Upper Columbia Conference.
THE seventh annual session of the Upper Columbia Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Walla Walla, W. T., beginning May 27, 1886. The first meeting was called by the president, May 27, at 9 A. M. Prayer by Elder H. W. Decker. The following churches were represented by delegates: Walla Walla, Milton, Farmington, Dayton, Echo, Pataha, and Goldendale. After reading minutes of last session, Elder D. T. Fero presented a request from the church at Boise City to be admitted; he also stated that said church had a membership of 22, and had been brought out mostly under the labors of Elder J. J. Smith and Brother S. Pope, and that the members were well instructed in all points of our faith. On motion, said church was admitted. Dr. S. Pope, Mrs. S. Pope, and Thos. Johnson were received as delegates. Elder D. T. Fero also presented a request from the church at Franklin to be admitted, and stated that said church had a membership of 17, and had been mainly raised up by his personal efforts, and that it was thoroughly educated in all points of our faith. On motion said church was admitted. The chair appointed committees as follows:— On Nominations—Wm. Russell, Ambrose Johnson, G. W. Reese. On Credentials and Licenses—Wm. Raymond, I. M. Johns, D. T. Fero. On Resolutions—Professor S. Brownsberger, D. T. Fero, S. Pope. On Auditing—Wm. Nichols, Anderson Johnson, B. F. Winkler, Wm. McCoy, T. Chabot, T. Johnson. SECOND MEETING—MAY 28, AT 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder E. R. Jones. After reading the minutes of last meeting, the Committee on Nominations presented the following report:— For President, Elder H. W. Decker; Secretary, E. G. Winkler; Treasurer, B. F. Winkler; Executive Committee—Elder H. W. Decker, Wm. Raymond, and Brother I. M. Johns. After some deliberation, these persons were elected. The committee further recommended that the Executive Committee appoint a Camp-meeting Committee when it is ascertained where our next camp-meeting is to be held. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses recommended that Elder H. W. Decker, D. T. Fero, Wm. Raymond, and J. Bartlett receive credentials from the Conference. Credentials were granted. The following resolution was presented:— WHEREAS, The influences to which our children are exposed in many of our public schools are pernicious and tend to counteract the religious instruction which they receive at home and in the Sabbath-school; and WHEREAS, There are so many that cannot by any means within their power attend schools already established among our people; therefore, Resolved, That we recommend that schools be established in this Conference wherever instruction can be provided that is superior in its mental and moral results to that in the public schools, and that one of these schools be opened as soon as practicable at Walla Walla. After being discussed thoroughly by the Conference and spoken to by Elders G. I. Butler, H. W. Decker, and Professor Brownsberger, it was referred back to the committee. THIRD MEETING—MAY 28, 4 P. M.
Prayer by Elder Wm. Raymond. After reading the minutes of last meeting, the following resolution was presented:— WHEREAS, Colleges have been established among us as a denomination for the purpose of providing the best possible facilities to prepare workers for the different departments of the Third Angel's Message; and WHEREAS, One has been established in California for the special benefit of the Pacific Coast; therefore, Resolved, that we express our deep interest in the success of Healdsburg College, and that we encourage all those to attend who should avail themselves of its instruction, believing that it will thus aid in advancing the work in this Conference. The first resolution was presented again, after being revised so as to read,— Resolved, That we recommend that schools be established in this Conference wherever instruction can be provided that is superior in its mental and moral results to that in the public schools. Resolved, That one of these schools be opened at Walla Walla as soon as practicable. Remarks were made by Elders Butler, Jones, and Raymond, also by Professor Brownsberger and others; after which the resolutions were adopted excepting as to the definite location of the first school. For the purpose of locating the same a committee of three was appointed by the chair, as follows: I. M. Johns, Wm. Nichols, W. C. T. Price. FOURTH MEETING—MAY 30, 4 P. M.
Prayer by Brother Wm. Goodwin. After reading of minutes the committee on location of school reported as follows:— We recommend that the resolution under consideration be so amended as to read: "Resolved, That one of these schools be opened at Milton as soon as practicable." The question was raised as to whether this school should be supported by the Conference or not, and it was decided that it should not; but that it should be self-supporting. The amendment was adopted, with one dissenting vote. FIFTH MEETING—MAY 31, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder William Raymond. After reading minutes of preceding meeting, the Committee on Credentials and Licenses presented the following names: For licenses—Brother C. L. Ford, Dr. S. Pope; for colporter's licenses—Anna Hemming, Rhoda Andross, H. W. Carr, N. J. Decker, Mrs. L. A. Fero. After considering each name separately, the licenses were granted. Remarks were made by the president in regard to our duty to work for others whenever opportunity offered. On motion, E. G. Winkler was appointed to audit the treasurer's accounts. SIXTH MEETING—MAY 31, 4 P. M.
Prayer by Elder E. R. Jones. After reading378minutes of last meeting, the treasurer's report was called for and read, as follows:— Cash on hand from last year ..... $ 238.22
Received as Tithes ..... 2,089.02
Refunded from General Conference ..... 60.45
Total ..... $2,387.69
Paid for Labor and various expenses ..... $1,545.15
Tithing paid to General Conference ..... 135.45
Paid for freight on blanks, etc. ..... 9.42
Total ..... $1,690.02
Balance on hand ..... $ 697.67 On motion the treasurer's report was adopted. Remarks were made by Elder E. R. Jones and Brother S. Pope in favor of paying tithes faithfully. The president expressed himself grateful to God for the increased prosperity of the cause and the improved financial condition of our Conference. Adjourned sine die. E. G. WINKLER, Secretary.