While the Matlock Conference include some unique features, it did not survive for long. It "ran for three years", and was last held c. 1914. In 1914, Penn-Lewis and Roberts agreed to close down "The Overcomer", feeling that it had already completed its goals. There were various contributing factors to the periodical's demise. First, Penn-Lewis had maintained a personal correspondence with her readers, but felt increasingly unable to handle the "burden of work". Second, her health had further declined. Third, the beginning of World War I had an impact on the magazine itself.