General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
THIRTY-NINTH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
June 4, 9:15 A. M.
L. R. Conradi called the meeting to order, but at once requested H. W. Cottrell to take the chair. Prayer was offered by S. N. Haskell. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.9
The chair called attention to the fact that action on Resolution 35 (page 243) was by vote deferred until this time. As there was still a desire to defer the same to a later date, in order that those interested might have conference over the question, the consideration of the resolution was, by vote, deferred until Sunday morning. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.10
H. W. Cottrell: I now call attention to Resolution 48, page 288, upon which action was deferred until a later meeting, when Brother Miller, editor of the Christian Record, should be present. He is now present. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.11
It was moved to take up the consideration of the resolution, which was read, as follows:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.12
PAPER FOR THE BLIND
Whereas, There are about 80,000 blind persons in the United States and Canada; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.13
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 6, 1909, page 326.14
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 6, 1909, page 326.15
C. N. Miller: We are publishing nearly 2,000 copies of our paper monthly, sending them to the readers of the two systems, American Braille and New York Point, throughout the United States and Canada, and to Great Britain. The magazine comprehends the truth in all its phases. We have heard the gospel commission, Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. There are about 80,000 blind persons in the United States and the Dominion of Canada who are to hear this gospel message. We are the only people in the world who publish a Christian magazine of this nature. The field is ours. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.16
The present truth must go to the hundreds of these people who are sitting not only in physical darkness, but in spiritual darkness as well. Our magazine is to search out these people. The time is coming when we shall print not only in the American Braille and New York Point, which are used in this country and the Dominion of Canada, but we have received one order from the British Isles for 150 copies in the English Braille. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.17
We are endeavoring to take up also the printing of books, pamphlets, and tracts on present truth. We have a free-circulating library, loaning these books, magazines, and tracts, to blind people in all the world, and having them returned, so that we may loan them to others. The economy of presenting the truth to these people in this manner is at once seen. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.18
The import of this resolution is that the local and union conferences wherever these books and magazines are placed in the hands of those who will read, be invited to return to us the price of the magazines placed in the hands of the blind in their respective fields. In voting for this resolution, we vote to support the magazine in our respective conferences. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.19
The price of this magazine is $2 a year. The management intends that this magazine shall be definitely devoted to present truth. Each issue of the magazine contains about the same amount of matter as is contained in the new Gospel Sentinel, or eight pages. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.20
Now as to the outcome of this. What does it mean? What will it do for the cause? We are endeavoring to make this magazine so practical that the people who accept the truth through it shall become practical canvassers; that they in turn may carry to the world the printed page. We have such canvassers in various parts. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.21
Another branch to be developed is the training of nurses and masseurs. In China and Japan at the present time this branch of work is entirely given to the blind. We have young men and women, who have accepted the truth, who, by a little instruction and training, might become efficient nurses and masseurs. I am not talking at random, but this has been my experience. I have been a masseur, and by that means, and canvassing as well, have worked my way through Healdsburg College. So I am speaking to you from practical experience. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.22
I trust this measure will pass with a hearty majority, that these people may become so instructed in different branches of present truth that they can become colaborers with us, and take their places in the great cause of the third angel’s message. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.23
Question called, and the resolution was adopted. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.24
H. W. Cottrell: The next in order will be the report of the young people’s Missionary Volunteer Department, by Prof. M. E. Kern, the secretary. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.25
M. E. Kern presented the following report:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.26
REPORT OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Importance of Work for the Youth
He who said to his apostle, “Feed my lambs,” has not left the church in doubt as to its duty to the young. The children of the church, which are its most precious heritage, are the most immediate subjects of the world’s evangelization, and will in turn become its most powerful agents. The work of carrying this message to every kindred, nation, tongue, and people needs the strength and courage of young manhood, united with the counsel of age and experience. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.27
The pioneers in this second advent movement were very largely young men. Many of the older ministers attending this Conference entered active service in this cause in their youth. Sister Ellen G. White, who has borne such heavy responsibilities in this message, and who is with us to-day, was called into this work when only seventeen years of age. The lives of such workers are examples to our young people of what they can do if they dedicate all their powers to God. Everywhere consecrated and trained young men and women are wanted in the service of the third angel’s message. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.28
To save our children and train them for the Lord’s work, we need more god-like homes, more power in the church, and a disposition on the part of all our workers to give earnest attention to their development. We need greater love for the children and youth, and an appreciation of their possibilities. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.29
An old minister in a Scottish church was told by a well-meaning deacon that surely his work was no longer owned and blessed of God; “for,” said the deacon, “during the past year but one person has been added to the church, and he only a boy.” “Only a boy!” but that boy was Robert Moffat, the noble missionary who brought a whole province under the influence of the gospel, tamed one of the most savage African chiefs, and gave the translated Bible to strange tribes. Let us not pass by the young, remembering that labor for them is “the highest kind of missionary work.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.30
A Special Work
That this denomination is to do a special work for its children and youth is pointed out by Malachi the prophet, who, in the closing Old Testament prediction, portrays this last reformatory movement as the message of Elijah, which is to “turn the heart of fathers to their children, and the heart of the children to their fathers.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.31
Any casual observer of this movement would recognize the work for our children and youth as one of its prominent features. There seem to be about four general departments; evangelical, publishing, medical missionary, and educational. Through our educational efforts the children and young people are to be developed in Christian life and prepared for service. There are four means through which we endeavor to accomplish this object,—the home, the Sabbath-school, the Missionary Volunteer work, and Christian schools. GCB June 6, 1909, page 326.32
Answering the Macedonian Call
The home is fundamental. It is by far the greatest influence in the training of children, because most of our education is received there. All other efforts should be in close co-operation with and supplementary to the home. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.1
Our Sabbath-schools are a strong factor in this gospel work, reaching even further than our church organization, to small companies and isolated Sabbath-keepers in the remotest districts, and furnishing a grand system of study for the whole church. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.2
Through the blessing of God, though not without struggles and difficulties, there has been developed among us a beautiful system of Christian schools. A great work has been done by these schools, and especially in the last few years have they increased in power and effectiveness as they have more and more endeavored to give an all-round education, and have focused their attention upon the great world-problem before us. Many of our young people have in these schools gotten a vision of a new life purpose, and have dedicated themselves to God. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.3
But large numbers of our boys and girls have not enjoyed the benefits of the Lord’s schools. Gradually the conviction has forced itself upon us that there is a special work to be done for our young people where they are, in their homes and churches; that a purpose in life should be formed there, and a training in Christian work given, which will lead them into our schools and into larger fields of Christian activity. We have come to realize that the very best means of holding our children and young people in the truth, and preparing them for a place in the Lord’s work, is to organize them for service where they are, in lines of work for which they are adapted. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.4
In the year 1892 we were called upon, through the spirit of prophecy, to give attention to this matter. In a testimony on the subject of organization, dated December 19 of that year, we read:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.5
“We have an army of youth to-day who can do much if they are properly directed and encouraged. We want our children to believe the truth. We want them to be blessed of God. We want them to act a part in well-organized plans for helping other youth. Let all be so trained that they may rightly represent the truth, giving the reason of the hope that is within them, and honoring God in any branch of the work where they are qualified to labor.”—General Conference Bulletin, Vol. V, No. 2, page 22, Jan. 29, 30, 1893. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.6
As we read this paragraph to-day, it seems to be a seed thought from which our young people’s work has developed. We recognize that “we have an army of youth,” and that they can do much in this cause if “properly directed and encouraged.” And this proper direction and encouragement are what we are now endeavoring to supply. “Let all be so trained that they may rightly represent the truth, giving the reason of the hope that is within them.” This call is answered in the educational features of our work. “We want them to act a part in well-organized plans for helping other youth,” “honoring God in any branch of the work where they are qualified to labor.” The effort is now being made to organize the youth for this service. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.7
Other Testimonies followed in 1893 and 1894, in which the young people who love and fear God are called upon to organized themselves into companies of workers to labor for their unconverted friends, and for those who do not know the truth. This instruction was timely; for doubtless many of our young people are out in the world today, who might have been saved by well-directed efforts. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.8
The following statistics, gathered three years ago from fifty representative churches in the Middle West, to me are very significant, and constitute a loud call to greater diligence on our part. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.9
Statistics from 50 churches in the central West indicate that fifty-eight per cent of the youth who are connected with our people are church-members; thirty-two per cent were said to be active Christians. About five times as many young women marry out of the truth as do young men, and about half of each class who do this give up the truth. Of all those who give up the truth, one third are those who marry outside the faith. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.10
Early History of the Young People’s Work
Efforts were made in various places to follow the instruction of the Testimonies. In August, 1899, the Ohio Conference recognized this work by perfecting a State organization. In 1901 the General Conference held at Battle Creek, Mich., approved the plan of organizing young people’s societies for more effectual missionary service, and the responsibility of general direction was given to the Sabbath-school Department. A simple plan of organization was soon perfected, and a manual of instruction prepared. Through the efforts that were put forth, the work gradually grew, and assumed a permanent form. Two great needs were keenly felt, however,—more time to give to its development, and wise leaders to personally direct the work in the field. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.11
These needs were recognized at our last General Conference, four years ago, in the following resolution:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.12
“Realizing the definite call of God to our young people to organize for service, and believing that the good work already begun in this direction should be encouraged and strengthened throughout the field; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.13
“We recommend, That the Sabbath-school Department of the General Conference give special attention to this branch of the work in calling attention of the various union and State conferences to the need of the appointment of suitable persons who can devote a part or the whole of their time to this branch of the cause, as circumstances demand.” Added attention was given to this work, in some union and local conferences, and the results seemed to fully justify the effort. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.14
Reorganization
In February, 1907, the General Conference Committee arranged that a General Conference Sabbath-school and Young People’s Convention should be held during the summer, and in May of the same year, when the General Conference Council met in Gland, Switzerland, it was voted to organize the young people’s work as a separate department. The following from the report of the secretary gives the action of the council, and the reason for it:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.15
“Still the Council faces, day by day, in its study of the fields, the divine call to bring every resource into service for the closing work. The following recommendations were passed:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.16
“Whereas, There are in our ranks many thousands of young people for whom the most earnest and vigorous efforts should be put forth to fully instruct them in the gospel of our Lord, and lead them to give themselves to the work of the third angel’s message; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.17
“Whereas, The special blessing of God has attended the efforts among our young people put forth under the fostering care of the Sabbath-school department, until it has grown to such an extent that it is difficult for this department to give this work the attention and help which it needs; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.18
“Resolved, That in order that this work may be properly developed, and thus an army of workers properly trained for service, a special department, with the necessary officers, be created, the same to be known as the Young People’s Department of the General Conference. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.19
“In the discussion of the action by the representatives present, it was testified that the youth of the denomination in all the world, are being moved by one common impulse to offer themselves for service.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.20
The convention arranged for was carefully planned, and held at Mount Vernon, Ohio, July 10-21, 1907. Here the new department, under the name of the “Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department,” was launched, and a very definite policy outlined for it to follow. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.21
These plans the present officers have endeavored to carry out. This chart, entitled “Training in Service,” presents a general outline of these efforts. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.22
Training in Service
A.—Devotional.
1. Consecration Services.
2. The Morning Watch.
B.—Educational.
1. The Youth’s Instructor.
2. Society Lessons.
3. Missionary Volunteer Reading Course.
4. Standard of Attainment.
5. Leaflet Series.
6. Libraries.
7. Camp-meetings and Institutes.
C.—Organized Missionary Effort.
1. Personal Evangelism.
2. Literature Work.
3. Christian Help Work.
4. Bible Readings and Cottage Meetings.
5. Temperance, Religious Liberty, etc.
6. Missionary Correspondence.
7. Christian Stewardship.
GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.23
Devotional and Educational
It is very evident that the first and greatest need of our young people is more devotion to God, and a more definite experience in Christian life. Strong evangelistic effort is needed, that many of our young people who are unconverted may be brought to Christ. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.24
Moreover, we need to put forth more earnest efforts to hold what we gain. GCB June 6, 1909, page 327.25
As among the means being used to this end, we mention our devotional meetings and the Morning Watch. If our young people are to prevail with souls, they must first learn to prevail with God. We have published a Morning Watch Calendar, giving a scripture for each day in the year, with suggested topics for prayer each month. The young people are urged to spend some time each day, preferably in the early morning, in the study of the World and in communion with God. Many have testified to the great value of this; and the increasing interest in it is shown from the fact that last year about 6,000 copies of the Calendar were distributed, while this year successive editions were called for until 14,500 copies were used. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.1
The Youth’s Instructor has been for more than fifty years perhaps the greatest single factor in the religious work for the children and youth of the denomination. It is now the organ of the Missionary Volunteer Department, and is doing a good work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.2
The society lessons for some time have been on missions, alternating with health and temperance, religious liberty, and special subjects. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.3
The reading course, which was inaugurated at Mount Vernon, is a success, and is destined, I believe, to become a great power for good. It is an effort to establish in the lives of our young people the habit of systematic reading of good literature. About 1,500 are enrolled in the United States and Canada, and hundreds of others are following the course without enrollment. It has also been taken up in Australia. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.4
Our young people can not rightly represent the truth, giving a reason for our hope, unless they know the truth. And to fully appreciate the message they should know of the providences of God in connection with it. A call is issued to our Missionary Volunteers to inform themselves on the cardinal truths of the Scriptures, and on the history of this advent movement. They are asked to pass an examination in these subjects, thus reaching the standard of attainment. It will take time and perseverance to work up this excellent plan. So far, most all preparation for these examinations has been by private study. There ought to be a series of lessons prepared which would meet the requirements. Some church elders object to turning teacher by giving these examinations, but it is doubtless an excellent plan that these shepherds should thus be brought into closer touch with the lambs of the flock. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.5
We have published a series of leaflets for the benefit of our young people and our Missionary Volunteer workers. They are used chiefly in correspondence and at our camp-meetings and institutes. A package of the current numbers has been mailed to each of the delegates. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.6
The Mount Vernon Convention laid on this department the duty of the selection and preparation of literature suitable for our young people. The need is very apparent. We live in a reading age. A liberal education can be obtained by the study of good books. Yet the world is flooded with cheap, sensational literature, which claims its victims by the thousands. We need a strong, wholesome literature, adapted to the needs of our young people, which will hold up true standards, and delineate the character which we must possess if we stand before the Son of man at his coming. A little has been done in the preparation of such literature; some is in process of preparation, and we have selected and recommended some already published. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.7
One of the most hopeful signs of the development of this work is the increased interest in the efficiency of our young people’s work at camp-meetings. These great annual gatherings of our people are the golden harvest-times of the year, and are a great educational factor among us. The wide-awake secretary, who has time to keep in touch with the young people of the conference, and who is a leader indeed, will create in the minds of the youth an attitude of expectancy, and a desire to attend the meetings, for which thorough preparations will have been made. On the camp-ground the Christian young people will be organized for service, which will mean much to the success of the meeting, and to their training as workers. Following the camp-meeting a definite work will be done to hold what has been gained. A leaflet on camp-meeting work was published last year, and we now have one ready on parents’ meetings at the camp-meeting. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.8
Conventions and institutes are also doing much to build up the work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.9
Organized Missionary Effort
The educational features of our work are largely means to an end. The organization called for by the spirit of prophecy is for work. “Will the young men and young women who really love Jesus, organize themselves as workers?” Practically all the difficulties that have arisen in connection with this work have been occasioned by losing sight of the real purpose of the organization. The devotional and educational features, and the organized missionary effort, are complementary to each other, and must go hand in hand. According to psychologists, the stimulation of the emotions without allowing those emotions to develop their legitimate motor effect, is a source of weakness. The Missionary Volunteer Society is a training-school for young Christians. Associated together under wise leadership appointed by the church, the young are built up in Christian life, by study and work. Without activity there can be no advancement. Like the little girl who fell out of bed because, as she said, she was sleeping too near to where she got in, so many of our boys and girls have fallen out and have been lost to the cause for the lack of proper direction and encouragement in working for souls. The greatest need of our young people to-day is that of wise leaders to devise ways and means of utilizing their talents, and leading them enthusiastically and steadily in Christian effort. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.10
On the chart are represented a number of lines of work our young people are doing. It is the earnest determination of the Missionary Volunteer leaders to make personal work fundamental. This is the foundation. If we lack the spirit of heart-to-heart contact with souls, our mechanical efforts will be in vain. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.11
Growth of the Work
During the last four years, as shown by the reports, the organized work for our young people has had a steady growth. In March, 1966, there were 224 societies, with a membership of 4,871, giving $2,534.75 for foreign missions and $762 for home missions; in 1907 there were 272 societies, with a membership of 5,163, giving $3,894.70 for foreign missions, and $1,835.28 for home missions; in 1908, 346 societies, with a membership of 6,938, giving $7,029.42 for foreign missions, and $4,534.04 for home missions; in 1909, the number of societies had increased to 418, with a membership of 7,500, giving $7,898.73 for foreign missions, and $7,426.14 for home missions. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.12
Foreign Mission Seminary Scholarships
About one year ago the General Conference approved of a plan for this department to raise money for one hundred scholarships in the Washington Foreign Mission Seminary. This is to be a permanent fund, under the control of the General Conference Committee, to lend to recommended students who need a short course in the Seminary, that they may be hastened on into the needy mission fields. Our young people have taken hold of this matter very well where it has been presented to them, and $2,700 has been received. This money is being judiciously used for the purpose specified. I wish that the effort might be finished. It is a great blessing to our young people to lend financial aid to the cause in this way. We hope to see them taking up various enterprises, especially the support of missions and missionaries. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.13
As illustrations of what the young people are doing and can do, I will mention a few items. One conference in Australia raised during 1908 nearly $600, giving $390 toward the wages of a missionary, providing her also with a pony and saddle, also a new typewriter for the mission, an organ for the mountain home in Java, and the tuition for a Chinese student at Singapore. The young people of a conference in the United States raised more than $500 by making small investments and giving the proceeds. One large society in this country is supporting a missionary and his wife in Africa. Another society provided two tons of coal, $20 worth of groceries, 20 bushels of potatoes, and one barrel of clothing for destitute poor. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.14
In 1907 a temperance number of the Instructor was published and 55,000 copies were sold. This fall and winter we prepared a series of temperance lessons for the societies, and these were followed by another temperance number of the Instructor. With the better basis for interest in this work the young people took hold nobly, and more than one hundred thousand have been distributed, and another edition is on the press. Along with this work, temperance rallies have been held, and signers obtained to the temperance pledge. These items give us some conception of what our young people can do when properly organized for study and work. There is no question but there is in the lives of our youth a great source of power for good, waiting to be harnessed for service by wise leaders. “With such an army of workers as our youth rightly trained might furnish, how soon the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Saviour, might be carried to the whole world.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.15
From the first we have considered it one of our chief duties to interest our young people in education. Our Missionary Volunteer secretaries should be the constant field agents for our schools. We have encouraged our young people by literature and personal effort to take up the plan of earning scholarships by selling denominational literature. GCB June 6, 1909, page 328.16
Leadership
This is the most essential element in all this work. In a recent leaflet, Stewardship Series, No. 1, we read: “That which is needed now for the upbuilding of our churches is the nice work of wise laborers to discern and develop talent in the church,—talent that can be educated for the Master’s service.” And in this connection a special reference is made to the training of young men and women to become workers in the church. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.1
It must be our constant effort to develop leaders for our youth. To do this successfully some one in the conference must give special attention to it. It has been demonstrated that one who has a burden for this work, and is a real leader of young people, finds here a most fruitful field for missionary effort. Young people are converted, tithes and offerings are brought in, and the missionary work is accomplished. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.2
I submit the proposition that if we need carefully selected men and women to deal with the young people in our schools, it is even more important that those who shall lead out in this work in the field where the opportunities for developing the youth are not so constant, should be well qualified for their work. The qualities of a conference leader of young people’s work should be at least such as we find in a successful intermediate school principal, and where it is possible, the additional qualities of a successful evangelist. Such a worker, a leader of the youth spiritually and intellectually, a wise general, and a soul winner, has before him one of the most fruitful fields of gospel work which the world affords. He or she will have the respect of other conference workers, and will be able to lend a helping hand in other lines. I quote again: “Why should not this work for our children and youth be considered the highest kind of missionary work?” It seems to me that much would be gained to the cause in many conferences if one of its best workers, who has the qualities of an evangelist, an educator, and an organizer, were given the responsibility of the Missionary Volunteer work, with time to to develop it. It would be far better, however, to put this work in the hands of one who has not all the qualifications mentioned, but who will make it his or her first work, than to place the responsibility upon one who will of necessity make the work for the youth in the field second to everything else. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.3
Not only is field work needed. Situated as we are as a people, there must of necessity be a great deal of correspondence, if we would reach all our youth. Properly done, this becomes a mighty power for good in leading the youth into service, and into our schools. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.4
Organization
Here is an outline of our plan of organization:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.5
GENERAL PLAN OF ORGANIZATION
1. General Conference Department. Officers: Chairman, secretary. Committees: Other members representing all parts of the world. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.6
2. Union Conference Department. Officer: Secretary. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.7
3. Local Conference Department. Officer: Secretary. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.8
(a) Conference Society. Officer: Leader (the Conference Missionary Volunteer secretary). Members: Isolated Missionary Volunteers. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.9
(b) Local Societies. Officers and Committees: Leader, assistant leader, secretary treasurer, executive committee, such other officers, committees, bands, as the needs of the work require. Meetings: 1 Prayer and workers’ meeting, all together or in small bands; 2 general meetings for all young people. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.10
We have very few large churches and many scattered Sabbath-keepers. In a large number of our churches it is impossible to organize what is usually termed a society, but we believe that this movement should in some way touch every young person among us. So arrangements have been made for a conference society for the isolated, and suggestions have been made how small and scattered churches can give their young people some responsibility in the work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.11
The Mt. Vernon Convention recommended that the basis of membership in our Missionary Volunteer societies should be membership in the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a willingness to engage in active service for Christ. This action has involved a reorganization of many of our societies. This has usually been done with great care, and there is almost universal approval of this plan. It holds up a high standard, which our young people must meet if they would be blessed of God; it emphasizes the importance of church-membership, and safeguards the society work. It seems unreasonable to admit into a Missionary Volunteer society, and give them a part in its management, those who are neither missionaries nor volunteers for service. The two years of operation upon this plan have been, I believe, a great blessing to our young people. There is a great difference between a young people’s society and a young people’s meeting. The organization ought to be simple, and kept in the background, and the members should be the earnest, praying young people who are laboring for souls. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.12
There is a question concerning the organization of juniors, or what in the Sabbath-school would be called intermediates. I do not favor the organization of this class except in connection with church-schools and in churches where the home conditions seem to demand it, and where experienced leaders can be obtained. There are places where it seems best for this younger class to come right in with the regular young people’s society. Such should be considered junior members. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.13
Progress of the Work GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.14
The Mt. Vernon Convention gave a new impetus to the work for our young people. To-day there are in the field more workers, and more efficient workers, giving attention to this work than ever before. When this department was organized, there were two union conference secretaries of young people’s work. Now there are about a dozen. In nearly all the conferences, added attention is being given to it with most excellent results. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.15
Lands Outside of America GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.16
Very little has been done by this department for lands outside of America, for two reasons. It is here in the home field that there is the greatest need, where we have a large army of unemployed young people. In most of the other fields the numbers are not so great, and all available young men and women are carefully looked after, and efforts made to get them into the work. The department officers, thus far, have not had time to give much attention to other fields; but when the work is better established here, this help should be rendered,—not to mold the work in other lands after the fashion of America, save only so far as is consistent with local conditions. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.17
Australia stands next to America in this work, having a union secretary and a conference secretary in each conference. Lessons have been prepared for the societies, and vigorous efforts are put forth to lead the young people into the missionary work. The reports from this field make a favorable showing. The young people are taking a great interest in the support of workers in their island mission field. A youth’s paper has been started, and the Reading Course and Morning Watch are receiving attention. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.18
The work is also getting well started in the British field, which now has 14 societies, with a membership of 145. The report from that field says, “During the last few months the general secretary of the young people’s society work in Great Britain has devoted some time to visiting the societies, and assisting them in holding conventions. By this means the young people’s work has come to the front, and received some attention, and the young people themselves, as a result of the instruction imparted on these occasions, have been stimulated to more aggressive efforts in the Master’s cause.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.19
As an example of the benefit of this work it is said of one church, “The testimony of the church concerning this society is that it has been a source of blessing and strength to the work in that place, and as a result of its work, the young people themselves have been established and rooted in the faith to a degree which might not have been attained without the special effort being put forth in their behalf.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.20
In South America a union conference secretary has been appointed, a German young people’s paper started, the Morning Watch translated into German and Spanish, and interesting results follow. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.21
The work is organized also in South Africa and in a few places in Europe. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.22
We shall doubtless soon see the young people all over the world taking their place as earnest workers for the Lord. May the day be hastened when the hearts of parents and children shall be united in love, and our homes shall present a solid front against the enemy. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.23
At the conclusion of this report, L. R. Conradi, who had resumed the chair, suggested that the Conference take a fifteen-minute recess, before the regular hour for meeting. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.24
The recess was taken. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.25
The Conference gathered at 10:30 A. M., for the resumption of business. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.26
L. R. Conradi: Our first item of business is found on page 289, the report of the Committee on Distribution of Labor. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.27
On motion to adopt, the report was considered item by item, and passed. GCB June 6, 1909, page 329.28
Further Report from the Committee on Distribution of Labor GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.1
The committee submitted the following further partial report:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.2
4. That Prof. B. G. Wilkinson take the presidency of the Columbia Union Conference to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Elder G. B. Thompson GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.3
5. That we concur in the request of the delegates of the Canadian Union Conference that William Guthrie take the presidency of that union to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of Elder W. H. Thompson. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.4
6. That E. C. Townsend of Western New York make Indiana his field of labor, in harmony with the request of that conference. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.5
7. That we concur in the arrangements of the local conferences for Frank Busz of Indiana to make South Dakota his field of labor. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.6
8. That we approve of the arrangements made by the Australian delegates for J. M. Cole to make Australia his field of labor. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.7
9. That R. E. Burke of Iowa make Australia his field of labor, in harmony with the request of the delegates from that field. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.8
10. That we approve of the arrangements made for Leonard Spear to go to Australia, and connect with the Signs Publishing House at Warburton. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.9
11. That we concur in the arrangements made for W. C. F. Ward of Western Oregon to make the Cumberland Conference his field of labor. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.10
12. That A. F. Haines of California go to Colon, Panama, to act as foreman of the printing-office at that place, as has been arranged by the delegates from that field. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.11
13. That P. G. Stanley of West Michigan make Kansas his field of labor, in harmony with the arrangements made by the delegates from that field. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.12
On motion the report was adopted. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.13
Considering the Report of Committee on Nominations GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.14
L. R. Conradi: The further report of the Committee on Nominations is the next item of business to consider (on page 309). The report is before us, and if there is no objection, we will vote upon it as a whole, considering each name separately. When the name of Elder C. W. Flaiz was read, Elder W. J. Fitzgerald said: I see that Elder Olsen, the chairman of the Nominating Committee, is not here. Brother Flaiz made a statement last evening before the Nominating Committee with reference to his health, and I am sure he desires a little further time to consider the matter; therefore I ask that action on this be deferred. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.15
By common consent, action on this name was deferred. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.16
After the reading of all the names, question was called, and the report adopted, save the exception noted. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.17
Resolutions 61 to 64 GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.18
The chair called attention to the further partial report of the Committee on Plans, on page 316 of the BULLETIN. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.19
On motion, the report was adopted, by voting upon each resolution separately. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.20
Report of Committee on Credentials and Licenses GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.21
On call for further reports, J. N. Anderson, secretary, presented the report of the Committee on Credentials and Licenses, which was adopted as follows (the name of C. W. Flaiz, reported, being withdrawn from the list of credentials, owing to the uncertainty as to his acceptance of the secretaryship of the new department):— GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.22
Your Committee on Credentials and Licenses recommend,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.23
1. That the granting of credentials and licenses for the Levant field and the East African Missions be referred to the quorum of the General Conference Executive Committee in Europe, having supervision of the work in these fields. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.24
2. That we authorize the advisory committee of other General Conference mission fields, where such committees are appointed, to grant annually ministerial licenses and missionary licenses to such locally appointed and native workers as, in the judgment of the advisory committee, should receive licenses. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.25
3. That the following-named persons receive ministerial credentials from the General Conference:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.26
GENERAL
G. I. Butler, G. M. Brown, Colcord, L. R. Conradi, A. G. Daniells, I. H. Evans, F. Griggs, S. N. Haskell, G. A. Irwin, M. E. Kern, D. H. Kress, J. N. Loughborough, E. R. Palmer, W. W. Prescott, K. C. Russell, H. R. Salisbury, W. A. Spicer, G. B. Thompson, Mrs. E. G. White, W. C. White, F. M. Wilcox, O. A. Olsen, W. T. Knox. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.27
WEST AFRICA
D. C. Babcock. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.28
CHINA
J. N. Anderson, J. J. Westrup, A. C. Selmon, H. W. Miller, W. C. Hankins, R. F. Cottrell, B. L. Anderson, Nga Pit Keh, E. H. Wilbur, F. A. Allum. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.29
HAWAII
C. D. M. Williams. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.30
INDIA
J. L. Shaw, W. W. Miller, G. K. Owen, H. H. Votaw, G. F. Enoch, J. S. James, J. C. Little. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.31
JAPAN
F. W. Field, T. H. Okahira, H. Kuniya, W. D. Burden. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.32
KOREA
C. L. Butterfield, W. R. Smith. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.33
MEXICO
G. W. Reaser, G. W. Caviness. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.34
4. That the following-named persons receive ministerial license from the General Conference:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.35
GENERAL
T. E. Bowen, C. C. Crisler, Guy Dail, Mrs. H. H. Haskell, C. H. Hayton, W. A. Ruble, C. M. Snow, H. N. Sisco. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.36
WEST AFRICA
T. M. French. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.37
CHINA
J. P. Anderson, P. J. Laird. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.38
INDIA
R. A. Beckner, L. J. Burgess, R. R. Cook, H. C. Menkel. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.39
JAPAN
H. F. Benson, W. L. Foster, W. C. Dunscombe. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.40
KOREA
Dr. R. Russell. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.41
MEXICO
J. F. Blunt. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.42
5. That the following-named persons receive missionary license from the General Conference:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.43
GENERAL
Matilda Erickson, Sara MacEnterfer, Mrs. L. F. Plummer, H. E. Rogers, Dr. Patience Sisco, Dr. Lauretta Kress. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.44
WEST AFRICA
Mrs. Mina Babcock, Mrs. T. M. French. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.45
HAWAII
Mrs. Lena E. Williams. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.46
CHINA
Dr. Law Keem, Mrs. Edith M. Keem, Mrs. Bertha L. Selmon, Mrs. Susan H. Wilbur, Mrs. Emma T. Anderson, Ida E. Thompson, Amanda Vanscoy, Mrs. Huldah J. Westrup, Mrs. Bessie Hankins, Mrs. B. L. Anderson, Mrs. Eva Allum, Dr. Emma Perrine-Laird, Mrs. Myrtie B. Cottrell, Pauline Schilberg, Mrs. Marie E. Miller, Mrs. Bothilda Miller, B. A. Roberts, Mrs. Louise H. Roberts, H. H. Winslow, Mrs. Mary H. Winslow. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.47
INDIA
Mrs. Bessie Shaw, Anna Orr, Mrs. J. C. Little, Mrs. Caroline Votaw, Della Burroway, Mrs. Georgia A. Burgess, Mrs. Lucy B. Cook, Mrs. Minnie James, Bertha J. King, Edythe Ayers, M. Belle Shryock, W. E. Perrin, R. H. Leach, Mrs. M. B. Leach, Bertha Kurtz, Mrs. M. M. Quantock, Mrs. H. C. Menkel, Dr. Ollie Oberholtzer, Dr. Ruth Miller, Mrs. Thekla Black-Mackey, D. Ella Smith, Mrs. Edith E. Bruce, Miss A. Boardman, Bertha Fuller, Louise Scholtz, May Brunson. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.48
JAPAN
Mrs. W. D. Burden, W. Field, John Herboltzheimer, Mrs. J. Herboltzheimer, Mrs. Helen Benson, Mrs. Walter Foster, Mrs. Hattie Dunscombe. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.49
KOREA
Mimi Scharffenberg, May Scott, Mrs. W. R. Smith, Mrs. C. L. Butterfield, Mrs. R. Russell. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.50
MEXICO
Mrs. G. W. Caviness, Mrs. A. F. Burges, Dr. A. Allen John, Dr. J. W. Erkenbeck, Dr. Geo, R. G. Myers, Dr. W. S. Swayze, Dr. U. C. Fattebert, Mrs. Bertha E. Reaser, J. A. P. Green, Juan Robles, Dr. Alice M. Swayze. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.51
6. That all further issue of papers to persons connected with the General Conference be referred to the General Conference Committee. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.52
Report from Committee on Plans and Finance GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.53
G. Dail presented the following further partial report for the Committee on Plans and Finance:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.54
REQUIREMENTS FOR ENTRANCE TO MEDICAL MISSIONARY CLASSES
65. We recommend, The adoption of the following requirements for entrance to medical missionary classes:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.55
(1) An earnest Christian character and a fixed purpose to devote the life to gospel medical missionary and evangelistic work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.56
(2) Sound health and physical development. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.57
(3) Common school education, i. e, arithmetic, geography, grammar, reading, writing, elementary physics, elementary physiology, and Bible. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.58
(4) Applicants should not be under twenty or over thirty years of age. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.59
(5) The application should be accompanied by written recommendation of a Seventh-day Adventist school or of a union or State conference committee, also medical certificate as to condition of health. GCB June 6, 1909, page 330.60
(6) No one is to be received into the school whose purpose is to obtain a merely professional training. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.1
SPECIAL COURSE FOR MISSIONARIES
66. We recommend, The following special course for missionaries:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.2
| HOURS | |
| Physiology | 36 |
| General nursing | 36 |
| Hydrotherapy (practical) | 24 |
| Bible | 36 |
| History of missions | 18 |
| History of the advent movement | 18 |
| Physical culture | 36 |
| Cooking | 24 |
| Surgical nursing | 12 |
| Hydrotherapy (theoretical) | 24 |
| General diseases | 36 |
| Nursing (practical) | 18 |
| Hygiene | 36 |
| Tropical diseases | 12 |
| Accidents and emergencies | 18 |
| Bandaging | 12 |
| Children’s diseases | 12 |
SANITARIUM FINANCE
Whereas, We recognize that our sanitariums are institutions for educating missionaries; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.3
Whereas, These institutions are greatly hampered in their work by debt; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.4
67. Resolved, That we make, during the coming quadrennium, a special effort to free these institutions from debt,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.5
(1) By their respective boards, faculties, and workers diminishing the indebtedness of the institutions,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.6
(a) Through the earnings of the institutions. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.7
(b) By reducing the running expenses. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.8
(c) Through the sale of “Ministry of Healing” GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.9
(d) Through securing of donations. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.10
(2) By conferences owning institutions appropriating annually for such purpose an amount equal to the sum so secured by the sanitariums to the amount of $2,500 yearly. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.11
68. We recommend, That a fund be raised by encouraging our people to pay regularly a certain percentage of their income for this purpose. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.12
TRAINING OF SANITARIUM WORKERS
Whereas, There is great need of well qualified workers in all our institutions; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.13
69. Resolved, That we encourage our sanitariums to give attention to educating business managers, matrons, cooks, and other responsible workers. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.14
The chairman next called upon Elder C. D. M. Williams, of Honolulu, who presented a report as follows:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.15
THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS
We are gathered here to-day to consider the world-wide gospel harvest-field, and to devise plans whereby the gospel of the kingdom may be carried to the ends of the earth in this generation. God grant that we may come before him in such meekness and humility, with such a hungering and thirsting after righteousness, that his Holy Spirit may rest upon us, and fill us with a knowledge of his will. May the plans that we now lay be so filled with heavenly wisdom that no mistakes shall be made in the important work of sending this message to the ends of the earth. As every portion of the earth is to be touched by this heaven-born message, there will be no place too small, too remote, or too difficult for us to consider. Christ stopped, in the midst of the throng, to consider the needs of the roadside wayfarer. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.16
I speak to you of the Hawaiian Islands, a country whose climate and natural beauty have caused it to be known as “The Paradise of the Pacific.” The hearts of the native Hawaiians are easily touched with the simple story of the cross, but by nature they are so weak that they are liable to fall at the least temptation. These natives appeal to you for help. Their very weakness should touch every heart with pity. To such as these the words of the Scripture come with the fullness of meaning, “My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Surely none ever needed to know the strengthening power of the Lord more than do the natives of Hawaii. They should understand that the eternal God is their refuge, and the underneath are the everlasting arms. Many of the middle-aged and those who are older understand very little except the Hawaiian language. It is therefore necessary that the message be given to them by one who can speak this tongue, or that we print it in their language, that they may read it for themselves. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.17
We now have in this language a few tracts on temperance, a number on “Christ and the Sabbath,” and a few copies of “Thoughts on Revelation.” Other literature should be prepared at once; but with the burden of the building of the church, and the need of a schoolroom yet to be supplied, we feel unable to meet the expense of the printing. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.18
We also have with us many Spaniards and Portuguese, who have been brought up, in their home land, under the iron rule of the papacy. Few of them know how to read. So while we have considerable literature in these languages, it seems necessary that some one should be sent to them who can speak these languages. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.19
Then come the Chinese, who now seem to be in a condition to study and accept the message. Their stability of character fits them to live it out against opposition. Many of these understand considerable English, and are anxious to learn more. Here is a people now ripe for the message; but where are the laborers ready to gather these precious souls into the kingdom? This opportunity is fast passing; some one must grasp it speedily, or the enemy will fill the minds of this people with error which will not easily be effaced. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.20
The Koreans have also come to our islands by the thousand. These representatives of the hermit kingdom seem now to be opening their hearts to receive the gospel truth. Can we refuse to give it to them in some form? Can we let this people, who are stretching out their hands to us for God’s holy law, depart empty-handed, and we still be free before the God who has sent us to every kindred, tongue, and people? GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.21
There are 70,000 Japanese in the islands, and their very heedlessness of spiritual things should appeal to our sympathy. Our hearts should go out to them in the Master’s love to see if we can not rouse them to look after their eternal interests, and seek after the heavenly things as persistently and zealously as they now follow the earthly. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.22
For the people of these languages I plead for help; so that the gospel of the kingdom may be presented to them in such a way that every honest seeker after truth may understand the message and know its saving power. Altogether, we have 170,000 people, on seven islands, speaking six different languages, and only one family of workers to give them the message. Do you thing that we can do this work as it should be done? GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.23
As the United States government is fortifying the island of Oahu, and putting in immense dry docks and many government buildings, it will be necessary for a large number of soldiers to be stationed there. It is estimated that at least 20,000 will be placed on the island, besides the militia. An effort should be made to reach these young men with the truth. I know that many of them are wayward, and among wild companions, but mothers’ hearts are pleading for them, and some father may be praying for his prodigal son. We must do our part to win them to the kingdom. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.24
The ship missionary work in the islands is important. We are at the crossroads of the Pacific, and vessels from nearly every part of the world come into the harbor. Although little can be done for the sailors while they are in port, literature that is placed on board ship is read, and sometimes reread many times, on the long voyages. Thousands of tourists visit the islands every year, and these should not be neglected. GCB June 6, 1909, page 331.25
For nearly four years our family has stood here alone, trying to meet the issues with the truth; the Lord has not forsaken us; and we give him the glory for what has been done. A little chapel has been built in a favorable location in Honolulu. This is free from debt, and makes a home for the people. Twenty-five have been added to the church, but eleven have moved away from the islands, two have died, and some have apostatized, so that our number has not materially increased. Several are now keeping the Sabbath, and some are paying tithes, who have not united with the church. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.1
During the past year, we have canvassed a portion of three of the islands, and succeeded in taking many subscriptions for the Chinese and Japanese papers. Something has also been done in getting subscribers for the Portuguese and Spanish papers, also for our English periodicals. On the island of Hawaii two young men have read themselves into the truth. Another, on the island of Kauai, has been convinced of the truth through reading, and although he has not yet united with the church, he is paying tithes. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.2
In no place, perhaps, is the opposition against our work better organized or more systematically and persistently carried out, than in this field. One man was called five times before the council, and it was even intimated that financial disaster would overtake him if he did not yield. Among the Chinese, those who oppose our work have gone to the husbands and fathers, and tried to have them use their authority to compel their wives and children to give up the truth. Servants have been told to give up the Sabbath or leave. Canright’s book is circulated everywhere. But in spite of this opposition, the Lord has won a few souls to himself. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.3
We do not ask that a large corps of workers be sent to the islands; but we earnestly plead that one or more be assigned to this field; that we may the more successfully meet the enemy, and carry the precious message of the soon-coming Saviour to all parts of these islands. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.4
The Chairman: A legal meeting has been appointed for this time, so a motion to take a recess is in order. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.5
Upon motion of H. R. Salisbury, duly seconded, the Conference voted to take a recess, during which time the Washington (D. C.) Sanitarium Association had its legal meeting. A report will appear elsewhere. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.6
After the legal meeting, Conference resumed. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.7
L. R. Conradi: We will again take up regular business and call for the report of Brother Santee, president of the Southwestern Union Conference, Elder Santee presented it as follows:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.8
THE SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE
This conference, as it now stands, was organized in 1902. It is composed of the States of Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Texas, and the Territory of New Mexico, and has an area of 530,689 square miles. New Mexico was received from the Colorado Conference, Feb. 1, 1908. At our union conference meeting held in February, 1908, a large portion of west Texas was cut off from the Texas Conference as a separate territory, being taken under the supervision of the union conference. This in itself is no small field, embracing 121,576 square miles of territory, with a population now estimated at 600,000. The mission field of New Mexico has about the same area,—122,460 square miles, with a population of 195,310. West Texas has a Seventh-day Adventist membership of 171, with forty scattered Sabbath-keepers. New Mexico has a membership of 285, with about 120 Sabbath-keepers in companies and isolated. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.9
Arkansas has an area of 53,045 square miles, and a population of 1,311,564. This conference, though organized twenty-one years ago, has for various reasons made little progress until within the last few years. It now has a membership of 553, with about one hundred and forty unorganized believers. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.10
The Texas Conference has an area of 163,778 square miles, a population of 2,800,000, and a church-membership of 1,520. Oklahoma, our youngest conference, organized in 1894, has an area of 69,830 square miles and a population of 1,625,000. Its membership is 1,889. This conference was started by Sabbath-keepers moving in, when this territory was opened for settlement, from Iowa, Missouri, Texas, Kansas, Nebraska, Dakota, and other States. With its aggressive policy, this conference has made a quick, healthy growth. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.11
The union conference has thirty-five ordained ministers, twenty-three ministerial licentiates, thirty-one missionary licentiates, and forty-eight school-teachers. The church-membership in the union is 4,353, adding to these the companies, and the isolated ones not reckoned in the membership, would bring the total number of believers up to 4,911. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.12
The tidal wave of land speculation that has swept across the Southwestern Union Conference has made a strong barrier to the advance of the work, and our laborers have not all been left untouched, some even yet being sensibly drawn into its deceptive current. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.13
The church-school work is encouraging. We have forty-eight experienced teachers, and others in preparation. The average wage has been $25 a month, Oklahoma averaging highest, Arkansas lowest. A few families still cling to the public schools; but the fact that no Sabbath-keeping children are fitted to have a part in this message who now come from these schools, while an increasing number each year go out from our denominational schools to engage in this closing work, is rapidly convincing parents that our own schools are the place for the children and youth now. During the last year 824 pupils were enrolled in forty-four schools. This shows a healthy growth; but we know this number can be greatly increased, as we have many bright youth who have not yet attended our schools. Keene Academy, our largest school, has had an attendance of 231 during the past year. Above fifty of this number will go into active service in the message this summer. Next to Keene Academy is our intermediate school in west Texas. This school made a good beginning with two teachers and fifty-five students. We have also two schools for the children of our colored people, the principal one being at Devall Bluff, Ark. The organized work in behalf of our youth has not stopped here, 675 being active members of the Missionary Volunteer societies, and many more active in some branch of the work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.14
The year 1908 shows a large increase over any past year in the sale of our literature in each division of our field. Arkansas has taken the lead, but the other fields have followed closely. GCB June 6, 1909, page 332.15
The total subscription book sales for last year was $44,892.17; other sales in Oklahoma and Texas have been reported to the value of $39,800, while Arkansas and New Mexico, not reported, added to this, will cause this sum to exceed $45,000. This, added to our book sales, makes a total of $89,892.17. It has been impossible to get the complete figures for the past four years, as changes have been made in the union conference management, with no reports left for the present officers. Also the Southern Publishing House had its records of past book sales burned. However, the increase has been steady, our canvassers taking as many orders in one week of March this year as were taken in the whole month last year. The increase in the sale of our literature from 1905 to 1906 was 30%; 1906 to 1907 it was 100%. In 1908 the gain was small, but so far this year the gain over 1905 is 339%. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.1
The tithe for 1908 was $48,064.51, or $11.45 for each member. Donations raised for calls outside of the union amounted to $22,658, not including the donations made from the tithes. On all lines of receipts and sales,—tithes, donations, office and canvassers’ sales,—there has been an increase of fifty per cent over the report submitted four years ago. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.2
The work for the colored people and the Mexicans, which was, for a time, carried by the union conference in Texas and Arkansas, was again placed under the care of the local conferences. There have been many perplexities in connection with this work, much labor having been given to it without the results that it seemed reasonable to expect. To assist in making the work more permanent, Elder M. Jones, of Jamaica, was asked to connect with the work for the colored people in our union. As a result, though many who were not true Sabbath-keepers at heart have fallen away, making their numbers less for a time, we believe that the basis for substantial work among the colored people is better now than at any time in the past. We have one young man at the Oakwood School who will untie with Elder Jones in labor this summer. The Texas Conference is asking for a laborer who can speak both English and Spanish, to take the oversight of the Mexican work. In this way one can keep a close oversight of the Mexican laborers and their work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.3
We are making a strong effort to develop New Mexico and west Texas, using all the funds available to get the truth planted in a way that will bring permanent returns, as far as practical, following the canvasser by the minister. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.4
Our courage is good. We hope to see an increase in all lines, believing the time has come for a general forward move. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.5
At the close of Brother Santee’s report, meeting adjourned. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.6
L. R. CONRADI, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.