General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
Conference Proceedings. TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
May 27, 10:30 A. M.
O. A. Olsen in the chair. Prayer by R. A. Underwood. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.16
A brief meeting of the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium Association was called, a report of which appears elsewhere. The Conference then resumed business. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.17
Reports being called for by the chairman, G. Dail presented the following further partial report from the Committee on Plans and Finance:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.18
Partial Report, Committee on Plans GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.19
EQUIPMENT OF SCHOOLS
Whereas, In many schools there is a great lack of proper equipment, such as laboratory, library, and class-room facilities, and the necessary means for conducting industrial studies; therefore,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.20
16. Resolved, That we urge all our boards of management properly to equip the schools for the work which they have to do. GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.21
SCHOOL BUILDINGS
Whereas, One hindrance to successful church-school work has been the improper and inconvenient rooms in which schools have been quartered; therefore,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.22
17. Resolved, That we urge our conferences as far as practicable, and wherever church-school buildings are to be erected, to see that neat, inexpensive, well-adapted buildings, surrounded by grounds adapted for school gardens, be provided; and,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 188.23
18. Further resolved, That in the erection of school buildings, advice and counsel be obtained from the Department of Education where the school is to be established, so that the buildings may be well adapted to the needs of the school. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.1
CORRESPONDENCE SCHOOLS
Whereas, It is impossible for many of our young people to obtain the advantages of our schools; and,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.2
Whereas, We have men and women of years of experience who, under proper conditions, would be able to pursue studies greatly to the advantage of themselves and their work; and,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.3
Whereas, Correspondence schools have been shown to be successful; therefore,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.4
19. Resolved, That the Department of Education be urged to take under advisement plans for such a school, and the General Conference Committee be requested to establish it, if, after careful consideration, it seems wise to do so. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.5
The Chairman: This report will be printed in the BULLETIN for future consideration. We will now proceed with the regular order of business, which, I believe, is the consideration of the partial report of the Committee on Plans and Finance presented yesterday and printed on page 172 of the BULLETIN, column 3. The Secretary will read. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.6
The Secretary [reading]:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.7
“Whereas, Agitation for Sunday legislation is rapidly increasing in the United States and in Canada; and,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.8
“Whereas, The general annual collection of funds for the prosecution of religious liberty work has heretofore been exclusively for the use of the general Religious Liberty Department; therefore,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.9
“15. We recommend, That there be an equal division of the funds to the General, union, and local conferences in these fields.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.10
H. W. Cottrell: I move the adoption of this report. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.11
K. C. Russell: This resolution was not drafted because it was thought by some that the department was having too much money, but because it was thought that this would increase the funds, inasmuch as the union and local conferences would naturally have a greater interest in it. It was also thought that there would not be so heavy a demand upon the General Conference department for funds with which to carry on campaigns in union and local fields, if these conferences might receive an equal share with the General Conference. Hence we hope that this resolution will result in an increase of funds in the treasuries of union and local conferences, as well as in the general department, for this line of work. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.12
J. O. Corliss: I think that the passing of this resolution will bring an improvement over the past method of handling out the funds. I know that there has been some delicacy in the past, in undertaking to use any funds when a local campaign was on; but there are some of our campaigns that cost a great deal of money. Last winter, for instance, the Pacific Union Conference had a very heavy campaign, and I am just informed by the president of that union that that campaign cost $2,500. It would seem, even should this resolution pass, that there might be times when, under stress of circumstances, a union might be exempt from giving one third of its funds to the general treasury. It seems to me there ought to be exceptions when strenuous campaigns are conducted in local territory. It does not seem reasonable to me that such unions as the Pacific Union should pay one third after paying a heavy local expense; whereas, there are other unions that are not spending much of anything during the same period. I wish that some provision could be made in this—some exemption clause for such occasions as this—and then I have no doubt it would be more satisfactory than at present. I am not prepared to write out an amendment on it, but I should like to see one written. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.13
K. C. Russell: Prior to this, last year, during the campaign that Elder Corliss alluded to, the General Conference department, without any resolution, exempted them; and I believe they would do it again. I believe there would be danger, if we had too strong an exemption clause. The general department, and all other departments, should be willing to make a difference in special cases. If we were to leave this matter too wide open, there would, I fear, be too many demands and interests pressed in for exemptions, which would result disastrously to the general work. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.14
E. T. Russell: I rose to speak to practically the same point that has been covered by the last speaker. I think it would be better to leave this matter to the general department; and if demands in local fields are heavy, then let the general department assist in meeting these as occasion may require. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.15
M. C. Wilcox: That expression, “equal division,” seems to demand, to some extent, equal opportunity and responsibility. It is true that in some local conferences there is no agitation at all. In such conferences as that, it seems as if they could give all their funds to the work elsewhere. If the matter could be placed on a proportional basis, and then let it be in the hands of the department, it seems as if it would be better than for us to make no provision for any latitude or elasticity in the distribution of these funds. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.16
W. M. Healey: I am in harmony with the sentiment that is recommended in this resolution, and am also in harmony with the speakers who have just spoken. But I fear that in carrying out the letter of this resolution, we might have difficulty. For instance: If there is to be an equal division of funds in the General, union, and local conferences, there would be three parts for distribution—one to the General, one to the union, and one to the local. Would that portion assigned to the local, be equally divided among the different local conferences in the union? It seems to me that, in many instances, funds would not be needed in certain local territory, whereas they would be needed in some other local field; and in place of giving to those who have no need, money should go from them to those in need. I would like to see some provision made, whereby there may be a distribution wherever there is a need for funds. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.17
J. O. Corliss: I feel in harmony with these suggestions. Would it be out of place, if we should have the resolution recommitted? Or, might we not change it, so that the word “equal” would be substituted by the word “equitable”—making it read, “That there be an equitable division of the funds,” etc.? GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.18
W. M. Healey: I would be satisfied with that, if you would add the phrase, “according to the needs.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.19
G. B. Thompson: There is a problem connected with this proposed amendment, that might be difficult to solve. When the money is collected from the local churches, and is sent on to the conference treasurers, who is to determine what is “an equitable division of the funds according to the needs”? How can the church treasurers, or the conference treasurers, or the union conference treasurers, determine this? It seems to me that the proposed change in the resolution would lead us into seas of difficulty. If there is a special campaign on in any State, it is the province of the union or the General department to help; and in this way there could be an equitable disposition of the funds, according to circumstances; but I hardly see how you can regulate it by resolution. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.20
E. T. Russell: If the General, union, and local conferences each have one third of the funds, and there chances to be no issue on in a certain State, but in another State in a union the battle is fierce, then I think the union conference committee could consistently ask those favored States to help their sister States in meeting the conflict, and thus this matter could be adjusted in the limits of the union. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.21
W. M. Healey: Could not the general department help adjust the whole? GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.22
A. T. Robinson: Would it not be well to leave the resolution just as it is? An “equitable division” might mean more than would appear at first glance. For instance there might not be an issue on in a State when money is collected, and when another State is using funds freely to meet an issue; but before another collection is taken up, there might arise an issue in the State that had hitherto been free from agitation along these lines. It seems to me that it would be better to let the resolution stand as it now reads, rather than to attempt legislation that might afterward result in arbitrary rulings or in unfortunate decisions. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.23
Allen Moon: The portion going to the union conference can be used in the State where it is most needed, and in that way the union conference funds may form an emergency fund, as it were. The union conference has no legislature to look after directly; its funds are to be used where most needed. It occurs to me that the resolution, as originally presented by the committee, can not be improved, and I hope that it will pass. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.24
The resolution was adopted. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.25
The chairman called for any further reports. GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.26
H. W. Cottrell stated that the Committee on Revision of the Constitution was ready to report. The report was presented by W. T. Bartlett, as follows:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.27
Report from Committee on Revision of the Constitution GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.28
We recommend that the following changes be made:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.29
Article III GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.30
Section I, Sub-section (b). Strike out “as are.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 189.31
Sub-section (c). Insert “such mission fields as are properly organized and accepted by vote.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.1
Sec. 3. Change sub-section (b) to read as follows: “Such representatives of missions of the General Conference as shall receive credentials from its executive committee, such credentials only to be given by the consent of a majority of the executive committee.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.2
Sec. 4. Add at end these words: “or properly organized missions.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.3
Sec. 5. Change one thousand to five hundred in each case, and add, at end, “Each union mission shall be entitled to one delegate, without regard to numbers, and an additional delegate for each five hundred members. Each organized mission, not included in a union mission, shall be entitled to one delegate.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.4
Article IV GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.5
Sec. I. Substitute “prosecution” for “carrying forward.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.6
Sec. 2. Change to, “The executive committee shall consist of the president, three vice-presidents, the secretary, the treasurer, the presidents of union conferences, the secretaries in charge of duly organized departments, namely, the publishing, medical, educational, Sabbath-school, religious liberty, young people’s North American foreign, negro—and seven other persons. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.7
Article V GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.8
Sec. I. Change section to read: “The regular officers of this Conference shall be a president, three vice-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer, who shall be elected by the Conference. Two or more auditors shall also be elected by the Conference.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.9
Sec. 3. Insert paragraph: “The duties of the third vice-president shall be to labor in the Asiatic division, comprised of India and the far East, as the executive committee may advise, and to preside at the councils of the members of the executive committee which may be held in the Asiatic division, in the absence of the president.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.10
Sec. 4. Insert, after “local conferences,” the words, “and missions.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.11
Sec. 6. Strike out words “or superintendents of union mission fields.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.12
Article VI GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.13
Sec. 3. Insert the word “treasurers.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.14
BY-LAWS
Article 2, Section I. Insert after “power” these words: “with authority to grant and withdraw credentials and licenses;” also change “shall” to “to.” Insert at end, “The withdrawal of credentials or filling of vacancies in the executive committee shall require the consent of two thirds of the members of the executive committee.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.15
Sec. 2. Insert the word “a” before “vice-president.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.16
Sec. 3. The same. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.17
Article III GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.18
Sec. I. Insert after the words “in charge of,” the following: “the secretaries elected by the General Conference, associated with.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.19
Article V GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.20
Change section 2 to read as follows: “The executive committee shall appoint annually eight persons not in its employ, who, with the president, the vice-presidents, the secretary, the treasurer, and not less than seven presidents of union conferences, shall constitute a committee for auditing and settling all accounts against the General Conference.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.21
NOTE.—The constitution as it now is, with amendments recommended (in Italics), is printed here for the convenience of delegates and readers. Read it without Italics for the old constitution; read it without portions in brackets for the new revision. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.22
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE WITH AMENDMENTS RECOMMENDED
(All additions in Italics; all deletions marked by [].)
Article I—Name GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.23
This organization shall be known as the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.24
Article II—Object GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.25
The object of this Conference is to teach all nations the everlasting gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.26
Article III—Membership GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.27
Section I.—The membership of this Conference shall consist of:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.28
(a) Such Union Conferences as have been or shall be properly organized and accepted by vote. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.29
(b) Such local conferences [as are] not embraced in any Union Conference, as have been or shall be properly organized and accepted by vote. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.30
(c) Such mission fields as are properly organized and accepted by vote. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.31
Sec. 2.—The voters of this Conference shall be designated as follows:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.32
(a) Delegates at large. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.33
(b) Regular delegates. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.34
Sec. 3.—Delegates at large shall be:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.35
(a) The General Conference Executive Committee. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.36
[(b) The Secretary and Treasurer of the General Conference.] GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.37
[(c)] (b) Such [members of departmental committees and] representatives of missions of the General Conference as shall receive credentials from its Executive Committee, such credentials to be given only by the consent of a majority of the Executive Committee. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.38
Sec. 4.—Regular delegates shall be such persons as are duly accredited by Union Conferences, [or] local conferences not included in Union Conferences, or properly organized missions. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.39
Sec. 5.—Each Union Conference shall be entitled to one delegate without regard to numbers, an additional delegate for each conference in its territory, and an additional delegate for each [one thousand] five hundred of its membership. Each local conference not included in any union conference shall be entitled to one delegate, without regard to numbers, and one additional delegate for each [one thousand] five hundred members. Each union mission shall be entitled to one delegate, without regard to numbers, and an additional delegate for each five hundred members. Each organized mission, not included in a union mission, shall be entitled to one delegate. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.40
Article IV—Executive Committee GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.41
Section I.—At each session the Conference shall elect an Executive Committee for the [carrying forward] prosecution of its work between the sessions. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.42
Sec. 2.—The Executive Committee shall consist of the President, [two] three vice-presidents, the secretary, the treasurer, the presidents of union conferences, [the superintendents of organized union missions, and fifteen other persons, among whom there shall be representatives of all the leading departments of Conference work, including the publishing, medical, educational, Sabbath-school, religious liberty, and North American foreign] the secretaries in charge of duly-organized departments, namely, the publishing, medical, educational, Sabbath-school, religious liberty, young people’s, North American foreign, negro,—and seven other persons. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.43
Article V—Officers and Their Duties GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.44
Section I.—The regular officers of this Conference shall be a president, [two] three vice-presidents, a secretary, and a treasurer, [and an auditor] who shall be elected by the Conference. Two or more auditors shall also be elected by the Conference. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.45
Sec. 2.—President: The duties of the president shall be to act as chairman of the Executive Committee, and to labor in the general interests of the Conference, as the Executive Committee may advise. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.46
Sec. 3.—Vice-presidents: The duties of the first vice-president shall be to labor in the European Union Conferences and Missions, as the Executive Committee may advise, and to preside at the councils of the members of the Executive Committee, which may be held in Europe, in the absence of the president. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.47
The duties of the second vice-president shall be to labor in the American Union Conferences and Missions, as the Executive Committee may advise, and in the absence of the president, to preside at the councils of the members of the Executive Committee which may be held in America. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.48
The duties of the third vice-president shall be to labor in the Asiatic division, comprised of India and the far East, as the Executive Committee may advise, and to preside at the councils of the members of the Executive Committee which may be held in the Asiatic division, in the absence of the president. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.49
Sec. 4.—The Secretary: It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep the minutes of the proceedings of the Conference sessions and of the committee meetings, and to collect such statistics and other facts from Union and local Conferences and missions as may be desired by the Conference or the Executive Committee, and to perform such other duties as usually pertain to such office. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.50
Sec. 5.—The Treasurer: It shall be the duty of the treasurer to receive all funds and disburse them by order of the president, and to render such financial statements at regular intervals as may be desired by the Conference or the Executive Committee. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.51
Sec. 6.—Election of Officers and Executive Committee: All officers of the Conference, except members of the Executive Committee who are presidents of Union Conferences [or Superintendents of Union Mission Field], shall be chosen by the delegates of the regular quadrennial sessions of the General Conference, and shall hold their offices for the period of four years, or until their successors are elected and appear to enter upon their duties. GCB May 28, 1909, page 190.52
Article VI—Incorporations, Departments, and Agents GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.1
Section 1.—Such incorporations may be authorized and departments created as the development of the work requires. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.2
Sec. 2.—At each regular session of this Conference the delegates shall elect the trustees of all corporate bodies connected with this organization, as may be provided in the statutory laws governing each. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.3
Sec. 3.—The Conference shall employ such committees, secretaries, treasurers, agents, ministers, missionaries, and other persons, and make such distribution of its laborers as may be necessary to effectively execute its work. It shall also grant credentials or licenses to its ministers and missionaries. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.4
Article VII—Sessions GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.5
Section 1.—This Conference shall hold quadrennial sessions at such date and place as the Executive Committee shall designate by a notice published in the Advent Review and Sabbath Herald at least three months before the date for the session. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.6
Sec. 2.—The Executive Committee may call special sessions at such time and place as it deems proper, by a like notice, and the transactions of such special sessions shall have the same force as those of the regular sessions. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.7
Article VIII—By-laws GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.8
The voters of this Conference may enact By-laws and amend or repeal them at any session thereof, and such By-laws may embrace any provision not inconsistent with the Constitution. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.9
Article IX—Amendments GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.10
This Constitution or its By-laws may be amended by a two-thirds vote of the voters present at any session, provided that, if it is proposed to amend the Constitution at a special session, notice of such purpose shall be given in the call for such special session. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.11
BY-LAWS GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.12
Article I—Regular Sessions GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.13
Section 1.—At each session of the Conference, the Executive Committee shall nominate for election the presiding officers for the session. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.14
Sec. 2.—Previous to each session of the Conference, the Executive Committee shall provide such temporary committees as may be necessary to conduct the preliminary work of the Conference. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.15
Article II—Executive Committee GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.16
Section 1.—During the intervals between sessions of the Conference, the Executive Committee shall have full administrative power, with authority to grant and withdraw credentials and licenses, and [shall] to fill for the current term any vacancies that may occur in its officers, boards, committees, or agents, by death, resignation, or otherwise, except in cases where other provisions for filling such vacancies shall be made by vote of the General Conference. The withdrawal of credentials or filling of vacancies on the Executive Committee shall require the consent of two thirds of the members of the Executive Committee. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.17
Sec. 2.—Any five members of the Executive Committee, including the president or a vice-president, shall be empowered to transact such executive business as is in harmony with the general plans outlined by the Committee, but the concurrence of four members shall be necessary to pass any measure. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.18
Sec. 3.—Meetings of the Executive Committee may be called at any time or place, by the president or a vice-president, or by the secretary, upon the written request of any five members of the Committee. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.19
Article III—Departments GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.20
Section 1.—The work of the departments of this organization shall be in charge of the secretaries elected by the General Conference, associated with the committees selected by the Executive Committee, when not otherwise provided for by the Conference. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.21
Article IV—Finance GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.22
Section 1.—This Conference shall receive a tithe from all of its Union and local Conferences, and the tithe of its Union and local Mission Fields. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.23
Sec. 2.—The Executive Committee shall be authorized to call for such special donations as may be necessary to properly prosecute its work. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.24
Sec. 3.—The Conference shall receive offerings devoted to missions. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.25
Article V—Audits GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.26
Section 1.—The Executive Committee shall have the accounts of the Conference and of its several departments audited at least one each calendar year, and shall report upon the same to the General Conference at its regular sessions. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.27
Sec. 2.—The Executive Committee shall appoint annually eight persons not in its employ, who, with the president, the vice-presidents, the secretary, the treasurer, and not less than seven presidents of Union Conferences, shall constitute a committee for auditing and settling all accounts against the General Conference. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.28
Following the report from the Committee on Revision of Constitution, the chairman called upon C. F. McVagh, the president, to report for,— GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.29
THE SOUTHERN UNION CONFERENCE
The Southern Union Conference was organized in 1901. At that time it was composed of nine States, embracing all the territory south of the Virginias and the Ohio River and east of the Mississippi River and including Louisiana, which is mostly west of the river. The work of the message began in this field nearly forty years ago. It met with an encouraging response, and companies of believers were raised up in Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana, and elsewhere. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.30
Much of the early effort in this territory came to naught because Northern laborers raised up companies and returned to the North, leaving the work to ravel out, and the babes in Christ to die for want of attention. It was hard at that time for people from the North to appreciate or sympathize with Southern sentiment, or to adapt themselves to the social customs and assimilate with the Southern people. Probably no more consecrated and zealous missionaries have ever devoted their lives to the work of God; but their course provoked resentment on the part of the Southern people, who looked with jealousy and distrust upon these proselyters from their social and religious tradition. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.31
Persecution broke out in Tennessee, Georgia, and elsewhere, with the express purpose of exterminating the work. The results bear strong testimony to the truth that nothing can stop the work of God. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.32
The first conference organization was formed in 1876; and later, the whole field was organized as District No. 2 of the General Conference. This, in turn, became the Southern Union Conference in 1901, with Elder R. M. Kilgore as its first president. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.33
While the general progress was slow, the truth took firm root, and centers of influence increased in number, until in January, 1908, it was found advisable to divide the territory, cutting off about half the area, population, and work, to form the Southeastern Union. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.34
The Southern Union Conference now consists of Kentucky, East and Middle Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. This territory is organized into five conferences, having a combined area of 218,457 square miles, with a population, in round numbers, of nine millions, of whom, approximately, two thirds are white and one third colored. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.35
Some portions have a much larger proportion of colored. Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama are in what is known as the “Black Belt,” which contains the bulk of the negroes of the South. Of personal knowledge, I can only speak of the work in the union during the time since the division in 1908. If the actual conditions were better understood, it would be a great advantage to our work. People with vague ideas and fanciful notions of what is needed come South, are disappointed, and sometimes to do more harm than good. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.36
To many Northern people, the term “South” means heat, malaria, lynching, alligators, and colored people. All who have a burden to come South should obtain reliable information as to soil and opportunities in the locality in mind. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.37
The soil is generally poor from neglect, or worn by constant single cropping. In the main, it responds to good cultivation, and could easily be made to support more than double the present population. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.38
Those who come South should bring clothing for a changeable climate. Heavy underclothing, outside wraps, and furs will be found useful during the winter months, even though snow is seldom seen. The writer did not find the first summer very oppressive, even though the hottest months were spent in the extreme South, in Louisiana and Mississippi. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.39
While there are certain malarial districts, beautiful and healthful locations may be found in any of our conferences, where energetic people with a little capital can make a good living and find a needy field for missionary work. The reputation of the country has suffered on account of sensational newspaper reports of night riding and race difficulties. It is true that the spirit of lawlessness is increasing in the South, as elsewhere; and the existence of two races, living side by side, as do the white and colored people of the South, furnishes occasion for the manifestation of the worst that sin has developed in humanity. Similar conditions would produce the same results anywhere. It should be remembered, also, when all is said, that ten million negroes in as good condition as those in the South can not be found elsewhere in the world. GCB May 28, 1909, page 191.40
The whole situation pleads eloquently for the saving grace of the third angel’s message. The spirit of prophecy has spoken to us, over and over again, with the warning that the work in the South must be hastened. In recent years, considerable money has been expended in fostering the work, and in building and equipping institutions. The work neglected in former years in now being done, but the effort and cost are much greater. We still need the prayers and assistance of those in stronger conference; and we are trying by faithful labor to show our appreciation of the help received. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.1
During the past year, the amount of tithe paid in the five conferences of the Southern Union was $18,935.68 by a membership of 1,876; or an average, per capita, of $10.10. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.2
Reference to Elder Butler’s reports four years ago shows that the tithe of the whole field, now composing the Southern and Southeastern unions, was that year $22,035.97, an average of about $8 per capita. A comparison shows substantial gain, both in the number of Sabbath-keepers and in the tithe per capita. Judging from reports received, the tithe from the Southern Union Conference in 1909 will exceed that of the whole field four years ago. During the year we have employed 25 ordained ministers, 15 licentiates, and 71 canvassers, besides some workers in institutions. Twenty-nine public efforts have been conducted, resulting in 294 persons accepting the Sabbath, not all of whom, however, have proved faithful. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.3
An aggressive work has been carried on by the departments of the union and local conferences. In most of the conferences, temperance rallies were held in connection with the camp-meetings. The magazine Liberty is being furnished to most of the members of the legislatures, and people have taken an active part in the campaign against the Sunday bills before the national Congress. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.4
Southern Union Conference Association GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.5
The legal corporation for the Southern Union is known as the Southern Union Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists. This corporation was formed for the purpose of holding denominational property, and receiving gifts and legacies. Not the least important part of its work is the fostering of the various interests in the field. The credit of the association has been strengthened by the strict business methods employed. Interest on money loaned to the association is always paid when due, and every demand for principal has been promptly met. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.6
Nowhere has the hand of God been more apparent than in the institutional work. Graysville Academy, located in the Southeastern Union, serves as a training school for both unions. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.7
The Southern Publishing Association GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.8
The publishing work was started in Nashville eight years ago, by the advice that came through the spirit of prophecy, saying: “In Nashville there should be established a printing plant.” The Southern Publishing Association was first incorporated as a non-dividend-paying stock company, and so continued up to January, 1908, when a new company was formed on a membership basis, under the General Welfare Act of Tennessee, known as “The Southern Publishing Association of Seventh-day Adventists.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.9
This corporation purchased all the property, and assumed all the obligations, of the former association, and has since conducted the denominational publishing business for the South. In 1908 commercial work was abandoned. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.10
In the early days of the Publishing Association, the financial losses were heavy; but gradually conditions have improved, until in 1907 the tide turned, and instead of a loss the association showed a gain of $688.23 in operating. In 1908, the gain in operation was $6,674.43. The present worth Jan. 1, 1909, was $25,535.62. During the first four months of 1909, the liabilities have further decreased, and the prospects were never so bright at this time of year. Two branches have been established,—one at Fort Worth, Tex., and one at Atlanta, Ga. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.11
The canvassing work is better organized than ever before, and the canvassers who stick to business are successful and of good courage. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.12
The Watchman, formerly a weekly missionary paper, was changed in form and scope at the beginning of 1909 to a monthly magazine. This decision was reached on the advice of the president and leading members of the General Conference Committee. The magazine deals with present-day issues in the light of the third angel’s message. So far, it has met with a cordial reception, and we hope that it will prove a great blessing to the general work, and be a financial strength to the association. We greatly need a good man for the department of circulation. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.13
In response to a vigorous and continued call from the field for a missionary paper that could be scattered in large numbers by all our people, the Gospel Sentinel was launched early in the present year. We believe that this little paper, packed with the salient points of the message and furnished at twenty-five cents a year in clubs, is a step in the direction of scattering our literature like the leaves of autumn. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.14
I am glad to say that the spiritual condition in the publishing house and in the other institutions is good, with abundant manifestations of the working of the Holy Spirit. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.15
The Nashville Sanitarium GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.16
The sanitarium work in Nashville was pioneered by L. A. Hansen, and a splendid work was accomplished. This was later turned over to the Nashville Sanitarium Association,—a denominational corporation,—and the present sanitarium building was erected on a beautiful spot about two miles from the city, on the Murfreesboro Pike. Shortly after it opened for work, Dr. F. A. Washburn, the medical superintendent, was obliged to retire, on account of his health; and changes in the management and other conditions incident to the starting of a new institution made the work go hard in 1908. Dr. W. A. George, the present medical superintendent, and the new management, struggled with the perplexities; but notwithstanding all efforts, the loss in operating during 1908 was over $5,000. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.17
I am glad to say that the tide now seems to have been successfully turned. If the patronage of the past three months continues, 1909 will not show a loss in operating. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.18
Sister White and party made the sanitarium their headquarters during her recent visit to Nashville, and expressed approval of what has been accomplished. At present the building is full, and the patrons are pleased. A prominent minister of Nashville, whose wife has been at the sanitarium for several weeks, recently said: “I can not express my appreciation of what has been done for my wife in this institution; but you may count on me to be a walking advertiser for it.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.19
Notwithstanding the help already given, the sanitarium still carries a heavy load of interest-bearing debt, which will take a long time for even a good patronage to wipe out. The management is striving faithfully to meet the counsel of God in this work. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.20
Nashville Agricultural and Normal Institute GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.21
This school, though not owned by the denomination, is endorsed by the conference, and is working in harmony with the organization. This school was established at Madison, nine miles from Nashville, in 1904, but did not begin real work until the fall of 1905. The object of the school is to give a practical, all-round training for missionary work. With this end in view, in addition to Bible and the common branches, agriculture, horticulture, dairying, and trades, and industries are given greater prominence than in many schools. During the four years of its operation, the school has given employment, in the care of the farm, home, and sanitarium, to about 160 students and teachers, most of whom have earned their entire support. This school has been the means of establishing thirteen small farm schools in the rural districts, in which over 500 children are receiving instruction in present truth. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.22
Madison is now prepared to take care of 50 students and 20 patients. The sanitarium has been opened not quite six months, and so far has met running expenses. The establishment and equipment of the school have not been without difficulties and perplexities; but it is now in a position to do a great work in furnishing competent laborers for the Lord’s vineyard. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.23
Intermediate School GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.24
Hazel Industrial Academy, at Hazel, Ky., under the ownership and control of the Tennessee River Conference, has just closed the most successful year in its history. The management is making a commendable effort to make the work self-supporting, and with a very slight increase of present facilities will be able to do so. The enrollment for the year was 43. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.25
Pine Grove School at Amory, Miss., was started as a private enterprise by Brother M. T. Bellinger. Last year the entire plant was leased by the Mississippi Conference, and conducted as a conference school. It had a very successful year both spiritually and financially. The enrollment was 32. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.26
Eleven church-schools have been in successful operation during the year, with an enrollment of about 140. GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.27
Health Food Factory GCB May 28, 1909, page 192.28
After months of careful, patient labor, the Nashville Sanitarium Food Factory is in operation. This enterprise is under the control of the Southern Union Conference, and is operated for the benefit of the cause. While the factory has only been running a short time, the quality of the foods and the prices seem to give general satisfaction; and if the opening volume of business is maintained, the financial success of the undertaking is assured. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.1
Work for the Colored People GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.2
The work for the colored people in the South was pioneered by Elder J. E. White with the steamer “Morning Star” on the Mississippi and Yazoo rivers. The development of the work thus begun resulted in the formation of the Southern Missionary Society—a non-dividend-paying stock corporation under the laws of the State of Mississippi. In 1906 this work was taken over as a department of the Southern Union Conference. There being legal complications in the way of transferring the property of the Mississippi corporation to the Southern Union Conference, a new membership corporation, under the General Welfare Act of Tennessee, has been formed; and through this medium, property is being secured for the denomination. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.3
During the last year, the number of mission schools has increased to 30, with a combined enrollment of 1,000 pupils. These schools touch the real negro problem in the South at its very foundation. Ex-Governor Hoke Smith said last month, at Atlanta, Ga., that the real problem of negro education is how to reach the six millions of that race who never get into the higher institutions of learning prepared for them, and are not fit to enter them. This is the class that the mission school reaches. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.4
Oakwood Manual Training School GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.5
This school, located at Huntsville, Ala., is the only training school established by this denomination for the training of colored laborers. For years its equipment was of the most meager character; but during the last two years some modest buildings, including a boys’ dormitory, a study hall, a silo, a potato house, a wagon shed, a cannery, and a small sanitarium, have been erected. The buildings are of the plainest; yet these increased facilities have brought joy to both students and faculty. There is still urgent need for a dining-room, a girls’ dormitory, an orphanage, and better equipment for all the buildings. Some of these have already been planned and will soon be under way, thanks to the liberality of friends in all parts of the country. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.6
The efforts should not be slackened until this school is put on vantage ground. The enrollment during the year was over 100, with an average of 75. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.7
The Rock City Sanitarium GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.8
In January, 1908, the Southern Union Conference recommended the re-establishment of the sanitarium for colored people in Nashville, and laid the responsibility for the work upon the Southern Missionary Society. After weeks of unavailing search for a suitable place to rent for the purpose, the present location was found. It seemed desirable in every way for the work, but was for sale, not for rent. After prayerful study and consultation, the property was purchased for $3,650. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.9
The place is located in a quiet, healthful neighborhood, with good water and plenty of shade. It consists of a plot of ground 107 x 210 feet, having thereon a ten-room house. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.10
Possession was taken last September. A five-room annex has been added for bath-, treatment-, operation-, and wardrooms. Although not complete, the institution is operating, and receiving a most encouraging patronage. Dr. Isbell-Blake, the medical superintendent, has a class in hydrotherapy in Meharry Medical College, where Elder Blake is studying medicine. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.11
The Rock City Sanitarium already has the active sympathy of many influential workers for the colored people, the dean of Meharry permitting his name to appear on the stationery as a member of the advisory board. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.12
Sister White looked the institution over and said: “I am glad that you have this place. The Lord has been hearing our prayers.... We thank the Lord for its advantages, with heart and soul and voice.... The place you are now in is the nearest to the representation made to me of what we should have of anything that I have yet seen.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.13
Hillcrest School Farm GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.14
An industrial school for colored students, on the plan of the Madison School for white students, has been established about five miles from Nashville. A very suitable location has been secured, at a reasonable price, and faithful work has brought it to the place where a few students are in attendance, and the active work of training has begun. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.15
Sister White also visited this place, and spoke most encouragingly to the workers, commending the location, what had been done, and the general plan. This school bears the same relationship to the conference organization as the Madison School. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.16
The work is onward in the union, and the workers are of good courage. We are earnestly endeavoring to make the work in the South entirely self-supporting, and God is blessing the effort. We hope that next year two more of our conferences will step into the column of those who are not asking for direct appropriation from the General Conference. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.17
The work for the white people will soon be not only self-supporting, but an increasing strength to the General Conference, so that all the help asked may go to the work for the colored people. Our “Africa at home” will always furnish abundant opportunity for missionary work. At present it would be great additional help if friends sending donations to the South would specify what branch of the work they design the offering to benefit. Earnestly do we in the Southern Union look and work for the blessed hope, thankful for a place and part in the sacrifice and fellowship of the last gospel message. GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.18
At the close of his report, Elder McVagh said: “I have just been handed the following note:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.19
” ‘The Southern Union canvasser, a picture of whose home appeared on page 159 of the BULLETIN, took orders to the value of $263 in three and one half days last week. This, so far as we know, is the best record made this year.’ “ GCB May 28, 1909, page 193.20
The chairman next called upon Elder Cottrell, of the Pacific Union, who presented the following report:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.1
REPORT OF THE PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE
Since the last session of the General Conference held in Washington, D. C., the Pacific Union Conference has been divided, and its territory now comprises the States of California, Nevada, and Utah and the Territory of Arizona. The total area in square miles is 467,933. The population is estimated at 2,620,000, an increase in four years of 651,049. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.2
The field is divided into four organized conferences, two of which are mission fields, receiving the larger portion of their support from the treasury of the union conference. The total number of churches in our present conference territory at the beginning of this term was eighty-five; at the close of 1908, one hundred seventeen, an increase of thirtytwo. The church-membership in 1904 was 4,438; in 1908, 7,440, an increase of 3,002. Number of companies in 1904, eighteen; in 1908, twenty-two, an increase of four. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.3
Total number of Sabbath-keepers, Dec. 31, 1904, 5,120; in 1908, 7,712. This represents a growth in membership of over fifty per cent during the quadrennial term. While this growth is very encouraging, it has not met our highest expectations. There are seventy-eight church buildings, with an estimated valuation of $220,775. The total tithe receipts for the term are $394,128.77. The average tithe per capita for the quadrennial term is $56.94. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.4
There are fifty-four ordained ministers, thirteen of whom, on account of age or other infirmities, are not in active field work; twenty-two licentiates, and thirty-eight other missionaries, besides an average of one hundred eighty-four persons who are doing missionary work by placing the message of God’s saving truth in the homes of the people through the printed page in the form of our denominational books and periodicals. The retail value of book and periodical sales is $160,992. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.5
There are one hundred sixty-four Sabbath-schools, with a total membership of 6,698, a gain in membership of 1925. There are at least 1,500 young people between the ages of fifteen and twenty-two years. The total Sabbath-school offerings are $31,998. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.6
Educational
The Fernando Academy and the Lodi Normal Institute, together with forty-three intermediate and church-schools located in various parts of the union conference, are usually well filled, and the educational work is progressing encouragingly. Our educational work represents a growth in enrollment of two hundred fifty-four. This is encouraging, but we have our hearts set on making it much greater in the next term. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.7
It having been decided to remove the work of the Pacific Union College from Healdsburg to a more rural location, the school at that place was closed one year ago. Steps were taken immediately to locate elsewhere. At the urgency of the gift of prophecy, we have contracted to purchase a three-thousand-acre ranch located at Sonoma, Sonoma Co., Cal., on which to found an educational institution. The cost price of this property, all told, will be $51,000. We have raised by bonafide pledges and in cash more than $50,000 with which to pay for this property. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.8
Medical
We have four large, well-equipped sanitariums that are enjoying a greater or less degree of prosperity. The St. Helena Sanitarium, our oldest institution, after sailing many years over a turbulent sea, has been greatly prospered financially during the past term of four years. The sanitariums at Glendale, Loma Linda, and Paradise Valley are institutions that were established about the beginning of this quadrennial term, and are now becoming quite well known, and enjoy a good patronage during the tourist season. At the St. Helena, Glendale, and Loma Linda sanitariums regular training-schools for nurses are conducted, and workers are prepared for service in both the home and foreign fields. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.9
The total assets of these institutions are $447,277.93. It therefore requires diligence and faithfulness on our part to keep the knowledge of them before the public, in order to assure the necessary patronage for their financial prosperity. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.10
There are a large number of our brethren in good standing located in this field who are practising physicians. Some of them are doing institutional work. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.11
Publishing
All are familiar with the serious loss with which the Pacific Press Publishing Association met when its manufacturing plant and stock of publications were destroyed by fire. Through the providence of God the corporation secured a cash purchaser for its realty holdings in the city of Oakland, and this means, with the generosity of our brethren, enabled it to erect another building upon its site in Mountain View, which is far more convenient for a manufacturing plant than any it has ever had. This plant is now operated exclusively for our denominational work, and we are pleased to report that the volume of business is constantly increasing. During the past year the reorganizing of the publishing interests along corporation lines was completed, so that the work is now operated under a membership charter from the State of California, which places the absolute control of the corporation’s interests in the hands of the denomination. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.12
Contributions
The contributions from this union conference for the quadrennial term have been as follows:— GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.13
Foreign mission offerings, $63,549; Sabbath-school donations to foreign missions, $23,683; tithe paid to the General Conference, $4,899.86; offerings made to the general work, $9,011; the offerings of the Missionary Volunteer societies during the last two years to foreign missions, $2,311.33. The grand total amount of offerings for foreign work is $103,456.06. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.14
Religious Liberty
The Lord has wonderfully blessed the united efforts of our brethren put forth in the Religious Liberty Department of the work. In the legislatures of California, Utah, and Arizona various Sunday bills were introduced, but all were defeated. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.15
In California many of the brethren took up the work of securing petitions to the legislature against religious legislation, with the result that over forty thousand names of individual voters were secured protesting against passing such bills. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.16
The brethren who were stationed at Sacramento secured opportunities to be heard by the committees on the various bills to whom such measures were referred. The result of the combined efforts is forcibly expressed in the language, “The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad.” GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.17
Seventh-day Adventists having heard, seen, tasted, known, yea, known from experience, the evil of religious legislation, the brethren acted as minute-men, and were rewarded, for at least two more years, with the continuation of their civil and outward religious rights. State religious laws, not being spiritual, can not affect the liberty of the inner life. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.18
Being at liberty, we will ever have the liberty to petition congress and legislatures to enact no laws that will abridge even the smallest minority of citizens of any of their civil and outward religious liberty rights, both of which are God-given. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.19
A United People
As the result of the gift of prophecy that has always been among us as a people, as manifest in Sister White, calling upon us to buy the Sonoma ranch for a college site, it became necessary for us to visit all the churches in the California Conference, present to them the situation in which we were all placed equally alike, the reasons for our being thus situated, and to solicit free-will offerings to the amount required to meet our obligation on the new property deal. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.20
This gave us an unquestioned opportunity to present before each church in the conference, in a very definite way, the Bible authority for the gift of prophecy and its teachings among us. In all the churches visited I obtained, after a strong presentation of the Bible evidences pertaining to this gift and its teaching, a definite vote as to their faith and confidence in it. Even to my own surprise there was but one negative vote cast in all the churches I visited. In all my experience I have never before seen such a strong endorsement of this gift by the masses of our people. We have cause to thank God and take courage. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.21
We are indeed thankful that God’s prospering hand is so distinctly seen accompanying the labors of our brethren in all parts of the world. Surely the Lord has been leading the way all these years through the forests of sin, and he still bids us to move forward and occupy the entire field. In behalf of our workers and brethren generally I can say that I believe we are united in seeking for a still closer walk with our Heavenly Father, that we may not only continue to have his divine guidance and a larger measure of his grace, but that he may cause our daily lives to demand the outpouring of his Holy Spirit to fit us for still greater usefulness in his work until the gospel of the kingdom shall have been preached in all the world. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.22
At the conclusion of Elder Cottrell’s report, the meeting adjourned. GCB May 28, 1909, page 194.23
O. A. OLSEN, Chairman.
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.