Earlier text: Practical HydrotherapyRecent Labor in the Great Southern Field
By George I. Butler
KNOWING the deep interest of our people everywhere in the progress of the cause in this great Southern field, I will present some interesting facts of the recent past, especially the result of the meetings at Nashville, Tenn. The executive committee of the Southern Union Conference spent eleven days in consultation, and in careful examination of the financial condition of the conference and the Southern Publishing Association, and other interests connected with the cause of present truth in this union conference. The feeling of every member of the conference committee at the close of this period, so far as I was able to ascertain, was one of hope, satisfaction, and courage. Many expressed themselves as much pleased with the result of our deliberations, and hopeful for the future. Union and love prevailed in all our meetings. The absence of friction and a party spirit and of all bitterness was evident everywhere. I never attended a meeting of this character where so many important interests were considered, in which greater unanimity prevailed. The Spirit of God was present; its fruits were apparent. Having personally looked forward with much anxiety to the careful examination of these questions, I was greatly relieved at this result. I could but thank God, and take courage. I could say with one of old, “Best of all, the Lord is with us.” One of the most important things accomplished was the election of the new board of management for the Southern Publishing Association. The members of the board elected unanimously for the ensuing year are as follows: President, Geo. I. Butler; Vice-President, C. P. Bollman; Secretary and Business Manager, W. O. Palmer; Treasurer, W. J. Stone; other members, R. M. Kilgore, R. L. Pierce, L. A. Hansen. The following-named persons were elected as members of the board of the sanitarium for colored people: C. P. Bollman, R. M. Kilgore, W. J. Stone, L. A. Hansen, and O. M. Hayward, M. D. Provision was made also for the election of a new board of officers for the Southern Missionary Society. This society has filled a conspicuous position in these Southern States for years past, having had almost full charge of the work for the colored people in this field, receiving donations, contributions, etc., from the liberal minded in other sections to help sustain our various colored schools, laborers, teachers, etc. It has filled a useful place in the work in the past. The society is a legal corporation, and holds property. It was organized in Mississippi, and hence the election of officers will be held in a few weeks at Yazoo City, Miss. The executive committee of the conference, however, as the paramount organization in this field, recommended the nomination of the following-named persons: Geo. I. Butler, C. P. Bollman, W. J. Stone, B. W. Spire, F. R. Rogers, S. B. Horton, W. L. McNeeley. No doubt the stockholders will ratify this nomination, as it represented the sentiment of the executive committee, and also of Elder J. E. White and others who were consulted. It is but proper that I should say in this connection, that the readers of the REVIEW may not be misled, that Elder J. E. White, who has occupied a prominent official position in the work here, had firmly withdrawn his name, and refused to take any official position. He assigned as a reason for doing so, the condition of his health, he having been under a heavy strain for years; also the counsels of his mother, that he should rest awhile, giving himself to writing, preaching the word, etc. All through the meeting Brother White was always ready to help us by his counsel and advice, and as far as the writer knows, was in hearty accord with every step that was taken. He seems very happy in his new work, dropping largely out from under business cares and perplexities, and devoting his time to study and the preparation of matter for books and publications. Sunday nights he preaches to congregations of from three to five hundred. The chapel is often filled to its utmost capacity with those who have come to listen to the good music, instrumental and vocal, and see the stereopticon pictures which are thrown upon the screen. The people continue to come in crowds every Sunday night while Brother White gives them the truth for this time. I hope precious souls may be gathered out for the Master during these meetings. It is the hope of the writer that the names on these boards, excepting, perhaps, the first one or two of them, may inspire confidence in our people everywhere, that the work here will be conducted with caution and good sense, intelligence and energy. The Southern Union Conference occupies a hard field, probably the hardest in the United States. Because of the question growing out of the color line and various other complications, we crave the sympathy and confidence of our brethren. We need especially their assistance and means, as most of our conferences are poor. Let me mention some of the things in progress in our large conference. We have resolved to enter most heartily into the grand movement now on foot, and are already accomplishing wonders in paying off the debts of our educational institutions, by the sale of that most precious volume, “Christ’s Object Lessons.” Our executive committee most heartily indorsed this movement, and gave instruction to every State conference president to enter into it heartily, and with a special agent appointed for the purpose, to visit our churches throughout this union, seeking to arouse the church officers and the rank and file of our people, except our regular book canvassers, to engage in the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” It is hoped that the whole quota allotted to our Southern Union Conference will be sold before the first of next January.20 The medical missionary work is fully indorsed in our conference. A site has been selected at Graysville, on what is called Lone Mountain, for our new sanitarium. The work will begin at once, and thousands of dollars will probably be expended there this season. The institution will be under the superintendency of Dr. O. M. Hayward, who has been doing all in his power to carry on the medical missionary work with the meager facilities at his command, and under most unfavorable circumstances. Before this season passes, we trust the doctor will be able to do much better work upon the new location already selected. Dr. Hayward is already recognized in Graysville and its vicinity as a safe and very successful physician, and his practice is rapidly increasing. One of the best qualifications of Dr. Hayward is that he is a devoted Christian, one who most faithfully seeks the best good of those under his care. I hope that his field of usefulness will soon be greatly enlarged. The Southern Union Conference has assumed the responsibility of establishing an experimental Health Food Department in the city of Chattanooga. A bakery will soon be running, for the manufacture of the best quality of bread. Health foods will be kept on hand for sale. A hygienic restaurant, furnished in a neat and tasty manner, will probably be opened soon, and so run as to give citizens and travelers an opportunity to obtain wholesome food at reasonable rates. Perhaps other health accessories will be furnished. A beginning will soon be made on an economic basis, and the work will be enlarged as the patronage warrants. Five hundred dollars was voted by the conference to start this enterprise. If prosperity attends this experiment, similar institutions will be planted in all our large Southern cities. The South is a grand field for such enterprises. It is believed that public sentiment is ripe for just such a movement on a large scale. Recent Testimonies speak very encouragingly of such enterprises. Our conference committee did not feel that it would be for the best to start large manufactories of foods for the present, which would involve great expense. Better start in a small way, and grow to something important, rather than spend a large amount of money at first. Elders Keck, Kilgore, and Sharp were appointed as a committee to carry this arrangement into effect. Brother Hansen’s bath house and food department in Nashville has already outgrown its present quarters, and he is about to move into a larger building. Some of the best people of Nashville are his patrons. Efforts were also made to place our small colored sanitarium in Nashville on a more permanent basis. A health and temperance society was formed, and received a fair degree of attention. One day was spent in planning for the advancement of the Graysville training school. Much attention was given to the conditions and affairs of the Southern Publishing Association, as our new printing office is called. Its financial condition at the present time is the most unsatisfactory of anything we have found in our careful investigation. Yet with ready means this institution could be lifted from embarrassment. Last fall a commodious building for printing-house purposes was erected, almost wholly from the donations of our people in the North and West. So liberal were our people that the large building was erected wholly free from debt. About that time the donations ceased. Of course a mere building is not a printing establishment. Our brethren in charge, not having means at hand, supplied themselves with only very meager facilities, and purchased stock, etc., in very limited quantities. As a result the work has been hampered at every step, and at the present time the funds are so low that the office has almost come to the point of shutting down for a time, till funds come in. Of course this dearth of means is very embarrassing. After the most careful investigation, I cannot feel to blame Brother Palmer and those associated with him for the existing condition of things. Nay, more, I feel that they are to be honored for the carefulness, caution, and evident interest they have taken to bridge over these great embarrassments caused by the dearth of means. Hitherto our periodicals have had too small a circulation to be run with profit. The Lord has counseled those conducting this printing enterprise not to go in debt. They have tried their very best to follow this counsel. Our people are little aware of the difficulties under which these brethren have labored. So exacting have been the conditions that Brother Palmer, our efficient manager, has almost felt obliged to refuse to serve longer on account of impaired health. This state of things has become hard to endure, yet it would not take many thousand dollars to put this new office into a state of excellent efficiency. The condition of the Southern Publishing Association, according to my best judgment after careful inquiry, is not nearly so bad as was that of the Review and Herald at an early day of its existence, or of the Sanitarium or the Pacific Press in the early period of their history. I could readily show from my own personal knowledge of each of these now strong institutions that they passed through not only similar, but far more severe straits than our new publishing house for the great South has met. These financial storms are always incident to young and financially weak institutions, until they have time to grow and strengthen. There is a great and noble work before this institution. Of this I feel positively certain. I greatly dislike to see this promising institution, with plenty of business in view to keep a good force of help running right along, crippled for months for the lack of a few thousand dollars. Many of our Northern friends have contributed to put up our office building free from debt. Those means have not been wasted. The stream stopped flowing before the office was properly equipped or supplied with stock to do a prosperous work. This is the whole truth, Northern friends. You can depend upon it. I do not believe there is a single one of those prominent men in the South who held positions on the executive committee of our conference during this whole investigation, who will at all dissent from what I have said. I greatly hope our Northern and Western friends who have had an interest in the prosperity of the work in this field will feel a confidence in the financial standing, sanity, and straightforward integrity of those who compose the present board of management. Some of them have been well known to you. They are honest, earnest, upright men, who mean to be true to this cause as long as life lasts. Brethren to whom God has intrusted means, will you not help us in this great strain, to rise above our embarrassments, and enter earnestly upon the work to which God has called us? God gave us special light, showing that this institution must be built; and through the special light of heaven coming from the same source, the Lord has indorsed this work. Shall our honest, devoted people now let it languish for the lack of a few thousand dollars?—God forbid! Come, brethren, come and help us. Many of our people ought to take stock in our publishing association. The share is only five dollars. Donations ought to come in from many sources. All money should be sent to the Southern Publishing Association, 1025 Jefferson St., Nashville, Tenn. There are no private interests connected with our publishing association. It is organized as a stock company, just as the Review and Herald and the Pacific Press were established, only our shares of stock are five dollars each, instead of ten dollars. Our people should deposit means in this association, precisely as they do in the Review and Herald and the Pacific Press. Friends of the cause of present truth, you who have a desire to help wherever the work goes hardest, and have a sympathy for those who bear its heaviest burdens, “lend a hand” in our time of need. God will bless you in so doing, and you will more and more rejoice as you see the good work move onward. In other articles I shall speak more particularly of the meetings at Huntsville, Graysville, and Nashville. This report is simply a general statement of the result of the work of the last three weeks. GEO. I. BUTLER,
President Southern Union Conference. Good Meetings in Central Europe
Brother L. R. Conradi reports very good meetings in Rumania, Hungaria, Bohemia, and Rhenish Prussia, which places he has recently visited. Interesting Meetings at Georgetown
BROTHER D. C. BABCOCK writes of interesting meetings being held at Georgetown. Four have accepted the message at Queenstown, among them a Chinaman, who has begun to work for others. Three or four Indians will soon be baptized. Progress of the Work in Brazil
The work in Brazil is progressing. Brother F. W. Spies wrote after returning from a five-weeks’ trip to the northern part of the province. He was then preparing to go to the southern part of the state, a journey of seven days on horseback. We in this country do not appreciate what such a trip means. Much of the traveling is done in the morning from one to eleven o’clock, and resumed again in the evening, traveling late into the night. Work in the Danish Islands
In the absence of Elder A. J. Haysmer, Sister Haysmer has been carrying on the meetings at Charlotte Amalie. Instead of a preaching service every Thursday evening, they have a missionary, temperance, or Sabbath-school meeting, in which even the children participate. Sister Haysmer has begun the study of Spanish. She writes: “If we cannot get the young and educated to do it, some of us older ones will have to, because these Spanish-speaking fields must be entered.” With the exception of Mrs. Haysmer and Brother Palmquist, the three Danish islands and Tortola are without help. Letter from a Gold Coast Student
The following letter was written to Brother D. U. Hale at Hutchins, Tex., by Brother Fred T. G. Dolphijn, a young man from the Gold Coast of Africa, who is now attending our missionary school in London:— “I have the pleasure of writing you from England. I left Africa for London, July 15. Have met many of our brethren and sisters in the present truth here. I tell you, brother, my heart was touched with enthusiasm during that occasion. I felt the blessing of the Lord more than ever before.” “I am now in Liverpool, at the University College, taking studies on professional-mechanical engineering. I trust you will pray for my help in the work I have undertaken. The reason for my being here is for the purposes of the work of the Gold Coast, West African Mission.” “Brother Hale, I have always prayed for you and your family, and if it is the Lord’s will, I hope that you will be called back to Africa. I have not heard anything about when the new missionaries will be sent out for the work in Africa; but I trust that God knows what we need better than we do.” Colombia
By F. J. Hutchins
BOCAS · DEL TORO.— Revolution seems to be the order of things again. There is a band of rebels in the lagoon. They are seizing launches, and to-day they shot a man who was sent to them from the government. We stay at home during these times, so as to run no risk of having our launch seized by the rebels. We trust this state of things will not last long, as it will greatly interfere with our meetings. We are certainly living in troublous times. What might have been done in a time of peace has to be done now in the midst of difficulties. One thing after another has hindered during the whole year; but we still hope that better times may come at intervals, so that the people may be warned. A young man and his wife have just taken their stand with us, and to-day he is out canvassing for “Christ’s Object Lessons.” We expect soon to see those two and another sister buried with Christ in baptism, as they have all asked for this ordinance. With a settled time of peace long enough to engage the minds of the people, we are confident that our situation in this place would be a promising one. We are obliged to let many calls from other places pass, because we do not have the time to meet them and carry on our regular work here in this city. We do so much need a wide-awake man to assist us! F. J. HUTCHINS. Northwestern Union Conference
The first session of the Northwestern Union Conference was held in Des Moines, Iowa, April 3–13, 1902. The conferences and mission fields of Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, Dakota, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territory were represented by fifty-six delegates. There were thirteen meetings held during the session which were devoted to the study of reorganization, education, and general lines of missionary effort carried on by the denomination. The meetings at nine o’clock and in the evening were devoted to these studies. Aside from these, different days were set apart for specific subjects, when the recommendations on these various themes were considered, some one previously appointed leading out in the discussion, after which all the delegates present were at liberty to join in a general discussion. At the very beginning of the business was the appointment of a large advisory committee, which consisted of the president of the union conference, the presidents of the local conferences, the president of Union College, the district canvassing agent, and others to represent the mission fields and the medical work, together with the president of the General Conference. This committee was to appoint the various committees; namely, on Nominations, Plans for Labor, Credentials and Licenses, Constitution and By-laws, Distribution of Labor, and such other committees as were deemed necessary during the course of the meeting. The committees were as follows:— On Plans: C. C. Lewis, L. A. Hoopes, J. O. Beard, J. D. Shively, O. E. Cummings, F. H. Westphal, Lewis Johnson. On Credentials: N. P. Nelson, L. F. Trubey, H. J. Dirksen, C. M. Everest, C. W. Flaiz. On Nominations: L. F. Starr, H. S. Shaw, G. M. Brown, N. W. Allee, Andrew Nelson. On Distribution of Labor: N. W. Allee, L. A. Hoopes, N. C. Bergersen, W. A. Spicer, Neil McGill. Pastoral Committee: Andrew Mead, E. G. Olsen, C. A. Burman. On Organization and Incorporation: C. M. Everest, J. Sutherland, M. W. Newton, John Walker, G. M. Brown. The reports of the conferences and institutions in the union, submitted by the various presidents and superintendents, are too lengthy to be inserted in this report. The report of Union College will appear in the forthcoming educational number of the REVIEW, one interesting feature being the fact that the college is paying expenses this year. From the treasurer’s report we glean the following: The amount of tithe deposited in the union conference treasury from Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, Dakota, Manitoba, and individuals, $5,731.56. Money to be devoted to other purposes than the tithe, $3,837.17. The amount received during the first quarter of 1902 from the same source, $5,540.08, and for other purposes, $8,458.35. The indebtedness of Union College, principal and interest at the beginning of the crusade for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” $80,686.08. Received on the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” on Kansas Building Fund, and donations during the same time, $26,634.20, showing the present indebtedness to be $54,051.88. The educational secretary reported the number of church schools, as follows: Minnesota, 19 (enrollment, 342); Dakota, 10 (enrollment, 144); Iowa, 14 (enrollment, 163); Nebraska, 9 (enrollment, 143); Manitoba, 1 (enrollment, 16); new schools started during the past year, 27. The following resolutions and recommendations were presented to the conference, and after due consideration they were adopted:— German and Scandinavian Work
Whereas, The last General Conference recommended that the proceeds from the sales of the Danish-Norwegian edition of “Christ’s Object Lessons” go to the Christiania Publishing House, from the Swedish edition to the Swedish Industrial School, and from the German to the Friedensau school; therefore,— 1. Resolved, That we recommend that every member of our Scandinavian and German churches in the Northwestern Union Conference be encouraged to sell at least four copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in these languages, and that our ministers and other laborers, with the permission of their respective conference committees, shall see that this number of books is sold, if possible, before the close of this present year; and we would also recommend that our English laborers be encouraged to sell the Danish-Norwegian and German books wherever they can among these nationalities. Whereas, The Review and Herald Publishing Company is willing to publish a special number of the Danish-Norwegian and Swedish papers; therefore,— 2. Resolved, That we seek to circulate this number as widely as possible (1) by encouraging all our laborers and churches to order and circulate as large a number as it is possible for them to take; (2) by seeking the co-operation of our English brethren in the circulation of it; (3) by laying this matter before the different tract societies, and asking them to help in this circulation; (4) by getting as large a number as possible of suitable persons to sell this number from house to house, especially in large settlements and in cities where the Scandinavians are well represented. Whereas, There are many large Scandinavian districts, which for lack of proper systematic effort are unworked; therefore,— 3. Resolved, That we recommend to the local conferences (1) that the work during the coming summer be carried on in new places in tents by two ministers and one or two Bible workers and colporteurs; (2) that at other times in the year the Saviour’s plan of sending the laborers out two and two be followed wherever possible. Education of Scandinavian Laborers
Whereas, The Scandinavian department of Union College has been the instrumentality, in God’s hand, of educating many workers for active service, and— Whereas, There is a great need of Scandinavian laborers, therefore, be it— 4. Resolved, (1) That we will seek to encourage as many as possible to attend Union College to educate themselves to become workers in the Scandinavian languages; and (2) that during the coming winter a Bible and canvassers’ school or institute be held in one of the larger cities in the Northwestern Union Conference, and that the teachers and the students of such school carry on public work in connection with their school work and that a committee be chosen to select the place for the school, and the teachers for the same. Realizing the dearth of German laborers in this conference, therefore,— 5. Resolved, (1) That we urge those already in the field to consecrate themselves anew to the work; and (2) that we recommend the conference committees to encourage these laborers to devote their entire time as far as possible to the German work; (3) that we recommend the several conferences to encourage promising young people to enter the German missionary field in its various departments, or to attend Union College to obtain a preparation for the German work. Whereas, Our German paper, Christlicher Hausfreund, has been the means of bringing many to a knowledge of present truth, and— Whereas, There are so few German laborers for the vast number of that nationality; therefore,— 6. We recommend, That all our churches located in the vicinity of German communities take a club of the Hausfreund, to use in missionary work among that people, and secure subscriptions for the same. 7. We recommend, That canvassers’ institutes be held among the German people in the various conferences where it is deemed practical to develop canvassers for the German field. Whereas, The work which Union College is doing in the training of laborers for the different branches of the Lord’s work, is of paramount importance, and that institution should have our hearty support, therefore,— 8. We recommend, That our laborers improve every opportunity to influence young people to take advantage of the facilities which it offers. Whereas, The industrial enterprises of Union College labor under serious disadvantage, and some enterprises are made impossible by the long annual vacation occurring at a time when students’ help is most necessary; therefore,— 9. We recommend, That the Union College Board provide for school work to continue all the year. Normal and Church School Work
Whereas, There is a widespread demand for many more thoroughly prepared teachers who can successfully manage church schools, therefore,— 10. We recommend, (1) That a thoroughly equipped normal department be conducted at Union College; (2) that a summer normal be conducted at Union College; (3) that a teachers’ institute be conducted in each conference, covering a period of not less than ten days, at such time and place as will best serve the interests in each conference, presumably at the close of the camp meeting, thus saving traveling expenses; (4) that each teacher be required to pass an examination as to literary qualifications and theory and practice of teaching, and that a teachers’ certificate, either first or second grade, be issued, showing that the holder is qualified to take up church-school work, and gives evidence of moral fitness for that sacred responsibility; (5) that a reading course on Christian education be arranged for teachers by the educational secretary in consultation with the other members of the educational department of the General Conference Committee. 11. We recommend, in the financial support of the church-school work, as principles to be kept in mind in the formation of plans, (1) that debt be diligently avoided; (2) that the churches regard the school as the nearest and most prominent missionary field, and that “all should share the expenses;” (3) that the self-respect of children, families, and churches be preserved by bearing their own burdens as far as possible, and by avoiding that which would tend to draw a pauper line; (4) that the companion principle of bearing one another’s burdens also be judiciously exercised; (5) that it is true economy to provide good facilities and capable teachers at a cost greater than would secure poor facilities and inferior teachers. We believe that the foregoing principles will be met by such an adaptation of the following plans as may be suggested by local conditions:— (1) A nominal tuition strictly enforced, such as any child could easily earn by his own efforts, or save by cutting off unnecessary indulgences. A tuition, for example, of five cents or more each week for grades one, two, and three; of ten cents or more a week for grades four, five, and six; and of twenty cents or more a week for work above the sixth grade.22(2) Monthly pledges or donations to be paid by church members, whether they have children or not, and to be received and judiciously solicited from benevolent people who may not be members of the church. (3) The establishment of industries, or the cultivation of land set apart for school purposes, and worked by all who love children and desire to see them trained for the service of God. (4) The establishment of conference educational funds to be judiciously used by the executive committee where really needed. Whereas, The first responsibility for the training of the children has been placed upon the parent, making it evident that the educational reform must begin in the home, therefore,— 12. Resolved, That we put forth earnest efforts to place the principles of Christian education before all our people (1) by the circulation of literature setting forth these principles, especially “Christian Schools,” “Home and Church School Manual,” and the Advocate of Christian Education; (2) by means of church institutes and conventions; (3) by urging that all our ministers and workers present the true principles of education at every opportunity. Whereas, The educational committee of the General Conference has recommended the “Home and Church School Manual” for general use, therefore,— 13. We recommend, That the Manual be adopted by the Northwestern Union Conference as an aid to parents and teachers in organizing and conducting home, church, and intermediate schools. Whereas, An understanding of the principles of Christian education is essential to the spiritual life of this denomination, and— Whereas, The Advocate of Christian Education is the organ of the denomination for inculcating these principles; therefore,— 14. Resolved, That we encourage all our brethren to take this paper, and that we recommend our ministers and workers to present these matters to the brethren. 15. We recommend, That the educational secretary, in consultation by correspondence with the State superintendents, prepare a suitable system of report blanks for the church-school work. Sabbath School Department
16. We recommend, That more attention be given to the training of Sabbath-school officers and teachers, and that all co-operate heartily in the various plans recommended by the Sabbath School Department for strengthening and developing all phases of Sabbath school and Young People’s work. 17. We recommend the adoption of the plans presented in the Sabbath School Department of the General Conference for the better training of Sabbath-school officers and teachers, by the study of the Testimonies on Sabbath-school work, the holding of conventions, the conducting of branch Sabbath schools, and the use of The Advocate of Christian Education. 18. We recommend, That systematic efforts be put forth to encourage the home department of Sabbath schools, also to bring our isolated Sabbath keepers more closely in touch with the Sabbath-school work. Whereas, We realize the need of awakening the missionary spirit in the members of the Sabbath school; therefore,— 19. Resolved, That we enter heartily into the plan that provides readings on missionary subjects for our Sabbath schools. Whereas, Each Conference is provided with competent Sabbath-school secretaries who keep in touch with the local Sabbath schools, and who report to the international secretary, thereby making it unnecessary to maintain in the union conference a Sabbath-school corresponding secretary, therefore,— 20. We recommend, That this office be dropped from the union conference. South Dakota
By L. Johnson
BIG SPRINGS.—The church at this place is composed mostly of Swedes, but it has also a few Danish and American members. According to the record, thirty hold membership here, but some live in other places, and a few are totally inactive. During the year the brethren had sold several copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and were willing to take hold with renewed zeal to do their part, which was estimated according to the list of names on the record. The writer has been here one week. During this time he has held seven meetings, and gone out to sell the book to both believers and unbelievers. All four of the languages in which the book is published, are spoken here. The work is moving forward. Some have had precious experiences, which have brought joy to their hearts. The brethren hope to have their quota sold by the first of June, but if not, they will nevertheless at that time pay for them all. The Lord be praised for his grace! I now go to Swan Lake. Pray for me. May the God of Israel show himself strong in behalf of his servants, and may new victories be gained. At the late general meeting of workers in Arizona more than fifty of our people were present, some from each church in the Territory, and some of the isolated brethren. Harmony and love prevailed, and all rejoiced at the steps that were taken to advance the message. A conference was organized, and the work was so planned as to give every person in Arizona who is interested in this truth, something to do. We are now the “Arizona Conference of Seventh-day Adventists,” with the object before us of uniting all the churches and isolated believers in this Territory in an earnest effort to carry the truth to all the world in this generation. The officers of the conference are: President, E. W. Webster; Secretary and Treasurer, Mrs. Pauline Heady; Executive Committee, E. W. Webster, C. D. M. Williams, W. L. Black, J. E. Bond, E. A. Brown. The work of the conference was divided into three departments; namely, the Evangelical Department, the Tract and Missionary Department, and the Educational Department. Suitable persons were chosen to look after the interests of each of these departments, so the work will have the attention of several persons, and will not all rest upon one man. E. W. Webster was chosen secretary of the Tract and Missionary Department. J. E. Bond is the canvassing agent. C. D. M. Williams was chosen secretary of the Educational Department, and will look after the church-school, Sabbath-school, and Young People’s work. W. L. Black was given the oversight of the Spanish work. Brother Alejandro D. Ybarra (pronounced Ebarrah) and Brother Adiel Sanchez, two Mexican brethren, will engage with Brother Black in the Spanish work, as the Lord opens the way for it without extra expense to the conference. They are supporting themselves and their families, at the same time doing what they can to advance the cause. Their hearts are in the work, and they will be a help in carrying the truth to their people. The conference laborers consist of three ministers, E. W. Webster, C. D. M.23Williams, W. L. Black, the last two being ordained at this meeting; two licentiates, J. E. and F. S. Bond; and four missionary licentiates, Mrs. W. L. Iles, Mrs. E. W. Webster, Mrs. C. D. M. Williams, and Mrs. W. L. Black. At present these workers are located as follows: Brethren Webster and Williams and their wives and Sister Iles are conducting a course of meetings in Phoenix; Brother and Sister Black are looking after the work in Tucson and the Upper Gila; and the Brethren Bond will soon go to Winslow to work in that part of the Territory. For funds to carry on the work we are dependent upon the faithfulness of our people in the payment of tithes and offerings, upon gifts to the conference, and the sale of books. Reckoning on the basis of the income to the mission field the last six months of 1901, we may expect about two thousand six hundred dollars for the whole of 1902. This must be increased by one thousand one hundred dollars in additional tithes and offerings, by gifts, and the sale of books, in order to meet the demands upon our treasury in paying the laborers and carrying the other running expenses of the conference. We believe our people will feel that this is their work, and do all they can to carry it to a glorious end. It will not be long till the battle is over, so let us all be active now. An invitation was given for two or four good canvassers to come to Arizona to labor as self-supporting missionaries. The work of disposing of our quota of “Christ’s Object Lessons” was planned for, and several workers were chosen to be responsible for the number for their churches or districts. The president will correspond with all the isolated believers concerning this work. I wish to receive the names of lonely Sabbath keepers or any persons in the Territory who are interested in our work. The report of our conference proceedings, and also reports from all our laborers in this field, will appear in the Pacific Union Recorder. Every person interested in this work should have it. Pray for the workers in Arizona, that they may be successful in carrying the truth to the people and winning souls to Christ. E. W. WEBSTER. Additions to the McLoud Company
Two persons have recently united with the company at McLoud, O. T., on profession of faith. S. E. WHITEIS
By S. E. Whiteis
CHANDERNAGORE.—We are now favorably situated in Chandernagore. We have already visited some of Sister Burrus's readers. All seemed much pleased to see her again, and some are very anxious to have her hold readings with them. We have also visited other people, and the Lord has surely gone before and prepared the way. The doors seem to open in every direction. Last week while making calls, we went into one house where there was a baboo. He sat at some distance, and we could not hear what he said, but thought from the sound that he was angry because we were there. The women seemed anxious that we should call again, so we made an appointment. This evening, when we heard his gruff voice from within, we felt a little anxious; but as we entered, he greeted us with "Good evening." We talked with him a little, and found that he had a fractured ankle, and had spent some time in the hospital at Calcutta. He is still suffering from the injury, and we suggested some simple treatments, which would relieve the pain. He did not withdraw from the room, as baboos usually do; so Sister Burrus proceeded with her reading. At first he put his hand over his ears, as if it was something he should not hear, but in a few minutes his hand came down, and he was very attentive. We received a hearty invitation to call again. We also invited him to attend the readings which Brother Shaw will conduct once a week for baboos. At the next place we were a little uncertain about the house, and while we were hesitating, two or three women, married girls, invited us to their home. We followed them, and they called in their neighbors, so that we had an audience of nearly thirty of the better class of people. They gave good attention. At nearly every place we received invitations to go to other places. One lady, as we were leaving, urged us to come again. She said, "You have come just once, and you are taking our hearts away with you." We can see the Lord working in everything.