BRITISH ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
By M. E. Olsen
The annual meeting for the British field was held in Birmingham, August 3–13. The location, adjoining one of the largest parks of the city, and within two blocks of a main tram-line, was a favorable one, and there was a good interest to hear the word. Meetings had been carried on for several weeks previously by Elders Andross and Haughey, the tent being pitched in an adjoining neighborhood. Consequently a considerable number, more or less acquainted with our work, were from the first in daily attendance at the services held in connection with the Conference. Fine weather, always in demand at a meeting of this kind, was denied us. Friday, the opening day, it rained continually, and toward evening blew a very heavy gale, which wrecked the large dining tent. Though it was fully occupied at the time, no one was seriously injured, which was regarded as providential, as the storm did considerable damage in Birmingham and elsewhere in the United Kingdom. Sabbath it rained much of the time, and was quite cold; Sunday it poured. Not until the following Friday were we favored with good weather. Meanwhile, the meeting went forward without interruption. The outside attendance was remarkably good, considering the weather. Our own brethren and sisters were greatly blessed in seeking the Lord, and unanimously declared that it was the best meeting they ever attended. So, though it was dark and cloudy without, there was always an abundance of gospel sunshine within. In spite of the inclement weather, which was almost unheard of at this season of the year in England, there was no sickness, and attendance at the meetings was remarkably regular. No doubt this was largely due to the strictly hygienic fare served in the dining tent. The diet was simple yet nourishing, consisting of a variety of fresh fruits, nut foods, rolls, biscuits, and one or two hot dishes, served on the European plan. Another advantage healthwise was that the friends in attendance, instead of tenting out, lived in rented apartments in the neighborhood. This was also advantageous in another respect: in almost every case the families who thus furnished lodgings to brethren and sisters who had come to attend the Conference, became themselves interested, and began to attend. Several special Bible studies and cottage meetings were held for their benefit; and as a result, some who otherwise might not have come near the tent are now rejoicing in the truth. The first Sunday the services opened with a prayer and social meeting, at 9:30 A. M., whose keynote was praise. Several related their experiences in coming to the meeting. Some had been without money, had made it a subject of prayer, and in providential ways had received the needed help. All who spoke were glad they had come, and testified that they had already received a rich blessing. At half-past ten Elder Haughey preached on the second coming of Christ, to an attentive audience. Then there was an intermission until three o’clock, when Dr. Waggoner dealt with different phases of the same great theme. At five o’clock Mrs. Waggoner conducted a children’s service, which was attended by more than forty children and youth, and by many grown persons. The presence of the Spirit was manifest, and several came forward in response to a call for the unconverted and backslidden. This was the beginning of a work for the young, which was carried on daily throughout the remainder of the Conference, and resulted in the conversion or reclaiming of a number of the children of Sabbath-keeping parents and others as well. At half-past six the people again gathered in the large tent, and listened to a stirring sermon by Elder Prescott, based on Isa. 28:14-22. After a short song service, Elder Daniells arose to speak on the signs of the times. By this time the storm had increased, and the rain came down in torrents, wetting the people inside the tent as well as outside, and for a time completely drowning the speaker’s voice. But the people showed no signs of restlessness. Umbrellas were put up all over the tent, and after several lively gospel songs had been sung, Brother Daniells gave a short address, warning the people of the dangers of this time, and exhorting them to prepare for the Lord’s coming. The services12of the evening left a solemn impression; and though the storm had subsided by the time the benediction was pronounced, many showed no intention to go out, but remained in the tent, and gathered in little groups about the ministers and workers, who explained to them more fully some of the truths brought out in the discourses. Sunday’s program was followed during the succeeding days, except that one service instead of two was held in the evening. The interest deepened. The calls for Bible readings and special help in private were numerous. Parents asked the workers to pray for their children. Wives sought special help for their husbands. The neighborhood seemed to feel that the Lord was with the people in the tent, and that they would there get just the help needed. Friday night, after an impressive talk from Brother Prescott, the opportunity was given all who wished to do so to signify publicly their purpose to wholly follow the Lord. Several responded, and realized that night and the following day the joy of keeping the true Sabbath. Others had attended the preceding tent-meeting held by Brethren Andross and Haughey, and before the camp-meeting had begun to keep the Sabbath. Several business meetings were held, preceded in each instance by a prayer service, and attended with harmony and brotherly feeling. The financial report showed the total amount of tithe for the year ending June 30, 1900, to be £510 2s. 10½d. ($2,479.72), being an increase over the previous year of £71 1s. 2d. ($346.05). The contributions and offerings for the year were £191 12s. 9d. ($933.23). The total membership of the Conference was given as eight hundred and seventy-eight. During the year two new churches had been organized, one in Liverpool and one in London. The following recommendation with reference to the establishing of a school was submitted by the Committee on Plans, and was unanimously adopted:— “We recommend that this Conference take steps for the starting as soon as possible of a missionary training-school, where consecrated young persons may obtain the instruction necessary to fit them for efficient service, both in this country and in foreign fields.” As an earnest of their intentions relative to the school, the brethren on the grounds raised about £250 in money and pledges. Many did not feel free to subscribe any definite amount, but promised to do all they could. It was thought that a fund of one thousand pounds should be in hand before steps are taken to start the enterprise. The autumn of 1901 was suggested as the time when the school might be opened, if everything goes well. The following persons were elected as Conference officers for the ensuing year: President, W. W. Prescott; Secretary, M. E. Olsen; Treasurer, and also Secretary and Treasurer of the Sabbath-school work, Mary Jacques; E. J. Waggoner; A. R. Leask; H. Champness; H. W. Armstrong. Ministerial credentials were renewed to the ministers of the Conference, and Brother Harry Armstrong was, by recommendation of the brethren, publicly ordained to the ministry. The Conference proper closed Sunday night, August 9, but the evening services have been continued, and the interest has increased. It is hoped that a strong company of Sabbath-keepers will be raised up as a result. Elder A. G. Daniells, of Australia, was the only laborer present from outside the Conference, and his help was much appreciated. The prominent feature of the meeting was the preaching of the word. Around this everything centered. Our own people as well as visitors felt repaid, because they were spiritually fed. Practical truths were dwelt upon; and the doctrinal discourses, those dealing with the prophecies of Daniel and Revelation, were made eminently practical. The one object aimed at was to convert, to get men to change their masters, not their opinions. The Lord witnessed by his Spirit in a special manner. The meeting should mark a new era in the work of the message in this great field. M. E. OLSEN.