p. 17 | South Dakota by N. W. Allee

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 28, 1902

South Dakota

By N. W. Allee

It is now a year and five months since I came to the Dakota Conference. Almost every condition here is different from those of the Southern field where I labored for four years prior to coming here. This part of the country has been quite prosperous, and many people have moved here from the older States.

Since I came here, seven camp meetings have been held, all of which were profitable occasions. One institute for general instruction in the home-missionary and Sabbath-school work, two institutes for church-school teachers, a school of twelve weeks for the benefit of canvassers and those in training for church-school teaching, and two general meetings for local sections, have also been held.

Seven tent efforts have been made, but immediate results have not been as encouraging as was hoped. The canvassing work has had its varied experiences, as in other localities. The present summer and fall the canvassers have used the larger books, and in most cases the results have been good, especially with the health books.

The work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” has been quite encouraging. We are engaging in the third campaign, hoping that more than the full quota can be disposed of before the holiday trade closes.

North Dakota has been organized into a separate conference, and begins work under favorable circumstances.

There is a strong sentiment in favor of the establishment of an intermediate school; land has been secured, and a plain, substantial building will soon be ready for occupancy. It is expected that the school will open November 4. The intermediate school is designed to meet the needs of the young people who pass from the work of the church school, but who are not of sufficient age nor far enough advanced to enter upon college work. The students will be furnished several hours’ work each day, in agriculture and the useful trades. Body, mind, and heart are to be trained for service in the great mission field.

The officers of the conference desire to encourage an equal interest in all departments of the message. Consecrated and well-trained workers is the great need of the hour.

A sanitarium physician and a trained nurse are expected soon to connect with the work of this conference, and it is confidently believed that the instruction will be of great benefit to all who receive it.

I am glad to believe that the spirit to

give of their means and to furnish laborers for the needy distant fields is deepening in the hearts of the brethren of our conference. I am persuaded that the spirit of the advent message is being revived in the hearts of the brethren, and the evidence of the Saviour’s soon coming is inspiring hope and courage as in former years.

On account of failing health of their companions, two of our most experienced ministers, Elders J. H. Rogers and F. D. Starr, are compelled to go to milder climates. Our only experienced Bible worker, Sister Ella Nesmith, must also do the same. Others will fill these places. My own health is pretty good since coming from the South. Best of all, the grand truths of this great message never seemed more precious than at this time. Surely the conflict soon must end in a most glorious victory to the faithful servants who endure unto the end.

N. W. ALLEE.