Southwestern Union Conference
By T. W. Field
The first session of the Southwestern Union Conference under its present organization was held at Keene, Tex., February 24 to March 2. The church at Keene had previously voted to entertain the delegates free of charge. The territory of this conference embraces Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and the Indian Territory. The first business meeting was called at 10:30 A. M., February 25, Elder N. P. Nelson, president, presiding. This conference was attended by the presidents of all the conferences in the union, and by a majority of its ministers. From the first, the meeting was largely given to religious instruction and spiritual improvement. It was thought that if we could all draw near to God together, and be hewed and squared by his blessed truth, our spiritual perceptions would be greatly cleared, our hearts be made tender, and greater unity would result. The delegates and many of the people of the village met at six o'clock every morning to seek and praise the Lord. These were meetings of special interest; as the people sought God together, and confessed and put away sin, the Lord came near, and we enjoyed a spiritual feast. The instruction by Elders Daniells and Russell, and Elder and Sister Haskell, was greatly appreciated by all, and was blessed of the Lord. They occupied considerable of the time in giving practical spiritual instruction and Bible readings relative to the fundamental truths of the message, and in the consideration of the work as it was in the early days of the message. Many side issues and false doctrines and theories have sprung up, and have almost shaken the foundation of some. These things were dwelt on at length in this conference. It was plainly shown that the only salvation of this cause and people was in a return to the old landmarks of truth, to the grand old doctrines that have made us a separate people. The message given was that of the coming of the Lord and the finishing of the work in this generation. The medical work in the Southwestern Union Conference was made a department of the conference. A medical board of seven members was elected to take special care of this work. This department will receive assistance from the Southwestern Union Conference. We have two sanitariums in this conference,—one in Little Rock, Ark., with Dr. Green in charge; the other at Keene, Tex., under the supervision of Dr. Haskell. These two sanitariums are doing good work. We are confident that the medical work in these conferences will enter upon a new era, and will do its part in proclaiming the third angel's message. Due attention was also given to Keene Academy and its work. It was the general sentiment of the conference, after free discussion, that the work with “Christ's Object Lessons” should be finished by fall, and the debt on the academy cleared, so that we can join with others in singing the jubilee song. The academy is doing a good work this year. The work in all its branches was considered at this conference, and especially the work for the colored people. We are a weak conference, but we hope to be able soon to do some aggressive work. At the close of the conference, Brother and Sister Haskell remained with us. The burden of Elder Haskell's message was to show the relation the spirit of prophecy sustains to our work, and that according to the Scriptures the gifts would all be restored to the remnant church. Many testified that their faith was strengthened by this study of the gifts, especially as they saw the part the spirit of prophecy would act in the closing message for this time. Sister Haskell's instruction was appreciated by all. She gave us many valuable lessons on the sanctuary and its work, the hour of the judgment, and the antitypical day of atonement. Elder N. P. Nelson was unanimously elected president of the conference for the ensuing year. T. W. FIELD.