Central New England Conference by William Ambrose Spicer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Nov 7, 1907

Central New England Conference

By William Ambrose Spicer

The annual session of the Central New England Conference was held in South Lancaster, Mass., October 10-13. The States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire comprise the conference territory. Out of thirty-four churches, twenty-three were represented by seventy-three delegates. From Thursday evening until late Sunday evening the meetings continued with good attendance and unabated interest. There are abundant signs in Central New England of a revival of the work in these eastern fields where the message had its rise. The workers had cheering reports to give, and the brethren and sisters bore testimony to their confidence in the work and in the message that we bear.

Very substantial evidences of progress were presented in the statistical report of the president, Elder H. F. Ketring. Last year their tithe was $13,729.64. This year the tithe has grown to $16,111.66, which represents a gain of $2,383.02. The churches of the conference have more than made up their membership share of the $150,000 fund. The mission offerings and gifts to enterprises outside the conference, which were $4,410 the previous year, have during the last year risen to $8,487. Nothing encouraged the hearts of the people more than to see such an increase in sharing the burdens of carrying the message to the regions beyond. Yet these Eastern States are themselves populous and needy fields.

The membership of the conference shows a net increase of seventy-eight during the year. The canvassing work has also been coming up. Last year they sold $5,000 worth of books, while this year the amount was $8,665, or a gain of seventy-three per cent. These are but a few facts and figures indicating a live and vigorous work in Central New England.

One of the most encouraging features in the conference was the presence of a large number of students attending the South Lancaster Academy. This school has the largest patronage in its history, and a strong, wholesome, healthy spirit pervades the entire institution. When the question was asked in the academy chapel, how many students had come with the definite intention of fitting themselves to go into some branch of our work, nearly all rose to their feet. When those who had it in mind to enter mission fields abroad, if the Lord should open the way, were asked to express themselves, ninety-one arose.

The Central New England Conference brethren were pleased to learn that a larger number of students than formerly from their own conference are attending the school. This means more workers for the conference in a little time. Considering the population of the field, the conference staff is not a large one.

Elder F. C. Gilbert had an encouraging report of the work done among the Jews in Boston, and of visiting work in other places in behalf of Jewish evangelization. Following the Sabbath afternoon service, two Jewish converts to the truth were buried by Brother Gilbert in baptism, the first-fruits of the Boston mission to the Jews. It was an occasion of deep interest to the conference, and there are evidences that this is only the beginning of the harvest of souls from among this people.

The president's address reported a good interest in the medical department of the work. The Melrose Sanitarium, near Boston, is doing a good work, and now needs only an increased patronage to become a strong factor in holding forth the light of truth. Within an hour's trolley ride of the institution is a population of two million, we were told. Elder P. F. Bicknell, the chaplain, who was present, related incidents showing the good influence exerted by the institution in behalf of the truth. The president's address also spoke encouragingly of the work of two private sanitariums, one at Springfield, Mass., Dr. Mary Sanderson in charge, and another at New Bedford, Mass., in charge of Dr. J. C. Bradford.

Attention was given at the conference to increasing the activities in every department of the work. All who attended the meeting must have had faith and courage increased. As one brother expressed it in the social meeting, the impression given by the study of the local and general work, and the message for the time, was this: "A small people, a great work, a mighty God, a little time." Elders S. N. Haskell and E. W. Farnsworth, representing the general work, were in attendance at the conference.

Elder H. F. Ketring was again elected president of the conference, and H. B. Tucker secretary.

I was glad, after the conference, of the privilege of visiting the Melrose Sanitarium. Truly the location is ideal, and the possibilities great. Dr. C. O. Prince is the medical superintendent. A good class of nurses is in training.

W. A. SPICER.