Who We Are, How We Serve

The Columbia Union Conference coordinates the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s work in the Mid-Atlantic United States, where 150,000 members worship in 860 congregations. We provide administrative support to eight conferences; two healthcare networks; 81 early childhood, elementary and secondary schools; a liberal arts university; a health sciences college; a 49 community services centers; 8 camps; 5 book and health food stores and a radio station.

Mission Values Priorities

We Believe

God is love, power, and splendor—and God is a mystery. His ways are far beyond us, but He still reaches out to us. God is infinite yet intimate, three yet one,
all-knowing yet all-forgiving.

Learn More

Photo by Bruce Guenter on Flickr

Editorial by Celeste Ryan Blyden

The other night, while searching the online Visitor archives, I got caught up reading the carefully chronicled history of our Columbia Union people. From the headlines, articles, photos and captions, it appears that our predecessors were some of the most Bible-knowing, Ellen White-quoting, ministry-supporting, missionary-loving, church-planting, potluck-hosting, camp meeting-going, organizing and evangelizing people you’ll ever meet. The theme woven through story after story, issue after issue, and event after event, was their palpable love for Jesus and commitment to sharing His message and carrying forward His mission. 

Washington Adventist University’s Music Department Chair, James Bingham, Ph.D., has announced that he is retiring at the end of this academic year. He began teaching in 1968, and has been chair of a music department in various schools for 39 years – 23 of those at Washington Adventist University (WAU).

“It seems right at this point in my life to spend more time with my dear wife, and to retire from active teaching and departmental administration,” said Bingham, who added, “I will no doubt miss the excitement and stimulation of teaching at WAU, and being part of the process of helping the University reach new heights.”

Story by Bryant Smith

One hundred years ago, the world was much different than it is today. The Temple Emmanuel church in Youngstown, Ohio, however, remains a constant force for good. The church was organized in 1917, first meeting in homes, later at a YMCA, then at a rented facility and finally in their own church building. The members of Temple Emmanuel enjoy a rich history of God’s faithfulness and blessings.

To launch their 100th anniversary month, special guest speakers were scheduled each Sabbath in January, including William T. Cox Sr., Allegheny West Conference president, and former presidents James Lewis and Henry Wright, who concluded the series and commemorated this milestone. “One hundred years is something to be incredibly proud of,” preached Wright.