The Upper Columbia Conference
By W. T. Knox
The Upper Columbia Conference and general camp meeting was held at Pendleton, Ore., May 15–25, a good representation being present from all the churches. Although the citizens of the place had shown considerable interest in having the meeting held in Pendleton, contributing quite liberally toward the expenses, yet but few attended the services. This was probably due to the inclement weather. The reports showed that during the year four churches had been organized, and two church buildings erected. There had been an increase of twenty-two hundred dollars in tithe, also some increase in the sales of books, although but little had been accomplished with “Christ’s Object Lessons.” The financial results in the Spokane Sanitarium were encouraging, a net gain of twenty-four hundred dollars being reported. Walla Walla College had enjoyed a prosperous year; but the church-school work had still much to be desired. In the business meetings considerable attention was given to these branches of the work, and much interest was manifested by all. This was especially so in the consideration of the canvassing work, “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and the church schools. Our responsibility in the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” was considered quite fully, and resulted in the ministers and conference workers becoming personally responsible for the full quota of books pertaining to the Upper Columbia Conference—ten thousand copies. This number has been ordered by the committee, and the field has been districted, the churches voting to co-operate with the ministers in disposing of the books. About five hundred dollars was raised for the Material Fund. It was the intention of all concerned to continue in this work until it is finished.16 That portion of British Columbia that has heretofore been occupied by this conference, namely, all east of the Cascade Mountains, was relinquished to the Pacific Union Conference, and it was voted to support Brother W. C. Young in that conference for one year. The following-named persons were elected for the ensuing year: President, A. J. Breed, with J. A. Holbrook, J. M. Willoughby, W. H. Saxby, and J. W. Povey, his associates on the executive committee; Secretary and Treasurer, J. L. Kay. The missionary secretary is to be appointed by the executive committee. Much of the blessing of God was with his people throughout the meeting, and the deep movings of his Spirit were often manifested in a marked manner. A number came under the converting power of the Lord, and almost all present appeared anxious to have their lives marked with a more devoted and efficient service. Besides the conference laborers, J. O. Corliss, F. H. Westphal, Prof. M. E. Cady, H. H. Hall, and the writer were present. W. T. Knox.