Tennessee River Conference and Camp-Meeting by N. W. Allee; Ella M. Osborn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 10, 1904

Tennessee River Conference and Camp-Meeting

By N. W. Allee; Ella M. Osborn

This meeting was held at Hazel, Ky., August 19-28. The attendance from all parts of the conference was better than was expected. A beautiful grove near the Baptist church, and the use of the seats of the building, were freely granted us by the Baptist people of the town of Hazel. This, together with the new tents, made a very attractive camp-ground.

The attendance from outside was quite good, and excellent attention was given to the word spoken. The Southern people are noted for the respect they show to religious services, and the good order they observe while in attendance. The preaching was of a close, searching character, based on the distinctive doctrines of the present message, our own conference laborers sharing largely in the services with the brethren from other fields.

Prof. J. E. Tenney, of the Southern Training School, with Professor Stone, of our Hazel Intermediate School, presented the principles of Christian education, also the Sabbath-school work. Dr. O. M. Hayward and L. A. Hansen, of the Nashville Sanitarium, represented the health and temperance phases of the message. A substantial interest was shown in the labors of these brethren by liberal donations to both the Nashville Sanitarium and the Hazel school.

Dr. O. C. Godsmark was in attendance part of the time, and did excellent service. His health is improving, and his courage is good. The coming of our much esteemed Elder S. N. Haskell, although at the closing days of the meeting, was a source of encouragement to the entire encampment. His discourses were highly appreciated, and much interest was shown in his recital of the early experiences of this great last-day message. How thankful we should be that God has preserved some of the pioneers of this movement to instruct us concerning the labors and sacrifices of those who were called to first proclaim the evidences of the soon-coming Saviour.

Six meetings of the conference were held, which were characterized by a remarkable degree of union and harmony. Some of the recommendations passed may be of interest to others:—

“Recognizing the good hand of the Lord in the work in this conference during the past year, and thanking him for the degree of prosperity that has been vouchsafed to the cause in this field, we— “Recommend practical thanksgiving in increased faithfulness on the part of all ‘in all holy conversation and godliness,’ in personal devotion and study of the Scriptures, and in the payment of the Lord’s tithe.

“Whereas, Our intermediate school at Hazel, Ky., is in immediate need of means to erect buildings and pay for stock recently purchased, therefore,—

“Resolved, That steps be taken at this conference meeting to raise two thousand dollars for this purpose.

“Whereas, It is a recognized fact that the future work of our conference will rest largely upon the youth among us to-day; and,—

“Whereas, Not only their conversion, but thorough preparation will be needed for this work, therefore,—

“Be it recommended, That ministers and lay members throughout the conference in every way encourage our young people to avail themselves of the privileges of our school at Hazel, Ky.

“Whereas, The Indiana Conference has sent us an efficient laborer in the person of Elder R. S. Donnell, whom they are supporting in this field; therefore,—

“Resolved, That we thank the Indiana Conference for its Christian liberality.

“Recommended, That two canvassers’ institutes be held the coming year at the most convenient time of year, and in the most suitable places.”

Ministerial credentials were granted to N. W. Allee, C. P. Bollman, R. S. Donnell, W. R. Burrow, R. G. Harrett; ordination to C. L. Stone; ministerial licenses to W. S. Lowry, H. C. Balsbaugh, Walter Jones, Frank Mosebar, L. A. Hansen, B. W. Spire; missionary credentials to Mrs. E. C. Spire, Mrs. H. C. Balsbaugh, Ammy Welsh, Ella M. Osborn, Mrs. C. L. Stone, G. W. Rich, F. T. Wales.

The following officers were elected: President, N. W. Allee; Vice-President, W. R. Burrow; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. E. C. Spire; Conference Committee, N. W. Allee, W. R. Burrow, C. L. Stone, I. A. Ford, and W. D. Dortch; Educational Board: C. L. Stone, N. W. Allee, C. P. Bollman, L. A. Calicott, W. H. Mason, R. L. Smith, W. R. Burrow, W. D. Dortch, T. L. Carr; Educational Board, C. L. Stone, N. W. Assistant Secretary, Mrs. C. L. Stone.

N. W. ALLEE, President, ELLA M. OSBORN, Sec. pro tem.