General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7
THIRTY-THIRD MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
June 5, 2:30 P. M.
A. G. DANIELLS in the chair. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.4
D. E. Lindsey offered prayer. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.5
A. G. Daniells: We will call for standing committees to report. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.6
Report on Credentials and Licenses
The committee on credentials and licenses submitted the following report:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.7
We recommend,— GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.8
1. That we authorize the advisory committees of General Conference mission fields, where such committees are appointed, to issue annually ministerial and missionary licenses to such locally appointed workers as, in the judgment of the advisory committee, should receive licenses. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.9
2. That ministerial credentials be granted to the following-named persons:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.10
J. N. Anderson, J. B. Beckner, Geo. I. Butler, A. G. Daniells, S. N. Haskell, M. E. Kern, W. T. Knox, C. C. Lewis, J. N. Loughborough, O. A. Olsen, H. R. Salisbury, W. A. Spicer, N. Z. Town, Mrs. E. G. White, W. C. White, C. D. M. Williams. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.11
3. That ministerial licenses be granted to the following-named persons:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.12
T. E. Bowen, C. C. Crisler, L. A. Hansen, Mrs. H. H. Haskell, Dr. W. A. Ruble. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.13
4. That missionary licenses be granted to the following-named persons:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.14
J. J. Ireland, Sara MacEnterfer, Mrs. L. Flora Plummer, H. E. Rogers. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.15
5. That papers be issued to workers in Mexico as follows:— GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.16
Ministerial credentials: G. W. Caviness, Silas Davis. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.17
Ministerial licenses: J. Robles, S. Marchisio, E. W. Thurber, E. R. Johnson, J. A. P. Green, D. D. Fitch. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.18
Missionary licenses: Dr. W. S. Swayze, C. P. Martin, H. E. Meyer, Mrs. G. W. Caviness, Grace White, E. Virginia Martin, Mrs. Marie Green, Mrs. Alice M. Swayze, M. D., Miss Lillie Prince, Mrs. Silas Davis, Miss Irma Lewis, Mrs. H. E. Meyer, Mrs. D. D. Fitch. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.19
6. That missionary license be issued to Robert McKeague and Mrs. Robert McKeague, of the Hawaiian Mission. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.20
7. That all other cases for the issuing of credentials or licenses be referred to the General Conference Committee for action. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.21
On motion to adopt, question was called on each of the foregoing names, and the report as a whole adopted. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.22
A. G. Daniells: We shall have time to call for a few further field reports while waiting for the North American Division Conference to bring on its business. We shall hear from the Bermuda Islands. Brother Doe, the delegate from that mission, has been compelled to return. His report will be read by Brother L. O. Machlan, who has been teaching the Bermuda school the last year. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.23
L. O. Machlan (reading):— GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.24
BERMUDA
Bermuda is a group of islands, mostly small and uninhabited, with the exception of the largest. The population does not exceed twenty thousand. This group is generally known and spoken of as Bermuda. Hamilton is the most important part of the group. It is situated on a fine landlocked harbor, which is approached by one navigable passage only. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.25
Situated as it is about half way between the tropics on the south and the land of snow and frost on the north, Bermuda is semi-tropical. The Gulf Stream, which flows between the islands and the north winds, considerably softens the effect of these winds, so that the thermometer rarely registers below fifty degrees in the winter, or exceeds eighty-six degrees in the shade in the summer. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.26
PHOTO-Mount of Olives
While farming is largely the principal means of livelihood, the tourist trade is becoming a very important factor, and is fostered to a large extent, twenty-five to twenty-eight thousand tourists coming to the islands each year. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.27
Bermuda is about six hundred twenty-five miles distant from the mainland; yet it is closely connected with New York by two steamship lines. There is also a fortnightly service with Halifax, Nova Scotia. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.28
How the Truth Came to Bermuda
In December, 1892, Brother Marshall Enoch and wife landed in these islands. At that time there was not a single native Sabbath-keeper. About the same time, Brethren Frank and Marcus Pogue arrived, and canvassed for “Bible Readings.” They disposed of about five hundred copies. These two brethren remained about four months. March 16, 1901, Elder A. W. Barlett arrived, and organized a church of nine members. In the year 1903, Elder J. A. Morrow and wife came to rest from their work in the tropics, and to regain their health. They remained six years. Through their faithful efforts, quite a number accepted the message. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.29
Our church records show a membership of sixty-two. Of this number some have apostatized, some have died, and others have transferred their membership to other churches, so that our present membership in good standing is forty-two. There are quite a number who regularly attend our Sabbath services who are not baptized members of the church. As our congregation is scattered over a territory of about eighteen miles, all cannot attend every service which is held at Hamilton, the capital, but most of those who cannot attend, meet together on the Sabbath. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.30
Before Elder Morrow and wife left Bermuda, they started a church-school. In the fall of 1909, the mission board sent Sister Mae G. Cole to take the school, but, on account of ill health, she was forced to return home, after a few months of faithful service. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.31
Brother Roland Loasby arrived in the midsummer of 1910, bringing with him the spirit and fervor which characterize our missionaries. We can truly say that our brother’s services, both as teacher of our church-school, and also main leader of church services, were deeply appreciated; in fact, his presence and influence were an inspiration to the church in the study of Bible doctrine—which for some time had been neglected. This brother remained until the summer of 1912, when Brother L. O. Machlan was sent. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.32
Good work has been accomplished by Brother Machlan, and excellent progress has been made by the pupils. This brother also assisted Brother Enoch in conducting the church services. GCB June 6, 1913, page 297.33
Church Building
Just outside of Hamilton we have a church building of concrete blocks, which will seat about one hundred fifty people. This has been put up at a cost of about two thousand two hundred dollars, which has all been paid, except $350, and this would have been paid ere this, no doubt, if the crops had not failed the past few years. We are still praying that the Lord will help us lift this indebtedness the present year, so that we can put the finishing touches to the building. At the back of the church a school addition twenty feet square has been erected at a cost of about two hundred forty dollars; but this is practically paid for, for which we thank the Lord. We were obliged to build this room, as rents are high in Bermuda, and we also desired to have a suitable place for our church-school. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.1
Financial Statement
Though Bermuda is not yet recognized as an organized mission field, yet the following statistics show that it is self-supporting: Tithe for 1912 and for four months of 1913, $1,201.85; Sabbath-school donations, $179.20; total, $1,381.05. Salaries paid to teachers, $667.04; balance sent to Mission Board and on hand, $714.01. These statistics are a source of encouragement, when we consider that some of our members are so poor that their tithe amounts to but little. The figures mentioned do not include church expenses. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.2
PHOTO-Hamilton Harbor, Bermuda
Another thing which might be mentioned is that the money which has been paid for tuition the past two years, had to be used to help pay for the new school-room to which I have already alluded. Another year this tuition money, which for the past two years has amounted to about one hundred twenty dollars, would be a help in paying the expenses of the teacher. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.3
As a Field for Work
There is no doubt but this colony would be regarded as a difficult field, because nearly every person belongs to some church or congregation. The Church of England claims about two thirds of the population. The other third is divided between the Methodists, Wesleyans, Presbyterians, Catholics, and there are a few belonging to the Plymouth Brethren and also a few Christian Scientists. Besides, the people are closely associated by means of secret societies. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.4
Considerable reading-matter has been circulated. We have been fortunate to have articles published in one of the newspapers for several years, and this has been appreciated by us as a real help at times when our interests have been imperiled. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.5
It would prove a great blessing to the cause, we believe, if a young man and his wife, with the proper qualifications, could go there, and be at least partly self-supporting. They should have had some experience in canvassing, and in laboring in different ways with the people. They should be able to teach our church-school, to conduct the church work, and be adapted to meet the thousands of tourists who come here for a shorter or a longer length of time. For such help we earnestly pray. And we plead with our General Conference to still continue to do as they have done in the past, and obtain the help suitable for this important and needy field. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.6
T. McKAY DOE.
A. G. Daniells: We shall ask Elder C. D. M. Williams to report for the Hawaiian Islands. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.7
C. D. M. Williams (reading):— GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.8
HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
I bring greetings from the Sabbath-keepers of the Hawaiian Islands, who have been gathered from eleven nationalities, and when speaking in their native tongue would address the throne of grace in ten languages. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.9
We are glad that the prophet has said that the redeemed shall be gathered from “every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation.” Another prophet has spoken that sad yet encouraging sentence with reference to the islands of the sea. “The isles shall wait for his law.” Does this indicate that we shall become so interested in the mainland and the great nations of the earth, that we will neglect to carry the gospel message to the islands of the sea? While the message of salvation is being proclaimed to the remotest bounds of the earth, shall the islands sit in darkness, waiting for his law? In our desire to reach the great countries of the earth, with their teeming millions, are we liable to pass by the islands as of little consequence? GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.10
Far out over the waters of the Pacific, lie the Hawaiian Islands, with their two hundred thousand inhabitants, many of whom have never heard the glad message of the soon coming of the Saviour. During the past eight years, we have been there trying to establish a base in Honolulu as a center for our work from which we could reach out to the other islands. This has now been accomplished, and we have a little chapel and home for our work. Around this has been gathered a little constituency which is true as steel. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.11
This company has gradually developed from a burden, which no conference cared to assume, to one that, had we not been compelled to incur the traveling expense of laborers from the coast, would have been more than self-supporting. Never have I been connected with a church which had such a large percentage of tithe payers. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.12
A little incident which occurred in our work may be of interest to you, and some mainland church may be induced to follow our example. We had a Sabbath-school entertainment, and one part of the exercises was, of course, to take up an offering while the children were singing a song. Some one suggested that we sing, “Hear the pennies dropping,” but immediately they objected to that, because they said we never drop pennies. We drop nickles. So we were compelled to change the song to, “Hear the nickles dropping.” GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.13
Now, as the Macedonian cry is sounding throughout the broad harvest-field of the earth, and the islands are waiting for His law, I would suggest that each of you go home and change that song. Let us never again, in America, sing the song, “Hear the pennies dropping,” but let us sing, “Hear the nickels, dimes, and dollars dropping, dropping in the treasury of the Lord.” We can sing that song down in Honolulu; for it is an actual experience that we have in our Sabbath-school. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.14
The work in the Hawaiian Islands differs from that in most other places. We have one of the most cosmopolitan populations on the earth, and many of the people are of the uneducated class, who can neither read nor write. The plantations have brought them to the islands as common laborers from the lower classes of society. They come from Southern Europe, Porto Rico, and the Orient. Therefore we are not able to use literature as effectively as you can in the United States, because many of them cannot read their own language, neither can they understand the spoken English. Consequently the only way to give them the message is to speak or read it to them in their own language. To do this will tax the energies of the most expert linguist. In our little company of forty-six members, we can commune with our Heavenly Father in ten languages. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.15
We need men to go there who can command more than the English language. The Hawaiian is somewhat provided for by one of the workers who was born in the islands, but the Portugese, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Filipinos, and others need to have work done for them. GCB June 6, 1913, page 298.16
The great naval base that is being established there will demand thousands of our mainland boys to protect it. Soon there will be added to the five thousand already there, ten thousand more, making fifteen thousand of our boys, away from the influence of the home, and surrounded with every phase of evil. Shall we not do some work for our soldier boys? GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.1
Ship missionary work should receive some attention. The men who go down to the sea in ships must not be wholly neglected. Our islands are known as the cross-roads of the Pacific, where the great steamship lines and sailors from every country of the earth meet in the middle of the ocean. We cannot pass this work by and stand clear in the day of judgment. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.2
A number of Russians have come to the islands, and among them is one dear brother. He and his family are standing alone for the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. I have asked those whom I thought would be able to do so, to send literature to him. If you could have seen him as I saw him when I left him, with the tears streaming down his face, praising God because he had at last met one of the same, faith, although I could speak no Russian and he could understand no English, you would hasten to comfort this dear lonely brother. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.3
During the past year, we have published in the Hawaiian language a small, illustrated, thirty-two-page pamphlet, on the coming of the Lord and the necessary preparation to meet him in peace. This has found a ready sale wherever we have gone, and it has been a great help to the work among the Hawaiian people. It seems that enough of them can be sold to more than pay for the publishing. Other reading-matter in the form of Bible studies should be published in the native language in the near future, and some means devised whereby Russian literature can be procured. The work is now started, so that we have representatives on four of the islands who are paying tithe. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.4
Treatment-rooms have been opened in Honolulu by Brother Bartholomew, and are being patronized by the leading citizens of the city, and it seems that this branch of the third angel’s message has now come to be a help in disseminating the truth. The governor and the would-be governors, under the democratic administration, and some of the judges have availed themselves of the opportunity of taking treatments. One little girl who had never walked, after three months’ treatment was not only able to walk but to walk up a flight of stairs. We hope that in the near future we will be able to start a church-school, so that our children may be brought daily under Christian influence. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.5
Now, considering the separation of the islands, the difficulties of traveling from one to another, and the mixed multitude with which we have to deal, is it too much to ask that one laborer be stationed on each of the four large islands? This being done, each laborer would have two islands to care for And I assure you that not one of them would be able to meet the demands of his field. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.6
Considering the shortness of time, the soon closing of the days of probation, the signs which are daily being fulfilled, showing that we are standing on the verge of the eternal world, shall we let it longer be said, “The isles shall wait for His law”? GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.7
C. D. M. WILLIAMS, Supt.
A. G. Daniells: We will next call upon Brother H. C. J. Walleker, superintendent of the East Caribbean Mission, to report. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.8
H. C. J. Walleker (reading):— GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.9
EAST CARIBBEAN MISSION
At the time of the West Indian Union Conference session, held in Washington, D. C., in 1909, the East Caribbean Conference was divided; the southern part, from St. Lucia down to Barbados, becoming part of the South Caribbean Conference, and the northern part, from St. Thomas down to Martinique, was organized and became known as the East Caribbean Mission. There are about twenty-five islands, with about six hundred thousand inhabitants, in this mission. The four principal languages spoken are English, French, Danish, and Dutch. Since its organization, a goodly number have accepted the message; several churches have been built and dedicated to the Lord’s service, free from debt. There are five organized churches, six companies, and eleven Sabbath-schools, with a membership of nearly three hundred. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.10
PHOTO-A Hawaiian group at dinner
Our annual tithes and offerings have increased from about five hundred dollars to over twelve hundred dollars since the mission was organized. To some this amount may not seem to be very large, but when we consider that many of our brethren work for very small wages in this part of the world, we take courage and thank the Lord for this increase. Much of the tithes and offerings are brought in in very small amounts one, two, and three cents at a time. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.11
At St. Thomas we now have a membership of over seventy, and the church and school building free from debt. The school has been continued, and is still in operation by native teachers. A good, competent, experienced teacher is very much needed to go there and take charge of the school. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.12
At Christiansted, St. Croix, we have built and dedicated a church, and the Lord is greatly blessing the work in that island. We have also held a course of lectures on the west end of this island, and have a nice company of believers, who can soon be organized into a church. Brother John J. Smith is laboring in this island. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.13
At Antigua, where Elder J. H. Matthews is located, and has been laboring for about three years, we have about one hundred believers in this message. Last year we built and dedicated a church in this island. In many of the country villages there is a good interest to hear the truth, and several public efforts have been made. In each place some have been led out to keep all the commandments of God. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.14
The last two years Elder Philip Giddings has been laboring in Guadalupe (a French island, all Catholic), selling our literature and visiting the people. He has walked all over the island, and has had many very interesting experiences. There are now three who are keeping the Sabbath of the Lord in that island. Public efforts should be put forth there at once, and a French worker should go there and connect with Brother Giddings in this work, and, later, one of them should go to Martinique to pioneer the way with our literature. This island has never been touched with this message, and now is an opportune time to enter there. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.15
Last year I visited St. Martin (a Dutch island), where there are a few Sabbath-keepers. Many are anxious to hear what Seventh-day Adventists have to say, and there is a splendid opening to preach the truth in that island. I held one meeting while there, and people came long distances to attend. Half of this island is Dutch and the other half is French. I wish we had a man who could go there and preach the message. He could locate at St. Martin, and then reach out to Anguila and St. Bartholomew, near-by islands. This would be an entirely new field. GCB June 6, 1913, page 299.16
At Saba they have been calling a long time to have some one come and present the truth; but so far we have not been able to send any one. The people there are nearly all white, and they are very kind, and would welcome a worker who would locate among them. I believe that a good work could be done there, and a strong company brought out to obey the Lord. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.1
PHOTO-Harbor of Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands
Last year I went to Anagarda (an English island), and spent a few days. I had a very interesting time. One lady, who at one time had kept the Sabbath, but had given it up, as she was all alone, gave herself anew to God. We prayed with her and studied the Word of God, and she was very much encouraged, and said that by God’s help she would be a light to the people there. We held a meeting there, and the people were glad to hear, and wanted us to remain with them and teach them the truth, but we could only remain a few days, as there are so many other places to look after. Some one should go to that place to follow up the interest, and at the same time labor in the neighboring islands. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.2
On some of the islands we only have a few lonely Sabbath-keepers, and on many of them the truth has not been proclaimed as yet. They are still waiting for God’s law. Each year I have visited the islands where we have Sabbath-keepers at least once, and some of them oftener. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.3
A goodly number of our young people from these islands have come to the States, and have attended our schools and received a training. Some of them are now laboring in this country, and are doing good work. If we could have some of these young people back to labor for their own people, it would be a great help to our work in the West Indies. They are acquainted with the customs and language of the people, and would make efficient laborers. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.4
As each island is a little world of its own, it makes it rather difficult to labor there with such a small force of workers, three ordained ministers and one licentiate. However, we thank the Lord for what has been done, and for his protecting care over us in dangers seen and unseen. Pray for the work in this field. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.5
H. C. J. WALLEKER, Superintendent.
A. G. Daniells: Brother Wm. Steele will give a report for Porto Rico. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.6
Wm. Steele (reading):— GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.7
PORTO RICO
The island of Porto Rico, with its 3,600 square miles of surface, and its 1,250,000 inhabitants is an interesting field. The past fourteen years this island has been directly under American influence. When under Spanish rule, it was kept in ignorance and superstition, but it now enjoys many advantages, public schools having been established in all parts. Religious freedom prevails. The people have not appreciated these blessings to the extent that we might expect, as is shown by the strong anti-American feeling that is growing. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.8
Though the people are very religious, true Christianity is scarcely known. Catholicism is still the predominating religion, but Protestantism has made some gain. A form of Spiritism is now gaining converts by thousands, the educated classes accepting it because it claims to be a science, and the ignorant because of its superstitious practices. We find here, the same as in all countries where Romanism has held sway, a dearth of the knowledge of true Christian living. Instead of the blind faith with which Catholicism held sway over the people, we behold a terrible indifference to things spiritual. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.9
Our work had its beginning soon after American occupation, Elder Fisher and his wife being the first workers. Soon after learning the language, Brother Fisher fell a victim to the grim destroyer; Sister Fisher remained doing Bible work, and soon after was joined by Elder B. E. Connerly and his wife, who began spreading the message by means of a monthly missionary paper, El Centinela, a medium through which much seed was sown. Early in 1909, the publishing work was removed to Panama, and for a time Porto Rico was left without a worker. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.10
After the last General Conference Mrs. Steele and I were invited to take charge of the field. We arrived in Mayaguez in August, 1909, and and immediately began gospel work, trying to repair that which had already been builded. Failing to realize our expectations, the meetings were discontinued, and we began canvassing. The Lord gave great success, so during the past three years we have been engaged mostly in this work. In March, 1910, we were reenforced by two consecrated canvassers, Brethren G. D. Raff and A. U. Cochran. After two months’ study of the language, they entered the field by faith, holding on to the promises, and he who holds all things in his hand and faileth not, went before and prepared the way, crowning their efforts with success. Brother Cochran also assisted with the paper El Centinela, and a subscription list of almost two thousand was secured GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.11
In January, 1912, Brother S. A. Oberg and wife joined us. Soon after, Brethren Raff and Cochran, feeling the need of further preparation in one of our colleges, returned to the States, where they have spent the past year in study at the Foreign Mission Seminary. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.12
Brother Oberg began working with “Coming King” in Santurce, a suburb of San Juan, the capital city. During this time he met some English-speaking people from the neighboring islands, who were interested in learning what is truth. Bible readings were held with them, with the result that several accepted the message. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.13
Several members of the Porto Rican Presbyterian church had, through reading, become interested in the Sabbath question. We began meetings among them, and one sister took a decided stand for the truth. A man and his family have accepted all points of present truth, and we trust he will become an aggressive worker. The incidents above mentioned are conclusive arguments in favor of the circulation of literature. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.14
A church of twenty members has been organized, and several others are preparing for baptism. The enemy is striving, as he always does, to counteract the influence of the truth, but we expect great things from God, and are confident that the truth will win. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.15
The Work in Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo, with its six hundred thousand inhabitants, is also a part of our field. As this little republic is in almost constant revolution, we see the great need of the knowledge of the Prince of peace in their hearts. The people are almost without exception Roman Catholic. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.16
In 1910, Brother Moulton, assisted by two native brethren, began canvassing. These colporteurs were able to circulate hundreds of books. After a little more than a year, Brother Moulton disconnected from the work, but the two brethren have continued, with success. In January of this year they were asked to go to Porto Rico, where they are having good success, covering with “Coming King” the same territory that had already been canvassed with this same book, and selling as many or more than were sold in the first canvass. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.17
Because of the destruction of the printing plant at Panama and the discontinuance of the El Centinela, our paper work received a backset, and the list fell to about eight hundred. In September, 1912, we began the work anew, with the Mexican Senales de los Tiempos, a most excellent paper. The Lord blessed in a wonderful way. In January, 1913, Brother Oberg asked to take the paper work, and the Lord has blessed him abundantly. He has collected on an average of more than one hundred dollars every week that he has worked. Our list has now passed the two thousand mark, and we expect that soon it will reach a circulation of two thousand five hundred. GCB June 6, 1913, page 300.18
We have four physicians of our faith in the island, Dr. E. F. Otis and wife and Dr. J. F. Morse and wife. Though they are not engaged in institutional work for the denomination, they are all beacon lights, and a great help to the work in Porto Rico. GCB June 6, 1913, page 301.1
The total periodical sales for three years amount to $2,477.75; book sales, $6,883.25; total sales, $9,361. The total tithes and offerings for the same time were $2,213.14. Last year our mission was only $31.32 short of being self-supporting. GCB June 6, 1913, page 301.2
The year 1913 began with bright prospects. Our total force of workers is four, two Americans and the two colored boys from Santo Domingo. The Lord has blessed, and the total reported deliveries of books and periodical sales during the first four months has been more than two thousand five hundred; and the tithe equals two thirds of the whole amount received in 1912. GCB June 6, 1913, page 301.3
Formerly, as our members were scattered over the island, all were members of the Porto Rican Mission church, but April 19 the Santurce Seventh-day Adventist Church was organized, with twenty members and a full quota of officers; the total number of Sabbath-keepers being thirty-five. Our watch-word is, “Onward in the name of the Lord.” GCB June 6, 1913, page 301.4
Our Needs
Santo Domingo is at present unoccupied, and is in great need of help at once. This field needs an evangelical worker who will also be able to carry on the canvassing work by precept and example, with a good canvassing missionary to assist him. GCB June 6, 1913, page 301.5
The work in Porto Rico has reached a point where it seems that something should be done to give it the appearance of being permanent. Many are interested in the truths we teach, but they say, “You have no churches here, and if we unite with you, perhaps tomorrow you will be gone, and we shall be left alone.” We are greatly in need of a church building in San Juan, the capital. We already have twenty members there, and many others are interested. The Porto Ricans look much on external things, and as they think we have nothing permanent in the island, they consider us very poor. It therefore seems necessary that something be done in the way of erecting a church building and mission station combined. It would give an impetus to the work that heretofore it has not had. While it seems to be the plan to secure first a large membership, and then build the church, it is evident that in some countries it is not best to wait, or the work will be hindered. We earnestly hope that steps will be taken at this conference to supply this great need. GCB June 6, 1913, page 301.6
We also need at least three who can combine missionary Bible work and nursing to assist in breaking down prejudice and to improve every opportunity to give health and Bible studies. They could do much good, and could be self-supporting from the start. May something substantial be done for this most needy field. WM. STEELE. GCB June 6, 1913, page 301.7
The Conference adjourned.
A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman;
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.