, and the Spirit of the Lord so brightened the foul weather that there was no complaining. The attendance was good, nearly all the churches being represented, and the evening and Sunday services were well attended by those not of our faith. All seemed to realize the need of more of the Spirit’s power, and to this end we labored, and our efforts were not in vain. The manifestation of the Spirit of the Lord was apparent at the very first, and18the meetings grew better till the close of the session. Elder M. D. Mattson, of South Lancaster, was present during the entire time, and rendered valuable help. His Bible studies and discourses were much appreciated by all. The instruction was all very practical, and in the studies of the signs of the times, present truth, and the message to the world in our day, the importance of a personal experience was made emphatic. All entered heartily into the study of the Word, and the shout of victory and triumph was heard day by day. The business of the conference was clearly defined at the first business meeting, full instructions were given concerning the relation and responsibility of individual members to the conference and its work, and the business was all transacted in the spirit of the Master. S. D. Hartwell was present most of the time, audited the books of the conference, and gave some instruction in different phases of our work, which was gladly received. The treasurer’s report showed some increase in finance, as a whole, over the previous year, and it is believed that there will be a marked increase this year not only in finance, but in all departments of the work in the conference. The missionary spirit was received into the hearts of all present, and as these return to their homes, those privileged to attend the meeting will also become partakers of the same spirit. All hearts being knit together in love, there will be full assurance of understanding, and the work will go forward unitedly and harmoniously. The Farmington industrial school closed its first year’s work with May, and plans for the future of this school were carefully considered. It was proposed to change the time of the school year, having it begin in March instead of September, and having the vacation in the winter instead of in the summer. In the meantime, while this change is being brought about, and other matters adjusted, Miss Gertrude Williams has been secured to teach in the Farmington school. All departments of the work were carefully considered, and the outlook is hopeful. The business of the conference was finished in the early part of the session, and the time was largely devoted to Bible study and spiritual work. Many said it was the best meeting ever held in the maritime provinces, and all went home feeling that it had been good to be there. A very solemn service took place at the west arm of the harbor on the fifth day of the meeting, when two willing souls went down into the water, and arose to walk in newness of life. At the close of the second Sabbath afternoon service Brethren Fred A. Tracy and James G. Hanna were ordained to the gospel ministry. The prayer was made by Elder M. D. Mattson, and the writer gave the charge, and extended the right hand of fellowship. The Lord came very near by his Spirit during this service, and many wept for joy. The people tarried long after the service closed, and talked over the things which they had seen and heard. These brethren have the confidence of the conference, and their prayers and moral support for their success in the sacred, solemn work of ministering to souls. After careful consideration, it was voted to turn the book business over to the Canadian Publishing Association, with the understanding that a branch office will be established as soon as practicable. Elder Wm. Guthrie was elected president of the conference, and Alberta McLeod was re-elected secretary and treasurer. The conference committee is made up of the following-named persons: Wm. Guthrie, W. R. Andrews, J. Greer Hanna, Alvin Hubley, and J. C. Porter. The people all went home from the meeting resolving to be and do better, and the conference laborers have gone to their fields of labor with renewed courage and hope in God, believing that the whole conference will act their part, under the guidance and in the power of Christ, in accomplishing the work committed to them.