In Norway by Guy Dail

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

In Norway

By Guy Dail

THE twenty-sixth annual session of the Norway Conference was held in Bergen, May 7-12. Aside from the workers living in Norway, assistance was rendered by the visiting brethren, Elders J. T. Boettcher, J. C. Raft, C. C. Jensen, and Brethren Erik Arnesen and A. C. Christensen.

All seemed much pleased with the harmonious character of the business proceedings. A resolution for dividing the conference was considered, thoroughly discussed from the floor, and passed by the unanimous vote of the delegates. This action made it possible to organize the West Norway Conference, composed of the territory included in the counties of Romsdals, North Bergenhus, South Bergenhus, Stavanger, Lister, Mandal, and that part of Nedenes to the west of the river Lilletopdals and inside of the boundary formed by a line running in a southerly direction from that stream to the east side of the city of Lillesand.

This organization is to date from Jan. 1, 1912. Elder O. J. Olsen was chosen president of the West Norway Conference, and he will be assisted by two licentiates and two Bible workers. There is at present a membership of about three hundred in this field.

Elder N. C. Bergerson remains president of the mother conference, which will be known as the East Norway Conference. He will have a corps of three ordained ministers, two licentiates, and four Bible workers,—certainly none too many in view of the long stretch of territory reaching away up into Northland.

During the meeting the Lord was earnestly sought, and sin was put away. After Brother Boettcher's sermon Sabbath forenoon, about twenty-five responded to the invitation to identify themselves fully with us. The larger number of these regularly attended Brother Raft's lectures in Bergen last winter. Brother O. J. Olsen remains to bind off the work, and to baptize those who wish to unite with us. Sabbath afternoon Brother A. O. Naerem was ordained to the gospel ministry.

There was also a well-attended young people's meeting early Sabbath morning, and a nicely prepared program was rendered by members of various young people's societies represented at the conference.

There is evidence that our Norwegian brethren feel a deep interest in the cause of missions. Their Sabbath-school donations amounted to 155 kroner, and the special offering on Sunday was also for the regions beyond, 542 kroner being given.

The canvassing work last year was prosperous in Norway, the sales amounting to 11,000 kroner more than in 1910.

All the public meetings on Sunday were crowded. Brethren Boettcher and C. C. Jensen, who remained during the day, while Brother Raft and I came on to the Swedish meeting, report a remarkably good closing day, when the delegates of the West Norway Conference said final farewell to those from the mother field. May God continue to give success to his laborers and people in Norway. GUY DAIL.