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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 4, 1912

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 89, No. 27.

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Finland

By J. T. Boettcher

THE third annual meeting of the Finland Conference was held in the city of Tammerfors, May 22-26. Tammerfors, the most important industrial city of Finland, is beautifully situated on the Tampereenkoski, a waterfall that connects two lakes. Along the banks of the river are many linen, wool, and paper factories, taking advantage of the water-power of the rapids. Formerly the city had a special charter from Czar Alexander I, which permitted the importation of raw materials free of duty; this, however, was annulled in the year 1905. The streets are very wide, and everywhere full of stir and active business life.
Last winter Elder L. Muderspach, the conference president, held meetings here in a large hall, which were well attended. The conference meeting was held in the same hall. Some had already taken their stand for the truth, and it was hoped that this meeting would strengthen the interest. It seems, from present indications, that this will be the case.
Six churches and six groups of Sabbath-keepers were represented at this conference. The entire membership in this field is 211. During the year 1911, 27 were taken into the church by baptism, and 12 by vote. The greatest part of the harvest is still in the future. In Wieburg 30 have begun to keep the Sabbath.
The workers have been laboring mostly among the Finns. Four years ago the most of our people here were Swedes, but now the majority are Finns. Our workers have learned the language well, and can translate without difficulty from the German or English into the Finnish language.
The tithe, in comparison to the membership, was quite large, amounting to 12,861 marks, making 61 marks a member. The Sabbath-school collections amounted to 1,138.44 marks, the First-day offerings to 146.04 marks, the week of prayer offerings to 1,413.37 marks, and other gifts to 1,910.93 marks. There were 15 canvassers at work in this field, who sold books to the amount of 33,610.25 marks.
Elders J. C. Raft and E. J. Ahren, and the writer were in attendance from abroad. The Lord's Spirit was present in all our meetings. I could not stay until the close of the meeting, as pressing duties called me back to my own field. I believe the Lord will yet do a great work for Finland.
J. T. BOETTCHER.