General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
Departmental Meetings
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Ninth and Tenth Meetings, June 1 and 3
The ninth meeting was given entirely to the discussion of resolutions on the junior work, the results of which appear in the resolution on that subject presented to the General Conference Committee on Plans. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.2
At our last meeting a paper, written by M. E. Ellis, on the subject of “Camp-meeting Work for Young People,” was read. This will appear elsewhere. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.3
Following the reading of this paper, Elder J. J. Irwin gave a very interesting talk on “Parents’ Meetings,” emphasizing the great importance of these meetings, and that parents who have succeeded in training their children be asked to lead. He recommended that a special time be devoted to this work, when all who are interested could come, and that the work be so conducted as to awaken a spirit of inquiry and study. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.4
Elder W. M. Adams spoke of having conducted parents’ meetings from the standpoint of the children, trying to impress parents with the influence that their acts and teachings have upon the minds of the children. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.5
Elder J. E. Fulton said that as a people we are too likely to generalize, and that the parents are much more interested, and the results much better, when we make our instruction very practical. In the camp-meetings in Australia a whole day is given to the young people’s work. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.6
Sister Spies spoke of the most excellent results of parents’ meetings held in South America. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.7
MEDICAL MISSIONARY DEPARTMENT
Eighteenth Meeting, June 3
The first topic announced for discussion was “The Need of Educating Sanitarium Managers and Matrons in Our Larger Sanitariums.” GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.8
Dr. D. H. Kress: There is a great need for this class of workers. Our institutions should not be on a commercial basis; the missionary feature should be kept prominent. The problem should not be how much money we can obtain for a certain service, but how much service we can render for the money. Picking up managers because of good business qualities nearly always results in disappointment. Close deal in the business officer over some very small amount loses many friends to the institution. Unless a good business man can be secured, it is better to have none, the physician taking complete oversight of the work. One difficulty with business men who have been used to conducting work on their own responsibility is that they do not take kindly to the organized work where there is overlapping of responsibility, and where the best interests of the work demand consultation. There is often a tendency on the part of business managers to attempt radical reforms and to make sweeping changes in policies to the embarrassment of older workers. The experienced worker, while ever keeping in mind high ideals, will introduce changes so gradually as not to cause embarrassment. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.9
In order to solve the difficulties enumerated, we should educate young men right in our sanitariums for this work. In connection with every good business manager there should be in training one or two young men who seem to be adapted to this work. Matrons should have a grasp of all parts of the work, and to this end should have had a nurse’s training course in addition to the special training for their work. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.10
The next topic for consideration was “Uniformity in Sanitarium Policies,” by B. W. Spire, of the Nashville Sanitarium. Brother Spire outlined a plan of making use of our health leaflets and pamphlets, with specially prepared covers containing advertisements of the sanitarium making use of them. He believed we should have special literature for all our sanitariums on such subjects as, The Electric Light Bath, The Sanitarium Idea, etc. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.11
Dr. W. A. Ruble called attention to the fact that it is difficult to obtain literature on health topics, and urged that our medical people take a greater interest in this matter. He also suggested that in addition to business managers and matrons we should give more attention to the education of good cooks in our sanitariums. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.12
L. M. Bowen agreed with Dr. Kress, and said that it is a mistake to put an untrained man in charge of an institution; that it is better to put the work in charge of a physician with a steward under him than to have a green hand as business manager. The physician, even though not trained in business methods, will likely do better than a business man not trained in sanitarium methods. GCB June 4, 1909, page 307.13
Dr. A. B. Olsen: If possible, business managers, matrons, cooks, and every one holding official positions in sanitariums, should be trained nurses. The responsible persons should have a practical knowledge of the workings and the principles of the sanitariums hardly possible without the training school course. Even the stenographer is better if a trained nurse. GCB June 4, 1909, page 308.1
A. W. Semmens indorsed what had been said in regard to the training of matrons and managers, and referred to the fact that railway magnates have their sons begin work right in the shops, so as to be thoroughly acquainted with every detail of railroading; and also that the most successful hospital managers are those who have begun at the bottom. GCB June 4, 1909, page 308.2
Dr. David Paulson outlined the work begun at Hinsdale for the poor. They have secured land, and expect to put up a series of separate institutions, or “units,” to accommodate fifteen to twenty patients. Over each of these units is to be placed preferably a man and his wife who manage the institution, and do all the work, giving treatments, etc. In an experience of this kind one will demonstrate whether he is fitted to manage an institution successfully. GCB June 4, 1909, page 308.3
Dr. Lauretta Kress: We are working in the right line in endeavoring to secure more mature persons for our training classes. Among these are always some who are not best adapted to give treatments; some will show an adaptation to the work of manager, or matron, or cook, and should be given special encouragement in this line. GCB June 4, 1909, page 308.4
L. A. Hansen believed that our success requires uniformity of methods and rates. Our sanitariums should be one large family, having the one sanitarium spirit, and working for one another. GCB June 4, 1909, page 308.5
Dr. W. B. Holden expressed the belief that the best advertising of a sanitarium is a satisfied patient, and that advertising in our leaflets would work against the sanitarium. GCB June 4, 1909, page 308.6
Dr. C. F. Ball protested against billboard advertising, and attaching any institutional advertising to our medical literature. GCB June 4, 1909, page 308.7
Dr. D. H. Kress agreed with Dr. Holden, but believed that in starting a new institution, it is necessary to advertise in order to let people know that the institution exists. GCB June 4, 1909, page 308.8