Organization of the Rio Grande Do Sul (Brazil) Conference
By F. W. Spies
As stated in the report of the organization of the South American Union Conference, the recommendation had been made at that meeting that the Brazilian Conference consider the advisability of dividing its vast territory into several smaller parts. Accordingly, at the session of the Brazilian Conference, held at Taquary, April 14-21, it was early decided to carry out the recommendation. Brethren of the province of Rio Grande do Sul voted to organize themselves into a conference. The laborers from abroad were Elder W. A. Spicer, secretary of the Mission Board, and Elder J. W. Westphal, president of the recently organized South American Union Conference, who, by virtue of his office, acted as chairman of the meeting during the organization. After the need and the advantages of this new step had been explained, a committee on constitution, one on nominations, one on plans, and another on credentials and licenses, were appointed, and the work of organization began. The constitution of the former Brazilian Conference was adopted, with slight changes. The nominating committee's report was accepted, and the following officers were elected: President, H. F. Graf; Vice-President, Dr. A. L. Gregory; Secretary and Treasurer, A. Pages; Executive Committee, H. F. Graf, Dr. A. L. Gregory, A. Pages, J. Lipke, and E. Schenk. Credentials were granted to H. F. Graf and Ernesto Schwantes, ministerial licenses to August Brack, and missionary licenses to John Lipke and Arthur Schwantes. On the last Sabbath of the meeting, Brother Emil Hoelzle, who had been recommended by the South American Union Conference for ordination and credentials, was set apart by ordination to the work of the gospel ministry. The service was a solemn one, and was followed by a social meeting, in which almost all took part, bearing spirited testimonies, and consecrating themselves anew to the work of the third angel's message. Each evening during the session the message was preached to the Brazilian people in their own tongue. The brethren of the Rio Grande field entered with considerable zeal and earnestness into the plan of dividing Brazil's vast territory and organizing other conferences. They realized that they have a definite field of their own in which to work and bring the message before the people, and all seemed to be ready to do everything possible to make their conference fully self-supporting, which we hope will soon be the case. Among the resolutions adopted was one expressing thanks to God for the prosperity and blessing that attended the work during the past conference term, and a promise of renewed consecration to this work. A vote of thanks was also rendered to our brethren and sisters of the home field, for their interest in our work that led them to sacrifice, in order to share with us the message for this time, by sending to this field men and means; and it was resolved that now, as we endeavor to make the work self-supporting, we pledge ourselves to carry it on in the same spirit in which it was begun, and for the same purpose. The Rio Grande School becomes the property of the Rio Grande Conference; while the publishing work remains the property of the entire Brazilian field, directed by a general Brazilian committee, composed as follows: A. Pages, J. W. Westphal, H. F. Graf, F. W. Spies, W. Ehlers, Emil Hoelzle, and Dr. A. L. Gregory. The brethren pledged greater faithfulness in paying tithes and offerings. And as in the future the South American Union Conference takes the burden of sending laborers into the as yet unentered fields, the new Rio Grande Conference manifested its interest in these fields, as also its willingness to help them, by voting to pay a tithe of its tithe, the Sabbath-school offerings, and also the week-of-prayer offerings, into the treasury of the South American Union Conference. The importance of circulating our Portuguese missionary paper, as also the circulation of tracts and other literature, was dwelt upon, and a readiness was expressed on the part of our brethren to renew their efforts, and work in this line with greater diligence. Steps were also taken to get out at once an edition of “His Glorious Appearing,” and a number of tracts, in the Portuguese language. The brethren of Rio Grande also adopted a resolution to the effect that they make the Portuguese language predominant in their school work; and a good degree of courage and good will was shown, indicating that the brethren will do all they can to rally the young people of the conference to attend their school. The conference was a great spiritual blessing to our people. Especially timely were the instructions on practical Christian living, given by Elder Spicer, and the evidences presented by Elder Westphal that we are now living in the time when the Lord's work is to be finished. We believe that our people all returned to their homes greatly encouraged, and with a firm determination to press the battle to the gates. And now that the new conference of Rio Grande do Sul has been launched on its career, may the Lord richly bless all its workers, and may the message soon be proclaimed to all within its borders!