QUEBEC, MARITIME PROVINCES, AND NEW ENGLAND
By H. W. Cottrell
The Quebec Conference held its annual business session at South Stukely, Oct. 30 to Nov. 5, 1900. The representation from the churches throughout the Conference was good. Besides the ministers of the Conference, there were present Elder D. T. Bourdeau, a French professor who has recently accepted the truth, and the writer. This Conference is numerically weak, but spiritually and financially their standing is encouraging, for which I am grateful to the Lord. There seemed to be the spirit of brotherly love in the heart of each one. The various interests of the different branches of the work were considered quite fully, and freedom prevailed among the delegates. Those who ministered publicly the word of the Lord were in touch with Him, so were free to declare the counsel of God. The attendance from without was small in the beginning, but the house was full to overflowing at the closing meeting. All are of good courage to enter upon another year of earnest work for the Lord. Elder Williams was again elected president of the Conference. The Maritime provincial meeting was held November 8-12, at Halifax, Nova Scotia. Elder H. C. Basney, president of the Maine Conference, and the writer were present from outside the Conference. From the provinces there were in attendance Elder G. E. Langdon, director of the mission field, Elders S. J. Hersum and Riley Hyatt. The place of meeting being on the border of the field, the attendance of our people was not as large as we had hoped, or as has been heretofore. The services were held in a large hall in the city. The outside attendance was good through the entire time of meeting. While the people of the provinces are of the conservative type, and are quite apt to view with suspicion what they may be pleased to call new or strange doctrines, yet the gospel of reformation is taking root, and in many places maturing into a healthy growth. They have been, and are still being, instructed in all points of faith, tithe paying included; hence the young in the faith are strong in the Lord. The various interests of the message were considered during the business meetings, and plans were laid for aggressive work. On account of ill health, Elders P. F. Bicknell and R. Hyatt, who were laborers here, have returned during the year to their home fields. The places thus made vacant should be filled. The remaining workers and people are of good courage. The business session of the New England Conference was held at South Lancaster, Mass., November 20-26 inclusive. The delegate representation was not nearly so large as when the session was held in connection with the general camp-meeting. Inasmuch as the academy corporation meeting was held in connection with this meeting, we were well provided with ministerial help. All the Conference ministers were present, with Elders Underwood, Thompson, Place, Burrill, Watt, and Basney from outside the Conference. Each department of the Conference work was considered, with its varied interests. The first two evenings were occupied in Sabbath-school convention work, which was profitable to all. The canvassing work was quite thoroughly discussed from the floor, and much enthusiasm created, especially in reference to the canvass for the book, “Christ’s Object Lessons,” for the relief of the school debt. The business meetings were as truly Christian in spirit as any meetings I ever witnessed, and were commented on by many, but they were only as I think all such meetings should be. This session closed my official connection with this Conference after having been thus related to it for over five years, a term which has been to me most pleasant. Our policy has been cash. After settling all accounts up to the date of the meeting, there remained in the814Conference treasury over three thousand two hundred dollars, two thousand of which was given, by vote of the Conference, to the foreign mission work, leaving a balance in the treasury of twelve hundred dollars. In justice to the New England Conference, I desire to say that they have also remunerated me in full for my time since General Conference, although I have been engaged in General Conference work. I am confident that if all our work as a denomination was managed on a cash basis, there would be far greater results achieved in each branch. We could thus exercise faith beforehand, rather than behindhand, in securing money. Elder S. A. Farnsworth was elected president of the Conference, and with him is associated a strong committee. Miss Fannie M. Dickerson was again elected president of the Sabbath-school Association. The outlook for prosperity in this Conference is good, and with careful thought and judicious management continuous success will follow. With but few exceptions the people are of good courage in the work, and happy in the Lord. My constant prayer shall ever be with and for this people.
H. W. COTTRELL.