The Southern “Black” Conferences of the Seventh-day Adventist Church are Born

African American Adventist perceived (quite correctly) that they were not receiving an equitable level of treatment by “white” Adventists. An action committee, formed at DuPont SDA Church in Washington, DC put heavy pressure on an upcoming denomination-wide assembly in Chicago. The president of the GC, James McElhaney, was a staunch ally in this effort. On April 10, 1944, the General Conference approved the formation of “black” conferences, under black leadership. The formation of two Southern Union black conferences was recommended, and it was proposed that they receive some financial help from the GC. The GC was low on funds, so the venture would be delayed until the end of World War II. On December 4, 1945, about 300 delegates from North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida met at Berean SDA Church in Atlanta. This group amicably hammered out the details of the South Atlantic Conference, which would be headquartered (as was the Southern Union) in Atlanta, GA. H.D. Singleton was elected to be its first president. The official launch of these entities was slated for January 1, 1946. The president of the Southern Union wrote the following benediction a few weeks before the startup: …we wish for them and their leaders God’s richest blessing. The way before will not always be smooth, but as they keep close to their Great Leader and keep in step with the remnant church who keep the commandments of God and have the faith of Jesus, there is before them a bright and glorious future.