Upper Columbia Conference Proceedings by John Norton Loughborough

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 2, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 26.

Upper Columbia Conference Proceedings.

By John Norton Loughborough

THE sixth annual session of the Upper Columbia Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Milton, Or., beginning June 3, 1885. The first meeting was called by the president, June 4, at 9 A. M. Prayer by Elder H. W. Decker.

The secretary, Elder G. W. Colcord, being absent, E. G. Winkler was elected secretary pro tem. The following churches were represented by delegate: Walla Walla, Milton, Dayton, Farmington, and Echo; Pataha, Goldendale, and Lostine were represented by letter.

After the reading of the minutes of the last session, the chair appointed committees as follows:—

On Nominations: J. Bartlett, Wm. McCoy, S. T. Page; on Credentials and Licenses: Wm. Russel, I. M. Johns, Wm. Semple; on Resolutions: Elders H. W. Decker, E. J. Waggoner, and Wm. Raymond; on Auditing: E. G. Winkler, S. T. Page, T. Chabot, Wm. Nichols, I. M. Johns, G. W. Reese.

The president stated the necessity of adopting a new constitution, and read, for the consideration of the members, the constitution recommended by the General Conference.

SECOND MEETING, JUNE 5, 1885.

Prayer by Elder J. Bartlett. After the minutes of the last meeting were read, the Committee on Nominations presented the following report:—

For President, Elder H. W. Decker; Secretary, E. G. Winkler; Treasurer, B. F. Winkler; Executive Committee, H. W. Decker, Wm Raymond, I. M. Johns. After some remarks the persons above named were elected.

The State constitution recommended by the General Conference was then considered, section by section, and with a few verbal alterations, was adopted as the constitution of the Upper Columbia Conference.

THIRD MEETING, JUNE 7, 1885.

Prayer by Elder E. J. Waggoner. Minutes of preceding meeting read and approved. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses recommended that Elders H. W. Decker, J. J. Smith, Wm. Raymond, and J. Bartlett, receive credentials from the Conference. Credentials were granted.

The following resolutions were presented:—

WHEREAS, We consider it the duty of all our people to become familiar with the evidences of our faith, and,

WHEREAS, The "Biblical Institute" held on this camp-ground has proved to be a decided success, and one of the best means of imparting the needed instruction, therefore,

Resolved, That we request that such means of instruction be provided for us as often as is practicable, and that we recommend a general attendance of our people, if another such privilege should be offered.

Resolved, That the thanks of this Conference are due and are hereby tendered to the General Conference for kindly and freely furnishing the instruction that has been given in this "Biblical Institute."

Favorable remarks were made by Elders Loughborough and Decker, and the above resolutions were adopted. The congregation also showed their approval by a rising vote.

The fourth meeting, held June 8, at 9 A. M., was mainly devoted to hearing reports from the field.

FIFTH MEETING, JUNE 9, 9 A. M.

After the reading of the minutes, and remarks by the president on the financial condition of the Conference, the following resolutions were presented and adopted:—

WHEREAS, The report of the Auditing Committee shows that there is a debt on the Conference for labor performed, and,

WHEREAS, The work is greatly crippled for want of means, therefore,

Resolved, That we request the ministers of this Conference to labor to bring all the churches up to their full duty in the matter of paying tithes.

Resolved, That we heartily thank the California Conference for the kind offer to pay the expenses, and for the time, of one laborer in this Conference this year.

WHEREAS, Many churches and small companies become weakened because leading brethren move away, therefore,

Resolved, That we consider it the duty of persons before moving away from churches, to consult with the Conference Committee.

On recommendation of the Nominating Committee, Wm. Nichols, Wm. Russel, Wm. Goodwin, Charles Hughes, and Noah Miller were elected as camp-meeting committee.

Adjourned sine die.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, Pres. E. G. WINKLER, Sec. pro tem.