The Southwestern Union Conference and Ministerial Institute
By W. W. Eastman
THE ministerial institute and Southwestern Union conference were held at Keene, Tex., according to appointment, April 1-12. The conference proper was preceded by the ministerial institute, and with the exception of one hour a day used by the writer in the interests of the printed page, the studies were conducted by Elder I. H. Evans, president of the North American Division, and Elder Charles Thompson, president of the Northern Union Conference. These servants of God were greatly blessed in giving a clear-cut, definite message from the Word of God and the Testimonies of the Spirit, which was well received by the laborers of the union, as was evidenced by the regular and prompt attendance, rapt attention, and ready response. Elder Evans gave his timely studies on the sacred calling of the ministry, which he has been giving in other unions during the winter. These studies have truly been blessed of God, and in every place have proved a general uplift to the brethren. Not only have they been a blessing to the ministry, but to all other classes of workers as well. Elder G. B. Thompson, who has been carrying an important line of studies at all the other meetings, was called home on account of the sickness of his wife, and Elder Charles Thompson was asked to assist in this meeting in his place. His labors were much appreciated by the brethren. The studies given by him were timely indeed, and were greatly appreciated by the conference. Three special workers' meetings were called during the institute, each of which was marked by the deep movings of the Spirit as Elder Evans presented with comment some of the plain and cutting Testimonies sent to the ministry in former years. The business of the conference occupied the last three days of the meeting, and although there were some differences of opinion concerning certain features of the work, yet after free discussion and careful consideration, the business proceeded with harmony and dispatch. The reports rendered showed that a good degree of progress had been made since the last biennial conference, in membership, in tithes and offerings, and in the sale and distribution of our literature. The home missionary work received its share of attention during the meeting, and all entered heartily into the plan of organizing their churches into active missionary societies. In fact, the work has already begun in some of the conferences with a good degree of success. Elder G. F. Watson was again elected president of the union; C. E. Smith, secretary and treasurer; H. H. Hamilton, auditor; and A. F. Harrison, general field missionary agent. The meeting closed with the general feeling that it had been the best and most profitable of any of the kind ever held in the union. The brethren returned to their respective fields full of courage and with a new vision of the possibilities for winning souls to the cause of Christ. We confidently believe this meeting will mark a new era in the work in the great Southwest. All hearts were made sad on the last Sabbath of the meeting, at the death of the little son and only child of Brother and Sister Harry Wilcox, of West Texas, who had come to the meeting bringing their boy strong and well, but were now called to lay him away and return to their work with empty arms and a broken home circle. The funeral services were conducted in the Keene church by the writer, assisted by Elder C. J. Buhalts, the president of the West Texas Conference, in the presence of a large number of friends and sympathizers.