Northern Union Conference

C. W. FLAIZ

REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT, C. W. FLAIZ

The Northern Union Conference is among the younger members of the Union Conference family in America, its organization not being effected until April 13, 1902.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.9

TERRITORY AND POPULATION

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This conference comprises the states of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, the province of Manitoba, and the territories of Assiniboia, Saskachewan, and Alberta, having a total area of 700,000 square miles and a population of about 3,000,000 souls.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.10

At the present time we have but three organized conferences within the Union,—Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. It is probable that Manitoba will effect an organization at an early date. We have a total church membership of about 4,000.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.11

LABORERS

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Within the Union we have twenty ordained ministers actively engaged in the work. These are distributed as follows: Minnesota, nine; South Dakota, four; North Dakota, three; Manitoba, three; and Alberta, one. In addition to these, we have fifteen licensed ministers. Of these, Minnesota has eight, South Dakota, four; North Dakota, two; and Manitoba, one.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.12

As to the results of their labors for the three quarters, we will say that 11 new churches, with a membership of 268, have been organized.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.13

While technically our conference is bounded by Union Conference lines, we are trying to educate ourselves to the thought that our field is the world, and with this in mind, we, to the best of our ability, plan for the extension of the message to the unentered regions beyond. We hold all of our workers subject to the call of the Mission Board, and they have almost without exception pledged themselves to go to any part of the world. The attitude of the workers toward the needs of the cause in the regions beyond has infused new light and life all along the line.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.14

SCHOOLS

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Our location is so remote from our educational centers that it has seemed imperative that we should provide for the needs of our children within our own borders. Thirty-six church-schools were successfully conducted during the year 1902-3. While these have proven a great blessing to our children and youth, yet we are painfully conscious that they do not fully meet the needs of the situation. South Dakota has taken the initiative in the establishment of an industrial school. The plain building already erected affords accommodations for a number of students, and a successful school is in operation. Other buildings and facilities will be added as means for the same shall be provided.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.15

Minnesota is at the present time engaged in raising a fund with which to establish an industrial school. As soon as the money can be raised to pay for the entire plant, buildings will be erected and the school established. It is expected that building operations will begin in the early summer.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.16

FINANCE

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The tithe received by the Union Conference has amounted to $4,505; regular offerings to missions, $7,308.47; special offerings, $4,215.04; total to missions, $11,523.51; value of literature sold, $30,736.29.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.17

Finding no Scriptural warrant for the creation of debt in connection with the advancement of the cause of God, we early adopted and shall adhere to a strictly cash policy. At the present time we have no institutions and no liabilities, except the debt of love to a perishing world. Institutions and facilities will be provided as the needs of the cause shall demand and the means for the same can be secured.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.18

From the experience of the past few months, we are led to believe that the organization of the Union Conference will prove a blessing to us and to the work at large. It has proven advantageous (1) in enabling us to provide for the work within our own borders; (2) in distributing responsibilities, thus enabling persons to gain experience that will fit them to wear the yoke when called to foreign fields; (3) by developing within us a sense of the responsibility of a world-wide work.GCB April 2, 1903, page 47.19

In conclusion, we cordially invite the Mission Board to draw upon us for men and means in helping to carry the message to distant lands, and we shall be glad to respond to the extent of our ability.GCB April 2, 1903, page 48.1