WEST VIRGINIA CONFERENCE.
By S. M. Cobb
This Conference was formerly a part of the Ohio Conference, and its charter members were the direct result of the labors of that Conference. About fourteen years ago this Conference was set off as an independent field, or Conference, consisting of West Virginia, and the three extreme western counties of Maryland,—Garrett, Allegany, and Washington,—with members barely sufficient to organize, and with no financial or numerical strength. It barely maintained an existence for several years, adding few to its numbers, and little to its wealth. In this feeble condition, and thus struggling for existence, it was overtaken by the canvassing boom of several years ago, and like several other of our weak Conferences, became greatly in debt to our publishing houses. This incumbrance, which amounted to three thousand dollars, together with other trials, greatly crippled the work, and brought discouragement and gloom over the few struggling churches upon whom the burden of debt and perplexity fell with crushing weight. The Conference membership was two hundred, six churches existing in fact, and three others in name. Two canvassers were the only laborers in the Conference. This was the state of things when I was called to labor here three years ago. Under these circumstances we took up the work as requested by the General Conference. We had no means, no ministers, no resources, and few members, but plenty of debts. Through the blessing of God, we are now out of debt, have six ministers in the field, and six canvassers. The membership is about four hundred, consisting of fourteen churches, and four unorganized companies. Thus our membership has been nearly doubled, and the number of churches doubled in the last three years. For this we praise the Lord. Our annual Conference this year was held at Parkersburg, December 12–19, with excellent results. Elder H. W. Cottrell was present to assist in counsel and labor, all of which was much appreciated. Elder Hottel, President of the Virginia Conference and Brother Painter, from Pennsylvania, were also in attendance, and rendered valuable service. The Conference officers are the same as last year,11namely, President, S. M. Cobb; Recording Secretary, W. R. Foggin; Treasurer, C. E. White; Conference Committee, S. M. Cobb, David Haddix, W. R. Foggin, C. B. Rule, Henry Neptune; Tract Society Departmental Secretary and Treasurer, C. E. White; State Agent, F. M. Gardner; Sabbath-School Department Corresponding and Field Secretary, Emma S. Newcomer. Advance steps were taken in every department of the work. S. M. Cobb.