General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7
Conference Proceedings. NINTH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
May 20, 10 A. M.
A. G. DANIELLS in the chair. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.1
Prayer by G. B. Thompson. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.2
A. G. Daniells: We have the following recommendation from the brethren in the Bermuda Island Mission:— GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.3
“Dear Brethren: Greeting. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.4
“As loyal believers of the Seventh-day Adventist body, we would cordially ask you to receive our brother, Thomas MacKay Doe, as delegate to represent the Bermuda Mission Field. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.5
“In behalf of the members of the Seventh-day Adventist Bermuda Mission. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.6
“(Signed) GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.7
“M. ENOCH,
“L. O. MACHLAN,
“OWEN AIRTH FIRTH.”
It was voted that this request be granted. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.8
A. G. Daniells: The first of our reports this morning will be from the secretary of the Sabbath School Department. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.9
REPORT OF THE SABBATH SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
G. B. Thompson (reading):— GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.10
Were we to trace the beginning of our Sabbath-school work, it would be necessary to go back only a little more than sixty years. It was then but a tiny stream. There was then no organization, no lessons, no helps of any kind, no systematic plan of reporting. But the stream has widened into a great river,—a river of blessing. Today we have a thorough organization, reaching to the most remote and obscure parts of the world. The local schools are, for the most part, quite well equipped, and a regular course of Bible study is provided each Sabbath for all divisions, which is studied in all of the leading languages of the world. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.11
The importance of the Sabbath-school work is beyond estimate. It pioneers the way into all lands, and lays the foundation for an organization which establishes our work everywhere. It is a school with considerably more than one hundred thousand pupils, of all ages, degrees of education and training, and gathered from scores of tribes, tongues, and dialects. The entire denomination comes under its influence. Every Sabbath parents and children in all parts of the world gather to study the Scriptures, and have their minds directed to the great truths of the message. The aged are cheered, and the children won to Christ. To prepare lessons for all these, and to so mold this work that it will meet the mind of God in the salvation of souls, and publish the truth in every land, is an important work, and withal a very great responsibility. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.12
The Last Quadrennial Period
In the time set apart for this report I can do but little more than refer to the progress of the Sabbath-school work since the last General Conference, and make a few suggestions for the future. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.13
The last quadrennial period has been one of much blessing. I think it is true that the progress in all lines has been the greatest and most encouraging in the history of the work of the department. During the past four years correspondence has been carried forward by the corresponding secretary with secretaries and workers in all parts of the world, and reports have been received from every land where the message has taken root, and, without exception, the word that has come to us has told of progress and cooperation in the work, and breathed a spirit of courage for the future. The outlook was never brighter. We should like here to express to all conference workers, secretaries, and local Sabbath-school officers in all parts of the globe, our appreciation of their loyal support, most hearty cooperation and helpful suggestions, without which no progress could have been made. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.14
Growth
At the close of 1908 we had 3,747 Sabbath-schools. Of this number 1,269 were in foreign fields, and 2,478 in the home field. At the close of 1912 there were 4,457 schools. Of this number 1,843 were in foreign lands, and 2,614 in the home field. There has been an increase of 574 Sabbath-schools in foreign fields, and 136 in the home field, since the last conference. In 1908 we had a total membership of 88,843, of which 22,011 were in the foreign field. During the quadrennial period there has been an increase in membership of 25,170, of which 23,678 have been in foreign lands, and 1,492 in the home field. Our membership in foreign fields has more than doubled in the past four years. Of the total membership of our schools, 5,786 are members of the Home department. This department has increased in membership 1,286 during the quadrennial period. By means of this department, the Sabbath-school is brought into the homes of the isolated, aged, and infirm, so that all can be members of the Sabbath-school. Quite liberal donations come from this source for the support of our work in mission fields. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.15
The Lessons
The department committee has worked hard during the past four years to provide suitable and helpful lessons for all divisions. The best lesson writers possible have been secured, and changes calculated to improve the lessons have been made. We have been encouraged by the favorable and commendatory letters received from all parts of the world as to benefit received from their study. The Lesson Quarterly, printed by the Pacific Press at the present time, has a circulation of fifty-three thousand five hundred copies. These lessons are translated into most of the leading languages of Europe, and published by the Hamburg House. In some of the languages many thousands of copies are printed. Lessons are now furnished to China, Korea, and Japan for translation into the language of these countries. The work has increased in some of the Spanish-speaking countries to that extent that calls are now being made for the lessons to be published in pamphlet form in all divisions. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.16
PHOTO-A section of the General Conference camp; Washington Sanitarium in the background
During the quadrennial period the lessons have covered a study of the life of Christ, the book of Acts, some doctrinal topics on the message, and some practical subjects, and have been uniform in all divisions during most of the period. God alone can measure the infinite value to a hundred thousand people of an earnest, prayerful study of lessons on such subjects. We sometimes greatly fear that the lessons are not studied as they should be. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.17
Conversions
During the past period special efforts have been put forth to make our Sabbath-schools strong agencies in the salvation of souls, and to have each teacher feel the responsibility of bringing all his class to Christ. These efforts have met with a most hearty and encouraging response from all parts of the field. During the past years the quarterly report blank has asked for the record of Sabbath-school pupils converted. The total number reported for the year is 3,542, most of whom have been baptized. We realize the difficulty of obtaining accurate statistics upon this point, as other departments of the work, closely associated with the Sabbath-school teachers are making earnest efforts to bring their pupils to a decision in the matter of serving the Lord. Consecration services are held in many schools, and these result in many of the youth and children giving their hearts to the Lord. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.18
The “Sabbath School Worker”
The only periodical published by the department is the Sabbath School Worker. Much of the success of the work in various lines is due to the influence of this excellent paper. Since the last General Conference it has been enlarged from 16 to 20 pages, and the subscription list has increased from 6,906 to 9,705, or an increase of more than 40 per cent. This is quite encouraging, when we remember that it is intended to cover only a special field. We feel that this journal is indispensable to the success of the Sabbath-school work, and that it will be an even more potent factor in the work in the future. GCB May 21, 1913, page 73.19
We would not forget to mention also the valuable help of the Little Friend and Youth’s Instructor, which contain lessons, and other excellent matter, each week for our schools. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.1
Memory Verse Cards
As a help to teachers, and to assist the children to learn the memory verses, and thus fix some precious words of Scripture in their minds, the department has encouraged the use of memory verse cards, where the scripture is associated with a picture. Four years ago only one thousand sets of these cards were used each quarter. It now takes ten thousand sets to supply the demand. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.2
Finances
While we believe that the primary object of the Sabbath-school is to save souls, yet we feel sure that studying the mission fields, where unwarned millions still sit shackled in pagan darkness, and making offerings to carry the message to these lost millions, is a most blessed inspiration to all our Sabbath-schools. We can not serve God and mammon, but we can serve God with mammon. Sabbath-schools, like armies, grow by conquest. The Sabbath-school is working out a program outlined by the Lord of the harvest. As our consecration deepens, our service to man will correspondingly increase. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.3
Our Sabbath-schools have now reached the place where they are depended upon to raise a large percentage of the funds required to carry the message to the world. Since 1887, when the first deposit for missions was made by our Sabbath-schools in the bank of heaven, they have donated $1,313,580.78 for this purpose. The constant annual increase in offerings to missions has been very gratifying indeed. Four years ago there were only ten conferences in the home land giving all to missions; now there are 71. The plan of having our schools give all their regular offerings to missions has been practically accomplished. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.4
During the previous quadrennial period, from 1905-08, our Sabbath-schools gave $273,141.36 to missions. During the past four years, from 1909-1912, they gave $632,778.30, an increase of $359,636.94 over the previous period. During the past four years our Sabbath-schools have given $3,521.68 more to missions than was given in the previous eighteen years, from 1891-1908. Surely this is gratifying progress. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.5
The record of offerings for 1912 is especially encouraging. During the year $228,029.24 was given to missions. This is an increase of $71,540.87 over 1911. This increase alone is nearly as much as the total offering in 1907. Four years ago the Sabbath-schools were giving less than two thousand dollars a week for missions. Now they are giving almost five thousand dollars a week. Four years ago our goal was “One Hundred Thousand Dollars to Missions in a Year.” Now it is “One Million Dollars to Missions in Four Years.” It seems each year that we have about reached the limit of gifts to missions from our schools, but evidently we have not, and the future will no doubt show even larger offerings annually from this source for the advancement of the message. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.6
A. G. Daniells: A few years ago at a meeting some of us said we must increase our foreign-mission enterprises until we were spending a thousand dollars a day in foreign fields. There were some good old brethren on the front seat who fairly gasped at this proposal, and said: “Do not get excited, Brother Daniells; just keep steady.” And now our Sabbath-schools are giving almost a thousand dollars a day themselves. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.7
S. N. Haskell: Some years ago I attended a conference that led out in giving their Sabbath-school offerings to foreign missions. When I returned East, I reported this to a brother. He reproved me about it, and said: “You folks are making a big mistake in getting the people to give so much to foreign missions at this time. Next year there will come a reaction.” I see it has kept on reacting ever since. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.8
G. B. Thompson: A brother took me to task the other day here. “You are making a mistake,” he said, “in talking of a million for missions in four years. You ought to make it a million or a million and a half in two years.” [Amens.] How many believe we could do it? [A forest of hands was the response.] GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.9
G. B. Thompson (continuing his report):— GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.10
The Thirteenth Sabbath Offering
During the past year the plan has been adopted of setting apart for a special offering the thirteenth Sabbath in each quarter for a specific purpose. The General Conference Committee has designated some needy and worthy object each quarter. This plan has met with general approval from the field, and has proved very helpful to our mission work. The offerings on the thirteenth Sabbath of the four quarters of 1912 are as follows:— GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.11
Cities of India, $7,674.33; Selukwe Reserve, Africa, $12,680.64; mission homes in China, $12,379.82; schools in South America, $10,854.42; or a total on these four Sabbaths of $43,589.21. The plan has worked very successfully in Australia for some years, and we recommend that it be adopted in other parts of the world,—some especially needy mission enterprise being set apart by the proper committee, to which the schools in that field can contribute. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.12
Suggestions for the Future
The importance of this work calls for the most progressive plans, for constant growth, and the highest efficiency possible in dealing with human souls. The standard must be continually placed higher. We are dealing with a growing cause, and need to make continual advancement. To this end we make a few suggestions for the future:— GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.13
1. That we turn our attention as never before to making our schools a greater power in saving souls. That special efforts be made by the officers and teachers in every school, as well as conference officers, to lift the Sabbath-schools up to a higher plane spiritually, and to deepen the consecration of every member. That prayerful efforts be put forth for the conversion of all who come within reach of the Sabbath-school. Why should we not labor personally for every pupil in the school? GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.14
2. That some plan be devised at this Conference which will result in an increased study of the lessons. Bible study in our Sabbath-schools is our greatest need. We plead for this. This will help our schools as nothing else will. Whatever else we do to build up and strengthen the work, if the study of the lesson is omitted, all is a failure. When the lessons are studied as they should be, spirituality will increase, our own souls will be watered, and other souls will be won to Christ. It will also be a safeguard against heresies and dangerous delusions which come in to plunder and destroy souls. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.15
3. That the Sabbath School Worker’s Training Course be continued. The demands of the work call for the most skillful and trained officers and teachers possible, that no haphazard, shoddy work may be done. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.16
4. After careful study, and correspondence with secretaries and others in the field, we suggest that the officers in our Sabbath-schools be elected, the same as other church officers, to serve for one year, instead of six months, as at present. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.17
5. That secretaries in the various conferences be chosen who can give their entire time to the Sabbath-school work, holding conventions, corresponding with the isolated members, working for larger offerings, and building up the work along spiritual lines throughout the Conference. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.18
Conclusion
In conclusion we thank God for the Sabbath-school work, and the great blessing and help it is to us as a people. While there are perplexities and some problems to be solved, we are of good courage, believing that God, who has helped us hitherto, will help us in the future. The Sabbath-school is the child of the church, and as such needs the love and fostering care of all the people. We most earnestly ask for this, and for the prayers of all God’s people that this work may prove to be all that the Lord designed that it should be. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.19
G. B. THOMPSON, Secretary,
A. G. Daniells: We will now call upon Brother L. A. Hansen, the assistant secretary, to render a report for the Medical Department. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.20
REPORT OF MEDICAL DEPARTMENT
A quadrennial report of our medical department at this time cannot be a representative one. It cannot fully state what has been accomplished the past four years, nor can it be a correct indication of what could be done under normal conditions. Since our last General Conference session, circumstances have necessitated changes, and three different men who have acted as medical secretaries in that time have been called to fill other positions. For much of the time no one has been in full charge of the department, and this is the situation at the opening of this Conference. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.21
While this department is one of the last to be organized as such, the development of its work, with its apparent possibilities, gives evidence that it has its place in the organization. Strong emphasis may even now be made of the importance of giving careful thought to its needs and to making its work all that it should be. GCB May 21, 1913, page 74.22
We will come at once to the statistical side of our medical work. Whether the figures be regarded as indicative of healthy growth or of overdevelopment, they assume proportions that should at least make them interesting. We cannot give them close study without recognizing that in our health work we have either a great problem of doubtful solution or a work of evident and certain growth. It may mean to this cause great perplexity, and perhaps, even serious trouble, or it may be the means of great blessing to us and immense good in the world. Without question, this branch of our work has tremendous possibilities. God grant that it shall be all that any of us have hoped, and more. GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.1
It is an easy matter to make the statement that we have sixty-nine sanitariums, but the fact that we can say this is cause for serious thought. As we think of what it would mean to any denomination, and what it meant to ours at first, to establish one sanitarium it is difficult to comprehend all that is involved in this great increase of these institutions. Forty of them are operated by conferences, and twenty-nine are under private management. Besides this, there are thirty-five city treatment establishments, some of which do a volume of work equal to that of a fair-sized sanitarium. These hundred or more institutions represent a large investment of money, the employment of many people, the use of much talent, and the expenditure of a great deal of energy. What should we not expect from all this? GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.2
The present investment in sanitarium property is $4,141,316.23, nearly a quarter of a million dollars more than the combined value of all our publishing houses, intermediate schools, academies, and colleges, counting conference and private institutions in both instances. It may be said by some that this is an overinvestment in sanitariums; but, be it as it may, it indicates the interest that has been shown by our people in this phase of work, and what we have been able to do in its establishment. It also suggests the importance of our safeguarding this large investment by judicious management and by an attitude that will encourage and strengthen this work. GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.3
There are now connected with our sanitariums 117 physicians, 1,135 nurses, and 945 other workers, making a total of 2,197 employees. These workers are our own people, engaged in work that is more or less in the interest of the advancement of our cause, including public lectures and sermons, Bible readings, circulation of literature, personal missionary work, and so forth. This work does not appear in conference reports, nor it is done at conference expense. It should be regarded as a wonderful advantage that such a large branch of our cause can be a true missionary work and at the same time a self-supporting one. GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.4
PHOTO-THE NEW ENGLAND SANITARIUM, MELROSE, MASS.
With a conservative estimate, we note that our sanitarium workers are receiving in wages over one million dollars a year, the whole of which is received by the patronage of the institutions. This gives a tithe of one hundred thousand dollars, to which may be added gifts and offerings, coming into our denominational treasuries, helping to support the cause. Thus our medical work gives self-supporting employment to a large number of Sabbath-keeping people, who may engage in a definite missionary work and help to advance other interests of the cause. These figures take no account of many physicians and nurses engaged in private field work, who are more or less the product of our sanitariums, and whose labors and means help to advance the message. GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.5
The number of people reached by our sanitariums makes one of the most important features of this work. Here are figures showing the number of sanitarium patients for the past four years:— GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.6
| 1909 | 23,737 |
| 1910 | 33,127 |
| 1911 | 26,359 |
| 1912 | 28,960 |
| Total | 112,183 |
Let us not give these figures a mere passing thought; for they indicate in a measure what is being done through our system of sanitariums. We have an average of over twenty-eight thousand people a year visiting these institutions, staying an average of five weeks each. Their association with our work and workers gives opportunity of securing considerable information concerning our message and its progress. They attend services, read our literature, and engage in personal conversation with helpers, and some of them are led to a full acceptance of the truth. Many others are at least favorably impressed, and, after leaving the institution, help to spread its influence. Some of our patients are persons of high prominence, in position to give substantial assistance to our cause. Many legislators are reported as patients, and a number of them have given assurance of support when needed in meeting religious legislation. GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.7
It would be an interesting thing to know how much effort and expense would be required to reach twenty-eight thousand people for a period of five weeks through our tent and hall meetings. We well know that this number includes many persons who otherwise would probably never come in contact with our work in so favorable a manner. Thus, our sanitarium work is really an evangelical factor. If we ask. Why are not more definite results in actual Sabbath-keepers seen? let us remember that sanitariums are not designed to be proselyting in their work. They have a distinct sphere, which, while it may not be directly that of making religious converts, is strong in spiritual influence. Other agencies may have the privilege of helping to finish the work they begin. Probably one of our most important problems is that of making our sanitarium work more effective as a means of real reform in both physical and spiritual living. We have a wonderful opportunity of coming in close and sympathetic touch with an excellent class of people interested in the better things of life and susceptible to good influences. Our field is a wide one for human welfare and philanthropy, but we should not stop with this. Surely God has not given us this great medical missionary movement merely for its physical and temporal blessings. GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.8
The charity work done by our sanitariums the past four years, as expressed in dollars, is a follows:— GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.9
| 1909 | $76,811.00 |
| 1910 | 74,532.00 |
| 1911 | 83,421.00 |
| 1912 | 78,615.54 |
| $313,379.54 |
While we all should be glad to see this item considerably larger, we no doubt understand that, with no endowment funds, donations, or other help for this purpose, and with only their earnings for a support, our sanitariums are compelled to observe some restrictions in their gratuities. One of our most pressing needs is provision for caring for our sick poor. GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.10
The nurses’ training-school feature of our sanitarium work deserves special mention. Most of the 1,135 nurses employed are students in training. They are being educated as workers for field or institutional service. Careful study leads many of our sanitarium leaders to the conclusion that this feature is a heavy expense to the institution, rather than a financial advantage. Nurses receive board, room, laundry work, and tuition; and, in the second and third years, and in some instances in the first year, they receive a cash allowance. One sanitarium reports about $325 paid for the second and third years’ work, besides the items of expense mentioned. Nurses give in return their services, which are not always such as fully to compensate the institution for its outlay. It is estimated that the total value of this educational work is now over $160,000 a year. Whatever loss is sustained, which is thought by some to be half of this amount, is a loss to the sanitariums. While this is entirely a denominational work, it is done without cost to the denomination, either as conferences or as individuals. GCB May 21, 1913, page 75.11
It may not be out of place to suggest that, if we take into account the value of the evangelical influence and work of our sanitariums, the amount of their charity work, and the cost of the education they are giving our young people, we have figures that go far toward giving us compensation for our investments. These are items that have values, and their worth is to the benefit of the denomination. The money invested does not represent denominational appropriations to any great extent, but is largely the result of growth and expansion of this work itself. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.1
PHOTO-LOMA LINDA SANITARIUM, CALIFORNIA
If the work of these institutions may be regarded as principally missionary effort, it is proper that we give them due credit for what they are doing, when we consider their relation to financial questions. With this consideration, we may see propriety in including them in our plans for relief. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.2
Thus far our statistics deal principally with sanitariums. There is another feature of our medical work that demands more than a passing notice. The number of treatment-rooms is yearly increasing. These are owned and operated almost wholly by private individuals. They are most generally successful from a financial standpoint; and, when properly conducted, exert an excellent influence. Some of them are of most substantial help to local conference work. Some work in close affiliation with near-by sanitariums, to the mutual help of all concerned. Those conducting these enterprises deserve commendation for their well-spent energies in self-supporting work. Those of our brethren who are in position to do so should show an interest in their work, and, by proper moral support, fostering care, and good counsel, add strength to it. This is probably one of the most practicable ways of doing medical work in our cities, both as to financial support and good results. A wide field with favorable inducement is here offered to those who are seeking openings of this kind and who can properly fill them. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.3
Our figures for treatment-rooms are not complete. There are 27 in this country and 8 in foreign countries, with a total value of $113,184.10. They have a daily capacity of 880 patients. Last year they gave 20,415 treatments, doing $6,659.60 worth of charity work. There are 162 persons employed in these treatment-rooms. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.4
Thus far we have spoken only of institutional work. The work of our medical missionaries in the field service must be remembered, representing, as it does, one of the most important phases of our entire medical work. We have no statistics, however, to present, and no report to make. Doubtless this matter will appear in the reports from various fields. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.5
The report of our medical college at Loma Linda, Cal., will be given by others, as will no doubt also that of our postgraduate course for nurses connected with the Foreign Mission Seminary and Washington Sanitarium Dispensary. These two additional forces to our medical educational work should mark an epoch of much meaning for advanced medical missionary endeavor. Let us not view our special advantages with matter-of-fact vision, but see in their increased opportunity an added responsibility to make the wisest use of the same. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.6
Much of the work of our department recently has been to give assistance in securing suitable workers to meet various calls and to put persons wanting employment in touch with openings. Careful inquiry has been made to ascertain the fitness and qualifications of individuals, and action taken accordingly. We have reason to believe that considerable satisfactory service has been rendered in this way. This feature may be further developed and be of much value. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.7
This department has also had charge of the “Ministry of Healing” campaign. A full report of the results of this work cannot now be given. It may be needless to say that we have been disappointed in our realizations as compared with the hopes entertained when the campaign was launched. Some most encouraging reports have been received, and probably, on the whole, the results have justified our effort. We believe that there should yet be some plan devised for giving a wide circulation to “Ministry of Healing.” The need of practical relief measures for certain of our sanitariums is still urgent, and something aside from the sale of relief books must evidently be done, or else other methods followed than those we have used in our last campaign. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.8
Among the things that should be given attention in connection with this department is, first and most urgently, the appointment of a capable and permanent medical secretary. The reasons for this are too numerous to mention, and too obvious to need mentioning. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.9
A more complete organization of our medical work will, of course, help to develop its efficiency. Some important questions arise for consideration and attention. We should develop further plans and methods for reaching the public effectively. The possibilities of our engaging more in temperance campaigns might well be considered. Better education of our own people in rational and intelligent health principles is needed. Better provision should be made for safeguarding the health of those who go to foreign fields by proper instruction. Our training-schools for nurses need consideration, with a view to strengthening their work, possibly setting a standard of what shall constitute a recognized course of training, and then confining this work to such institutions as can properly give it. The development of real medical missionaries, both physicians and nurses, is a most important matter, and should have careful study soon. Considerable demand is expressed for workers who are trained in practical household economy, who can go into homes and teach such things as are most needed. The demand for educated cooks is greater than the supply. Plans for the development and wider circulation of our health literature are needed. We still need to learn how to make the best use of our medical facilities and advantages in connection with other lines of our work. The relation we should sustain to private medical work requires careful attention. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.10
It is highly important that the immense business interests involved in the operation of our sanitariums be carefully studied, in order to reach the most economical management consistent with good service. This phase of the work is of such magnitude as to demand special consideration. Our system of sanitariums should have careful organization for closer cooperation and more uniform administration. Some effort should be made to secure uniformity in rates, service, remuneration of workers, etc. Possibly central purchasing agencies can be established to mutual advantage. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.11
These questions and many others offer a wide field of usefulness to our medical department. It should be one of the most useful departments of our administrative work. May God grant it shall fill its place. GCB May 21, 1913, page 76.12
L. A. HANSEN, Assistant Secretary.
At the close of the report Elder Loughborough made the following remarks: “I was very much interested this morning in the report of the Medical Department. I saw this health work start. They put me in as president of the first sanitarium, and I declare that if the President of the United States did not have more to attend to than I did, he would sleep well nights. We had two doctors, two helpers, and one patient; but before two weeks had passed, we had our institution full, and had to get room for helpers outside. One of the first men who came as a patient was Brother G. H. Bell. He soon accepted the truth, and later led out in our educational work.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.1
A. G. Daniells: These interests suggested by the report will be taken up in due time, brought under the consideration of our physicians who are here, and of the Committee on Plans, and brought before the delegation. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.2
NORTH AMERICAN NEGRO DEPARTMENT
We must now pass to another department, the North American Negro Department, A. J. Haysmer, secretary. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.3
A. J. Haysmer then presented his report of the North American Negro Department, as follows:— GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.4
For this assembly to get a clear understanding of the work of this department, I shall first endeavor, in the few moments allotted me, to compare the conditions of the colored race fifty years ago, the time when they were liberated from the galling yoke of slavery, with what they are today. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.5
On the first day of January, 1863, President Lincoln issued one of the most important documents of modern times, the Emancipation Proclamation. Thus, after an existence of 244 years, the institution of African slavery in the United States was swept away. That was fifty years ago. The progress that these freedmen have made is remarkable. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.6
Population
In 1863 there were 4,500,000 colored people in the United States. There are now 10,000,000. This is a population of 3,000,000 more than the population of Belgium. It is greater than that of Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, and one ninth of the total population of the United States. It is equal to the white population of the States of California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, Alaska, and the Hawaiian Islands. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.7
Over 7,500,000 of these are in the Southern, Southeastern, and Southwestern Union Conferences. The colored population in some of the union conferences is as follows: Southern, 3,208,664; Southeastern, 3,177,055; Columbia, 1,488,256; Southwestern, 1,270,523; Central, 230,500; Lake, 160,939; Atlantic, 158,327. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.8
You will notice that the colored population alone, in each of the Southern and Southeastern Unions, is more than the entire population of the Pacific Union, and that the Columbia and Southwestern Unions each have about the same as the entire population of the West Canadian Union. We have more colored people in this country than the entire population of either the Australasian or South African Union. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.9
Occupation
Fifty years ago practically all the colored people in the South had but one occupation,—tilling the soil. There were no physicians, surgeons, pharmacists, graduate nurses, lawyers, teachers, dentists, architects, electricians, photographers, wholesale merchants, insurance agents, editors, undertakers, real estate dealers; no owners of mines, cotton-mills, dry-goods stores, newspapers, publishing houses, etc. At the present time there are more than 300,000 working at trades and other occupations requiring skill. There are more than 2,400 physicians, 20,000 graduate nurses, 21,000 teachers, 15,000 clergymen, 14,000 masons, 24,000 dressmakers, 10,000 engineers and firemen, 10,000 blacksmiths, 21,000 carpenters, and they edit 400 newspapers and periodicals. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.10
PHOTO-OAKWOOD SCHOOL, HUNTSVILLE.
A few years ago it was unlawful for a colored person to hold any United States government position. At present there are 22,400 employed, of which 3,950 are in the different branches of the postal service. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.11
Over 1,000 patents have been granted them, such as telephone registers; hydraulic scrubbing-brush, motor for running machinery, aeroplanes, automatic car switch, automatic feed attachment for adding machines, and many other useful articles. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.12
Property
Fifty years ago the colored people in the South were without lands, money, stock, or homes. Today they not only have money in the bank, but own 20,000,000 acres of land, which if placed in a body would be about 31,000 square miles, or equal to the combined area of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. They cultivate 890,140 farms, or 100,000,000 acres, and own domestic animals to the value of $177,273,975; poultry, $5,113,756; implements and machinery, $36,861,418 land and buildings, $273,501,665. They now own 300 drug stores, and more than 20,000 grocery and other stores, 400 newspapers and periodicals, 100 insurance companies, 64 banks capitalized at $1,600,000, and do an annual business of $20,000,000. Their total wealth is over $700,000,000. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.13
Education
Fifty years ago the education of the colored people in this country had just begun; 95 per cent could neither read nor write. However, a great change has taken place. In 1900 the illiteracy had been reduced to 44.5 per cent. There were only four States, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Louisiana, with an illiteracy of over 50 per cent. In 1910, only one State, Louisiana, with 48.2, remained above 40 per cent, and the average for the United States had been reduced to 30.4 per cent, a decrease of 14 per cent in the last ten years. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.14
There are now 50 colleges, 13 institutions for the higher education of women, 26 theological schools and departments, 3 schools of law, 5 of medicine, 4 of pharmacy, 17 State agricultural and normal colleges, and more than 400 normal and industrial schools. The value of school property is now estimated at $17,000,000. In 1912 over $4,400,000 were expended for higher and industrial training, and $8,600,000 in their public schools. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.15
They have taken a deep interest in the education of their own children. From 1866-70 they raised $700,000 for school buildings and the support of teachers. They are now raising annually $1,000,000 for educational purposes, and they own $17,000,000 worth of school buildings. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.16
Although there has been great progress, the equipment and facilities in their schools are, on a whole, far below those in white schools. The majority of the rural schools in the South are still without adequate buildings, and the average length of terms is from three to five months. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.17
The colored people constitute about 11 per cent of the total population of the United States. A little less than 2 per cent of the $7,000,000,000 expended for education annually, is spent upon them. Of more than $600,000,000 spent for public schools, the colored people receive about 15 per cent. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.18
National Organizations
Fifty years ago there were no national organizations among the colored people. There are now, for their educational advancement, the American Negro Academy, National Association of Teachers in Colored Schools, and the Negro National Educational Congress. GCB May 21, 1913, page 77.19
For their economic advancement, they have the National Negro Business League, the National Bankers’ Association, and the National Association of Funeral Directors. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.1
For their professional advancement there are the National Medical Association, the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses, the National Bar Association, the National Negro Press Association, and the National Association of Colored Music and Art Clubs. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.2
PHOTO-HUNSTVILLE (ALABAMA) SANITARIUM.
In the interest of colored women there are the National Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.3
Religion
Fifty years ago colored religious denominations were just beginning to be organized in the South. In a few places, as Savannah and Augusta, Ga., they owned plain church buildings. In most cases they met for worship in very rude places, which were often nothing more than bush arbors. After they were freed, they put forth a great effort to replace these by more substantial and respectable ones. No other people, to my knowledge, have given a larger percentage of their earnings for religious work. Eight per cent of their total wealth, about $57,000,000, is in church property. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.4
For some time after their freedom it was difficult for the colored ministers to obtain the training they so much needed, as there were no training-schools in the South. Some went to the Lutheran Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa.; some to Oberlin, Ohio; and some to the Oneida Institute in New York. Now there are scattered throughout the South 26 theological schools and departments for the training of colored ministers. In the early days of their freedom about all that was required of the minister was that he should have good lung power and be able to arouse a great excitement. Now there is a growing demand everywhere for a trained ministry. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.5
A missionary spirit has characterized the colored people ever since their freedom. Nearly all the denominations maintain home and foreign missions. They are contributing annually more than $100,000 for home and $50,000 for foreign missions. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.6
In the Sunday-schools, which began to be organized about 1863, they had to be taught to read, so these schools were not much different from day-schools. Now there are about 35,000 quite well-organized Sunday-schools, with over 1,750,000 pupils. They have their own literature and song-books written by colored people. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.7
There are four large publishing houses, which devote all their output to supplying the demand for colored church literature. The National Baptist Publishing House, located at Nashville, Tenn., is one of the largest business concerns established by colored people. It is valued at $350,000, and employs about one hundred fifty people and has a payroll of $200,000. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.8
There is no question, in my mind, but that the Lord interposed, and freedom was granted the colored people at the time it was, so they might be in a condition to accept this gospel message. However, it was a long time before we, as a people, began to realize the responsibility that rested upon us. Many years passed before any effort was put forth for them. For years the Lord kept sending us message after message through the spirit of prophecy, urging us to enter and work this field. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.9
PHOTO-NURSES’ CLASS, HUNSTSVILLE SANITARIUM.
Elder J. E. White, having a burden to do something for this people, went to Mississippi with a few workers. While the prejudice and trials were great, they toiled on, and thus a beginning was made, under the name of the Southern Missionary Society. Mission schools were started, and much good was accomplished. Later the work was placed, for a time, under the council of the Southern Union Conference, and the work extended to other States. The Lord blessed the self-sacrificing efforts of those who labored for the education and evangelization of the colored people during those years. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.10
In 1894 there were only about fifty colored Seventh-day Adventists in this country. As the result of the earnest efforts for the next fifteen years, or until 1909, the number was augmented to about 900. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.11
As the great work of getting the message before them was carefully considered by the leading workers in the South, it was the general opinion that, in order for the work to be carried on as it should be, it ought to become a part of the regular organized work of the General Conference. Accordingly, at the session held in Washington, D. C., in 1909 the work for the colored people in this country was organized into the North American Negro Department. The work formerly carried on by the Southern Missionary Society was taken over. Elder J. W. Christian was elected department secretary. However, it was some months before he could arrange his other duties so that he could take up the work; then he remained in the South only a short time, as the climate did not agree his health. Upon his resignation, in the latter part of the year, I was asked to take the work. The work really suffered during the delay, as those who had been conducting it laid off their responsibility when the department was organized. GCB May 21, 1913, page 78.12
My first work was to study the field and its needs. The more I became acquainted with the situation, the more I realized the greatness of the work that the department had taken upon itself. Only a few sections of the great South had been touched, and the 3,500,000 in the Northern cities were as yet unwarned. Some of the first great needs that confronted us were the scarcity of efficient workers and lack of means and facilities. We found a scarcity of tents or anything to work with. Many of the workers, and especially the mission-school teachers, had entered the field before receiving sufficient training. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.1
We felt that the matter of better equipping our training-school at Huntsville, Ala., should receive immediate attention. We visited some of the Northern camp-meetings and raised money to erect some new and much-needed buildings and put in other improvements, also to put in more industries, so we could better train the students and furnish work for those who could not otherwise attend. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.2
The Lord has blessed these efforts, and today, while there are many more things we should have to make the school what it should be, as it is the only training-school for the United States and the West Indian Union Conference, we are prepared to do good work and accommodate about one hundred students. The attendance this year has reached over ninety, the largest in the history of the school. These are principally from the Southern States and the West Indian Union. We have graduates this year in the ministerial, normal, business, and nursing courses,—fourteen in all. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.3
It has been necessary to close some of the mission schools that were accomplishing the least, and encourage the teachers to attend the Oakwood school, and get a preparation to do better work. As far as possible Bible workers have been put in the cities to carry on the work started by the mission schools. While there have been many perplexing problems to meet in the development of the organization, we believe the Lord has been guiding, and while there are many chances for improvement, we believe that the work is in the best condition it has ever been. With few exceptions, the colored people are pleased with the organization, and have settled down to do hard, active work. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.4
The Lord has blessed the efforts put forth to place workers in different States and localities where the work has never been started, and many persons are now rejoicing in the truth. The evangelical efforts in tents, halls, etc., have been especially blessed. Tent efforts have been held in nearly every State where there are large numbers of colored people. As the result, several good, substantial companies have been raised up and others strengthened. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.5
The membership has more than doubled in the last four years. The Southern Union has 588 Sabbath-keepers; the Southeastern, 794; Southwestern, 205; Columbia, 275; Atlantic, 219; Lake, 131; Central, 111; and scattered, 91; making the total number of Sabbath-keepers 2,414. We have 24 ordained ministers, 11 licentiates, 29 teachers, 55 canvassers, and 23 other workers. The offerings for 1912 amounted to $3,702.50, and the tithe was $16,323.02. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.6
Our Needs
With one ninth of the population of this country neglected for many years, and now only touched with the tips of our fingers, there is surely a great work to do before we have accomplished what the Lord expects of us. Our needs are the same as any mission field,—good workers, and means to support them. We need more consecrated ministers, Bible workers, and mission-school teachers, as there should be many more mission schools scattered through the rural districts where they do not have educational advantages. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.7
PHOTO-THE ENTRANCE TO THE CAMP AT TAKOMA PARK
We need more industries at the Oakwood Training-school. We need tents, and assistance in the erection of church buildings in some of our large cities. Our brethren are sacrificing and doing what they can, but they must have help. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.8
Conclusion
We feel that the Lord is making bare his arm to do a mighty work in the South land. Much work remains to be done. The Lord has told us that special efforts should be made in the large cities. “The great work before us all, as Christians, is to extend Christ’s kingdom as rapidly as possible, in accordance with the divine commission.” “Thousands of colored people in the South may now be uplifted, and become human agents to help their own race, if they can receive the help God is calling upon us to give them.” A. J. HAYSMER, Secretary. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.9
A. G. Daniells: This is the first report we have had rendered for this department. It was organized, you remember, four years ago, and the sails are up, they are stiffened, and the Lord is blessing this part of the work. At another time we shall give our colored brethren who are leading out in different parts of the United States, an opportunity to tell us some of their experiences and their successes in their difficult labors. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.10
THE PRESS BUREAU
Now we have another new department. It was not organized four years ago. It is not in the fullest sense a department, but it is a specific line of work being carried forward. The secretary of the Press Bureau, Brother Walter L. Burgan, will report. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.11
W. L. Burgan (reading):— GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.12
Report of First Year’s Work
The Press Bureau is the most recent department in the General Conference, having been started Jan. 1, 1912. I was called from Baltimore, where I had spent several years in active newspaper work, to lead out in a campaign for the securing of wider publicity of our doctrines and the progress of the denomination in various ways through the secular press of this and other countries. I am very glad to report that the efforts thus far put forth along this line have met with success. No more important year could have been chosen in which to begin such a campaign. It was what is known as presidential year, and the newspapers in this country devoted considerable space each day to political happenings. But we see from what has been accomplished by different brethren who wrote for the press, that the political conditions did not prevent the publication of numerous good write-ups on different subjects. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.13
Starting with the biennial meeting of the Atlantic Union Conference, which was held in Brooklyn, N. Y., the early part of January, your secretary visited similar sessions held by the Central and Northern Union Conferences in College View, Nebr.; the Southwestern Union Conference in Keene, Tex.; the Pacific Union Conference in Los Angeles, Cal.; the Columbia Union Conference in Pittsburgh, Pa.; and the Lake Union Conference in Battle Creek, Mich. Another brother who had become proficient in writing for the newspapers was sent on a similar mission to the meetings of the Southeastern Union Conference in Graysville, Tenn., and the Southern Union Conference in Nashville. At all these places the editors of the newspapers received us courteously and allotted considerable space for daily reports of the meetings. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.14
It was proved in Brooklyn, Los Angeles, and Pittsburgh that newspapers in the very large cities will publish articles from us just as willingly as will editors in smaller places. It is interesting to state that notwithstanding the fact that the newspapers in Pittsburgh were devoting pages each day for the best part of the time during the Columbia Union meeting to the relation of incidents connected with the sinking of the “Titanic,” yet we secured notices each day through one paper or another. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.15
Not only were reports of these various conventions furnished the newspapers, but instruction on reporting was given to the delegates and others in attendance. The brethren and sisters at each of these meetings responded very enthusiastically as the plan of writing for the secular press and the possibility or reaching the multitudes in this way were unfolded to them, with the result that workers in various States are now using the newspapers for the advancement of gospel truth. GCB May 21, 1913, page 79.16
No visit was made to the North Pacific Union Conference, as it was held before the Press Bureau was opened; but the majority of workers in that union have been supplied with sets of instructions, and reports from various parts of that territory state that the newspapers are being utilized. Between fifteen hundred and two thousand sets of lessons on writing for the press have been distributed in this and other countries. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.1
It is not an exaggeration to say that several million persons have had the opportunity to read of what Seventh-day Adventists are doing. An active campaign has been carried on from the General Conference Office, with workers in every State in the union cooperating. A study of the clipping book, which has become a valuable part of the Press Bureau, and which is now on exhibition in the Press Bureau headquarters, shows that articles dealing with our work have been printed in every one of the forty-eight States. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.2
During the past fall and winter we took advantage of the many opportunities offered to send out articles on various subjects. Among the subjects that furnished articles for wide publicity in this country were the statistical report of the entire denomination, the Eastern Question, several reports from the Sabbath School Department, the purchase of the famous mountain peak, Spion Kop, in South Africa, which is now operated as a mission farm, the proposed Sunday law for the District of Columbia, a twenty-five-hundred-word letter from Brother R. S. Greaves which dealt with religious conditions in Turkey and Greece, an article on Capital and Labor, and several others. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.3
Our greatest effort was in connection with the proposed Sunday law for the District of Columbia. An article in which were incorporated the full text of the resolutions against Sunday legislation, and the reasons why Adventists opposed such legislation, was sent out to about two thousand elders, along with copies of the remonstrance which the Religious Liberty Department asked the churches to pass and forward to Congress. The elders in these many places were requested to hand these reports to the editors of their home papers for publication. Responses show that this article was published in thirty-three States. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.4
Two articles on the Eastern Question were sent out while the war between Turkey and the Balkan States was at its height, and editors gladly published them. Brethren in different places also wrote on this subject, and the doctrines held by our people concerning the fall of the Turkish Empire as viewed from the light of prophecy, were given extensive publicity. Copies of the letter sent by Brother Greaves about Turkey and Greece were published in fifteen or twenty States. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.5
I am glad to say that our leaders in different parts of the United States and Canada are realizing more and more each day the importance of using the secular press in connection with this movement. Four of the union conferences—the Atlantic Union, the Pacific, the Southern, and Southeastern—and one State conference, Ohio, are conducting press efforts in a systematic way, brethren having been appointed to look after this feature, and also to encourage others to write for this medium. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.6
Many of the camp-meetings held in the United States last year were advertised. Announcements of the majority of the meetings held were sent out from the General Conference Bureau, and brethren in the different conferences furnished reports to the newspapers where these meetings were held. Eight camp-meetings were visited by your secretary, and reports furnished to the local newspapers, and also to papers in various parts of the States interested. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.7
Workers in the Southeastern Union Conference have been active in their efforts to give the denomination publicity in their territory. During the last camp-meeting season announcements about a column and a half in length were sent out to every paper in the different States in the Union, a great number of which published the notices in full. The daily papers which could be reached by mail from each camp-ground were supplied with reports. There has been unfailing courtesy on the part of editors in the treatment accorded to those bringing in the reports. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.8
During the city effort held by the union conference evangelist in Jacksonville, Fla., every subject presented was given at least a column and a quarter of space in the Times-Union, some of them receiving more than two columns. Hundreds of people throughout the city and State became interested in the truths preached as the result of reading these articles, and many of them wrote for further instruction and tracts. This publicity also resulted in advertising the meetings so well that large crowds were always in attendance at them. As to the results attained through these efforts, one brother in that union says: “It is safe to say that tens of thousands of people in this territory have had their attention called to the truths of the third angel’s message in this way during the past year who might not have been reached in any other way for years to come. The ministers, officials, and brethren of this union are enthusiastically in favor of the newspaper work.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.9
Elder Allen Moon, president of the Lake Union Conference, in a recent letter had this to say about using newspapers: “Knowing your interest in the use of the public press in calling attention to revealed truth and the principles of righteousness, I will forward a few facts which seem to bear testimony in favor of making use of this means in reaching the sincere seeker after truth. In our little city (South Bend, Ind., which has a population of about fifty-three thousand) we have two daily papers. Both of these have, during the past winter, published articles treating on the peculiar views held by Seventh-day Adventists, notably an article on the Eastern Question, showing the unfolding of the prophecies of Daniel 2 in the events transpiring in the land of the Turk. It was stated that this prophecy contained an outline in advance of history now being made by the events of the Balkan war. The article was printed in full, and attention called to it in the editorial. The result of the publication of the various articles in these two dailies has been to bring our people into prominence, and to set in motion a train of inquiry regarding other points of faith. The editor of one of the papers regarded these questions of such importance and interest to his readers that he looked up some Adventist people, and by telephone asked for further articles on special subjects. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.10
“We intend to continue to use the press judiciously as the spirit of inquiry grows in this community. Some have become convinced of the truth of the Adventists’ position during the past few months, and have identified themselves with this people. Others will, no doubt, do so. The use of the public press is by no means a small factor in aiding in the dissemination of light and truth.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.11
Says a brother in the Southwestern Union Conference: “I have met with a great willingness on the part of editors of secular papers to publish articles from me. While assisting in a meeting at Las Vegas, N. M., I made arrangements to have an article run through a certain paper there each day. One morning I failed to get my report out in time, and did not go to the paper office until the next morning. When I handed in the article to the editor for that day’s paper, he said: ‘We missed your article yesterday. We held the space as long as we could, and then filled it with something else. We appreciate your articles, for they are good and to the point.’” This brother further says: “We have a young lady in our city who was led to one of our churches through reading an article in her home newspaper of our last biennial meeting held in Keene, Tex. She accepted the truth, and is now a Bible worker for the Oklahoma Conference. Only a short while ago I had the pleasure of seeing her bring four of her readers to the church for baptism, and the four followed their Lord in this step the same afternoon.” The writer of this encouraging letter concludes: “I am sure that this is the way to get the truth before the people, many of whom would not read it from a book or the Bible.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.12
A brother in Ohio says: “I know that wherever proper means have been used, and the necessary efforts expended in getting published in the daily press important facts dealing with our message, splendid results have been obtained. I find our brethren in different churches throughout this conference quite enthusiastic over placing articles about our work in the hands of editors. It would be impossible to determine the amount of good these newspaper accounts have done. Many, many thousands of persons have read in newspapers good reports of sermons which our ministers preached the night before. Who can tell how many souls have had their attention called to the message, and who will later take their stand with the Lord’s people? By all means press the press work.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.13
Considerable is being done toward enlightening the people on the Pacific Coast. Brethren J. R. Ferren and J. F. Blunt, of the Pacific Union Conference and Brother Frank Coffin, of the California Conference, have met with excellent success in their efforts to have articles printed. Brother Ferren has written for papers in various parts of the union, Brother Blunt has sent out letters on religious liberty, and Brother Coffin has centered his efforts on supplying news to the papers in San Francisco and Oakland. Before going to Oakland, Brother Coffin had numerous articles published in the Portland, Oregon, papers, where he was employed as a reporter for one of the large dailies. GCB May 21, 1913, page 80.14
“The attendance at our meetings is better when I report the sermons in the newspapers,” says a brother in California. “While it is too early yet to give special incidents of people brought to the meetings through reading the newspapers and afterward brought into the truth, we believe there will be some such as a result of the work done here. Not less than a dozen articles have appeared during the last two months, some of them telling of Sunday night meetings at the Oakland church, one telling of the Mountain View Bookmen’s Convention, one speaking of the dedication of our Berkeley church, and others giving the truth as held by us regarding religious liberty. If I could put a tract on religious liberty into the hands of every man and woman in San Francisco and Oakland, I would feel that a good work had been done. If I could be assured they would all read it, I would think a better work had been done. Why is not a tract just as good after it is set up in newspaper type and printed with a good big head on the front page or elsewhere in a metropolitan paper? I believe it is better, and will be read more quickly. We in California are using this medium, and intend to use it more and more as there is opportunity.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 81.1
PHOTO-At a meeting in Hungary
A brother in Delaware, in writing on the power of the press, says: “I found that good timely articles, such as the Eastern Question during the Balkan war, not only drew people to the meetings, but also led them to where they finally accepted the truth. Only recently I visited a fine young man who is keeping the Sabbath and desires to be baptized at our next baptism, as a result of this work.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 81.2
Many others have written in an encouraging way on the success they have had with the newspapers. Brethren in various places are contributing series of articles on civil and ecclesiastical government, and many other points of interest. Others have given accounts of debates, and other meetings in their churches and other places. A number have been resorting to the advertising columns of aid them in attracting attention to their meetings. Not only are these advertisements worth while to attract people to the meetings, but they also give the workers a better chance of getting notices printed in the news column. When a paper is given a small sum for the advertisement that a minister wants printed, he can secure a very liberal amount of space in which to print his doctrines, and this space is many times more valuable than the price paid for such advertisements. In other words, it is not a bad idea to give a small advertisement if it will guarantee considerable space for reading-matter. GCB May 21, 1913, page 81.3
Not only is the secular press being used in this country, but brethren in foreign lands are also writing for it. Brethren in various parts of India are using this medium, and one brother writing from Calcutta tells of how a newspaper in that city published a large account from our brethren concerning the war in Turkey. He says: “On the streets of Calcutta one evening recently newsboys were conspicuously holding up their bills, on which were the following words: ‘Armageddon, Seventh-day Adventists, and the Balkan Crisis.’ Curious to know what this meant, I bought a copy of the paper, and learned that it was the result of an interview with Elders Pettit and Comer by a newspaper reporter.” He further said: “Is not this another evidence that God will do a quick work in the earth? He is surely giving the people of this great city an opportunity to know present truth.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 81.4
Brother W. A. Sweany, who is stationed in the Bahamas, but is at present attending this Conference, is a believer in the use of the papers. In a recent communication he says: “It may be of interest for me to say that one of our daily papers here is very friendly, and prints everything I offer it, and when I do not write anything it prints whole articles from certain of our magazines. In fact, frequent issues of the paper contain something from different ones of our periodicals. All this has been a great service to us, and we greatly appreciate it.” GCB May 21, 1913, page 81.5
Brethren in South Africa are also using this medium for the spread of the message, as are our workers in Europe. GCB May 21, 1913, page 81.6
Notwithstanding all the success here referred to a number of our brethren have met with set-backs in their efforts to secure recognition from the newspapers. I hope these will not lose courage, as I believe that by persistent efforts a way will eventually be opened for the publication of articles in papers that are now opposed to us. Although we have had remarkable success, much more ought to be done along this line. I believe that opportunities for using the press will become more frequent as time draws to a close, and that the Lord will bless our efforts to give this precious message of salvation to the world through this, the most powerful medium we have at our command. GCB May 21, 1913, page 81.7
W. L. BURGAN, Secretary.
At the close of his report, Brother Burgan showed the Conference an immense scrap-book, containing thousands of clippings from the newspapers, reporting features of our work. He stated that already reports had come in from thirty-three States in which newspapers had given notices of this Conference session. At this point Conference adjourned. GCB May 21, 1913, page 81.8
A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman;
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.