In April 1904, Archdeacon Crowther received funding to support the translation of the Bible into Isuama Igbo. Aware of multiple ongoing translation efforts, Bishop Tugwell invited Crowther and others to a conference in August to discuss creating a unified version for all Igbo speakers, believing this would help resolve spelling inconsistencies across the region.
Dennis, another key figure, wrote to the British and Foreign Bible Society (BFBS) Secretary regarding the proposed conference in Onitsha. He emphasized the need for a standardized alphabet for printing Igbo scriptures, drawing a comparison with the unified Bible used in Yoruba despite dialect differences.
By mid-July, it was confirmed that Archdeacon Crowther and Reverend Boyle would attend the conference, with hopes also expressed for representation from the Presbyterian Mission in Old Calabar.
The conference was held in Onitsha on August 17 and focused on translating Ibo languages. Smith served as Chairman, with Archdeacon Crowther, Revs. Boyle, Smith, Warner, Spencer, A. G. Anyaegbunam, and Mr. Nzekwu in attendance, while Dennis and Dr. Rattray were unavoidably absent.
During the discussions, Delta delegates argued that Isuama was the primary Ibo language for most people, in contrast to Onitsha Ibo. The participants agreed on several measures to unify spelling and adjust the alphabet, including the use of diacritical marks, the insertion of the letters “J” and “n,” and decisions on representing specific sounds.
Debate arose over particular words, including terms for “holy” and “God.” The Delta delegates preferred “Tsiboke” for God, while the Onitsha term was “Cuku,” which referred to a former consulting oracle. In Isuama, “Une Cuku” means devil’s house.
The conference acknowledged that it could not proceed fully without Dennis and expressed hope that the proposed changes would support Bible translation efforts for the Isuama people and beyond.