THE LAKE UNION CONFERENCE.
By Arthur G. Daniells
When the Lake Union Conference Committee held its council at Berrien Springs, July, 1901, it was agreed that it would be well to hold the first session of the conference in camp at Indianapolis during the month of May, 1902. The plan was to hold a large representative gathering of our ministers and conference officers, in one of the most suitable and accessible parks of the city, and to make a special effort to interest the citizens in the great message which the Lord has committed to us for the world. Since that council we have been advised by those137best acquainted with the climate in Indiana that it will not be safe to undertake to hold a camp-meeting in Indianapolis at any time during the month of May. Oftentimes the weather is wet and cold during the latter part of the month, and it is thought that it will not be best to undertake to camp before the middle of June. This date seems objectionable to most of our Conferences in the Lake Union Conference, as it would delay the opening of their tent-meetings, making it difficult to hold two series of tent-meetings during the summer. None of the States seem willing to place the Lake Union Conference so late as the month of June. Another difficulty which has arisen regarding that date is the time of holding the General European Conference. After much study and correspondence, our brethren in Europe and the members of the General Conference Committee in America are convinced that the latter part of May is the best time for holding the General European Conference. In fact, this is the only date that will be advantageous to the work in Europe unless the meeting is deferred until late in the fall, and there are serious objections to this. As my brethren all advise me to attend the European meeting, it will be necessary for me to sail from this country the last of April, and to be absent from three to six months. This will make it impossible for me to attend the Lake Union Conference unless it is held prior to the first of May. All things considered, the presidents of the Conferences have advised that the meeting be held in Chicago, March 27 to April 6. This will make it possible for all the Conferences to send full delegations without in any way interfering with the summer's work. Then we shall have the decisions of the Union Conference regarding important matters of policy to guide in formulating our plans for the coming summer. The Illinois Conference and the Chicago church have given the Executive Committee of the Lake Union Conference a hearty invitation to hold the conference in what is known as the Forty-sixth Street church, Chicago. This is a large building, capable of accommodating all the delegates, besides quite a large attendance of the public. It is so constructed that dining accommodations can be provided in the basement. It would be too much to expect the Chicago brethren to entertain all the delegates free. We are assured, however, that the Conference and church will unite in providing accommodation at the lowest reasonable price, and that they will spare no pains to make the stay of the delegates in Chicago as pleasant as possible. Elder Moon, the president of the Conference, has the arrangements in hand, and will shortly announce them through the REVIEW. Chicago is an important center, and the coming meeting should prove a blessing to the cause in that city. All the Conferences should plan for a good delegation and a good meeting. We shall have more to say regarding this; but in closing, let me request all to unite in seeking the Lord for special help in preparing for the coming meeting.