The Atlantic Union Missionary Volunteer Council by F. M. Dana; Bessie Jackson Rice

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 18, 1909

The Atlantic Union Missionary Volunteer Council

By F. M. Dana; Bessie Jackson Rice

A COUNCIL of the Missionary Volunteer secretaries of the Atlantic Union Conference was held following the educational council at South Lancaster, Mass., December 26-29. Prof. M. E. Kern and Brother F. M. Dana were in attendance, also the following conference secretaries: Mrs. Lee S. Wheeler, of the New England Conference; Miss Jennie R. Bates, of Maine; Mrs. A. E. Taylor, of Vermont; Mrs. Ralph Clapp, of Western New York; Mrs. L. H. Proctor, of Greater New York; and Mrs. J. H. Rice, of New York. Elders E. W. Farnsworth, O. Montgomery, and C. H. Edwards helped much by hearty co-operation and counsel.

In the opening meeting Elder Montgomery said that the third angel's message is a cleaver, separating our young people from the churches, schools, and society of the world. Man is so constituted that his religious, educational, and social needs must be supplied, and we must provide for them if we hope to hold our youth in the denomination. Perhaps the whole work of the council might be called a wrestling with the questions that follow a consideration of that statement, with a view to saving our young people for the Master's work.

The need of a deep spiritual life that would reveal itself in effectual prayers and holy living was felt by all present. It was also recognized that it was the province and duty of homes to teach this by precept and practise. The need of personal work was emphasized. Young people will do the most for their Master as they work and pray for one soul at a time with whom they can keep in touch. Actual experience showed that the time and money spent by a secretary in visiting our own youth was well invested.

Study of the problems of adolescence was suggested by the papers and discussions on that subject. Social needs came in for a great deal of consideration also. The dangers as well as the blessings of society were felt, and the whole seemed a great problem yet to be worked out. A correspondence school was also looked upon favorably.

MONUMENT OF COLUMBUS POINTING TO AMERICA

The correspondence and field work of the secretary and the branches of work carried on by the department were studied carefully. The secretaries returned to their conferences, feeling that they had gained much good.

F. M. DANA, Chairman; BESSIE JACKSON RICE, Secretary.