General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7

Conference Proceedings. THIRTY-FIFTH MEETING

W. T. KNOX

June 8, 10 A. M.

W. T. Knox in the chair. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.2

W. J. Fitzgerald offered prayer. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.3

An invitation from the Chicago Chamber of Commerce to hold the next session in Chicago was referred to the executive committee. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.4

Consideration of Resolutions GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.5

The recommendations reported on page 310 of the BULLETIN were taken up. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.6

Question was called on numbers 48, 49, and 50 without discussion. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.7

Resolution 51, relating to the number of colleges, was read. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.8

B. G. Wilkinson: This is a very important recommendation. We have been studying this question for months. It seems to me we ought to take good time and deliberate over this very carefully. This recommendation is different from the one which the committee on adjustment of schools brought in. From the standpoint of the Columbia Union, it has a very serious bearing. In the first place, the Foreign Mission Seminary, to all intents and purposes, has been doing college work. Mount Vernon College is a college. Now, this virtually snatches the territory from the Columbia Union Conference and throws it to the West. It leaves all the East without a college. It provides that a college may come in the future, but, nevertheless, it is not so now. Mr. Chairman, we have a debt of twenty-five thousand dollars on Mount Vernon College—it was thirty-two thousand, but by the help and blessing of the Lord it has been cut down to twenty-five thousand dollars. We went out last year to raise this, and eleven thousand dollars in pledges came in to us on the condition that we raise the whole twenty-five thousand dollars. We have a plan out this year to do it. If this recommendation goes into effect, it at once weakens that plan, and leaves us with a twenty-five thousand dollar debt to face, because the people are giving to it on the basis of a college. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.9

This whole question came up to help our schools, to lessen debts. I think we are going to increase them. We ought to have time to deliberate. I understand there is to be a big educational convention next year, and it seems to me it would be a proper thing to refer this recommendation to the educational department to work out that it be left as it is until then. Now, it would have another effect if passed. At the present time this recommendation will tie the hands to a certain extent of the North American Division. The North American Division is at present deliberating over the institutions here. Nothing as yet has finally been settled upon. They have a committee today to take the thing under consideration. Now, it may be that in the consideration of these institutions, there may be something to affect this resolution, but, passed as it is, it will tie the hands of this division. In any sense, it hampers the unions. Therefore, it seems to me the wisest thing will be to refer recommendation 51 to the Educational Department to work out this question in connection with the unions and the North American Division and the coming educational council. I would move that number 51 be referred to the Educational Department. [Seconded.] GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.10

E. E. Andross: It does not seem to me we ought to refer it to the educational council, for they will have no power whatever to put it into operation. We ought to refer it to some body which has power to execute as well as to plan. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.11

H. R. Salisbury: As Brother Andross has said, it would be better to refer it to a body that has executive power. In our departmental convention next summer we would not have power within ourselves to effect this change. The heads of our colleges met and discussed this very fully, and we brought in a resolution among ourselves very much the same as this. I think there would be but little change in the resolution coming in from us next summer. The only change would be in determining whether this Foreign Mission Seminary would become a college. I do think we could hasten this, however, by referring it to a commission who could report to the North American Division Conference at its next meeting. Otherwise, it will postpone this for two and one-half years before anything is done. I would move as a substitute that this be referred to a commission appointed by the North American Division committee, to investigate more fully, taking counsel with the different unions, and report at the the first meeting of the executive committee of the North American Division Conference. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.12

B. G. Wilkinson: I accept this as the motion. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.13

The motion carried. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.14

Recommendations 52 to 55 were read (page 311), and question called without discussion, the word “young” being eliminated from section “b” of number 52 by common consent. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.15

Action was taken on the whole, and the report adopted. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.16

Further Resolutions GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.17

The committee on plans made a further and final report, which was adopted, after amendment, as follows:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.18

56. We recommend,— GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.19

(a) That in union conferences in which there is located a union conference training-school, the local conference schools do not attempt to carry work above the tenth grade, any exception to the recommendation to be allowed only after obtaining permission from the executive committee of the union conference in which the school is located, together with the counsel of the North American Department of Education. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.20

(b) That there be the fullest cooperation between the officers of the various State and union schools in the matter of encouraging our people to patronize the conference and the union educational institutions in their respective spheres of work, students below the eleventh grade being recommended to attend the academy or the intermediate school in the local conference. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.21

(c) That these recommendations take effect not later than the beginning of the school year in 1914. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.22

(d) That these recommendations do not apply to our foreign seminaries. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.23

Whereas, Much experience of value has been gained in the establishing and operating of our denominational schools during the past forty years, and it is in the interests of the work that this experience be utilized, we,— GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.24

57. Recommend, That, in harmony with the action of the General Conference Committee in its autumn council of 1912, any local conference or union conference contemplating the starting of a school or the raising or lowering of the grades of work being done in its schools, counsel with both the union conference committee and the North American Division Conference Educational Department, and be guided by the standardized plan of the denomination. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.25

Whereas, At present the benefits of the Sustentation Fund are not extended in general to colporteurs, teachers, and physicians therefore, we,— GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.26

58. Recommend, That the General Conference Committee and the North American Division Committee give this matter careful study, and consider the advisability of increasing the Sustentation Fund, and of opening the way for these three classes to receive such benefit from it, as may be necessary. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.27

59. We recommend, That the General Conference Committee be authorized to reorganize the work in South America, and to provide for the organization of a South American Division Conference at such time and place as they may deem advisable. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.28

The following resolutions presented, were referred to the North American Division committee, as being a division conference matter:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.29

We recommend, That the advisory committee of the North American Negro Department shall consist of the general secretary, the presidents of the Atlantic, Columbia, Central, Lake, Southern, Southeastern, and Southwestern Union Conferences, and the union evangelists of the Southeastern, Southern, and Southwestern Union Conferences, and two others, who shall be Negroes. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.30

We recommend, A uniform plan of organization in the Southeastern, Southern, and Southwestern Unions, and therefore submit the following:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.31

(a) That the executive board of each of the union missions be composed of a superintendent (president of the union), the secretary and treasurer (of the union), educational secretary (of the union), the local conference president, the union mission evangelists, and a Negro representative from each local conference. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.32

(b) That the executive board of each local mission be composed of the conference president, and not less than two other persons, of whom one must be a Negro. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.33

In discussing the first of these resolutions, before referring them, remarks were made in explanation of them. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.34

Chas. Thompson: Who is included in the union evangelists? GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.35

W. T. Knox: Will some one of the members of the committee explain? GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.36

C. B. Stephenson: The plan is that evangelists be provided to take the over-sight of the nation. These evangelists are to be members of the executive committee or the advisory committee as it may be designated. There are to be colored evangelists under the direction of the secretary of the department. GCB June 9, 1913, page 324.37

G. F. Watson: I would like to ask if the last speaker means that the union conference president will have nothing to say as to where these evangelists should go, or leave it to the head of the department. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.1

C. B. Stephenson: The union conference president is chairman of the Negro union mission, and these evangelists would work under the direction of the union mission committee in harmony with the local committees, and would not have the authority to pass from State to State, but would work entirely under the direction of the committee. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.2

H. M. Hiatt: I would like to ask what relation the educational secretary of the union would sustain to this, if any. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.3

C. B. Stephenson: That would depend upon the secretaries provided in the Negro mission. The Negro mission ought to have some one to look after the schools and young people, and should they appoint in the local conferences local secretaries, they would act as it were as assistants and report to the union secretary. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.4

J. K. Humphrey: I am in sympathy with this recommendation, but I am sorry that it is limited merely to the Southern, Southeastern, and Southwestern Unions. The trouble in the Negro Department is the lack of evangelical strength, and if I understand the mind of the Negro delegates correctly, these men have the desire deep down in their hearts to see the evangelical work advanced very strongly among their people throughout the entire country. There are many places at present without an evangelist that need good, strong men. These places cannot be filled, because these men are lacking. The force of that recommendation is really not only to have a man supervise other men—we are not wanting for superintendents,—it is that good, strong men shall be in the field to go from place to place and do the work in their respective union conference fields. Now we have not only in the three union conferences mentioned, but all through the North the East, and the West,—you take the Lake Union, Central Union, the Atlantic Union, the Columbia Union,—these unions have Negroes scattered all over their different territories that need evangelical services, and yet these are not being fully supplied. Why could not that recommendation read so as to include the other unions, and so give a larger scope of labor to our colored men? GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.5

Brethren, really I feel very much burdened in this matter, because, as I have looked over the field and seen the need, I see that it is the hardest thing to get men from among the colored people to man the field. Sister White says the time is coming when white men will not be able to do this work, and it will devolve upon the shoulders of colored men, and the only way that I see is for some man to be appointed, not by the local conference but by the union conference, so that he will not be under the jurisdiction of the local president but can go from place to place and pitch his tent and bring people into the truth. I do believe that this Conference should go upon record at this session as sending a large force of colored men out into the work, so that we can do a broader work, and a stronger work, than has been done before. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.6

If I understand that recommendation regarding those three unions, Southern, Southeastern, and Southwestern, a union representative will be appointed, and that man will have to go around from conference to conference to strengthen weak men. But, brethren, what about the building of the evangelical work all through these union conferences? Are they to be allowed to just lie waste? I appeal to this delegation to see to it that something be done other than that recommendation, and I would move that those other unions be included in that recommendation—the Lake, Central, Atlantic, and Columbia Unions. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.7

[On motion to refer to the North American Division] GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.8

A. G. Daniells: It seems to me that in referring, there ought to be expressed a desire that the committee will formulate something to guide the secretary of the department. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.9

I know that we need to give careful attention to making up the advisory board, or committee of the Negro Department. I am favorable to referring it, but it does seem to me that it ought to go from this body in this way for friendly or for favorable consideration, and definite action, so that the advisory committee can be made as strong as possible for the benefit of the department. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.10

J. K. Humphrey: I appreciate the remarks of the last speaker. I do believe if the matter could come back again, and some definite action be taken, we could probably speak to it here more advantageously. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.11

The following resolutions were adopted:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.12

Resolved, That we express our thanks and appreciation to the conferences that have freely loaned their tents for this meeting, and to the Southern California Conference for the use of the newly constructed large pavilion, and to the following conferences: Indiana, New York, Western New York, West Pennsylvania, Ohio, Southern Illinois, West Michigan, East Michigan, North Michigan, Chesapeake, and Northern New England, for the use of gospel and family tents. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.13

Resolved, That we extend to Brother E. G. Fulton and his staff of able assistants, the hearty thanks of this Conference for the faithful and efficient work done in the cafeteria, lunch room, and store; for his service of healthful, palatable food; the uniform courtesy on the part of the workers having been a great contribution to the material side and the success of this meeting. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.14

A. G. Daniells: Brother Chairman, I move the adoption of the recommendations. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.15

W. W. Prescott: May we include a third resolution expressing our appreciation of the space granted for reports in the four Washington papers? GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.16

W. T. Knox: If there is no objection, this also will be included. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.17

Resolved, That we express the thanks of this Conference to the proprietors of the four Washington newspapers for their courtesy in giving so liberal space to reports of this Conference. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.18

A. G. Daniells: There is another item calling for thanks, and that is the service of our union and local conference presidents, who so kindly came to these grounds to do the work of preparation, and have cared for the camp so well during the Conference; and other workers also. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.19

W. T. Knox: Now I would like to suggest something also, and that is our reception committee, that have undergone a very nerve-racking work, and certainly have done it in a very acceptable manner. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.20

H. S. Shaw: I do not think the union and local conference presidents care to have you thank us for this. We are all very glad to be here. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.21

A. T. Robinson: I heard some one say that ten or a dozen missionaries had worked all the time, too. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.22

W. T. Knox: Yes, and they are going to stay and work some more. Shall we pass these recommendations one by one, or shall we cover them all with one vote. All in favor of these recommendations of appreciation, signify it by saying, Aye. Carried. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.23

A. G. Daniells: In a meeting of the General Conference Committee this morning two votes were taken that seem to have missed the committee on distribution of labor. It was voted there recommending that W. B. White take the presidency of the South African Union Conference, made vacant by the call of R. C. Porter to Asia. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.24

H. S. Shaw: The committee on distribution of labor has made its final report, and referred all further recommendations to the General Conference Committee. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.25

A. G. Daniells: I move that this Conference request W. B. White to take the presidency of the South African Union Conference, in response to the request of the South African delegation. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.26

L. R. Conradi: I second the motion. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.27

W. T. Knox: You have heard the motion and its second. Are you ready to vote? The question is called. All favoring this, say, Aye. It is carried. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.28

A. G. Daniells: Now there is another matter that has been developed during this Conference. The South African people ask for another man. We have not taken it up in committee but it is settled as far as they can settle it that O. K. Butler and wife make South Africa their field of labor. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.29

F. B. Armitage: It is the unanimous request of the South African delegation. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.30

A. G. Daniells: I move that the request of the South African brethren be granted, that we recommend O. K. Butler to make South Africa his field of labor. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.31

W. T. Knox: It has been moved and seconded that we recommend O. K. Butler to make South Africa his field of labor. Any further remarks? The question is called. All favoring say, Aye. It is carried. GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.32

A. G. Daniells: The General Conference Committee this morning voted requesting A. I. Haysmer to take the presidency of the West Indian Union Conference made vacant by the resignation of U. Bender. This is the request of the West Indian Union delegation here. I move that this be granted. [Carried.] GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.33

Guy Dail: I have the following resolution of offer:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.34

Whereas, Our brother. Elder Isaac Sanborn, one of the pioneers in the proclamation of the advent message, was suddenly taken from us by death on Sabbath. May 24, 1913.— GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.35

Resolved. (I) That we hereby recognize his fervor in administration and timely counsel in the early days of this cause, and his faithful labors in raising up many churches: and,— GCB June 9, 1913, page 325.36

(2) That we extend our sincere sympathy to the members of the bereaved family, commending them to God, and the comfort of his grace, who has promised a crown of righteousness at his coming to all who love him: further,— GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.1

(3) That these resolutions be spread upon our records, and that a copy of them be furnished to the family of our deceased brother. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.2

Voted upon and passed. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.3

J. L. Shaw: In behalf of the foreign delegates who have been entertained here at the Conference, who have been well housed and well provided with food, I move that the foreign delegates be allowed to express their appreciation of the way they have been entertained at this meeting by a rising vote. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.4

J. E. Fulton: I second the motion. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.5

The vote was unanimous by all foreign delegates present. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.6

W. T. Knox: I am sure that we have all been very much pleased to have had the opportunity of affording entertainment to you brethren coming in from the foreign lands. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.7

All the business before the Conference has been completed, as far as the chairman knows. What is your pleasure? GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.8

PHOTO-First Emmanuel Mission Home, Basutoland, Africa

J. N. Loughborough: While the third General Conference was in session in Battle Creek, there was a Methodist minister there attending our business meeting one day. At the close, he said to Elder White: “What in the world does this mean? I have just come from a Methodist meeting. They quarreled and fought and came near pulling one another’s hair. Your conference makes me think of the handle of a jug,—it’s all on one side. I do not understand it.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.9

“Well,” said Brother White, “we act as brethren, and we get ready to vote, and then we vote.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.10

O, how this movement has grown! And, thank God, there has not a thing come up but what there has been a unanimous vote. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.11

W. T. Knox: Instead of moving to adjourn sine die, suppose we simply adjourn. There may something arise so that the chairman will desire to call us together this afternoon. A motion to adjourn will be in order. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.12

It was then moved and seconded to adjourn. GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.13

L. R. Conradi was asked to pronounce the benediction, and said:— GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.14

“Dear Father, we are thankful unto thee for all thy blessings, for thy good Spirit which has been with us in all our deliberations. O Lord, let thy blessing rest upon these plans, that they may be indeed for the furtherance of thy cause throughout the world. Be and abide with each and every one of us, for thy name’s sake. Amen.” GCB June 9, 1913, page 326.15

W. T. KNOX, Chairman;
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.