The Colporteurs' Convention in the Southwest by W. W. Eastman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 30, 1914

The Colporteurs' Convention in the Southwest

By W. W. Eastman

The ministerial institute and union conference was preceded in the Southwest by a three days' colporteurs' convention. All the laborers of the various conferences, with the presidents and tract society secretaries, were present and participated in the proceedings of this convention, which added greatly to its interest and strength. This plan of holding a convention prior to the ministerial institute we believe to be far preferable to any attempt to hold them in conjunction with each other. This plan gave ample time for free discussion of the different phases of our colporteur work as represented in our books and magazines, and the convention seemed to be very much appreciated by all the brethren.

Twenty-two colporteurs in the union had each sold and delivered $1,000 worth or more of books during 1913, which entitled them to free transportation to the conference and free entertainment while there, according to the proposal made by the union conference committee at the beginning of 1913. One evening of the convention was spent in listening to the experiences of these men as related by the fifteen who had availed themselves of this opportunity and were present at the meeting; Brother A. F. Harrison, the general agent of the union, also made brief statements concerning their work. The occasion gave an inspiration to others present to enter this grand and good work.

We confidently believe this convention will bear fruits in the advancement of the work, in that all classes of workers were drawn close together, and not only had their personal interest revived in this important branch of the work, but became more intelligent as to how to co-operate in its advancement in their respective conferences.

W. W. EASTMAN.