SOUTH AFRICAN CONFERENCE.
By O. O. Fortner
The ninth session of the South African Conference was held in the Cape Town and Claremont churches, September 27 to October 6. Plans had previously been laid to hold the Conference and a camp-meeting in the Eastern Province, but upon asking permission of the authorities, we were informed that this could not be done under the restrictions of martial law. The large number of delegates that succeeded in reaching Cape Town from every part of South Africa was an indication that the Lord had directed the meeting to be held here. Elder G. W. Reaser, who recently came to this field to take charge of the work in Natal, was present at the meeting, and rendered valuable help. Elder J. M. Freeman, our missionary to Basutoland, and Brother J. A. Chaney were also with us. Though traveling by rail at present is fraught with danger, favor was shown by the authorities in granting the necessary passes to our brethren, and the protecting hand of the Lord was with them as they journeyed to the meeting. As far as practicable the business of the Conference was conducted on the same lines that were maintained at the General Conference. Elder Reaser was invited to share with Elder Hyatt the responsibility of presiding at the meetings. A large committee was appointed from the floor, which recommended the various subcommittees to consider every phase of the Conference work. The Committee on Plans presented twenty-four recommendations, which were adopted, some of which are summarized as follows:— Praise to God for His blessings and for protection amid the dangers of plague and the ravages of war; extension of the medical missionary work in the cities on a simple basis; establishment of a health-food depot in Cape Town in connection with the International Tract Society; ten weeks’ training class for workers, to be conducted in connection with the college; the publication of the South African Journal of Health to be under the auspices of the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association Board of South Africa; indorsement of the six-penny-a-week plan for support of mission work; support of our people to be given to Claremont Union College in its efforts to carry out the principles of Christian education; establishment of church schools wherever practicable; continuation of the South African Sentinel, and a more general support to be given to it; co-operation of our people in the circulation of our papers; colporteurs’ licenses to be granted to our experienced canvassers; use of our Sabbath-school donations for the last half of this year for the printing of inexpensive literature in the native languages; indorsement of the plan in operation in other fields for the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Much interest was taken in the discussion of these various subjects, and light and blessing came in as the true principles of gospel work were emphasized. Recommendations submitted by the Committee on Division of Territory and Plans for Mission Work were adopted, providing for the division of South Africa into three fields: (1) The South African Conference, comprising the Cape Colony, with787the Orange River Colony and Basutoland as mission fields; (2) Natal-Transvaal Mission Field; (3) Rhodesian Mission Field; also for the formation of a South African Union Council of five members, to have the supervision of the work in mission territory. As the constitution which was adopted at the organization of the Conference nine years ago no longer met the requirements of the work, a new one was framed and adopted. After careful consideration the Conference voted to reopen, and operate on an economical basis, the Plumstead Orphanage, which had been temporarily closed. The treasurer reported the total amount received into the tithe treasury during the last Conference year to be $10,440.46, and the disbursements $9,980.98. The report of the International Tract Society showed a good financial standing, and that active work had been done in the distribution of literature. The college had enjoyed a prosperous year. The Kimberley Baths has been rebuilt, and has added greatly to its facilities for medical missionary work, but has unfortunately become involved in considerable debt. The Conference has taken charge of this institution. The large Claremont Sanitarium has passed from the control of the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association to a private syndicate. The Conference has passed through a trying year. The long-continued war, with its disastrous influences, has been a constant menace to the progress of the work. But notwithstanding the great difficulties, the Lord has abundantly blessed His people, and a good work has been accomplished. The Conference just closed has in many respects been the most enjoyable, and we trust the most beneficial, one held in South Africa for years. The utmost harmony prevailed at all the Conference and committee meetings. It was the Spirit of the Lord that brought this union and confidence; the influence of man could never have accomplished it. The early morning and evening services held in the Claremont church were a great blessing. Many turned to the Lord, and all renewed their consecration to Him. The following officers were chosen for the ensuing year: President, W. S. Hyatt; Secretary and Treasurer, O. O. Fortner. Executive Committee: W. S. Hyatt, H. J. Edmed, D. F. Tarr, H. W. Lindsay, E. A. Ingle. Secretary of the International Tract Society and Sabbath-school Department, O. O. Fortner. Members of the South African Union Council: G. W. Reaser (chairman), W. S. Hyatt, F. L. Mead (since deceased), J. M. Freeman, H. J. Edmed. Though the tithe receipts admit of but a small working force, the prospects are good for the coming year. We have sometimes been led to think that this field has had more than its share of difficulties; but we do not forget that the work is the Lord’s, and that His power, and that of legions of angels, is pledged to help if we will but work with Him. We look to God for strength, for wisdom, and for grace to carry the triumphs of this message to the many classes of people of this great continent.