First Session of the Northern Union Conference
By Arthur G. Daniells
The Northern Union Conference was organized in the spring of 1902 at the first session of what was known as the Northwestern Union Conference held in Des Moines, Iowa. At that meeting a constitution was adopted, and officers were elected. The territory was composed of the States of Minnesota, South Dakota, and North Dakota, and that part of Canada known as Manitoba and Alberta. The first regular session of this union conference was held at Milbank, S. D., Feb. 17-22, 1904. The attendance at this session was not confined to the delegates required or permitted by the constitution. By definite arrangement nearly every conference laborer in the union attended the meeting. This was a wise arrangement. The laborers of this union conference are scattered over a large area. This was the first session of the conference. It was necessary for the best interests of the field for the workers in all parts and of all branches to meet together. Because of long-continued and serious illness, the president, Elder C. W. Flaiz, could not be present. His absence was a serious loss to the meeting, and was deeply regretted by the laborers. It also threw upon the delegates the responsibility of putting forth special efforts to make the conference what it should be, a responsibility which they discharged earnestly and successfully. All things considered, this was the best conference session I have attended for years. When it was decided to hold the conference in Milbank, the little church of that town undertook to provide the building for the meetings, and rooms for all who should attend, free of all expense. Their efforts were remarkably successful. Nearly all the citizens of Milbank opened their homes, entirely free, for the entertainment of our people. Bankers and merchants, as well as others, placed their spare rooms at our service. The Congregational and Methodist ministers each entertained delegates during the entire session. They both found time to attend some of our meetings. The Congregational church gave us the free use of their commodious, well-furnished building for all our services, and the pastor assisted us in the Sunday night service. Many of the people with whom our people stayed attended the evening services. Sunday night every seat in the church was filled. It would, perhaps, be improper to detail here the many courtesies shown us by those who entertained us. In the parting farewells many of the citizens expressed the pleasure it had been to entertain their guests, and gave the most hearty invitation to stop with them again if another conference should be held in Milbank. Altogether, this is the most remarkable experience I have ever had of this character. Why should it not be repeated in many places? Instead of holding our gatherings among ourselves, or in large cities, where all arrangements must be of a commercial character, why not go to places of two or three thousand inhabitants, and come in close, personal touch with the people? The people of Milbank said they were glad to become better acquainted with our people. I may here state that one of the important secrets of this pleasing experience in Milbank is the faithful, upright life of our little church there. But a small portion of the time of the conference was devoted to business affairs. Time was taken for prayer, counsel, and the consideration of the gospel principles upon which our whole work should be based. There was no apparent haste, and yet good progress was made every day. All questions that came before the delegates received calm, deliberate, thorough consideration. There was no scheming, no pulling, and very little inharmonious discussion. The broad, brotherly, unselfish views entertained by the delegates enabled us to reach prompt decisions. As the secretary has all the recommendations passed and other data of the proceedings, I must leave this part19of the proceedings to be reported by that officer. The reports of various features of the administration up to Dec. 31, 1903, were very encouraging, as were also the general reports of the conference presidents. The finances of the union conference are in good condition, and the offerings to missions from the local conferences very encouraging. Owing to the state of his health, it was thought best not to place any conference responsibilities upon Elder Flaiz. Instead of placing burdens upon him, the nominating committee brought in a recommendation that Brother Flaiz make it his first duty to seek for the restoration of his health, and that sympathy and required financial support be extended to him while making the effort to regain his health. Deep feeling was manifested when this recommendation was read, and it was adopted by a rising vote of the entire congregation. Elder R. A. Underwood was chosen to take the place of their disabled leader, as president. Elder C. A. Burman was chosen vice-president. The other officers were generally the same as last year. The session closed just before midnight of the twenty-second, with a most touching and encouraging testimony meeting. The laborers returned to their fields, so they said, with the best courage of their lives, to push this work to a speedy conclusion. My interest personally was greatly increased in this part of the great harvest field by this association with its workers.