DISTRICT 1 by H. W. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 23, 1900

DISTRICT 1.

By H. W. Cottrell

The District meeting was held at South Lancaster, Mass., Nov. 28 to Dec. 10, 1899. The ten Conferences and two mission fields in the district were all represented by delegates. The representation from the different Conferences, outside of the delegates, except from the New England Conference, was not very large.

Elders Irwin and Haskell were present from abroad, and took special interest in the services throughout the series. Elder Irwin had regularly the morning hour, from nine to ten, at which time he read the Testimonies that have recently been sent to the church. The Testimonies are applicable to us, and portray vividly the condition of the world about us. They were highly appreciated by all, or at least by nearly all, in attendance. I think the general desire was to receive them as personal, and walk in harmony with the principles therein laid down. Elder Haskell occupied the morning period, from half past five to half past six, and the evening service at half past seven. He dwelt largely upon the very timely and distinctive truths of the third angel's message, which have made us a distinct people. These lessons were highly appreciated; for we see the necessity of teaching the people of the earth the special reformatory truths that the Lord has in mercy intrusted to us.

A few discourses were delivered by other brethren, which added to the abundance of good things. Mrs. Haskell was given an hour daily, at which time she introduced many practical thoughts in Bible study. One hour each day was given to praise service, which was improved by the congregation to the glory of God. Some souls that were under the bondage of discouragement were set free in Jesus.

The remaining portion of the day was improved in the business meetings of the Academy corporation, the Mutual Aid corporation, the District Conference, and the sanitarium board meetings. It was recommended that Elder H. C. Giles, of the New England Conference, make Newfoundland his field of labor; and that Elder A. R. Hyatt, of the New York Conference, labor in the maritime provinces. The Conference voted requesting the General Conference and Foreign Mission Board to look favorably upon the idea of the securing of a fund to be known as the “Superannuated Ministers’, and Ministers’ Widows’ and Orphans’ Fund,” and to suggest some plan upon which all can heartily agree, that provision may be made at least in cases of dire necessity. Surely this is a step in the right direction.

The delegates from the various Conferences had nearly all returned home before the collection was taken for the United States Southern field, yet the offerings amounted to over eight hundred dollars, besides nearly one hundred dollars, which was given to the Australian field. H. W. COTTRELL.