The Pacific Union Conference
By Arthur G. Daniells
The Pacific Union Conference was one of the first union conferences organized in the United States, and was among the first to develop its various departments and important features. Its first session was held at Portland, Ore., early in 1902. The meeting was well attended, and was counted as one of the best union conference sessions of 1902. The second session was held in Healdsburg, Cal., March 18-27, 1904. Considering the long distances to be traveled by the delegates, the attendance at the Healdsburg Conference was excellent. This brought together for mutual conference and co-operation, representative men from the distant conferences both north and south along the coast. The Pacific Union Medical Association held a session of its organization in connection with the conference. The publishing, medical, and educational institutions were all well represented in the gathering. Sister White was present, but owing to a cold she contracted at the beginning of the meeting, and the continual rain, she spoke only twice during the conference. Her second sermon was given the last Sunday afternoon of the meeting. Notwithstanding a heavy downpour of rain at the time, the large building was filled with a deeply interested congregation. The message borne was as clear and forceful as ever from this servant of the Lord. Elder W. T. Knox, the president of the union, had the general charge of the meetings. Reports were presented by conference presidents, heads of departments, and managers of institutions, giving an account of the work of which they have had charge during the last two years. Although none of our reports can be considered altogether satisfactory, yet they are full of interest and value. They recount the experiences through which we pass, and record the progress we make. Were these facts all studied as carefully as they should be, most important lessons would be learned from them. The reports of this conference were in many respects encouraging. These, with the proceedings of the conferences, will be prepared for publication by the officers. One of the most excellent features of this conference was the series of Bible studies conducted by Professor Prescott. The epistle to the Hebrews was chosen as the basis of these studies. Christ, the Son of God and Son of man, was presented as the central theme of the epistle. The study of his ministry in the heavenly sanctuary brought out the fundamental truths of the third angel's message. It was made very plain that every feature of this message is necessary and harmonious with every other feature; that the integrity and continuance of the whole message is involved in the genuineness of any of its parts; that the rise of this message in 1844 was a part of the plan of redemption, and absolutely necessary to save men from the sophistries and the delusions that are even now deceiving the world. These Bible studies were held at the best hour of the forenoon, and were attended by the entire conference, and the senior students of the school. When the time came to close the session, it was found that nothing had been lost by devoting an hour and a half in the forenoon, and also each evening, to the study of the Scriptures. A prayer and praise service was held each morning at eight o'clock.7The entire business of the conference was disposed of when the hour for adjournment arrived. Much is lost by allowing the business of a conference to drag along and crowd out the Bible studies and devotional meetings. The finances and general business affairs of the conference showed careful management on the part of the officers. In the election of officers for the ensuing term, but little change was made. There was general and deep regret among the delegates that Elder Knox felt compelled to decline re-election to the presidency of the union conference. Although pressed to continue in office, Brother Knox could not consent to do so. He was placed on the committee, and will give his associates the benefit of his experience in the general work. Elder W. B. White, of Montana, was chosen president. He will have the hearty support of the brethren on the coast. That conference covers a vast stretch of territory, and holds a very important relation to the Pacific mission fields. Its opportunities and responsibilities are great, and so also are its resources.