p. 18 | Canadian Union Conference by W. H. Thurston

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 5, 1907

Canadian Union Conference

By W. H. Thurston

For some time we have been endeavoring to revive the missionary work by getting all to do something, thus enlisting many in active, continuous efforts. Early in the year Brother I. S. Jones began to work in this field as general canvassing agent. In the spring we held three canvassers' institutes, one in each local conference, and these were well attended. Twenty-four young men and women went into the field with books, and their reports during the summer have been good. Some are canvassing to earn a scholarship, and others are following the usual plan of book work. Many have related very interesting experiences in connection with their work, and we believe these earnest efforts will result in much good. Some of these workers have been connected with tent companies, enjoying the benefit of the meetings, and rendering some assistance in the services. The majority of these colporteurs expect to return to our schools this fall, and fit themselves for better work.

A new building is being erected at Lornedale Academy, and will probably be ready for occupancy early in the fall. This building was much needed, and will be a great blessing to the work in Ontario. The Williamsdale Academy is well provided with rooms and facilities, and an increased attendance is expected this year. These schools should be heartily supported, and earnest efforts should be made to induce our young people to attend and prepare for service.

After many months, a physician has been secured for the Knowlton Sanitarium, and ample help is in training there now for that department of work. On account of the long delay in placing proper workers there, the work has been much hindered, but we hope for the best now.

There are five tent companies in the field this summer, and with one exception good reports have come from these efforts. The Lord will bless every faithful effort put forth in his name. Aside from these tent-meetings some meetings have been held in other sections with good interest and some immediate results.

Elder S. A. Farnsworth, of the Quebec Conference, has been transferred to Vermont, and will make that his field of labor. We are now arranging for a man and his wife to locate in Montreal to do Bible work. Montreal is a large city, greatly in need of help, and we believe a good work can be done there for both French- and English.

Elder O. F. Butcher, of Detroit, Mich., located in Ottawa last fall, and held cottage meetings during the winter, with good attendance. The people were interested in the studies; and he and his wife have been following up the work this summer with the Family Bible Teacher, tracts, and Bible readings. On account of Sister Butcher's condition of health and Elder Butcher's throat trouble, they will close their work here in August, and go to Washington, D. C., and take up other work. We regret very much that it becomes necessary for them to leave Canada, but the work is the Lord's, and he will supply all our needs. We shall hope to arrange for other help for Ottawa in the near future.

Brother and Sister W. J. Hurdon are having all they can do in their treatment rooms in Ottawa, and are meeting with excellent success. The treatment rooms in Lindsay, Ontario, conducted by Brother and Sister Henderson, we understand, are receiving good patronage now. There are several nurses out in the field, doing private nursing with good results. We are glad for these training centers which we have in operation, and the outlook is promising for scores of workers in the near future to go forth to the harvest.

Elder Keslake gives favorable report of the work in St. John's, Newfoundland. The outside attendance at the meetings continues good, and several have been baptized there this summer. Miss Lucinda Iler, a graduate nurse, went to St. John's in June under the direction of the conference, and after getting located and acquainted with some of the doctors and people, is having frequent calls for nursing. She will do Bible work and nursing as the situation seems to demand.

The Dominion Sunday law is being enforced in a few places, but is meeting with considerable opposition from its supposed friends. A Rational Sunday League has been organized, it is said, to oppose the Lord's Day Alliance in their effort to enforce the Sunday law. We are now coming up to our camp-meetings and annual gatherings, and these will be important occasions. It is hoped that there will be a general rally to these meetings, and that they will be all that the Lord would have them be to the entire people. Some of the ministers from abroad will come in and assist us in these gatherings, and we shall appreciate their help. We are living in very important times, and much depends upon our attitude and loyalty to the work just now. The cause is in need of men and means to carry on the work in all parts of the earth. Let all work and pray to this end. This union has raised a nice little sum toward the $150,000 fund, and if every believer could lay down another dollar to this fund, it would help substantially in closing the fund. Let us examine our pockets once more and see if we can not give again. It is pleasing to note that our tithes and offerings are increasing; and by the cheering words we get from the different parts of the field, we know the Lord is blessing his people. Let all come to the annual feast with a prayer of faith, and all will receive a blessing. Come one, come all. W. H. THURSTON.