Ellen G. White: The Lonely Years: 1876-1891 (vol. 3)

Chapter 21—(1884) Reversing the Tide in the Pacific Northwest

There were significant reasons for holding the “Pacific Coast Council” in the Pacific Northwest. The reader will recall the concern and burden of heart carried by Ellen White as in the summer of 1880 she closed up her work in Oregon and returned to Oakland, California. She had witnessed the fruitage of lax conference leadership, coupled with the aggressive activities of two young ministers who had not experienced the environment of educational opportunities and association with seasoned ministers. While in Oregon in 1880, she had written rather extensively of the distressing situation and had read these testimonies to the persons involved. At the time the messages had been accepted and the promise made that they would be acted upon, but the counsel and reproof and pledges were soon forgotten. Conditions worsened progressively. 3BIO 250.1

Doctrinal teachings not in accord with those held by the body of believers were stealthily spread. There was a disregard for the authority of the church, and its leaders were treated with disrespect. In time the conference presidents of the two local fields were despised and ignored. A knowledge of this situation in the Northwest confirmed the conviction of church leaders that earnest work must be undertaken to stem the negative and somewhat rebellious tide in Oregon and the Washington territory. 3BIO 250.2

The annual camp meetings for 1884 were to be held in early summer: in the Upper Columbia Conference, at Walla Walla, Washington Territory, June 5-16 (The Signs of the Times, April 17, 1884); the North Pacific camp meeting would convene a few miles from east Portland, Oregon, June 19-30. the announcement carried the word that the Pacific Coast Council would be held in connection with the Oregon meeting. 3BIO 250.3