General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
THIRTY-FOURTH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
June 1, 3 P. M.
Elder G. A. Irwin in the chair. Prayer was offered by Elder W. J. Stone. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.15
On motion to adopt, the partial report of the Committee on Plans (Resolutions 28 to 30), on page 213 of the BULLETIN, was taken up. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.16
Resolution 28 (on advanced normal diplomas) was read, action being deferred until the secretary of the Educational Department should be present. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.17
Resolution 29 (on the study and circulation of the book “Education”) was read. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.18
G. B. Starr read a portion of a letter from a lady connected with the educational work in Australia, the wife of one of the members of a scientific party now on an expedition toward the South Pole. In the letter she spoke appreciatively of the book “Education.” The lady is now keeping the Sabbath. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.19
Chas. Thompson: I sincerely hope GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.20
that this resolution will not simply be passed and then forgotten. I fear a great many of our own people fail to appreciate this wonderful book, for in the homes where I visited, I find that it is not generally in the library. The chapter called “The School of the Hereafter” is the most wonderful piece of literature I have ever perused. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.21
Professor Griggs: I wish to suggest a verbal change in the wording, changing “possess themselves of” to “secure.” GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.22
The change was accepted and the resolution was adopted. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.23
G. A. Irwin: The educational secretary is now here. We deferred Resolution 28 until his arrival. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.24
Frederick Griggs: There was a little amendment to be made to that, but I do not have it with me just at the present time. I move that this resolution be laid on the table. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.25
The motion carried. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.26
Resolution 30 was read, as follows:— GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.27
“CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS” GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.28
Whereas, “Christ’s Object Lessons” was given for the relieving of our schools from indebtedness; and,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.29
Whereas, It has already accomplished a great work in this direction to the extent of securing some three hundred thousand dollars; and,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.30
Whereas, It has been some seven or eight years since we conducted a general campaign with this book; therefore,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.31
30. Resolved, That the Department of Education be instructed to organize and vigorously prosecute such a campaign, similar in purpose and plan to that formerly undertaken for our advanced and intermediate schools, and that we urge our conference committees everywhere to heartily co-operate in this undertaking. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.32
W. F. Fitzgerald (England): I would like to inquire how much is included in the word “everywhere.” GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.33
Professor Griggs: I would suggest that it means wherever there is need of its being done. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.34
W. F. Fitzgerald: The only reason I raised the question was, that we have just prosecuted a general campaign in Great Britain, and are hardly prepared to enter another at once. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.35
O. A. Olsen: I am glad to see this. Over in the Australasian field we took our quota for the Avondale School. The New Zealand Conference was the first one to finish, and the other conferences followed. Then there was need of more schools. New Zealand started out. They raised about $10,000 in cash, and then set themselves to sell 6,000 copies of “Object Lessons,” and they have done it. West Australia is now selling an edition for their own school. The Victoria Conference has passed a motion to sell a 10,000 edition for a new school enterprise. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.36
J. W. Lair: If it means that we are to do what some of our conferences did in the last campaign, I am opposed to it. I was in West Virginia when this campaign was launched, and I remember the experience that conference went through by purchasing the books, and leaving the conference in debt. Now it seems to me the plan that ought to be inaugurated is a cash basis,—the conference order books only as it receives orders for them. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.37
F. Griggs: This does not say that the same plan is to be inaugurated. It says it is to be similar. The real thought of the resolution is that the book shall be used in an energetic way; that earnest campaigns shall be made for the benefit of the schools now in debt, and the establishment of other schools. It does not, however, contemplate the idea of these funds being applied to the establishment and development of church-schools. All methods of conducting such a campaign should be taken under consideration, and where we failed before, improvement should be made at this time. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.38
G. B. Starr: Could not this resolution embrace those ideas? We are in harmony with that, but I think a good many are opposed to the idea of a wholesale, general campaign with that book. In many cases they have finished their work for “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and are working for “Ministry of Healing.” In places where there are schools which have debts, and it is necessary to have a campaign, they could do so. I would like to see this amended, and therefore move that Resolution 30 be amended by inserting the expressions, “where needed,” and, “where indebtedness still exists.” GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.39
F. Griggs: If that latter idea of “where indebtedness still exists” is brought in, and it applies to union conferences, it will have a pretty general application, and the words are almost unnecessary. This does not mean that we should make some of the mistakes which may have been made at that time; but it does mean a thorough, earnest, and enthusiastic effort with the book which has been given for the purpose of relieving our schools from indebtedness. We are coming into very perilous times financially as well as spiritually, and if our schools are hindered in their work in these times, it will mean a great deal of delay and hindrance to the advancement of the cause. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.40
A. G. Haughey: We have had some rich experiences in handling “Christ’s Object Lessons.” In West Michigan we enjoyed this whole experience of selling our quota. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.41
Chas. Thompson: It seems, from the discussion, that in order for a school to enter into the campaign, it must be in debt. I wish to inquire whether a school that is not in debt may share in the benefits of the campaign in its territory? GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.42
The Chairman: I understand so. Also, it may be used for the starting of new school enterprises. It seems to me that Elder Olsen, in his remarks, explained the real workings of it. GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.43
B. F. Kneeland: I understand, then, that this resolution does not apply where States have already sold their quota of “Object Lessons.” GCB June 2, 1909, page 285.44
The Chairman: No, not unless they desire to do something in addition to what they have already done. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.1
B. F. Kneeland: I speak of this, because we have already inaugurated another campaign for the sale of “Ministry of Healing.” GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.2
The Chairman: Then you would not be obligated by the passage of this resolution. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.3
A. R. Ogden: The real motive is to encourage the continuous sale of the wonderful book, “Object Lessons,” which the people everywhere should have. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.4
F. Griggs: I am afraid that the object of this resolution is not fully understood. Now it is not the idea of this resolution that there should be desultory campaigns with this book, but, rather, that a general campaign be entered into, similar in purpose to that which was conducted formerly. We must plan carefully a well-organized campaign, and see to it, if possible, that our schools are freed from debt. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.5
The vote resulted in 48 for and 28 against the resolution. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.6
At this point an address to the President of the United States, to be presented by a deputation, was read and adopted. It will be printed after presentation. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.7
G. A. Irwin: We will now proceed to the recommendations found on page 243 of the BULLETIN. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.8
H. R. Salisbury moved the adoption of Resolutions 31 to 38, inclusive. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.9
Resolution 31 was read as follows:— GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.10
NORTH AMERICAN NEGRO DEPARTMENT
Resolved, That in carrying out the provision of the constitution creating a North American Negro Department of the General Conference, the following be a working basis:— GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.11
(a) That the work for the colored people in the Southern, Southeastern, and Southwestern union conferences be organized on a mission basis in each union. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.12
(b) That, as the work for the colored people develops, local missions may be organized in these union missions. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.13
(c) That a strong effort be made to quickly place the truths of the message before the colored people of the South in the most effective ways, especially by the use of suitable literature, evangelistic work, and mission schools. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.14
W. A. Westworth (Southeastern Union): I think we should not let this pass without a statement or two. While the needs of the work for the colored people have been presented to us over and over again, a great many of our people have come to think that the call from the South is an old, old song. Nevertheless, with us it is a very live issue. This morning when the servant of the Lord said, in emphatic tones, “God has not forgotten the South,” I could not but say, “Amen.” A great many have thought that it was pretty near time when the South was left out of the count. As I said in my report, while we would not turn away one penny or one man from the great foreign mission fields, I hope that the people of this denomination will wake up to the fact that we still have a great mission field at our very doors. I believe this department would be a great help to our work in the South, and I want to see it organized. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.15
Sydney Scott: I appreciate the remarks, and concur with the speaker. The relations between the races in the South are becoming wider and wider. Seventh-day Adventists are not responsible for it, neither am I responsible for it. The conditions are to be met, and they have to be met in a common-sense way. I hope that this department work will meet the condition, and yet I have had some doubts about it. It is in my mind a question of representation. The relation between the colored and the white man in the South is becoming a serious question. In the South our people are losing confidence in the white man. It is just as well to handle this question without gloves. If this departmental work is carried out on a plan that will give a just representation to the negro churches, then I say “Amen” to the plan. If it will be one-sided, then I say “No” in the loudest tone. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.16
I believe there ought to be a department, but there ought to be a just and fair representation in that department from the local mission clear to the head. I object to the expression “North American Negro Department” for several reasons. First, every man who is acquainted with the conditions in the South and the conditions in the North, knows that the term “Afro-American” is less misleading than “North American,” from the fact that you are legislating for the people in the territory where slavery existed. In order to make it North American, you must go over into Canada and Mexico. In these places there is no necessity for it. Therefore I would like to see the term Afro-American substituted for North-American. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.17
Mrs. M. C. Hairston: I am not a delegate, but may I ask a question? I am interested in this resolution. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.18
G. A. Irwin: If there are no objections. (None were offered.) GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.19
Mrs. M. C. Hairston: A question of such vast importance, it seems to me, should represent the Negro people all over the United States. Different churches should have been notified that this question was coming up, and the people given ample time to consider this matter, and send their delegates here before this Conference, and lay their plans before it. I am a member of a church in the District of Columbia with perhaps seventy-five or eighty Negro members. We knew absolutely nothing about this matter. We heard as a rumor that some of the colored people would ask for a department, but we could not find out anything about it, until we heard that this department was established. My people here objected, and I really would like to know who authorized these few men to come here and speak for the Negro people all over the United States. It seems to me that it is perfectly absurd. I emphatically protest against a Negro Department, and wish very much, if it were possible, to have it annulled. Still, as it has been done, I do not think it would be fair for this world’s Conference to adjourn without knowing that there are Negroes that protest against it. Thank you. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.20
T. H. Branch: I am glad to say I believe with all my soul that this is the right thing in the right place at the right time. I have been in this truth for sixteen years. I worked hard before I went to Africa seven years ago, and today I will agree with you that of all the work we have done in this country, with the assistance of the white brethren, there are not over a thousand colored people in the truth to-day. Our hands have been tied. Now this department will loosen our hands so we can work for our own people, and if you do not pass it, you will tie up our feet as well as our hands. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.21
We are not here to work for any men or set of men. I want to work for the salvation of souls, whether or not you pass this resolution. We have started work for the colored people in Colorado, and our mission there is doing good work. I believe that if the colored people would step aside, not away from, the white brethren, and with peace and harmony on both sides work directly for their people, we should have numbers of people in the truth in a short time, like the Germans and other nationalities. Now let us use common sense, and remember that Christ has given to every man his work. As a people our work is to carry the gospel to all nations in this generation. “We must dig deep into the Word of God, so we will know God by the representation of Jesus Christ, and drop every thought of things, except the salvation of the souls of those who sit in darkness and the region of death.” “It is much easier to find a score of men wise enough to discover a truth than to find one intrepid enough in the face of all opposition to stand stiffly for the truth.” GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.22
I am led by the Spirit of God to work for my people. And I will work for them either in the Conference or out of the Conference, but in harmony with the Conference. I ask you in the name of the Lord to create this department. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.23
J. K. Humphrey: I am interested in the Negro race because I am a Negro. I indorse this resolution with all my heart. As stated before on this floor, I have been studying the situation. I have never been down South, but I know something of the Southern conditions. I therefore approve of this department for the work. I think something ought to be done for the North as well as the South. Of the eleven millions of colored people in the United States, three and one-half millions are in the North and seven and a half millions are in the South. Among them scarcely anything is being done. As I studied the situation, I found that the other nationalities were getting along first-rate; and as we hear their reports, we find the work is growing. It encourages you to listen to these reports of how the work is going among the Germans, Danes, Scandinavians, and others; but when it comes to the Negroes, do you hear anything? I can but think of the time when the Negroes were leading the world. They did it, history shows it. They were a bad people, and God overthrew them; but God is saving this people as individuals now, and I pray that this department that has been proposed, not because of color (while that may be one of the indirect reasons) but primarily to foster the work among the Negro people, may be created. Let us take away the color basis; we should not look at it that way. God does not look at it that way. I believe that the Negro has a soul, and that God desires he should be saved. And I feel that a better step could not have been taken than to put this work on a departmental basis, in order that more efficiency may be given to this work throughout the country, and a greater work be done in the future than in the past. A few will raise objections. GCB June 2, 1909, page 286.24
There has never yet been in the history of the world a movement or a work of reform, but that some one or some set of people would arise to oppose it. But I do hope that the delegates will see the force of this truth, and will pass this resolution. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.1
W. H. Green: I simply want to reinforce what I said the other day. I hope that nothing but the consideration of facts will in any way hinder any person from carrying forward this recommendation. It is true that we have not called upon our people throughout the broad land, in order to ascertain their views as to plans. They could not all come here; and so, under the circumstances, a few of us have met here, and have considered this matter carefully. We have solemnly subscribed our names to this paper, and have sent it in to you, without any request having come from you. I believe the department ought to be maintained, and we pledge our support to it. I want to say one thing more, and that is this: I notice that almost every man under the heavens seems to be proud of the fact that he belongs to his race. If there is one thing I have never been ashamed of, it is that I am a Negro. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.2
J. M. Campbell: I wish to say that I am heartily in favor of the Negro Department. I have done everything I could do to help in formulating plans for this, and I hope to do everything possible to make the work a success in this department. I expect to use all my efforts when I get back home to educate the people up to this department. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.3
J. W. Manns: I am from Florida. I am heartily in favor of this Negro Department. I believe it will be better for the work of the Lord among my people. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.4
M. C. Strachan: I would like to place myself on record as being heartily in favor of the plan of establishing the Negro Department. The term used, North American Negro Department, meets my mind. I believe that this department is really the child of necessity, and the produce of the ever-increasing and prevailing conditions which surround the Negro in America. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.5
W. S. Connolly: I do not like to differ with any one, and this is the first time that I have been obliged to differ with the brethren of the General Conference. The Testimony says the less that is said about this matter the better, and if nothing is said about it I think it is better. What will the great mass of the colored people think? It will be harder to work for them. The man outside is going to say you are doing it for the color. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.6
Now I speak as a disinterested party in every sense of the word. I belong to the British West Indies, where every man is given a man’s chance, and judged on his merits as a man. If I am not satisfied with the treatment accorded to the American Negro, I can, without the least discomfort, wend my way to a more congenial clime. But it is because of a true desire to be the means, in God’s hands, to give, in perfect harmony and accord with you, the gospel to perishing souls, that I have been a sojourner in your land for six years. For the past four years I have been coming in daily contact with the greatest number of the most respectable and highly cultured Negroes in the world. The Howard University has undoubtedly some of the choicest intellectual Negroes to be found in America. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.7
Now what will the cultured Negroes of this country think of this action? They will want to know what is the real reason for a separate department in your church. I appeal to you, brethren, not to be swayed by the counsels of these half-cultured representatives of the Negro race, now sitting in this Conference, but that you deal with the question more broadly, recognizing the social aspect of this whole question, and legislate accordingly. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.8
Were it a fact that the Negro spoke some language other than the English, there would be some basis for establishing this proposed department, as we have established departments to take charge of the work among the Scandinavians, the Germans, and so on; but it is a fact that the Negroes of America have acquired a mastery of the English language, and know none other; hence to legislate to the extent of creating for them a separate department, means that we are discriminating where no discrimination is called for. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.9
G. A. Irwin: Now, Brother Connolly, this is a courtesy accorded you by the delegation, as you are not a member of the delegates, and I trust that you will not abuse the courtesy. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.10
W. S. Connolly: Well, I will just close up my remarks now. Friends, what I want to say is this, that I do not see where this department is necessary, because, if the Negro could not understand the English language, then I would see the necessity for the department; but since he can understand the English language, I do not see the necessity for that department at all. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.11
Sydney Scott: I think one ounce of common sense is worth more than one pound of enthusiasm without judgment. I hope no one will get the wrong impression that our colored brethren that are here are not in favor of the department. I am in favor of it; and every colored brother among our ministers in the denomination is in favor of it, so far as I know. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.12
Mention has been made of the Foreign Department, for peoples speaking other languages. I want to tell you, brethren, the condition in the South regarding the Negro—the color line—is stronger than language, and it makes some departmental plan a greater necessity. Now if you do not believe that, live down there thirty-seven years as I have. I am fully in harmony with this resolution, and I would like to have it called the “Afro-American Department.” Then it would be confined to the territory where slavery existed, instead of stretching to territory where it did not exist. I fear the other term might some day lead to some to propose the plan in places where there is no need, as in Canada or other parts. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.13
Page Shepard: Brethren, facts are stubborn things. It occurs to me that Europeans have given the gospel to the world. You read in the Bible that Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands. I do not think they ever rejected those who came to bring the gospel to them, because they were white. To my mind there is no great issue over who is to be the head of the department. What we see in this department is the answer of God to this people to finish the work. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.14
A. G. Daniells: Just a word with reference to the name. I think that if this matter should be referred to the Committee on Recommendations they would give respectful attention to the suggestion to change it to “Afro-American.” GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.15
Now just one word with reference to the working of the department. It is not understood that this department will operate in every State and line people up in a departmental way. That isn’t the idea at all. But it is to set on foot a well-defined movement in behalf of the larger work for a class of people. I can not understand why there is objection to such a movement. It is beyond my comprehension, and I think the majority of these Negro brethren who have spoken to this have manifested wise discernment and discrimination, that they see, not a movement to side-track a people, but they see a movement for the betterment and the uplifting of a people. Now that is the sole purpose of it, and these colored brethren who have spoken in favor of it know that that is the case, and we all know it; and I do not believe any gentlemen in Howard University, or any other university, are going to denounce us because we have set on foot a movement to help and assist to uplift a part of our fellow men. Now our other departments are launched for precisely the same purpose, and our brethren in those departments bear testimony to the benefit and the help this departmental effort has been in behalf of those people. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.16
L. A. Hansen: As Brother Scott said, there is a condition that means more than a question of language that necessitates this. We are considering the mission phase of this question, and this is a mission resolution. The question of representation will come into it, but, brethren, sitting as a whole Conference here, we can not deal with it wisely. It may be settled in different ways in different parts of the Southern field. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.17
G. A. Irwin: The chair has no disposition to cut off debate, but I would like to call the attention of the delegates to the fact that our time is running by rapidly. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.18
U. S. Willis: I believe if this measure is adopted, it will be a step in the right direction. I believe it is a step to put the work on a definite basis, that we may accomplish something, and as for me I am heartily in favor of it. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.19
W. H. Sebastian: I am in perfect harmony with the step for a department for the colored people. I have confidence in my white brethren. I do not see any use of carrying this ti extremes. The Scripture says, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” and I believe it is in perfect harmony with the Scripture and the Testimonies that we should have a department. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.20
D. E. Blake: I am a West Indian. I have lived twenty-one years in the West Indies. The remainder of my life I have spent in the United States. I had the privilege of spending some time in the North, and for about five years I have been in the South. I can sympathize with my brother from the fact that his experience is quite limited. I have had five years of Southern life, and I have become well acquainted with the conditions in the South, and I know if he had spent half of the time I have in the South, he would take the same position as I have. People who have not been in the South do not understand the conditions as they are, and so I feel to sympathize with them. I believe one of the very best things that could ever be done for the advancement of this work is the step that has been taken. I believe it is of God. We have prayed since we have been on this ground that the Lord would bring something about that would cause an advancement of our work among the colored people of the South. It is true there are many well-educated colored people in Washington and other cities. But when they cross the Mason and Dixon line, they adapt themselves to the changed conditions. So, brethren, I heartily approve of the move in the creation of the Negro Department. I believe it is of God, and I believe that God will cause those not in harmony with it to see that it was a good move. GCB June 2, 1909, page 287.21
J. K. Humphrey: It is evident that this matter is not clearly understood. I do not believe it will ever be clearly understood by all. But I believe the work is going to advance. I may not be highly cultured, but I have the knowledge that causes me to appreciate the power of God’s Word. I hope that the brethren will see that they are advancing the work of God by creating this department. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.1
The question being called, the resolution was adopted unanimously. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.2
T. H. Branch: We desire to thank this General Conference for the establishment of this department. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.3
L. A. Hansen: I move that the question of the name of this department be referred to the Committee on Plans. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.4
Sydney Scott: I second the motion. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.5
The motion prevailed. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.6
G. A. Irwin: We will now listen to a further report from the Committee on Plans and Finance. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.7
G. Dail then read a GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.8
Further Partial Report of the Committee on Plans and Finance, as follows:— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.9
FINANCIAL POLICY—1909 APPROPRIATIONS
Believing the hour has come, through the providences of God, that this denomination should quicken its pace in giving the message to all the world in this generation,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.10
39. We recommend, The following financial policy for the ensuing four years:— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.11
(a) That the Executive Committee of the General Conference make appropriations annually to mission fields, equitably distributing the money raised, proportionate to the needs of the fields. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.12
(b) That for the year 1909, the following appointment of funds for the support of what is known as the “evangelistic work” be made:— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.13
| Australasian Union Conference | $ 8,500 |
| Canadian Union Conference | 6,000 |
| China Mission | 42,000 |
| European Field | 10,000 |
| Indian Mission | 26,000 |
| Japan Mission | 11,000 |
| Korean Mission | 8,000 |
| Hawaiian Mission | 600 |
| Mexican Mission | 8,000 |
| South African Union Conf | 23,000 |
| South American Union Conf | 18,000 |
| Southeastern Union Conf | 6,000 |
| Southern Union Conf | 6,000 |
| Southwestern Union Conf | 4,500 |
| West African Mission | 3,000 |
| Western Canadian Union Conf | 6,000 |
| West Indian Union Conf | 19,000 |
| Total appropriations for the | |
| evangelistic work for 1909. | $205,600 |
$300,000 FUND
40. We recommend, That the General Conference Executive Committee at once start what shall be known as the $300,000 Fund for institutional work and missionary homes in foreign fields, a certain portion of this money to be raised each year during the succeeding quadrennial term, and to be apportioned approximately on the following basis:— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.14
(a) To specified fields,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.15
| China | $100,000 |
| Japan | 50,000 |
| Korea | 25,000 |
| India | 50,000 |
| Mexico | 15,000 |
| South America | 35,000 |
| Russia | 5,000 |
| Abyssinia | 3,000 |
| Latin Union Schoo | l5,000 |
| Total | $288,000 |
(b) The balance of the $300,000 to be apportioned by the Executive Committee of the General Conference to such fields as stand in greatest need. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.16
(c) That the Executive Committee of the General Conference shall from time to time designate which field shall receive a per cent of its apportionment, so that local committees can gauge their expenditures on a cash basis and prevent embarrassment to the general treasury. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.17
(d) No field shall expend its appropriation faster than it is raised, unless previously arranged with the Executive Committee of the General Conference. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.18
(e) The Executive Committee of the General Conference is hereby authorized to change the apportionment of any field, at any time, as conditions may demand. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.19
(f) This apportionment for institutional work shall not be considered a debt, but is a united effort on the part of this people to raise this amount for the upbuilding of the work in foreign lands. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.20
TEN-CENT-A-WEEK PLAN
41. We recommend, That the ten-cent-a-week plan be adopted by our people, and that each conference endeavor to raise no less than this amount for the world-wide work of the General Conference, in addition to the $300,000 Fund, for foreign institutions and missionary homes; and that the following funds be included as making up the ten-cent-a-week offerings: annual offerings, mid-summer offerings, Sabbath-school offerings, and specific offerings for foreign missions, when not designated for a specific purpose for which no appropriations have been made. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.21
REMITTING FUNDS
42. We recommend, That our people be encouraged to send their offerings to missions through their local church treasuries, rather than to forward donations direct to missions or to individuals; and that isolated believers remit their offerings to missions through their state conference or mission field treasury. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.22
43. We recommend, That all funds be passed from the respective treasures through the regular channels monthly. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.23
SHARING CONFERENCE TITHE
Whereas, There is most urgent need of reapers to gather the harvest in the great destitute mission fields; therefore,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.24
44. Resolved, That our local and union conferences be urged to curtail their expenses wherever expedient, and that they be invited to definitely appropriate from one fourth to one third of their total tithe receipts to the support of the work in the regions beyond. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.25
G. C. A. AND G. C. C. INDEBTEDNESS
45. We recommend, That the General Conference Committee be hereby authorized to apply on the debts of the General Conference Corporation and of the General Conference Association, 5 per cent of the general funds, when conditions of the treasury will warrant. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.26
SABBATH-SCHOOL OFFERINGS TO MISSIONS
Whereas, Our Sabbath-schools need the blessed inspiration of a real burden for mission fields, while opportunities to spread the message in foreign lands are multiplying faster than their means; therefore,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.27
46. We recommend, That our Sabbath-schools give all their donations to missions, providing for their expenses in some other way; and, further,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.28
47. We recommend, That each conference pay the entire expenses of the Sabbath-school departmental work without drawing upon the Sabbath-school offerings given by the schools for missions. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.29
PAPER FOR THE BLIND
Whereas, There are about 80,000 blind persons in the United States and Canada; and,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.30
Whereas, There is being published by our people a paper for the blind, known as the Christian Record, at College View, Neb., containing the message of present truth; therefore,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.31
48. We recommend, That our union and local conferences endeavor in their respective territories to place the Christian Record in the hands of such blind persons as understand the systems used in its publication. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.32
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Recognizing the great need of a special work to be done for and by the thousands of youth among us, and also the good results that have already come from the establishment of the Missionary Volunteer Department,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.33
49. Resolved, That we heartily approve of the action of the General Conference Committee in the establishment of this department, and of the earnest efforts that have been put forth to inspire our young people with high purposes, and to organize them for service. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.34
SPIRITUAL LIFE
Recognizing that the greatest need of our young people is a deep spiritual life, that they may meet the approval of God in their own lives, and be able to lead others to Christ,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.35
50. Resolved, (a) That we recognize a change of heart and the reception of the Holy Spirit as fundamental in all our work for the youth; and,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.36
(b) That to this end earnest evangelistic effort be carried forward in their behalf. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.37
PERSONAL WORK
51. Resolved, That in planning work for our young people we emphasize personal work as fundamental, and the basis of all lines of Christian work; and that, to this end, we encourage the formation of small bands for prayer and definite effort. GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.38
EDUCATIONAL FEATURES
Recognizing the importance of our youth being thoroughly grounded in the truths of the Scriptures, and in the history and principles of the advent movement; and recognizing the necessity of our young people storing their minds with valuable information,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 288.39
52. Resolved, That we heartily approve of the Standard of Attainment, Missionary Volunteer Reading Course, the preparation and selection of suitable literature for the young, and other educational features of the Missionary Volunteer work. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.1
SOCIETY LESSONS
53. We recommend, That the Missionary Volunteer Department prepare a series of society lessons embracing the doctrines peculiar to our faith, and also other fundamental truths of the Scriptures, and that they be published— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.2
(a) In pamphlet form as a text-book. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.3
(b) As a series in the Youth’s Instructor, with suitable notes and helps for study. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.4
(c) In such foreign languages as may seem advisable. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.5
LEADERSHIP
Whereas, The success of our Missionary Volunteer work depends very largely upon proper leadership; and,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.6
Whereas, This labor for the salvation and training of our youth is missionary work of the highest order; therefore,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.7
54. Resolved, That our conferences make special efforts to secure the very best talent for this important work, and that the churches be encouraged to use great care in the selection of local leaders. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.8
PLAN OF ORGANIZATION
55. Resolved, That the present plan of organization be recommended to all our union and local conferences, as the general plan for the upbuilding of this important department of our work. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.9
JUNIOR WORK
Realizing the great importance of the early training of our children in the Lord’s work, GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.10
56. Resolved, (a) That, first of all, parents be encouraged to associate their children with themselves in study and missionary work. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.11
(b) That we encourage the organization of Junior Missionary Volunteer societies only in church-schools, and in large churches where home conditions seem to demand it, and suitable leaders can be obtained. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.12
(c) That in any church where there are children, a Junior leader may be appointed, who will plan especially for the spiritual interests of the children, and enlist the co-operation of the Sabbath-school workers and the Missionary Volunteer society in work for them. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.13
(d) That children who love the Lord and unite in this work either in a separate society or in connection with the Missionary Volunteer society, be reported as Junior members. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.14
CAMP-MEETING WORK
Recognizing the great opportunities offered at our annual camp-meetings for the salvation of souls, and for the training of our people in all lines of Christian work; therefore,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.15
57. We recommend, That diligent effort be made at these meetings for the salvation of our children and youth, and for their development as Christian workers; and we urge those who have this work in charge,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.16
(a) To make wise plans for the meetings and attendance. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.17
(b) To organize the Christian young people into bands for prayer and personal work. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.18
(c) To follow up the work diligently so that the results may be permanent. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.19
FINANCE
Whereas, There is a great educational and spiritual value to our youth in rendering definite assistance to foreign missions; and,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.20
Whereas, The Foreign Mission Seminary Endowed Scholarship Fund is greatly needed to assist in quickly preparing workers for the field; therefore,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.21
58. Resolved, That our conferences be encouraged to complete this fund as soon as possible. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.22
59. Resolved, That the General Conference Missionary Volunteer Department keep prepared a list of definite opportunities to help advance the cause, and that the department co-operate with the local conference workers in choosing such of these opportunities as may seem best adapted to the local field. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.23
LITERATURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN OTHER TONGUES
60. Resolved, That, as far as possible and necessary, the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department co-operate with the foreign departments in America, and with other fields, in producing literature, society lessons, etc., in other languages aside from the English. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.24
Distribution of Labor GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.25
At the close of this report, the Committee on Distribution of Labor presented a partial report as follows:— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.26
We recommend,— GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.27
I. That in harmony with the request of the delegates from the Australasian field, Elder J. E. Fulton take the presidency of the Australasian Union Conference, made vacant by the removal of Elder O. A. Olsen. GCB June 2, 1909, page 289.28
2. That in harmony with the request of the delegates from the Western Canadian Union, Elder H. S. Shaw take the presidency of that Union Conference, made vacant by the resignation of Elder E. L. Stewart. GCB June 2, 1909, page 290.1
3. That we concur in the recommendation of the Columbia Union Conference that Elder W. D. McLay take the presidency of the West Virginia Conference. GCB June 2, 1909, page 290.2
The meeting now adjourned.
G. A. IRWIN, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.