General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
SEVENTEENTH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
May 23, 10:30 A.M.
Elder H. W. Cottrell in the chair. Prayer was offered by Elder A. J. Breed. GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.12
The following delegates were seated: C. D. AcMoody, of Turkey, with the Levant delegation, Elder Meade McGuire, of the Central Union Conference; and Dr. H. F. Rand, of the Pacific Union Conference. GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.13
Report from Committee on Plans and Finance GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.14
The chair called for a report from the Committee on Plans and Finance. The following partial report was submitted:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.15
The Committee on Plans and Finance respectfully submit the following partial report:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.16
OF THANKS
1. For the manifold mercies of God which have been over us as a people; for his special blessing, which has preserved this great, threefold message in its integrity, and maintained unity among its faithful believers; for the success which has crowned the work of this advent movement during the past four years, as seen in its rapid growth and in its extension into new fields, in the prosperity which has attended our educational interests, in the conversion and consecration of our young people through the Sabbath-school and Missionary Volunteer departments, in the marked increase in the circulation of our literature in many languages, and in the preservation and progress of our medical missionary work; for the God-given liberties of conscience still vouchsafed to us; for these and all other divine blessings and favors which have been bestowed upon us by a compassionate and merciful Heavenly Father, we render our sincere praise and heartfelt thanksgiving. GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.17
CORPORATE ORGANIZATIONS
Whereas, In the growth and progress of our denominational work many institutions involving large investments have been, and must be, established for carrying forward the various branches of our work; and,— GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.18
Whereas, It seems self-evident that such institutions as are built up and maintained by the donations, services, and patronage of our people, should belong to the people, as a whole, and not to a few, as is the case in many stock companies; therefore,— GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.19
2. We recommend, That great care be exercised in the organization of corporations to hold property; that the constituency be such as shall preserve all investments to the Seventh-day Adventist denomination, and as far as possible, place the elective franchise and controlling power with the denomination, and not with individuals. GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.20
THE LIQUOR TRAFFIC
Whereas, The liquor traffic is a gigantic evil, condemned by the Word of God, by medical and scientific investigation, and by the experience of all time; and,— GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.21
Whereas, It is destructive of law, order, and the civil rights of humanity; therefore,— GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.22
3. We recommend, That our ministers, teachers, physicians, nurses, and people generally, engage in a vigorous campaign in behalf of total abstinence, by means of lectures, demonstrations, and the distribution of health and temperance literature, and that whenever consistent our people by voice, pen, and vote, place themselves on record as favorable to its restriction and entire prohibition. GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.23
PRESS BUREAU
4. We recommend, That a press bureau be established in connection with the Religious Liberty Department, having a central organization at Takoma Park, and local bureaus wherever practicable. GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.24
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY LITERATURE
5. We recommend, That in the preparation of religious liberty literature, regard be had to the provision of an attractive and popular treatment of the subject, suited for general distribution. GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.25
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY INSTITUTES
Whereas, All our people should be well informed in the principles of religious liberty, that they may be enabled to meet the rapidly approaching crisis; therefore,— GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.26
6. We recommend, That our religious liberty secretaries everywhere, in con junction with their respective conference officers, arrange to hold religious liberty institutes at such times and places as the cause of truth may demand, and that at these institutes regular time be set apart for all in attendance to do practical work in introducing the journal Liberty, and other similar literature, to the reading public. GCB May 24, 1909, page 130.27
READING COURSE FOR SABBATH-SCHOOL TEACHERS
Whereas, One of the greatest factors in the promotion of a successful Sabbath-school is the teacher, and since many who are called to teach have had very meager advantages for training in their work; therefore,— GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.1
7. We recommend, That the Sabbath-school Department of the General Conference prepare in permanent form a reading course for the benefit of our Sabbath-school teachers. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.2
Moved by E. T. Russell, seconded by E. W. Farnsworth, that the report be adopted. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.3
Discussion of the Report GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.4
Resolution I (expressing gratitude to God), being voted on separately, was passed unanimously, the entire congregation being asked to give expression of thanks to God. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.5
Resolution 2 (on corporate organizations) was read, and carried by vote. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.6
Resolution 3 (on the liquor traffic) was read. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.7
K. C. Russell: Representing a people that stand uncompromisingly against the liquor traffic, and in the interests of temperance reform, it seems to me that we ought to speak very strongly upon a resolution of this character. You will observe two prominent features in the resolution. One is the educational feature, the disseminating of the principles of true temperance. We all ought to do more than we have with Life and Health, and other publications. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.8
Again, the resolution teaches legislative action, that we should oppose the liquor traffic by pen, by voice, and by vote. Those of you who have read the papers here, may have seen that within the last few days it has been stated that we are against prohibition. This is a libel upon us as a people, because we stand unalterably opposed to the liquor traffic. By the principles we hold, and the instruction of the spirit of prophecy, we should place our influence on the side of temperance by vote when opportunity offers, when the issue is not mixed with Sunday legislation. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.9
Here in Washington, about a year ago, when the question of prohibition was up in the District, we presented an address before a committee, and this address was published in a congressional document. I am sure this resolution will be accepted unanimously. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.10
G. B. Starr, Australia: I believe that this denomination owes a debt to the world and to the temperance movement, to throw all the strength that we can into the cause of temperance. I was very much impressed with this at the time of the late campaign in New South Wales. A few weeks before the question was to come to vote, we decided to get out a special number of the (Australasian) Signs of the Times, to agitate the matter among the people. When that Signs was published, and placed in the hands of the temperance people who were working with all their might to carry the temperance question at the polls, they welcomed this assistance by very hearty expressions of thanks. They said, “This is the best contribution we have had on the subject.” We know that in some of the best homes of the city of Sydney, when the paper was placed in the home, it decided the people, men and women (for the women were allowed to vote on this question), with one single reading, to vote for prohibition instead of a reduction of the number of saloons. One very wealthy family in particular I know of. At the breakfast table they were discussing the matter, and asking each other how they should vote. There came a ring at the door, and the servant entered bringing the “Blue Ribbon” number of the Signs. The lady said to her husband, “Perhaps this is an answer to our question how we shall vote.” They read it, and both went to the polls, and voted straight for prohibition. We circulated the largest number of this paper that we have ever circulated of any number of the Signs. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.11
In one large temperance meeting held in the city hall, we obtained permission from the president of the Temperance Alliance to place copies of this paper on the seats. Much other literature was also placed in the seats, but when we came to gather up the papers that were left, out of about 1,400 copies, we found only 100 copies, while a large amount of other matter was left. We should heartily pass this resolution, and then work right along the lines outlined in it. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.12
Geo. I. Butler: I had not thought of speaking upon this subject; but the marks of one of the brethren in regard to what they are saying about us as a people, that we are with the saloons, etc., I consider one of the most terrible libels of which I ever heard. There is no church or body of people that has stood so unanimously and uncompromisingly against the liquor traffic as has this. Now that we are classed by some with the saloon element, I think we should speak in thunder tones, that the people may know that it is not so. We have not been noted for our political activity. I well remember when this question of prohibition began to be agitated among the people, starting in Maine, and spreading to other States. In Iowa about thirty years ago there was an election, and this question was agitated, and our people not being given to voting, there was hardly any agitation among us on the subject. But some of us thought we ought to take our stand, and the question was brought up at the time of the State conference meeting. Sister White spoke upon the subject, and we brought all the pressure we could bear upon the people, to be sure that they voted on the prohibition side of the question. Now we are seeing a great movement for temperance in all the States; and when the General Conference in session here speaks on the subject, I think there will be no question as to where we as a people belong and stand. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.13
S. B. Horton: I am glad the General Conference is giving this resolution some thought at this time. Our position is not well understood by the local press, and for that reason I trust we will have sufficient to say here to make it apparent to all who read the papers that this denomination stands for prohibition. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.14
In the South we have had what is called a temperance wave. I think nearly every Southern State has had before its legislature some measure looking toward State-wide prohibition, and I believe that success has attended this agitation. Our people have contributed, to some extent at least, in the development of this agitation, and its final success. The Watchman issued a special temperance number, and distributed nearly 200,000 copies; other literature was also printed. We are glad to say that our people in the South stand for temperance. We ought to be very careful, however, how we deal with this question, so that we shall not be arrayed with it from a political standpoint, but rather from the standpoint of principle alone. I trust this resolution will be not only adopted, but earnestly carried out. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.15
R. A. Underwood: We ought to be very thankful that this temperance wave, which is moving all over the land, is not allied directly with politics. I came through Ohio, my old home State, to this meeting. I was glad to know that recently, out of from eighty to ninety counties that have had the privilege of voting on this question, only five or six have not voted the liquor traffic out. When such opportunities come to us, we ought not in anywise to be timid in declaring, positively, that we are against this gigantic evil. We ought to vote, and, further, as ministers we ought to speak and write, as well as use our influence against this evil that brings a trail of woe with it, greater than any other that touches our everyday life. I am heartily in favor of this recommendation. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.16
J. O. Corliss: I sincerely hope that this resolution will have a unanimous vote by this body. My reason for this is very quickly told. In our religious liberty campaigns in California those who stand on the other side of the question from us insist that we are working with the saloon element. No matter what we say to them in public, no matter what position we take and emphasize, they will turn about and insist that we are allied with the saloon element. If I can have in the future an official expression, if I can have a unanimous vote, of the General Conference to read before such audiences when we are thus maligned, it will turn the tide against those who report such stories against us. I sincerely hope that this resolution will carry by a unanimous vote. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.17
L. R. Conradi: Naturally, you speak of the issue in the United States; over in Europe, we are grateful to say, the cause of temperance is making great progress. There is another side of this resolution, and that is the educational part. We are grateful to God that this message has produced at least 18,000 total abstainers throughout Europe to-day. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.18
When I met the Governor of German East Africa, I talked to him about our principles of total abstinence. He said, “You are the people fitted as missionaries to go to the tropics.” That is true, and I believe to-day that God in his mercy has given us the light on total abstinence, to fit us as missionary people to carry this truth to the world, and to be able to endure conditions in the tropics. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.19
During my visit to German East Africa, I was invited to a court dinner, held at the governor’s office, in Dar-Es-Salaam. All the court officials of that province—about 25 in all—were in attendance. I noticed the champagne glasses about, and wondered what I would have to say. By and by, as the champagne was poured out, the governor called one of the waiters, and said something to him. Then the waiter came to me, and poured out good lemonade. When we came to raise the glasses, to my great surprise, he said, “Mr. Conradi, to your health.” And I said, “To your health,” with my lemonade. May God help us to be true witnesses for temperance by every means. GCB May 24, 1909, page 131.20
M. C. Wilcox: I agree with the resolution. I believe that we ought to stand for uncompromising prohibition, but I do not believe that we ought to compromise ourselves in politics, and I think great danger lies right there. I believe we ought in every way we can to let the people know we stand for the prohibition of the liquor traffic. On the other hand, we ought not to begin any kind of campaign, or make any kind of speeches, in vituperation of the saloon-keeper. He is a man. He is one with the government in the legalizing of the traffic, and we ought to treat him as a man. Some of these men have been in that business for years and years. They do not see the wrong in it, nor know the wrong of it. I was in a temperance meeting not long ago, where there were three pastors on the platform. One began a tirade against men who sell liquor. I do not believe that we can stoop to any such thing as that. They are men, and their other men. I believe that we ought to stand uncompromisingly against the liquor traffic, but for the souls of men. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.1
L. W. Graham: I am glad to see this resolution put so generally before us. Last summer it was my privilege to attend a number of camp-meetings where we had temperance rallies, and there was no meeting during the whole session so favorably received. In some parts of the State in which I live the people have the opportunity, every two years, of voting as to whether or not saloons shall continue. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.2
G. W. Reaser: I want to speak briefly of one of the temperance rallies held in Los Angeles, Cal., last summer. About a dozen of the leading temperance workers in the city were present by invitation. The notice of our meeting was circulated in most of the pulpits of the city. I think the audience present on that occasion was larger than the audience in this tent. We stated that when they would introduce a platform in the State of California, divorcing the temperance question from the evil principle of religious legislation, and providing for the closing of every saloon in California every day and every week, we would assure them of the vote of every Seventh-day Adventist in the State. One of the most active workers in the W. C. T. U., attending this rally, is now a faithful Seventh-day Adventist, working in harmony with us, and is still an active temperance worker. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.3
W. A. Colcord: There is one point that I would like to emphasize. In our opposition to religious legislation we naturally take the negative. We say what civil government has no right to do. In taking the stand for prohibition we take the positive. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.4
The question was called on Resolution 3. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.5
Resolution 4 (on press bureau) was then read, and the question called. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.6
Resolution 5 (on religious liberty literature) was read, briefly discussed, and accepted. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.7
Resolution 6 (on religious liberty institutes) was read. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.8
S. N. Haskell: I am in favor of that. How much the distribution of the magazine Liberty had to do with giving us success at our last legislature in California I can not say; but I can say that in all our meetings we took that question up, and tried to educate the people by the sale of Liberty; and we are still doing it. California is the only State that does not have a Sunday law, and our effort now is to educate the people so that when they come to the next legislature, the Sunday law will meet the same fate that it did before. It will be a tremendous issue. The advocates of religious legislation are educating the people the best they can for a Sunday law, and we ought to educate them against it. There are thousands of people to-day who would not vote for a Sunday law if they understood the principles. And nothing can educate them in these principles better than Liberty. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.9
K. C. Russell: One feature I would like to emphasize, and that is the importance of holding these institutes to educate our religious liberty workers and secretaries. Many who have been elected to positions in connection with this phase of the work have had no experience. It seems very important, therefore, that institutes be held, not only to educate the outside public, but to educate our own people; and in this way we believe the work of educating the people at large may be more effectively promoted. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.10
E. W. Thomann (of Bolivia): In my experience in South America I have felt the influence and value of religious liberty literature. An article from Liberty, sent out by Brother Forga, was put in one of the newspapers. It was read by a teacher of law in the university. He clipped it out, and told me he was intending to use it when the time came. The Liberty is not only valuable in English, but when we can use articles from it in our land, by translating into Spanish, we are using them. We can educate the people along this line not only in the United States but in other places. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.11
W. H. Thurston (of Canada): I agree with this resolution in principle, but when it comes to the distribution of reading-matter, there is a question involved. The magazine Liberty does very well with us among legislators in Canada, but when it comes to the laity, they do not read it so readily. I believe the time has come when we should have a paper or reading-matter adapted to the Canadian issues. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.12
E. T. Russell (asking the privilege of speaking to Resolution 4): I wish to say I am heartily in favor of the recommendation regarding the press bureau. We have been working with legislators, with Congress, and with lawyers and judges, but we have scarcely touched the general public. There are great possibilities in the public press. We have noticed some of the results in the Central Union Conference. I believe we have reached several hundred thousand readers as a result of the press bureau work there. I see great possibilities in store for this denomination, if we can provide a good press bureau in the different union conferences. These press bureau agents can come in touch with our training-schools, and be instrumental in training an army of young people as press correspondents. This can be done just as readily as you can instruct students in one of our business departments, that is, just as practically. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.13
I think it is all right to have the headquarters of the bureau at Washington, but I am impressed that we should have agents in Philadelphia and New York, and other leading centers; because here is the capital of the nation, and when the literature is sent out from here, it will be spotted as Republican, Democratic, or Prohibition, so I think it would be better to have it sent out from other parts of the United States. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.14
J. O. Corliss: There is more involved in this last resolution [Resolution 6] than appears on the surface. My observation has been that many of our people have the wrong idea concerning the religious liberty work. Many of them think when a bill has once been killed in the legislature, that is all there is to it, only to get ready to kill another when it comes up. I do not understand that this is the object of the religious liberty bureau. The object is to educate the people to know what the third angel’s message is, and in that case, we should not be idle when we are not actively engaged in some special campaign. There should be in our religious liberty work no interim in which our people will be able to fold their arms, and think there is nothing to do until the legislature meets again. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.15
We should be at work by institutes continually, educating our own people in the principles of religious liberty, so that they will be able to write about the principles, and be prepared to take part in the work whenever a local issue arises. One article that is misleading is likely to destroy the influence of the association in that locality for some time. There is a necessity for our people to constantly study the principles underlying the message we hold so dear. I am so simple-minded as to believe that the time is not far distant when these religious liberty principles will be the principal part of the message that we are to carry to the world. I feel this resolution is one that ought to meet the approval of our people everywhere. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.16
H. J. Edmed (South Africa): I wish to agree with what the previous speakers have said in regard to the establishment of the religious liberty press bureau. The statement was made that there should be agencies established in the different union conferences in this country, and it seems as if some of our good brethren had their minds entirely upon the work as it should be done in this country. But I wish to remind the delegation that in the distant lands we are confronting the same issues that you are meeting in America. If this press bureau is established, I hope it will be in constant touch with other countries. Only a few months ago we had word from England that the different Non-conformist denominations, with the Anglican and Roman Catholic churches, had united for the purpose of securing a stricter observance of Sunday. Soon after the news of this reached us, legislation was taken up in Cape Colony, the Transvaal, and in Natal, and we had to meet these issues there, and they are the same as you have here in America. Therefore, it seems to me that all our departments in the General Conference offices should consider these questions as world-wide in their influence, so that we in distant lands, who may require at various times literature on these subjects, and who are not strong enough to publish separate literature, can look to these central bureaus for the literature that we need in the education of the people where we are. GCB May 24, 1909, page 132.17
O. A. Olsen (of Australia): I am especially interested in this resolution. You have just heard about the needs in Africa. The fact is, brethren, these questions are just as much alive in Australia as they are over here. The same principles are involved, the same issues are at stake, the same responsibilities rest upon our people, and there is the same need of education in all these departments. Now, the fact is, as was stated by one of the delegates, the real principles of the third angel’s message are involved in this move. That being the case, we can not take too great an interest in instructing all our people in these principles. As far as we have been able, we have taken up the matter in our institutes, and in our conferences and camp-meetings throughout the Australasian field, and yet we are not satisfied with what has been done. We have also set apart a Sabbath in every quarter for the purpose of keeping this matter alive by having special readings and discussions. This is truly a matter that ought to receive most earnest consideration, not only in the United States, but in all parts of the world. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.1
Question was called on Resolution 6. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.2
Recommendation 7 (on reading-course for Sabbath-school teachers) was read. The secretary of the Sabbath-school Department was requested to explain the resolution. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.3
Mrs. L. Flora Plummer: This matter of the reading-course for Sabbath-school officers and teachers has been very fully discussed in our Sabbath-school Department meetings. The idea is this: so few of our force of officers and teachers have had any special training to fit them for their work, that it is deemed advisable that we try to encourage them to read and study those things that will help them to become more efficient in their work in connection with the Sabbath-school. We have passed a resolution in our department meetings, going farther into the details of this plan; but we thought that if the General Conference would vote that a reading-course would be in place for Sabbath-school officers and teachers, we would then feel free to go ahead and work out the details to the very best possible advantage. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.4
I would state that, so far as the discussion has gone, it indicates that it would be well to have our department prepare the matter for study in this reading-course; that Testimonies on Sabbath-school work be arranged in one book for study; that perhaps some Sunday-school book of plans or methods might properly be used. Other suggestions have been made, but of course all these plans are indefinite, and will have to be worked out by the future officers of the department. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.5
I want to say, brethren and sisters, that this is not a matter that has just come up, to which little consideration has been given. It has been in the minds of some, at least, of the Sabbath-school committee for more than a year. In fact, ever since the meeting at Mount Vernon we have been considering the importance of this question. We have, however, not been able to adjust it satisfactorily alone, and have waited for a recommendation from the General Conference to encourage us, so that we could feel free to go ahead with the plans. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.6
Action was now taken on the report as a whole, aside from the items acted upon separately, and the report was unanimously adopted. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.7
The chairman next called for further union conference reports. Allen Moon reported for the Lake Union as follows:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.8
REPORT OF THE LAKE UNION CONFERENCE
The Lake Union Conference occupies a central position, from which the truth has radiated to the world. There are still, however, open doors in this field, loyal hearts who respond to the message, and the progress of the work is onward. Many of the early adherents to the truth still remain, but some have fallen asleep since we last assembled in General Conference. The loyalty of all within our ranks has been severely tested during the last quadrennial period, but the result has been to exalt the truth, strengthen organization, and cement more firmly the bond of union. A few became confused by questioning and sophistry, but beyond a very small circle there are no evidences of disintegration. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.9
A fair degree of success has attended the preaching of the message in this field. For example, one conference reports 1,241 persons received as members of churches in the past four years. During this time the number dismissed was 790—some by death, a few by apostasy, the majority on account of removal to other fields. During the last four years this conference furnished twenty-two laborers for fields outside the Lake Union. Other conferences furnish like reports. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.10
In addition to the transfer of Ohio from the Lake Union to the Columbia Union Conference, with the corresponding reduction in membership, reports reveal a loss in the membership of the union. This loss is principally due to one cause—removal, the reported exodus from one church alone being more than 1,200 in the past four years. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.11
The Lake Union has furnished many laborers for the South and for the regions beyond, and will continue to be a recruiting ground for the armies at the front. It also has within its own borders extensive fields for missionary operations in its great cities, where it is reported, the population increases at the rate of 200,000 annually. The commercial interests of this district annually attract thousands from the Old World, so that we are surrounded by representatives of all the principal languages of Europe and the Levant, and these must be taken into account in our plans for work. The present population—nearly 12,000,000—is destined to be greatly augmented and affords vast opportunity for Christian endeavor. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.12
The number of Sabbath-keepers in the Lake Union territory makes an average of more than one thousand members to the million population. Remembering the dearth of laborers in other lands, we have aimed to avoid concentrating our efforts on the home field, and to lend a helping hand as far as possible. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.13
It may be of interest to note that contributions from the Lake Union to the work in fields outside of its territory, including the $150,000 fund, all mission funds, Sabbath-school offerings, Missionary Volunteer offerings, etc., amounted to $264,126.52, while the offerings for home work in all departments amounted to $104,072.35, including money raised for sanitariums, schools, churches, and home mission work other than that supported from the tithe. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.14
During the same period the sales of literature in the Lake Union Conference amounted to the sum of $222,989.30, including periodicals. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.15
The sale of subscription books has increased steadily during the entire period, and in localities where book sales have been greatest there is no evidence of the demand declining; on the contrary, the future promises greater success than at any time in the past. Many young men and women are entering the field as colporteurs,—still others are in training for the work, and the outlook is excellent for a splendid army of laborers for the home mission field. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.16
The educational department of our work is in a fairly prosperous condition. The school work is being reduced to a system. Besides Emmanuel Missionary College, we have seven academies and intermediate schools. During the year 1908 more than 2,000 youth and children were enrolled in the schools of all grades. The church-school, the intermediate school, and the college are rapidly taking the place of the State schools with our people, and the time is not far distant when all the children in this field under the care of Seventh-day Adventists will be provided with the means of education under Christian influence. Should time continue a few years more, there will be an army of young people, now in our schools, prepared to enter the great harvest-field, and do efficient service for the Master. These young people are not in the class of the mentally over-fed, but are receiving a threefold training, fitting them for any field and work. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.17
ATLANTIC UNION REPORT AND MEMORIAL
Following the Lake Union, E. W. Farnsworth submitted the report of the Atlantic Union:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.18
The Atlantic Union GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.19
In 1904 there were in the conferences that now comprise the Atlantic Union, 5,052 Seventh-day Adventists. At the present time there are 5,534, showing a net gain of 482. In November, 1907, the territory of the Atlantic Union was divided, and this reduced the membership and territory about one-half. Nevertheless the history of the past two years shows conclusively that the move was a good one, and that it has proved a blessing to both conferences. In 1907 the New York Conference was divided in two. In every respect this division has proved helpful to all concerned. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.20
There are now 7 conferences in the Atlantic Union,—3 in the State of New York, and the Central New England, Southern New England, Maine, and Vermont conferences. There are 186 churches, and at the present time 33 unorganized companies. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.21
According to the report ending Dec. 31, 1908, there were 39 ordained ministers, 30 licensed preachers, 52 licensed missionaries, and 85 canvassers, making a total force of 206 laborers. There has been a gain in laborers of 6 ministers, 14 licentiates, 6 missionary licentiates, 39 canvassers, or a total of 65. GCB May 24, 1909, page 133.22
During the four years past the tithes paid by the different conferences amounts to $268,466. There has been a gradual increase from $59,550 in 1905, to $72,515 in 1908. Of the total amount of tithes paid, $15,307 has been appropriated to work in fields outside the union. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.1
An effort has been made in this union to make our offerings equal ten cents a week for each member, or $5.20 for each member for the year. We regret to say that thus far we have failed to accomplish this. The amount raised was $4.65 each. The amount per capita in the different conferences ranged all the way from three and one-half to fourteen cents a week, or from $1.87 in one conference, to $7.16 in another for the year. This difference is very suggestive. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.2
The offerings made to foreign missions by this union during the quadrennial period amount to $66,977; for home missions, $35,181; and for local church work, $28,843, making the total offerings $131,001. The book and periodical sales for the same period amount to $170,743. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.3
EDUCATIONAL INTERESTS
The educational work in the Atlantic Union Conference during the past four years has been gaining steadily in interest and influence. Church-schools have been established in every conference; and while this phase of the work has not reached the state of perfection we hope to see, yet there has been steady growth throughout the entire union. There has been an average of 21 schools, with 485 children in attendance, and an average of 30 baptisms a year. Plans for more efficient work have been laid, and are now being prosecuted. A teachers’ institute will be held during the summer of 1909, at which all the teachers in the union are expected to be present. Instruction will be given along the line of primary school work, and it is believed that this will not only make our church-school teachers more efficient, but that it will have a tendency to create an interest throughout the union in the establishment and maintenance of church-schools. Up to this time there has been a dearth of teachers; but if our present plans are carried out, we believe that every church that desires a school can be supplied with a teacher. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.4
An excellent intermediate school has been established at Tunesassa, in the Western New York Conference, and it is doing good work under the management of Allen E. Manry. Elder H. W. Carr, as president of the conference, has done much to make this school a success, and we believe it will be a strong factor in the school work of the conference. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.5
South Lancaster Academy, our training-school, has had a steady growth, and has just closed a very successful year. The average attendance has been about 300. Twenty-eight young people were graduated from the different departments. A rather interesting coincidence is noted in the fact that the junior class for 1909 numbers 28, the same as the graduating class this year. A large number will go from the school to work in different departments of the cause during the vacation, about 100 expecting to work for a scholarship for the school next year. Graduates from the school are filling responsible positions all over the world. We are thankful for the work that has already been done, and trust that a much greater work may be done in the future. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.6
On the whole the outlook for the educational work in this union is very encouraging, and we trust it may continue to be a mighty factor in extending the truths of the third angel’s message. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.7
MEDICAL MISSIONARY WORK
The medical missionary work in this union conference is slowly gaining ground. The New England Sanitarium, at Melrose, Mass., has been greatly improved by the erection of bath-rooms and gymnasium at a cost of about $13,000. Two years ago the sanitarium corporation was reorganized, and made a distinctly denominational work. The sanitarium has passed through difficult experiences during this transition period. But during the past year a much better spirit has prevailed, and as a result the patronage has considerably increased. At present there are about 50 patients in the institution. The outlook is very encouraging. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.8
There are several medical institutions conducted by private individuals in different parts of the union. Dr. Mary Sanderson is doing a good work in Springfield, Mass. Dr. B. F. Kinney has an institution at Middletown, N. Y., and Dr. Bradford conducts another at Acushnet, Mass. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.9
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER WORK
The Missionary Volunteer work has been organized in most of the churches where such an organization seemed practicable, and a lively interest is manifested among the members. Hundreds of missionary letters have been written and received, and many thousands of pages of books and other literature have been circulated. We expect to see greater proficiency in the future in this organization. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.10
JEWISH WORK
Shortly after the General Conference in 1905, the Atlantic Union recommended that something be done for the Jewish people. Elder F. C. Gilbert has endeavored to do what he could to bring the truth to the Jews in this union. A large amount of literature has been circulated among them, not only in the territory of the Atlantic Union, but in other parts of the world. This union conference has appropriated $750 a year for this work, and the General Conference $1,000. In addition to the circulation of literature, a mission was conducted in Boston for nearly two years, and a large number of open-air meetings have been held, where hundreds and thousands of Jews have had an opportunity to listen to the truth for this time. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.11
As to visible results of this labor, we can report that a few have become Christians, and the prejudice has been subdued in many instances. But the difficulty experienced by our laborers for the Jews has been great, as the prejudice is so intense. No one who has not engaged in this work can have any conception of the bitterness of feeling on the part of this people against anything they suppose to be Christian. But there are some among them who will receive the message, and our work must be to search and find the “lost sheep of the house of Israel.” GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.12
THE PILGRIMS’ REST
In this part of the vineyard we have many aged pilgrims who need a place of rest—old people who have spent nearly all their days and much of their money in the message. The union felt that some provision must be made for them. Accordingly, a farm of 114 acres has been purchased. There is a house of 26 rooms with a large barn and out-buildings, all in good condition. We are now ready to receive inmates. We call this place of refuge the Pilgrims’ Rest. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.13
Elder Farnsworth added: I have a memorial which I wish to read from our brethren in the Greater New York Conference. They have felt the need of advice and counsel, and I encouraged them to write up this memorial for the consideration of this Conference. I take great pleasure personally in presenting it to you, because it sets forth the condition in this conference better than I could in any other way. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.14
He read the memorial as follows:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.15
A MEMORIAL
To the General Conference Assembled: GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.16
Dear Brethren, Greeting! The Greater New York Conference of Seventh-day Adventists respectfully submits this memorial, and presents to you some facts in regard to the work within its borders. GCB May 24, 1909, page 134.17
In territory this conference is small, consisting of the city of Greater New York proper, Long Island, and six counties in the State of New York, in all 6,031 square miles. In population it is the largest conference in the United States, having about 5,000,000 souls. Since its organization as a separate conference in 1902, with 385 members, it has steadily grown until it now numbers 920 members, 145 of whom were added last year. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.1
A large proportion of our population is of foreign birth. The census of 1900 gave New York City a total of 2,643,947 persons foreign born, or of foreign parentage, or more than one half of the whole population. Many of these must have the gospel preached to them in their own tongue, if they are ever to hear it. There are in New York City 1,290,162 Germans, 600,000 Italians, 103,000 Russians, 111,000 Scandinavians, 100,000 Slavish-Bohemians, 100,000 French, 78,407 Hungarians, 100,000 Poles, 30,000 Greeks, 10,000 Syrians, 9,000 Chinese, besides thousands of each of many other nationalities too numerous to mention. It is indeed true that New York is a world in itself. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.2
To reach all these nationalities with the message for this time is a herculean task. God has in a providential manner opened the way and sent us men from some of these languages who could lead out in the work in their respective tongues. After counseling with union and General Conference brethren, these men were put to work, and the blessing of the Lord has followed their efforts. We are now carrying forward aggressive work in the following languages: German, Swedish, Danish-Norwegian, Italian, Spanish, Hungarian, Bohemian-Slavish, and Chinese, as well as among the Afro-American people. Some of this work is carried on at a heavy loss, as it can not be made at once self-supporting. Yet we can not call a halt for the work must be done. As God’s providence opens the way, we must step into the openings. The work must advance. The message must be given to the 2,500,000 foreigners in New York City. But on the other hand, we must not neglect the work for the American people. They must also be warned. This work must in nowise be neglected nor slighted. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.3
While comparisons are seldom fair in all respects, yet it may interest some to know that there are two union conferences in the United States whose combined population does not equal that of Greater New York alone. Yet these two union conferences have, according to the 1909 Year-Book, 108 ordained ministers, 37 licensed ministers, and 102 missionary licentiates; 7 sanitariums, with 16 physicians and 206 nurses; 13 schools, including academies and colleges, with 87 teachers; many church-schools, and one publishing house. The Greater New York Conference has only the following workers: for the American people, 1 ordained minister, 2 licentiates, and 3 missionary licentiates; for Afro-American, 1 ordained minister; for Italian, 1 ordained minister and 1 licentiate; for Spanish, 1 licentiate; for German, 2 licentiates and 3 Bible workers; for Swedish, 2 licentiates and 1 Bible worker; for Danish-Norwegian, 1 ordained minister and 1 Bible worker; for Slavish-Bohemian, 1 licentiate; for Hungarian, 1 licentiate; for Chinese, 1 licentiate; for harbor work, 2 licentiates; and church-school teachers, 1. These are in addition to the president and the secretary of the conference. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.4
We have no institutions of any kind whatever. It appears from this that we are sorely in need of workers, especially among the American people. By saying that help is needed, we do not wish to imply that no help has been rendered. The brethren have been very generous with us. The General Conference each year has given us a very liberal appropriation; the Atlantic Union and several local conferences have also done nobly. We wish at this time to express to these conferences our hearty appreciation of what has been done. May the Lord richly bless them and reward them for what they have done for us and the work. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.5
But, as each year goes by, the work enlarges, and our needs become more pressing. We are now face to face with a situation that demands careful consideration, or the work will suffer. Much of the tithe is being used in foreign work from which we can expect but little returns, while the English work is almost at a standstill. We can not put on any more English laborers unless we cut down the foreign work. This we are loath to do. We believe that the Lord has sent us these men for the large foreign work. And yet what are we to do? We appeal to you for help, and we believe that our appeal will not be in vain. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.6
The Lord has spoken in no uncertain tones concerning the work to be done in Greater New York. The conference has undergone some peculiarly trying experiences, yet we dare say that there is not anywhere to be found a more loyal, true-hearted, and self-sacrificing people. In tithes per capita they lead the world; in offerings they are not last; and in all good works they have a part. Of Greater New York it is written:— GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.7
“If New York proper should come under the general workings of a set-off field, a field to be worked separately from the other territory and interest, we could make a specialty of this field, and more would be accomplished. Much confusion will also be avoided—those working in Greater New York must have special plans by which to work that field, and the general forces should unite in the matter of building up the general interest. The work in Greater New York is to be carried on in a way that will properly represent the sacredness and holiness of the truth of God. Vegetarian restaurants, treatment-rooms, and a cooking school are to be established. The people are to be shown the need of discarding tea, coffee, and flesh meats. Greater New York must stand in a different relation to the General Conference than the surrounding territory, and interests which are different, will have to be considered in a different light so far as missionary work is concerned. Greater New York is a world of itself, and should have in some respects different management from that of the surrounding localities.”—Special Testimony to Greater New York. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.8
“In these large cities, missions should be established where workers can be trained to present to the people the special message for this time. There is need of all the instruction that these missions can give.” GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.9
“Under the direction of God, the mission in New York City has been started. This work should be continued in the power of the same spirit that led to its establishment. Those who bear the burden of the work in Greater New York should have the help of the best workers that can be secured. Here let a center for God’s work be made, and let all that is done be a symbol of the work the Lord desires to see done in the world.”—Testimonies for the Church 7:37. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.10
Much more might be said, but this is sufficient. It is stated that in Greater New York, missions should be established where workers can be trained, that the best workers should be secured, that a center should here be made, that the work done should be a symbol of the work the Lord wants done in all the world; that Greater New York is a world of itself, that it should be considered in a different light from the other fields, and sustain a different relation to the General Conference; that it should have in some respects different management, and that a specialty should be made of this field. Your memorialists would respectfully urge that steps be taken at this Conference to place Greater New York on the footing spoken of in the foregoing extracts. GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.11
One matter we would especially call our attention to. With the exception of a German church in the outskirts of Brooklyn, and the Scandinavian tabernacle on leased land, we do not own a single church building in the whole city or conference. Repeatedly we have been told that— GCB May 24, 1909, page 135.12
“Those in our cities—living within the shadow of our doors—have been strangely neglected. Organized effort should now be put forth to give them the message of present truth. A new song is to be put in their mouths. They are to go forth to impart to others now in darkness the light of the third angel’s message.” GCB May 24, 1909, page 136.1
“We all need to be wide awake, that, as the way opens, we may advance the work in the large cities. We are far behind in following the light given to enter these cities and erect memorials for God. Step by step we are to lead souls into the full light of truth. And houses of worship built.”—Testimonies for the Church 7:40. GCB May 24, 1909, page 136.2
Many of our people and missionaries pass through New York every year, and other denominations vie with each other in erecting stately edifices; but so far there is not a single memorial of any kind standing in the greatest city of our country, not a single place where we can invite a stranger to come and worship with us. We have no sanitarium, no treatment-rooms, no school building, no institution of any kind, not even a conference office. Worse than all this, we have no church building that might stand as a memorial of our work. We believe that unless steps are taken soon to secure a place of worship, we shall be hindered in every possible way. We believe we see clear evidences that all that the evil one can do will be done to hinder the work, unless we take hold of this work at an early date. Your memorialists would earnestly request that the committee to whom this matter may be referred take this phase of the situation under careful and prayerful consideration and report to the Conference in session what steps, if any, ought to be taken in this matter. GCB May 24, 1909, page 136.3
That God may grant this Conference his choicest blessings, that the work we all love may speedily triumph, and that the field we represent may receive a due share of your kind consideration, is the prayer of your memorialists. GCB May 24, 1909, page 136.4
Respectfully submitted, GCB May 24, 1909, page 136.5
GREATER NEW YORK CONFERENCE OF S. D. A
E. W. Farnsworth: I move that this memorial be referred to the Committee on Plans and Finance. GCB May 24, 1909, page 136.6
This motion was seconded by G. A. Irwin, and unanimously carried. GCB May 24, 1909, page 136.7
Conference adjourned to 10:30 A. M., May 24. GCB May 24, 1909, page 136.8
H. W. COTTRELL, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.