The Organization of the Chile Conference by J. W. Westphal

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 4, 1907

The Organization of the Chile Conference

By J. W. Westphal

J. W. WESTPHAL

NEAR the close of 1894, the work in this republic began by the arrival of two canvassers, F. W. Bishop and T. H. Davis. One year later, Elder G. H. Baber arrived, and the West Coast Mission became an established thing. In 1902 it was organized by the appointment of a local committee. In 1906 Chile and Bolivia were separated from the other West Coast republics, and were organized into the Chile-Bolivia mission field. During the general meeting held at Santiago, March 29 to April 7, 1907, Chile was separated from Bolivia, and organized as a conference.

SCENE IN CHILE ON SANTIAGO AND VALPARAISO RAILROAD

In its development the work in Chile has passed through some conflicts. Some have left the truth, and have done all in their power to destroy it. Fires and earthquakes have done their work. In spite of all difficulties, it has slowly grown, until at the time of the organization of the conference there were nine churches, with one hundred and ninety-two members and twenty-five other Sabbath-keepers. The tithe for the last year was $1,711.42, or $7.88 per capita. Considering the fact that our brethren are all poor, this is excellent. The Sabbath-school offerings were $313.14, and other offerings $361.07. Our brethren are nearly all natives, and the preceding shows that they feel a responsibility to support the work. They are also active in missionary efforts. The Señales de los Tiempos, published in Chile, is having an excellent circulation. During the last year 105,000 copies were printed and disposed of; and while some were used in other republics, yet the large majority were used in Chile. The Chileno people seem to be inclined toward the purchase of this paper, and our brethren seem to know how to take advantage of their opportunity.

Under these conditions, we were pleased to organize Chile into a conference. All the business passed off pleasantly and harmoniously. Some of the brethren see special beauty in our form of organization and our manner of sustaining the work, all our brethren having an opportunity to have a part in it in all parts of the world, and thus the hearts of all are broadened to take in the world; and the individual member, and church, and mission field, and conference are not so many separate atoms, but all are a part of a great whole—the one body of Christ—a united work. They are together in recognizing that the Lord has led in all this. A resolution of thanks to the General Conference and to our brethren abroad who have given to the work in this field was passed, also a petition for further help until they can become self-supporting. Necessarily, they will need assistance for a time.

Elder F. H. Westphal was elected president, and Wm. Steele secretary and treasurer. The other members of the committee are Carlos Krieghoff, Damaso Soto, and Julian Torreblanca. The last three named accepted the truth in Chile, and the last two are native Chilenos. On the last evening Brother Damaso Soto was ordained to the sacred work of the gospel ministry, before a large congregation, among whom the Spirit of God was manifest in a marked manner.

The Chile Conference cheerfully gave up Elder Eduardo Thomann to the Bolivia mission field. It retains three ordained ministers, three licentiates,—one of whom is in their school and one in the office,—and four persons with missionary license. The latter are engaged largely in canvassing. Thus the conference begins probably as well equipped as any South American field. The brethren enter the work with courage and enthusiasm, and the prospects for the future are good. In the year 1906, forty were baptized. Six were baptized at the conference, and two others will be baptized soon. In other places there are a number waiting.

A resolution was passed recognizing that the printing and publishing work belongs to the whole West Coast field. A committee, composed of the president of the South American Union Conferences and the presidents and superintendents of the several West Coast conferences and mission fields, and three other persons appointed by the South American Union, will have charge of this branch of the message. These will elect a local managing board, to carry on the work in the interest of the whole field.

Six years ago the tract society began operations. The value of books, etc.,

on hand was the amount of its indebtedness. Since then it has passed through two fires and one earthquake, in the last of which it lost over six hundred dollars. Yet at the close of last year the books showed a present worth of $481.37. Deducting from this possible bad accounts, it has a present worth of $300. This we consider a good showing.

Buenos Ayres, Argentina.