General Conference Bulletin, vol. 6
FORTIETH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, I. H. Evans, C. M. Snow, T. E. Bowen
June 4, 3 P. M.
L. R. Conradi in the chair. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.7
Elder W. B. White led in prayer, and was called by L. R. Conradi to the chair. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.8
WEST INDIAN REPORTS
Reports were given from the West Indian field. Elder U. Bender, president of the West Indian Union Conference, reported as follows:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.9
West Indian Union Conference GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.10
To the delegates assembled at Takoma Park, Washington, D. C., in the thirty-seventh session of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, the brethren and sisters in the West Indian Union Conference send greetings. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.11
“Peace be to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be with all them that love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.” Ephesians 6:23, 24. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.12
The West Indian Union Conference has been organized since the last session of the General Conference, held in Takoma Park, May 11-30, 1905; and as this is the first opportunity we have had of reporting to the General Conference in any session, it may not be out of place to give a brief history of the work in the territory composing this union. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.13
Our territory at present includes all the islands and countries in or touching the Caribbean Sea, British, French, and Dutch Guiana, with Barbados and the Bahama Islands. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.14
The first Sabbath-keepers in the West Indies, so far as we know, were in Haiti. From a recent report of Elder W. J. Tanner, superintendent of the Haitian Mission, I take the following: “It was about 29 years ago—1880—that Elder Loughborough and some of his co-workers sent a quantity of tracts and papers from Southampton to Haiti.... Among others to receive this literature was Henry Williams, who, although a Catholic from childhood, was then beginning to turn away from the church of Rome. The reading of this literature persuaded Brother Williams that the seventh day is the Sabbath, and accordingly he and his companion have kept it from that day to this.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.15
The next place to receive the message was British Guiana—also through literature, sent out about the year 1885. A little later, believers were found in Barbados and Jamaica. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.16
It would take a long time to tell how the work began in all the different places in the West Indian field; but I will only say that nearly always the beginning of an interest has been the result of sending out literature. Those sending out these papers did not know into whose hands they would fall; but they “sowed beside all waters,” and this good seed, scattered broadcast, has always brought forth fruit. I hope my brethren from the local fields may dwell more upon this important feature of our work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.17
Four years ago part of our territory was reported as the local conference of Jamaica, which included Jamaica and the Cayman Islands, with Elder J. B. Beckner as president; and the East Caribbean Conference, which included all the Lesser Antilles and the Guianas, with Elder Albert Haysmer president. These were under the supervision of the General Conference. Other places where work was established were reported as mission territory. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.18
The preliminary steps toward organizing this territory into a union conference were taken in July, 1906. Elder I. H. Evans met with the brethren from the local fields, in Port of Spain, Trinidad. Elder G. F. Enoch was elected president. In January, 1907, a meeting was held in Kingston, Jamaica, to complete the work of organization begun a few months before. All our laborers were called in from the different parts of the field, and great things were planned for. Elders I. H. Evans, E. W. Farnsworth, and Luther Warren were sent from the States to help. We had just begun, when the earthquake shook everything to pieces. We held a few necessary meetings in a front yard or a tent, to finish our business, but most of our records were lost in the scramble to get out as often as the shocks recurred. Taking it altogether, the circumstances and conditions were very unsatisfactory for the launching of a new organization. These conditions have had their effect upon our work during the first two years of its existence. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.19
Our field is so scattered that we have had but one regular meeting of our union committee. The expense attendant on getting delegates to a union conference session makes it imperative that at our present session we call but one representative from each conference or mission field in the union. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.20
Our conference, as now organized and divided, includes the local conferences of Jamaica, West Caribbean, South Caribbean, East Caribbean, British Guiana, and Central America; the mission fields of Cuba, Haiti, and North Caribbean, with the United States of Colombia and Venezuela as unorganized territory. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.21
In area we have about 1,500,000 square miles of land, and an equal area of water. Our latitude, including the Bahama Islands, extends from the equator to 28 degrees north; longitude, 50 degrees to 90 degrees west—a distance of 1,900 miles north and south, and 2,700 miles east and west. The population is 16,000,000. Of these, 4,000,000 speak English, 2,000,000 French, and 10,000,000 Spanish. The religions are Roman Catholic and evangelical. Education and morality are at a low ebb. The people are usually poor and improvident. The money is that of fifteen nations, and, as compared with gold, that of all but four fluctuates with every change in conditions. The number of believers is about 3,500. There are 40 ordained and licensed workers, 2 physicians, and 10 teachers. Our receipts from the local fields last year approximated $12,000. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.22
PROGRESS AND PRESENT CONDITIONS
Since the last General Conference, work has been opened up in Cuba, Haiti, and Guatemala. We are just now placing a minister in the French island of Guadeloupe, and another in the Bahamas. Venezuela and Colombia remain unentered save for a few copies of our Spanish paper, which go there monthly. But these conditions will soon be changed. We are planning a vigorous campaign in both these countries this fall. GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.23
INSTITUTIONS
We have two institutions,—the Watchman Publishing Association, operating from Cristobal, Canal Zone, Panama; and the West Indian Training School, located at Riversdale, Jamaica. For a number of years the publishing of missionary papers in English and Spanish has been carried on in Port of Spain (Trinidad), and Mayaguez (Porto Rico). GCB June 6, 1909, page 333.24
We have recently been able to carry out plans to locate both papers in Panama, and publish them from the same office. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.1
Preliminary work for the training-school was opened in July, 1906, at Bog Walk, Jamaica. Professor C. B. Hughes took charge in March, 1907, and later the school was moved to its present site at Riversdale. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.2
I must not fail to tell you of Dr. Charles Cave, who graduated in medicine in the States, and has opened a small institution in Bridgetown, Barbados, known as the “Hastings Hydropathic.” He is doing splendid work, and is a great help to the cause in that island. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.3
Dr. Norman Greaves, with English papers, has returned to his old home in British Guiana, and will establish himself in practise there, with the advancement of the truth in view. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.4
As we survey our field, and compare what has been done with what is to be accomplished, we feel faint of heart. But when we recount God’s mercies, and see how he has caused the truth to triumph in many places, we are convinced and confident that he will lead on till this work is gloriously finished. As a whole, our work has prospered, and we feel encourage, but not confident in self. We see so many places where we have failed, and we feel our inefficiency; but God pities us in our weakness, and we know that in him is our help. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.5
During the quadrennial period just ended, four of those sent to our field have fallen by the hand of death: Brother Charles Enoch died at Port of Spain, Trinidad, in February, 1907, of yellow fever; Brother Robt. S. Price, manager of the Watchman Press, fell a victim of the same disease, at Port of Spain, in May, 1908. Little Marjorie, aged eight years, daughter of Brother and Sister C. A. Nowlen, fell asleep at Belize, British Honduras, April, 1908; and Mrs. C. A. Nowlen passed away in January, 1909, at the Graysville Sanitarium, where she had come seeking relief from a tropical malady. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.6
We can not express in words the language of our souls, as we think of these faithful ones who have lain down to rest. We sorrow with their loved ones, but not as those who have no hope. We have heard the message, “I am the resurrection and the life. He that believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.” “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive forevermore, and have the keys of hell and of death.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.7
OUR NEEDS
Our needs are many, but we ask that only the most necessary things be supplied. Our field never will be self-supporting, and we should receive at this or any other time only enough to keep our work in a good, healthy condition, and moving steadily on to completion. Our need for new laborers will be presented before the Committee on the Distribution of Labor. Our estimate on appropriations has already been lodged with the treasurer of the General Conference. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.8
Our greatest need is for the grace of God to keep us faithful to the truth. To this end we ask, “Finally, brethren, pray for us, that the word of God may have free course, and be glorified.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.9
Following this general review of the field, Elder D. E. Wellman reported as follows for the conference of which he is president:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.10
Jamaica
In giving a report of the growth and the present standing of the work in Jamaica, it gives us great pleasure to state that from the beginning of the proclamation of the third angel’s message in the island, it has not ceased to make material progress from year to year. This field was first entered by our workers in 1893, and was organized as a conference in 1903. The conference embraces in its territory the island of Jamaica, with its dependencies, and the Cayman Islands, lying to the northwest of Jamaica. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.11
The island of Jamaica, whose shores are bathed on every side by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, is one of the most interesting and picturesque islands of the West Indian Union. It lies to the south of the eastern end of Cuba, and is about ninety miles distant. Jamaica is a portion of the West Indian possessions of Great Britain, and the only language that is spoken to any extent is the English. The island is 144 miles long and 49 miles wide. It is very mountainous, and in the eastern portion the mountains rise to a height of over 7,000 feet. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.12
Within our territory we have a population of something over 700,000. Of this number there are not 15,000 that belong to the white race. The remainder are either black or colored. A large portion of the white population live in the city of Kingston and its vicinity. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.13
Our church-membership is made up almost entirely of the black and the colored races. Very few white people have as yet cast in their lot with us. We have 32 churches and 28 companies, and these are well distributed throughout the island. We have 23 church buildings in the conference, and there are 25 more in the process of construction. Three of these are nearing completion, and will be dedicated in the near future. At the beginning of the year we had a membership of 1,900. Our annual tithe was $4,260; annual offerings were $167; missionary offerings, $487. Our Sabbath-schools number 60, and have a membership of 1,800. The donations to missions from these schools during the year 1908 amounted to $583. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.14
With but few exceptions our churches are holding their own. Substantial additions are being made to many of our congregations, with but little effort aside from the labors of our lay membership. GCB June 6, 1909, page 334.15
We have a comparatively large constituency of young people scattered among our churches, but up to the present, little has been done to organize them for service. Nevertheless, eight young people’s societies are doing their best, with the meager equipment at hand, to keep the fires upon the spiritual altars burning. A few conventions in the interest of this department have been held, and others are planned for the near future. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.1
In our Sabbath-school department, persevering efforts are being made to bring our schools up to a high standard of efficiency. A deeper interest in this branch of our work is being awakened throughout our conference. The thought that we should give all our Sabbath-school donations to missions is gaining ground rapidly, and this department is doing all possible to foster the plan. We hope soon to be numbered among those who, as conferences, are giving all to missions. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.2
In our book department there has been a noticeable advance over the previous year. The sales for 1908 were about $2,500. In the circulation of The Caribbean Watchman, our missionary paper, Jamaica is taking a deep interest. We have placed in the hands of the people thus far this year 1,000 copies a month. It is the purpose of our conference to give this line of our work special attention during the coming year, and we believe this number will be largely increased. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.3
Jamaica has been greatly afflicted during the past years. First, a terrible hurricane laid waste large portions of the island in 1902, many of our small church buildings being destroyed. These have had to be rebuilt under trying circumstances because of financial conditions. Then in 1907 the great earthquake laid waste the city of Kingston and portions of the southern district, several of our churches being ruined, as well as the homes of our people. Distressing as were the conditions, our people heroically faced the situation. Today all who suffered have new or restored church buildings, with the exception of the Font Hill church, and the work on this building has now been begun. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.4
One of the most distressing experiences that has come to us was in the rebuilding of the Kingston church after the earthquake. When the building was practically finished, with the exception of the doors and windows, it was found that the roof and side structural work was altogether inadequate to meet the strain. The building was judged by all as unsafe. Under the circumstances there was but one thing that could be done, and that was again to rebuild. This has been practically done from the wall up. In the new construction the old timbers could play but a small part, consequently the cost of taking down, the purchase of new material, and the reconstruction of the church, has placed a very heavy debt upon the believers. Although poor, and impoverished by former calamities, this people have rallied most nobly to meet the financial situation. We will say, further, that since last July, in spite of these distressing conditions, the tithes and offerings of the church, with a little fostering care, have increased from about $290 to over $480 a quarter. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.5
Our people in Jamaica, and especially those of the Kingston church, are extremely grateful to our people in America for the timely aid so graciously given them in this time of dire need. Kingston really needs further help, and if it could be given at the present time, it would flow back in the near future in a generous stream to our fields beyond. Jamaica is loyal. Her people are a unit in carrying this message to the world in this generation. To this end, out of their poverty they are giving generously. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.6
During the past year 277 were received into the church. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.7
Although our field is not self-supporting, we are glad to report that we are fast nearing this desired end. Within another year we believe that the funds raised within our boundaries will enable us to meet all expenses. We are now doing all that we can to care for our own work, but we are in need of trained workers from America, and would therefore urge upon our people here the following needs, which we feel are imperative, as the conditions demand their being filled:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.8
(1) We need a strong young man and his wife to take up tent work in company with some of our native workers in important centers; 2 we are in need of an experienced Bible worker to labor in Kingston, a city of over 80,000 inhabitants,—a worker who will be capable of training others for the work; 3 further, we are in great need of a lady teacher of experience to conduct a select school in the city of Kingston, under conference control. We certainly hope that the first and the last of these requests will not be denied. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.9
We are truly grateful to God for the prosperity that has attended the work in our field for the past year, and for the many evidences that may be seen at the present time that the Lord is guiding his people to victory. Brethren, at the throne of grace remember Jamaica and her people. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.10
Elder J. B. Beckner next gave a report for his conference, the headquarters of which are in Port of Spain, Trinidad. He said:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.11
South Caribbean Conference
This conference was organized in 1906. Its territory is the islands of Trinidad, Tobago, Grenada, and the Grenadines. The population is 375,000; the area, 2,001 square miles. The membership is 480. There are 10 churches. During 1908, 97 persons were baptized. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.12
Tobago is claimed by many of its inhabitants to be the island of Robinson Crusoe. They show you the rocky reef, the sand beach, and the cave in which he lived. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.13
Trinidad lies in the very arms of Venezuela, being within ten and eleven degrees of the equator. Those who have been in the tropics know what this means—a land of perpetual summer, of black-water, malarial, and yellow fevers, and the plague. Four graves in Port of Spain cemetery testify to the deadly effect of the climate on the workers you have sent there. As yet we have lost none by the plague, but the quarantine hindered our work very much last year. The first victim claimed by yellow fever was Elder Andrew Flowers. The next Was Elder Crowthers, by the fatal black-water fever. Then Brother Charles Enoch died of yellow fever, and last year Brother Robert Price died in our house, of yellow fever. This was our first experience with the dread “black vomit.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.14
When our comrades fall by our side, we do not feel to run away from the battle, but to grasp the sword more firmly, and rush into the thickest of the fight. We know our Captain. He never lost a battle. He conquered death and the grave. We need others immediately to fill up the gaps made in our ranks. We do not want you to come expecting to die, but to battle for the Lord. We now especially want a young man to come and consecrate his life to work among the East Indians. We have 125,000 of these in Trinidad, and no worker among them. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.15
In Tobago God is blessing the efforts of Brother J. J. Smith. The first small church was erected there last year, and the lumber was shipped for another of the same size—16 x 24 feet—on which work is being done at the present time. We are also now at work on a church at Aronca, where the tent effort was conducted last year. Our people are mostly very poor; but they are putting their hands to the work, and God is abundantly blessing them. May God put it into the heart of some one to come to our East Indian work. Pray for us often. GCB June 6, 1909, page 335.16
The Conference next heard from the region of Panama and the Canal strip. Elder H. C. Goodrich, president of the conference operating there, presented the following:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.1
West Caribbean Conference
This conference is composed of the republics of Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and the islands of Old Providence, San Andres, and the great and little Corn Islands. Its total area is 164,268 square miles, its population about 1,000,000. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.2
The conference was organized in September, 1907, with a membership of 278. Dec. 1, 1908, the membership was 358—a total gain of 80. The amount of tithe paid in 1908 was $2,302.83; Sabbath-school donations, $243.90; First-day offerings, $78.83; annual offerings, $147.80; total amount, $2,773.36. The retail value of books sold during the year was $5,000.14. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.3
Our force of workers, including the president, consists of 2 ordained ministers, 3 licentiates, and 7 canvassers—all natives but two. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.4
Of the different places where labor is needed, it seems to me the Canal Zone is the most needy. Besides the Spanish and native West Indians, there are several thousand Americans who are here for the purpose of working on the canal. These can not be reached by our native workers, and at present nothing is being done for them. While we have sold a great many books and papers for the small extent of our territory, none have been sold to the Americans; and in order to reach them with our literature, we must have an American canvasser. The hours for work here are short, and the wages liberal. This makes the Canal Zone a field not often equaled for the sale of our literature, and one which ought not to be neglected. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.5
Besides the Americans, thousands of the West Indian people have been brought here from all parts of the West Indies. Their wages are much higher than those they received at home, and they spend their money freely for things both good and bad. It is among this class that all our books and papers have been sold; and nearly all our converts come from them. The French, and also the Spanish people, buy a few books, but most of our sales have been to the colored people, and among them we can scarcely enter a house in the Canal Zone without finding one or more of our books. These books are read, and are having an influence to bring the people to the truth, and every one who receives this light is an active agent to bring others to it. But for the white people we have no laborer. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.6
The following items will be of interest as showing some of the openings for reaching the hearts of the people:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.7
A few months ago, while the little company of six or eight who meet in the house of Brother Hibbert at Bohio were holding their Sabbath service, an American, who had been drinking, came in, and began making a disturbance. The company quietly stopped their meeting, and waited for him to go away. He finally left the room, standing just outside, when a brother said to the leader, “Go on.” The American, hearing the word, and imagining it was intended for him, became greatly enraged, and, rushing again into the house, drew a revolver, and shot at the brother. Although only a few feet distant, the ball missed the mark, but tore the back off a copy of “From Eden to Eden” lying on the table. The police were then called, who took the man into custody. Monday, at their own expense, these same brethren came to attend the trial at Cristobal, and asked the judge to release the man, and forgive the offense. This was finally done, and in the court-room, before all present, the man begged those humble men to forgive him, and promised never to drink again. He and his wife then inquired after our faith, and bought “Great Controversy,” in order to study it. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.8
A letter from the leader of the little company at Empire, making a most earnest plea for help for that place, closes with these words: “At present we are living in love and unity, and we are very conscious of the presence of our God with us. May the good Lord who strengthens all who depend on him, keep you steadfast and unmovable till Jesus comes.” There had been much dissension among this company; but it has all been put away, in order to prepare the way to reach the hearts of their fellow men. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.9
The church at Mt. Hope, two miles from Colon, has more than doubled in the last two years, having now a membership of 73, with eight or ten awaiting baptism. At Bocas del Toro the brethren have a nice new church nearly completed, free from debt. This town is the old headquarters for the West Caribbean Mission Field. And here Elder F. J. Hutchins and Dr. Eccles laid down their lives for the sake of the work they loved, and here they lie buried side by side. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.10
About twenty-five miles from Bocas, on the mainland, there was an interest to hear, awakened by the work of our canvassers among the employees of the United Fruit Company. This company has extensive banana plantations extending along the coast for more than forty miles. I visited them, and baptized three persons. But there was no place for them to hold meetings. So, with Brother Reid, our native preacher, and two of the brethren, I went to the general manager, and asked him to rent us one of their houses for this purpose. The request was freely granted, he giving us the house free of rent, with permission to take out the partitions and use it for a church. In a letter received lately, I learned that twelve others have accepted the truth, and now await baptism, and the work is spreading to neighboring plantations. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.11
In Costa Rica Elder Mignott is working alone among the colored people of the coast, and is able to fill but very few of the calls for help that come to us from that people. At Port Limon 20 have been added to the church, and they are beginning to build a meeting-house on a well-situated lot donated by one of the native sisters. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.12
In San Jose, Costa Rica, Brother J. B. Stuyvesant is laboring alone among the Spanish people. Nicaragua has not yet been entered, save by a native Sabbath-keeper who has located at Bluefields as a self-supporting missionary. Yet under his instruction several of the colored people are observing the seventh day, and meetings are held in his house. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.13
These countries are prepared to receive the truth as never before. The church in some measure has lost its hold on the people, and the government does not sustain the church as it once did. The people know full well the wicked lives of the priests, and if they can only be taught that Catholicism is not the truth, many of them will accept the truth with rejoicing. But we need very much another man to work in the Spanish field with Brother Stuyvesant. GCB June 6, 1909, page 336.14
In Colon and the Canal Zone we have another class of people, who demand our immediate attention—I refer to the Chinese. They were brought here by the French, to work on the canal. Many of them are wealthy, and nearly all are well-to-do. It does not seem at all easy to reach the older generation; but the children and young people are ready to receive the truth, and are very firm in obeying it. In one family of ten children, with strong opposition from their parents, three are keeping the Sabbath. One, a young man of seventeen, was lately baptized. His younger brother, eleven years old, when told by his parents that he must give up the Sabbath, said, “I will die sooner than give up the truth.” In another family of twelve children, the oldest daughter and her younger brother are keeping the Sabbath, although their parents compel them to attend the services of the Anglican Church. In company with Elder Evans, while he was with us at our conference about sixteen months ago, I visited this family, which has a large mercantile business in Colon. I told this merchant of our plan to build, and that we expected to open a school, in which the Chinese children would be welcome, and asked him if he thought the Chinese people would be willing to support it. His answer was, “If you will open such a school, I will assure you the cooperation of all the Chinese.” This school we must have as soon as possible. In this way we shall reach many of the young people, and it is only through them that we can hope to reach the parents. Brother S. Parker Smith, who for some years has been teaching in the island of San Andres, stands ready to begin the work. But for this we need a new building, as rent is so high in the Canal Zone that it would be impossible to have such a school in a rented room. Therefore, to sum up the needs of the West Caribbean Conference, we would say we should have: 1 A colporteur, for the canvassing work among the white people of the Canal Zone; 2 a minister to labor among the white people of the Canal Zone, and also to study the Spanish language, so as to work among that nationality; 3 a building suitable for a school, with space above for two or three suites of rooms. For this we need an appropriation of $1,000. In view of the importance this conference occupies in the Canal Zone, we would ask that the General Conference give our needs most careful attention. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.1
Next on the program was the song, “Lift up the Trumpet,” which Elder Bender said was a favorite in the West Indies, where our people are good singers. Following this Elder O. E. Davis reported for his field:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.2
British Guiana Conference
The British Guiana Conference was organized in July, 1906, having been, prior to that time, a part of the old East Caribbean Conference. This conference has an area of 78,000 square miles, and a population of 284,847, of which more than fifty per cent are East Indians. In fact, this country is already called one of India’s children, and it is with no small degree of anticipation that some of these people are looking forward to the time when the country will become a small India. There are about 10,000 aboriginal Indians, among whom there are no less than six distinct languages. Among this people we have two missions, with a membership of about 50, and two schools, with a total enrollment of 45. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.3
About forty per cent of our population are colored people, and the balance are English, Portuguese, Chinese, and Japanese. Dutch Guiana, with an area of 46,072 square miles, and a population of 57,000; also French Guiana, with an area of 46,880 square miles, and a population of 25,596, are annexed to this conference as a mission field. Our total area is 168,952 square miles, nearly equal to that of the States of New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. There are 9 churches and 8 companies, besides a few scattered Sabbath-keepers. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.4
The seeds of truth were first sown in this field by some of our people in the States, who, learning of a certain boat that was soon to leave the harbor of New York, approached the captain, and asked him if he would kindly receive a parcel of papers and tracts to distribute among the people when he reached Georgetown. Reluctantly he received the package, and on his arrival at Georgetown, British Guiana, he went ashore and scattered the papers and tracts in a broadcast manner among the people on the wharf, evidently with the feeling that he had done all that he had promised. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.5
The result was that an old black man picked up one of the papers, and took it home to his wife, who could read a little, and as she studied the paper, she learned of the Sabbath, and immediately began to keep it. She, in turn, sent the paper to her sister in Barbados, who, on reading the article, also began the observance of the Sabbath. From this small beginning, through the labors of various workers who have labored in this field, we now have a membership of 375. Thus we see the fulfillment of Isaiah 55:11: “So shall my word be: ... it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.6
There are 3 ordained ministers, 1 licensed minister, and 1 licensed missionary, who are receiving support from the conference. We have 2 certified canvassers. Recently Dr. H. N. Greaves has returned to this field, and has opened the medical work, with fair prospects of good success. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.7
The thermometer registers an improvement in the spiritual health of our members. The tithe has increased about one third per capita during the past two years, our offerings have more than doubled, and our book sales for 1908 far surpassed those of any year since 1904, notwithstanding the fact that through the indiscretion of one of our canvassers during the past year, our work has been greatly embarrassed, and completely stopped for a time. We were brought before the authorities, and the final decision was that we must take out a license for every canvasser we send out. Even the Word of God was placed on the same basis as vegetables or wares of any kind. Satan has made many attacks on the work in this field, and wrought great inroads in some of our churches, but we are thankful that God has set his hand to restore and build again the work in this field. Nearly 100 members have been added in the last two years. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.8
We have a school with an enrollment of about 40 among the East Indians, and two schools among the aborigines, but as yet we have none for our colored children, and we are greatly perplexed to know what to do for them. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.9
While our population is small as compared with other fields, yet we have a great work to do, as the greater portion of our traveling has to be done in canoes or rowboats. Thousands of the people are scattered along the great water-courses, which are our only highways for reaching them. As contrasted with traveling in the States, one instance may be of interest. We have one mission lying within one hundred miles of our home; and yet if we would spend one Sabbath and Sunday with them, the journey requires eight days if we avoid traveling on the Sabbath. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.10
We need a tent in which to hold meetings, as the work can not be successfully extended until we have one. The tropic sun and heavy rains make it practically impossible to hold open-air meetings. We shall be greatly disappointed if we do not succeed in procuring a tent to take back with us on our return. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.11
It has already been mentioned that nearly half of our population are East Indians, yet, aside from the school, nothing has been accomplished for this people. We need a consecrated young man, not necessarily a minister, who will take up this work, master the language, and give himself wholly to proclaiming the message among these people. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.12
In closing I might mention our third great need, which is an industrial school for our young people. Experience shows that our work, especially in the rural districts, will have to be carried on largely by native labor, as conditions are such that few white men can endure the conditions very long. We have at our refusal at the present time a large estate of more than twelve thousand acres, a large portion of which is in a fair state of cultivation. This can be secured on a lease for a term of from fifteen to twenty years for a small share of the produce. I sincerely believe that if we could have a little help now in the way of a few hundred dollars as a loan, in a short time we would not only be able to repay it, but would also be able to assist materially in carrying forward the work in this field with cash, as well as with qualified teachers for church-schools, Bible workers, etc. GCB June 6, 1909, page 337.13
There are other reasons why I believe this proposition should receive due consideration from those who have the oversight of these matters. I appreciate the fact that our population is small, yet it is evident that it far surpasses the figures shown by any record at the present time, as no statistics have been taken for more than eighteen years (statement of government official). Though looked upon by some as less than the least, yet I firmly believe that in the great gathering day there will be some of these diamonds in the rough who will shine as bright jewels in God’s everlasting kingdom. Brethren, remember us in your prayers. GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.1
Elder Bender called upon E. L. Cardey to report for the Central American Conference. He submitted the following:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.2
Report of the Central American Conference
The Central American Conference, having four and a half millions of Spanish- and English-speaking people, within its borders, sends greetings to this General Conference. The message of the third angel is advancing over every obstacle in this dark Catholic region. On every hand the needs of the people cry to us for help. Thousands upon thousands have never so much as seen a Bible, much less heard the message of the Lord’s coming. Millions sit in the terrible darkness that Rome casts over her subjects. Yet these countries are all open for the entrance of the Bible and this truth. We as a conference in this field are united on one thing—sending the message of life to these darkened countries in this generation. We humbly and earnestly ask you, brethren, to consider our needs, and unite with us in accomplishing this end. GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.3
The last few years have witnessed the blessing of God, and encouraging advancement in this territory. Many souls have accepted the truth, and been baptized. As a result of three courses of meetings held in 1907, fifty-eight persons were baptized in the Bay Islands. In this year sufficient money was raised among our small and poor churches to buy a tent outfit for camp-meeting purposes. In March, 1908, we held our first camp-meeting in the island of Ruatan, perhaps the first camp-meeting ever held in the tropics. About one hundred and fifty of our own people were on the grounds, besides many not of our faith. GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.4
The general Conference sent Elder Spicer to help in this meeting, and truly God came near with his blessing, as we planned for the advancement of the work. At the close of the meeting, when there seemed to be a need of a church building in the town where the meeting was held, one aged brother, who has worked hard all his life to build up some property, gladly gave his house to the mission for the purpose of erecting a church building in this place. We now have a neat little church built from it, worth about $1,000 gold. Our brethren are as ready to sacrifice for the truth in this country as they are in any other. This blessed truth has united our hearts, and we, with all our people throughout the world, desire to see the work finished, and Jesus come. GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.5
Our tithes and offerings have been good, and have been on the increase. Our Sabbath-school work has pushed forward, and about one hundred members have been added in the past two years. In 1908 two church buildings were erected, and are practically freed from debt. GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.6
At our conference meeting last year, it was voted that we open work in Guatemala, and to assist in this, as well as find a healthful location for our workers to visit from time to time, it was thought best to move our conference headquarters there also. Accordingly, in May, of 1908, we went to Guatemala City, to find what the Lord had there for us. We were successful in obtaining comfortable quarters to live in, and soon were ready for work. Guatemala City has about one hundred thousand people, and is entirely Catholic, linked with the strong conservativeness of the better class of the Spanish people. It looked as if it would take years even to get acquainted with the people. But right here the Lord had a surprise for us, and for some years had been preparing the way. An American missionary had been running an English school here for six years. On account of failing health she desired to sell this school to us. After seeking God for some time over the matter, those of the workers who were present decided that this was an opening from the Lord; consequently, in September, 1908, we bought what is now known as the Guatemala English School. In the few months we have been operating it we have been able to make the personal acquaintance of hundreds of people, many of whom stand high in the government, as well as many of other classes. We have at present in the school the children of the highest officials in Guatemala, and many others of high and low standing. Surely it will mean something in a year or so to have these children of Catholic parentage under our influence and teaching. The people know that we are missionaries, and yet they are willing to send us their children. The school had reached an enrollment of seventy-four at one time this year, though the numbers fell off to some extent. Financially speaking, the school has done well, having paid its running expense and a little on the investment. GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.7
OUR NEED
Like all other parts of the world, our need is more workers,—consecrated workers who are willing to give their lives to the cause of missions. There are many openings in Central America that are calling loudly for help. About two years ago two of our colporteurs went to a little town three days back in the interior by mule. They found that some time ago a few tracts on the Sabbath and Lord’s coming had found their way there, and a few of the people of the town had become interested, and were trying to keep the Sabbath. Two years have passed and we have been unable to send any one to their help. A number of places are calling for teachers for their children. Not long ago we received a letter from the president of Guatemala, giving us the free right to open school work in the city of Quezeltenango. In another place the people offer a teacher $65 a month, gold, to come and teach the children. But where are the faithful teachers to answer these calls? GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.8
The hand of death has marked the advancement of the work here. The year 1908 marked the graves of two who were laid away to await the call of the Life-giver, Sister Nowlen and her little daughter Marjorie. GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.9
Just before coming to this meeting, I noticed in her room at the mission in Guatemala, a motto hanging over the bed, which read, “Not my will, but thine, be done.” It was God’s will to lay her to rest, although we may not see why. Our hearts bleed for those who have suffered most in this affliction, but we can not be discouraged; death and sickness have ever marked the missionary advance. GCB June 6, 1909, page 338.10
At the conference and camp-meeting held in Belize this past April, in which we had the labors of our union president and of Elder G. B. Thompson, the brethren desired to send to this Conference a word of good cheer. We are with you for the quick finishing of the work; we, with you, want to see Jesus come, and this night of sickness and death break into everlasting day. Central America requests you, while viewing the work in all the world, to remember our needs and perplexities in this land. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.1
The eastern portion of the field was next reviewed by L. E. Wellman, president of the conference covering that region. His report follows:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.2
East Caribbean Conference
The work of presenting the third angel’s message to the people of those islands which go to make up the East Caribbean Conference, was first started in the islands of Barbados and Antigua, in the year 1890, and we are glad to be able to report that the work has gone on steadily from that time until the present. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.3
Until the year 1903, the whole of the field was operated by the Mission Board as a mission field; but in that year, at Port-of-Spain, Trinidad, there was organized what was known as the East Caribbean Conference. The territory embraced in this conference at that time extended from St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands on the north, down through the Leeward and Windward Islands, to Trinidad and British Guiana on the south, a distance of 1,000 miles. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.4
During the next three years, the work developed so rapidly that it became necessary to divide up the territory of the first organized conference into three separate conferences. This also was accomplished at a meeting held in Trinidad, in the summer of 1906. As reorganized, the East Caribbean Conference embraced all the field from Barbados and St. Vincent, north, to and including St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.5
In all parts of our field we have the utmost freedom in our work in behalf of the gospel; but up to the present time our work has been confined to the English-speaking islands, though in point of numbers the population of our conference is about equally divided between the English and the French. We do not have to search far for the reason for this. Until the late separation of church and state in France, it was practically impossible for Protestant missionaries to do anything in the French islands, in the way of aggressive work. Now, however, it is possible for us to open up work in that part of the Lord’s vineyard also, and the only hindering cause is our lack of men trained in the French language, and the necessary means with which to support the work. At its last meeting the conference requested one of our native ministers, who has had some experience in the language, to locate in Guadeloupe, a prosperous French island with about 200,000 inhabitants. Our greatest need at the present time is a man of experience in the French work, to locate in the island of Martinique,—a man who could mold and give tone and standing to the work which we are undertaking in this difficult field. For this worker we most earnestly plead at this time. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.6
Our field embraces a chain of islands 350 miles in length, and 16 in number, in only 8 of which have we carried on any work thus far. In these islands there are 6 organized churches, and 8 organized companies, with about 400 Sabbath-keepers, who make up our conference constituency at the present time. Five of the churches and companies are in Barbados, 1 in St. Vincent, 2 in St. Lucia, 1 in Dominica, 4 in Antigua, and 1 in the island of St. Kitts. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.7
We are glad to report that the amount received locally from our people, in the way of tithes and offerings, is steadily increasing, though we can never hope, on account of the extreme poverty of the people, to make the field self-supporting, yet, realizing the great needs of the world field, we are putting forth every possible effort to bring our field as near the goal of self-support as it is possible for us to do. During the year 1908, our tithes and offerings amounted to $860, which, with our Sabbath-school offerings, made an increase of $250 over our total receipts for the preceding year. Taking into consideration the fact that the majority of our people have incomes of but from 12 to 24 cents a day, we feel that this is an encouraging omen of better things to come. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.8
Our Sabbath-school department is made up of 14 schools, with a membership of 358. Their donations to missions during 1908 amounted to $112, and we have every reason to expect a still larger offering during the present year. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.9
In order that we as conference officers may keep more closely in touch with our people, and that our people as a whole may be able to have a better idea of the progress of the work in the various islands, we started this year a local conference paper, issued monthly. This has met with a very kind reception on the part of all our people, and will, we believe, result in increased interest in the work throughout the whole field. In addition to this we are sending out, month by month, outline programs and Bible studies for the use of all our leaders in the local churches and companies. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.10
Another branch of the work that has been carried on during the past fifteen months, is the medical work undertaken in the city of Bridgetown, Barbados, by Dr. Chas. Cave and wife. The work was started under very trying financial conditions, but has made fair progress in spite of the difficulties. The institution is not owned by the conference, but is conducted in harmony with the principles believed in and practiced by us as a people, and we know it is exerting a good influence in behalf of the truth. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.11
As we look over the field, we see a steady growth all along the line. With a working force of six conference laborers, our evangelical work resulted, during the year 1908, in the addition to our churches and companies, of about 70 baptized believers. Two new churches were organized, and two new churches dedicated. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.12
We also have live missionary societies organized in connection with all our churches, which are working with our periodicals and other literature, and the Lord is certainly blessing their efforts in placing the truth before the people. We have nothing but words of encouragement with regard to the work in our field to bring to you. The work is onward, the workers are of good courage, and by the help of our Heavenly Father, we are determined to press onward in the work of the message of the third angel, until the Lord himself declares, “It is finished.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.13
Elder Bender said that this concluded the reports of conferences. Before calling for mission field reports, he asked Prof. C. B. Hughes to present the work of the union training school, in Jamaica. Here is the report:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.14
The West Indian Training School
In June, 1906, Elder J. B. Beckner and wife, in charge of a company of Jamaican young men and women, took possession of 98 acres of land near Bog Walk, Jamaica, which had been purchased by the West Indian Union Conference as a school farm. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.15
In January, 1907, myself and wife arrived in the field. Shortly after, we took charge of the school work. In May E. C. Cushman and wife arrived. Later it was decided necessary to have a larger tract of land, and to dispose of the smaller school farm. So 507 acres were purchased about six miles north of the first location, a mile and a half from the Riversdale railway station. This land cost about $12 per acre. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.16
It is good grazing land, well adapted to most tropical crops. It has a dwelling, inside dimensions, 28 x 56 feet, its concrete walls being two feet thick. Near it is a brick building about 14 x 50 feet, which can be remodeled for a kitchen and dining hall. To each of these buildings there is a wooden addition, one of two and the other of three rooms. Besides these there are two cottages, of not much value, but which are very serviceable. Our water is pumped from a spring to the top of a hill higher than our buildings. GCB June 6, 1909, page 339.17
We began to move into the place Sept. 2, 1907. The place was formerly part of a large sugar estate; but when sugar-growing ceased to be profitable, the property was neglected, and we found it nearly all overgrown with bushes and trees. The front part of the place is fenced, being divided into ten pastures, averaging about 25 acres each. There is much logwood on the place, also orange, lemon, lime, mango, guava, star-apple, custard-apple, alligator pear, bread-fruit, and coconut trees. Nearly all these are in sufficient number to supply the school family. When we took the place there were a few acres in bananas and chocolate. We have planted a few acres more. Have also planted about ten acres to coconuts. We will plant nearly all of the farm to coconuts. This can be done, and still the land be used for grazing. Cattle growing and dairying will be our chief industries. We have about 70 head of cattle. We have several acres planted to corn and vegetables. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.1
We have erected a cottage for the principal, and a young men’s dormitory will shortly be completed. It will accommodate 33 young men. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.2
At present we have 36 students, 27 young men and 9 young women. The charge to students is $8.40 per month. Only three students pay cash. We have received all the young men who have applied, for we can use them to excellent advantage in clearing and planting our large farm. We have no employment for young ladies but housework, consequently we have been compelled to refuse admission to several consecrated young women who are anxiously waiting for an opening. Most of our students are Jamaicans. Haiti, St. Andrews, Dominica, Barbados, Trinidad, and Panama have been or are represented in our school. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.3
The colored people of the West Indies are more poverty stricken than those of the south, and have less opportunity to rise. In Jamaica wages for common labor are from 24 to 36 cents per day, and the colored man finds it very difficult to find employment on account of the thousands of coolies imported from India, to work on the large estates. Very little work is done in Jamaica on Saturday, it being the chief market day. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.4
Besides myself the school now employs Brother E. C. Cushman and wife, and Brother E. C. Wood and wife. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.5
The teachers and students do all the building and other work. The students sawed by hand much of the lumber in our new dormitory, from trees in our own woods. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.6
Leading white men in Jamaica take much interest in our school, and it has been favorably mentioned in the papers. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.7
I visited the leading agricultural instructor of the Jamaican government. He had directed us to our present location. When I told him our plans he replied, “I must confess that I have been prejudiced against Seventh-day Adventists. I could see no reason for your coming to Jamaica, for no one works on Saturday here; but if you believe in people working the other days of the week, there is plenty of room for you.” He spent some time with me, and said that he would visit us, and that his wife was anxious to come also. He stated that Jamaica sorely needed the work we were planning to do. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.8
We have perplexities peculiar to our work; there is much hard labor to be performed before the place will be in shape to yield returns. Rooms must be provided for the young ladies, and other building erected. Few of our students will be able to pay cash. But the blessing of the Lord hitherto leads us to believe that every difficulty will be solved, and that this school will prove a blessing in our great field. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.9
Although the time for adjournment had come, it was agreed to hear from Haiti. Elder W. J. Tanner, in charge of the work in that French-speaking republic, reported as follows:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.10
The Haitian Mission
The development and progress of our work in the republic of Haiti is but one in a rapidly growing list of evidences that the Lord is blessing the proclamation of the third angel’s message. At the time of our last General Conference, four years ago, we had in this field only two baptized Seventh-day Adventists. To-day we have 109, about 80 of whom came to us from the Roman Catholic Church. These Sabbath-keepers are divided into 3 churches, 5 companies, and 8 Sabbath-schools. Another estimate of our work in this field can be made when I remind you that, whereas but 10 per cent of the population can read and write, at least 90 per cent of our Sabbath-keepers have had the elements of an education. I feel safe in saying, therefore, that in no other Catholic country, so far as I know, has our work grown so rapidly in the same length of time. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.11
The reason for this rapid development of our cause in the Black Republic is found in the fact that the field is fully ripe, and ready for the message. The Church of Rome has held religious sway over the island ever since it was discovered by Columbus. And, as has ever been the case where she has dominated the minds of the people, she has abused her privileges, and consequently many Haitians are anxious to shake off the yoke that binds them to the chariot of St. Peter. Another significant circumstance that has been very helpful to us is the fact that for thirty years our literature has been circulated to a greater or less extent in the northern part of the republic. In 1879 Elder Loughborough, who was then located in Southampton, England, sent out a box of tracts and papers to Cape Haitian. This literature was not consigned to any one in particular, and so fell into the hands of the agent of the steamship company. This man, taking no interest in religious things himself, turned the box and its contents over to the Episcopal missionary stationed in the city, who, without examining it, distributed its contents among the other Protestant missions. The Sunday following, the Baptist missionary circulated some of this literature among those who were in attendance at his services. Among others to receive an assortment of these pages of truth was a Jamaican, who, after reading what was given him, began, with his wife, to observe the Sabbath. This brother—Henry Williams—soon got into communication with our people in America and Europe, and from them received additional quantities of our publications, which he industriously distributed. The blessing of the Lord has followed the literature thus sent out and circulated. It has been read; and, while the truths therein contained have not been speedily embraced, yet it has done much to prepare the minds of the people to hear the voice of the living preacher. GCB June 6, 1909, page 340.12
This is illustrated by the following incident: A Wesleyan missionary gave a copy of our French “Bible Readings” to one of his new converts to read. After reading it, this young man was able, with the Lord’s help, so effectively to present the Sabbath question that within six months after he had embraced the truth, he had won to the ranks of Sabbath-keepers 16 from a Baptist church of 32 members, including the local pastor and two deacons. In another place the entire congregation was converted, and brought their little church building along with them. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.1
At Port au Prince, the capital, we have a thriving company that had its beginning in a very interesting way: When I first visited the city, in 1907, I found a respectable old man who had been observing the Sabbath for nine years. Seven years of this time he supposed that he was the only Christian observer of the seventh day in the world. He had discovered the truth simply by reading the Bible. Having the courage of his convictions, he stepped out into the path of obedience, and now has a company of 8 or 9 who meet with him every Sabbath to study the Bible and the Sabbath-school lessons. I am glad to be able to add further that the spiritual growth of our Haitian people seems to correspond with their material growth. Coming from the error and superstition of Catholicism, as many of them do, it is but natural that they have more to learn and unlearn than do our people in more favored countries. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.2
The financial condition of the people has made it very hard to circulate our literature in this field the past four years. Nevertheless we have accomplished something, from which we hope to see good results in the future. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.3
In this connection I will mention a circumstance that shows how the Lord can and sometimes does use other missionaries to help us get our work before the people. When we first went to the field, we felt ourselves handicapped, because we were unable to furnish Bibles to those who wished them. The people would say, when we offered them our tracts or books, “What is the use of having your tracts and books if we have no Bibles? Sell us Bibles, and then we shall be able to read your literature with profit.” Thus, seeing a real need for cheap Bibles to sell to the people, I made application to the agent of the British and Foreign Bible Society at Port au Prince for copies of the Scriptures, to dispose of as I had need. In this case I got more than I expected. He offered to let me have all the Bibles I want at a price considerably below the cost of printing them in London, and gave me the privilege of giving away copies at the expense of the society, where the people might be unable to pay the price. These privileges have helped us immensely, and have given us a certain prestige among the people that we could not have obtained otherwise. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.4
Relative to the future outlook of our work in Haiti, I can but say it seems promising. Those who accept the truth love it, and it transforms their lives, thus preparing them for the soon coming of our Lord, which is the object of our message. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.5
Next, Elder E. W. Snyder, superintendent of the Cuban work, made the following report, the congregation expressing a desire to hear it:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.6
The Work in Cuba
This field is located about ninety miles south of the extreme southern point of Florida, and is about equal in area to the State of Pennsylvania, with a population of 2,028,282. Its length from Cape St. Antonio to Cape Maisi is 780 miles, while its average width is 60 miles. The four western provinces have a population of about two-and-one-half times that of the two eastern provinces. It is estimated that more than sixty per cent of the native Cubans are colored. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.7
The work of the third angel’s message was opened in Cuba in the latter part of 1905, and in this step the providence of God was clearly manifested. A short time after our arrival, a native pastor invited us to speak to his people on the subject of prophecy. At the close of the meeting, one of his most intelligent members asked permission to come to our house and study the Bible. On arriving to receive his first lesson, he saw the ten-commandment chart hanging on the wall. After reading the fourth commandment, he was convinced that it is sin to work on the Sabbath, and from that same day he began to obey the truth. This brother has devoted several days each week to the circulation of literature, holding Bible readings and finding openings for meetings, without compensation and paying his own expenses. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.8
There are more calls for meetings in different parts of Havana and its suburbs than we can fill, and many are hungering for present truth. For the help of this brother we have great reason to thank the Lord, since any new movement meets with difficulties among the Cubans, if presented by an American alone. This feeling is due, in some degree, to the teaching of the priests that the Bible and the Protestant religion are American, and the propagation of either or both will be made to serve the political designs of the United States toward the annexation of the country. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.9
At present regular meetings are held in seven different points in Havana and its suburbs, while centers of labor have been opened in three other localities, two of these being in eastern Cuba. There are about forty Cuban Sabbath-keepers, the greater number of whom have accepted all the truths of the message, including healthful living, the spirit of prophecy, and tithing. Altogether there are used about four hundred copies of our Spanish papers, and by their circulation, interested families are found, and their confidence gained. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.10
All efforts to secure an attendance of Cubans at a public place simply by a card of invitation or a newspaper advertisement, have proved vain, as their natural suspicion of anything new will not permit them to go where they are not acquainted. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.11
Our Cuban helpers are meeting with experiences which demonstrate that this field is ready to receive the last message. A sister found a family of four, who, after reading the paper and attending several meetings, accepted the truth. The mother of the family said, when they began to keep the Sabbath, “Would to God we had learned these things before.” GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.12
A journey of four hundred and thirty-four miles by rail from Havana brings us to Omaja, in eastern Cuba, where our first church of American brethren is located. In all this distance the railway traverses populous towns and cities, where not a hand has been raised to give the message. There are thirteen cities in Cuba of more than ten thousand population, but up to the present nothing has been done for them, outside of the capital. At Omaja the brethren are nobly supporting the work by the circulation of the Spanish paper, and by giving of their means. As a result, several Cubans are observing the Sabbath. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.13
At Minas, near Camaguez, Brother Holmes, formerly of the Madison School, reports six Cuban Sabbath-keepers, resulting from his work in circulating the papers. Some of these are calling for baptism. Paper work is also carried on near Nuevitas in eastern Cuba, by Brother Kinsman, formerly of the Madison School. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.14
OUR SCHOOL WORK
For the school at Omaja, forty acres of land, worth one thousand dollars, have been given by the owner of the colony, the only condition being that within one year ten acres must be cleared, and planted to citrus fruits. A friend has also donated one thousand sour orange roots, which, when budded, will be worth three hundred dollars. The school will also have forty acres addition, the donation of a brother from Texas, making a total value twenty-three hundred dollars. It is reported that timber sufficient for building is found on the property, and a good supply of limestone for burning. Other building materials have been donated by Mr. Kerr, the owner. GCB June 6, 1909, page 341.15
Our brethren there cheerfully give their labor for the building, only asking for some financial help in the purchase of the cement for the concrete, and in paying the cost of cutting and dressing the lumber. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.1
At San Claudio, fifty miles west of Havana, a plot of fifty-six acres has been secured for a school, the land company donating their profit, which is equal to a gift of $1,120. On this land a building in the Cuban style has been erected, and a school is being conducted by Brother S. H. Carnahan and wife, formerly of the State of Washington. The application of native children, in addition to those of our American brethren, promises soon to overtax its limited capacity, and until an income can be derived from the land, outside assistance will be greatly needed to put the school on a proper basis. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.2
In conclusion, we can only repeat that this field is ripe, ready for the harvest. Good openings in all the provinces are presented, where consecrated brethren may find fruitful fields for labor. Who will enter now while conditions are so favorable? The Lord has surely gone before us by his opening providences. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.3
No further time remained to hear the two reports yet remaining, and it was voted to have them included in the BULLETIN as though read, Brethren B. E. Connerly, of Porto Rico, and S. A. Wellman, editor of the Caribbean Watchman, being introduced to the Conference. Their reports follow. First, Elder Connerly’s:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.4
The North Caribbean Mission
The territory of this mission field comprises the islands of St. Thomas, the Virgin Islands, Porto Rico, and the Republic of Santo Domingo. In St. Thomas and the Virgin Islands, Danish and English are spoken. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.5
Porto Rico was entered in 1891 by a canvasser. There has never been much evangelical work, but a Spanish paper, El Centinela de la Verdad (“Sentinel of the Truth”), has been published there, and several hundred dollars’ worth of our books have been sold. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.6
We wish to speak especially of the needs of Porto Rico. We have a very intelligent class of people in Porto Rico. Being under the American government, the work of Protestant churches has been thoroughly represented there. As we say in Porto Rico, Rome is now on her knees there. Two thirds of the population are white. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.7
I wish to relate some of my experiences in my last trip around the island while collecting subscriptions for our Spanish paper. In Ponce, I found a young man so strongly preaching against the natural immortality of the soul, that the town was stirred. We have strong hopes that this young man will be a great helper to our first evangelical effort in this town. In another town I was met by the father of a young man who had died observing the Sabbath. He said to me that not only his son, but many people of his town had desired to know the doctrines of the Adventists. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.8
At another place, I met a young man who offered to furnish, free of charge, a house for holding meetings. He said that he was sure there would be a congregation of at least fifty there every evening to hear the truths of Christ’s second coming. At a fourth place, I was requested to meet five young ministers with whom, for three hours, we studied the truths concerning the Sabbath and the coming of the Lord. They each subscribed for our paper, and purchased copies of the different books I carried. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.9
In San Juan, Arecibo, and Mayaguez, we have small companies of Sabbath-keepers, and a minister going there could engage in gospel meetings immediately, with good congregations. It was in Mayaguez that Elder Albert Fischer gave his life for the work, and surely it is time now that some one go who can speak the language and revive the work which he laid down. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.10
In Santo Domingo the experiences that we have in the work are no less interesting. Brother Moulton, who is working there, has a thousand subscribers to our Spanish paper, and has sold Bibles and our subscription books all through the Republic. Although we do not have perfect liberty to preach the gospel, I, with two young men, a few months ago, held a religious service under the shadow of a large tree where, four hundred years ago, Christopher Columbus landed for the first time. A large company, including many soldiers, were present, but we were not molested, as they were eager to hear the gospel. At this place we have a small Sabbath-school, and several of the company are awaiting baptism. At another place we have a dozen baptized members, some of whom are helping in the work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.11
In this Republic of Santo Domingo there is no other Protestant work being done. Certainly this field can not wait another year for help. The few believers in Santo Domingo send greetings to this Conference. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.12
The report of Brother S. A. Wellman is as follows:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.13
Our Publishing Work
Ten years ago it was proposed by the workers in Jamaica that the West Indian field should have a paper with which to place the message of truth before the thousands of English-speaking people in the British islands of the West Indies. However, this effort produced no further fruit than the introduction into Jamaica, in the year 1898, of a small job-press and several fonts of type. Nevertheless, the project was not forgotten, and in the four years succeeding was kept alive by the imperative need, and the continued discussion of the question among the American laborers in the field. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.14
In January, 1903, Elder W. A. Spicer visited the West Indies in the interest of the work to organize several of the mission fields into conferences, so that the field, more completely organized, might be better and more thoroughly worked. At this time two conferences, the Jamaica and the South Caribbean, were organized, and for the first time the question of a paper was thoroughly discussed by the brethren of each of these field divisions. At the eastern meeting held in Trinidad, it was finally decided that we should purchase paper, and have the first year’s issues of a magazine, called The Caribbean Watchman, printed for circulation in the various islands. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.15
From the very first, the paper work has prospered, and within three months after the issue of the first or June number in 1903, there was a circulation of seven thousand copies. But at times it was difficult to get the paper from the printer on time to mail. Many times our workers would have to go down to the printing-office, and help push the paper through, in order to get it off as desired. It was finally decided that we should obtain the necessary type for setting the paper, and have only the presswork done by outside printers. Beginning in the latter part of 1904, this was done; and in a little one-story building, 15 x 27 feet, at the back of the church lot in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in which already were the East Caribbean Conference office and book room, the work was begun. From the very beginning we were crowded, and this condition continued till the removal of the work from Port of Spain in the early part of the present year. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.16
Our work was started with new and untried workers, who had had little or no experience. Nevertheless we succeeded in getting the type set for the first numbers; and by dint of hard labor and long hours, difficulties with the new hands, and kindred troubles, we were able to get our paper out on time. How hard in these early efforts the work was, and how much it cost of time and strength to the workers, only those who labored know. GCB June 6, 1909, page 342.17
The outfit with which we started operations was purchased by the donations of the laborers in the field, and consisted of $800 worth of machinery and materials. It meant sacrifice on the part of our American brethren who were in the West Indies, as they gave nearly all of the original amount; but it was with willing hearts that they set their hands to the task. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.1
In the year 1905, after the sessions of the East Caribbean Conference, it was decided to purchase a small cylinder press, so that we would be able to do all our work. Again there was a call for funds, and a hearty response was made on the part of all. These amounts, together with a loan that was kindly made to the Watchman office without interest by a brother in the Western States, made possible the purchase of the press desired. In May of this year, the office in the meanwhile having been enlarged just enough to make room for the press, it was installed, and we started work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.2
Later in the same year, as we found that we were unable to work with any comfort on account of the crowded conditions, we were compelled to add another small portion to the building. These additions were not made altogether on account of the large volume of work, but were made necessary by the inconvenience met in carrying on the regular work of the office. They should have been made at the first, but were not on account of lack of funds, the work having been started without the aid of General Conference funds, so that the burden fell upon a few of the West Indian workers. The entire building was very economically constructed, and was always, even at its best, crowded, badly ventilated, and insufficiently lighted. It nevertheless housed hearts that were alive to the needs and the importance of the message that it was printing. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.3
During the visits of Brother I. H. Evans to our field in 1906 and 1907, definite arrangements were made for providing better facilities for our little office; but owing to complications and conditions in the field at the time, these plans were not carried out. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.4
At the meeting of the West Indian Union Conference Committee in Port of Spain, Trinidad, in December, 1907, at which Elder I. H. Evans was again present, it was decided to arrange for the amalgamation of the Watchman office with the office of the Spanish paper, El Centinela de la Verdad. This latter paper had been printed in Porto Rico, under circumstances similar to those surrounding the publication of the Watchman. It was decided to place the plant for the two offices at the city of Cristobal, in the republic of Panama. This city was chosen after mature consideration of the field, and an investigation of its facilities in the matter of communication with all portions of our field. Of this we will speak later. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.5
To this place the office was removed in the latter part of 1908, and operations were begun in our new quarters early in the present year. We have not been without discouraging surroundings in the establishment of the work in this place; but we are now so much better equipped for carrying out the work that is necessary in giving the message to the millions in our field, that we have nothing but words of hope and courage to speak to our brethren who are interested in the work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.6
OUR NEW QUARTERS
The buildings in Colon, or Cristobal, are nicely situated. They are within American territory, and are therefore under the protection of the American government. The building is a frame structure 82 x 30 feet, and is two stories high, with a large storeroom in the attic. It is divided into three sections. The church, in front and facing the main street of the city of Colon, is on the first floor, and is 30 x 40 feet in size, with two entries at the corners. This will be used by the church in Colon and Cristobal for their services. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.7
In the rear of the building, and facing on Cash Street, is the printing-office, practically the same size as the church, but with a gallery floor above, in which are the business office, bindery, mailing room, and book stock-rooms. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.8
On the second floor are the living-rooms of the workers for the Canal Zone and for the office, and it is designed that the union conference workers shall take up their residence in Cristobal as soon as circumstances will permit. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.9
THE CANAL ZONE AS A CENTER
It might be well for us to give the reasons in detail for the location of the combined offices in Colon. This will help our people to understand the situation as it stands, and the reasons for the outlay of means as appropriated by the General Conference for the upbuilding of the publishing work at this center. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.10
Colon (or Cristobal, for they are part of the same town, being divided by the Canal Zone line only) is one of the greatest centers for the steam traffic of the West Indies, if not the greatest. There is not a day that there are not steamships in the harbor, and most of the time the docks are full. From this center run diverging lines of traffic to all parts of the West Indies, Central America, South America, and to the United States as well as some parts of Europe. We have direct connections with the following countries and islands: The United States, Mexico, Guatemala, San Salvador, Honduras, Costa Rica, Colombia, North and West Coast, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Spain, Italy, England, France, and Germany. In the West Indies our traffic connections are with Trinidad, Barbados, the French West Indies, Jamaica, Porto Rico, Santo Domingo, Haiti, St. Thomas, and many of the smaller islands. We also have indirect communication with one transshipment of the mails with Cuba, the Philippines, Brazil, Argentina, and other countries. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.11
With these mail connections, and the prospect that soon the canal will be a thing of reality, Colon will be an excellent center both for the English-speaking and the Spanish-speaking portions of the Western Hemisphere. We are sure that our brethren will appreciate the advantage of a strong publishing work at this point. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.12
THE WORK ALREADY ACCOMPLISHED
In the course of the six years since the work of the Watchman Publishing Association has been started, we have been enabled, by the help of God and the loyalty of the workers associated with us in both office and field, to place in the hands of the reading public 443,000 copies of The Caribbean Watchman. This is an average circulation of over 6,000 copies a month for the entire six years. In the year 1907, after the Jamaica earthquake, we placed in the hands of the people a special number, in which we included a number of excellent articles telling the meaning of the awful catastrophe, and illustrations picturing the conditions. Twenty-eight thousand copies of this number have been circulated in the field. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.13
Outside of the paper work we have printed two editions of the “Family Bible Teacher” adapted to the West Indies, the first of which had a circulation of 2,000 copies, and the second of 5,000, 3,000 of which were bound in pamphlet and board covers. This bound edition is exhausted, and a good portion of the leaflets, so that it will be necessary again to print this book during the coming year. Of the Signs of the Times Leaflets. 10,000 have been printed of each one, and 30,000 eight- and sixteen-page tracts. We now have also on the shelves of the bindery, ready for binding, 5,000 copies of a small book entitled “Instructive Stories for the Home,” and this will come from the binders within the next month or so. Plans are being laid to bring into the office work on several of our smaller books, and it is the design of the office to arrange for the supply of our smaller works to the territory within our union. GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.14
OUR FINANCIAL STANDING
The financial standing of the Watchman Publishing Association is excellent. Starting at the bottom, it has worked its way up to the present position. For the first three years there was no help granted by the brethren in America. Later the General Conference granted our request for aid, so that we might be able the better to continue our work. It has also advanced the money to erect the building in Cristobal, and equip it with the larger machinery that we now have. At the end of March, 1909, the standing of the association was: GCB June 6, 1909, page 343.15
Assets, $9,693.80; liabilities, $2,536.11; present worth, $7,157.69. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.1
We believe that the activities of the Watchman Publishing Association have but just begun. We believe that there are, in the territory in which we are working, wonderful opportunities for the development of the book work as well as our work with the English and Spanish periodicals. We hope to see a good, energetic field agent go out from this Conference to our field, and in conjunction with the publishing house and the conferences, organize and superintend the development of the work as we feel assured God desires. With proper organization, and a lifting on the part of all in the field, there is no reason why the partial successes of the past should not become a triumphant progress for the future, and the work advance to the gates of the kingdom. To this end we plan, we watch, and we pray, believing that the desired end will be accomplished. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.2
Further Partial Report, Committee on Plans and Finance GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.3
G. Dail, secretary, presented the following further partial report from the Committee on Plans and Finance:— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.4
OUR CHURCH HYMN BOOK
Whereas, Our standard book, “Hymns and Tunes,” is rapidly going out of use among our people, so that there is danger of its being wholly discarded; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.5
Whereas, The disuse of the old advent hymns contained therein is a distinct loss in our worship, and to the advent message; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.6
70. We recommend, That the General Conference Committee appoint a competent revision committee, whose duty it shall be to thoroughly revise the book, “Hymns and Tunes,” by discarding those portions of it which experience has shown to be least meritorious, and by inserting other choice hymns and tunes, that the book may continue to contribute its share in deepening the spiritual experiences of our people. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.7
ACQUIRING THE FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Whereas, The Bible teaches, and missionary experience everywhere demonstrates, that the gospel most quickly and effectively reaches the various nationalities of earth if carried to them in their own tongues; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.8
71. Resolved, That we encourage our workers to make every possible effort to acquire the language of the people among whom they are called to labor. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.9
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS FOR MISSIONARY CANDIDATES
Expenses incurred in forwarding mission- GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.10
Owing to the heavy transportation ex-cause of the hardship incident to missionaries to distant foreign fields, and be-work, GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.11
72. Resolved, That we instruct the Mission Board to require a certificate of health, signed by a competent physician, from each person who is accepted for appointment to a foreign field. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.12
FOREIGN PEOPLES IN AMERICA
Whereas, There are in North America people of many foreign nationalities who speak the language of their native land, and for whom little or no special effort has been put forth by our workers; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.13
73. We recommend. That an earnest effort be made by our local and union conferences to evangelize our foreign population, by training and encouraging laborers speaking these languages to labor among their own people, and by the preparation and circulation of suitable literature on present truth among these peoples. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.14
FOREIGN SEMINARY MANAGEMENT
Whereas, By vote of its constituency, in a meeting held June 3, 1909, the Washington Training College invited the General Conference to take title to its property, known as the Foreign Mission Seminary, and to assume the management of said institution; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.15
74. Resolved, (a) That the General Conference does not deem it advisable to take title to denominational institutions in our regularly organized territory; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.16
(b) That we advise the Executive Committee of the General Conference to have an equal fostering care over all denominational institutions controlled by our organized bodies, and that it do not assume the financial responsibility or the local management of the same. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.17
SELF-SUPPORTING SCHOOLS IN THE SOUTH
Whereas, The Southland of the United States and the mission fields offer many opportunities for self-supporting school work; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.18
Whereas, Not a few of our people are planning to undertake this line of work; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.19
Whereas, A close, friendly relationship should exist between the organized work of the denomination, and these self-supporting schools; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.20
75. We recommend,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.21
(a) That the educational departments of our organized work, where these schools are located, provide for their representation in the conference educational departments. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.22
(a) That the educational departments assist in the selection of those who shall be encouraged to enter this line of work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.23
(c) That endorsement be given to those selected, who need financial assistance, that those from whom funds are solicited may know whom to assist. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.24
(d) That the organized work assist in locating said schools, and advise in the expenditure of funds secured by donations from our people. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.25
(e) That the closest bonds of sympathy and co-operation be maintained between these self-supporting schools and our organized work. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.26
(f) That the educational departments be encouraged to so co-operate with these self-supporting schools that the utmost possible help may be rendered, and the best results accomplished. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.27
76. We further recommend, That our stronger conferences search out and encourage suitable persons to undertake this self-supporting work, and that the workers thus selected be encouraged to pursue a course of instruction at the Nashville Normal and Agricultural Institute. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.28
SCHOOLS FOR CHILDREN OF MISSIONARIES
Whereas, The children of our foreign missionaries, in many fields, do not have the advantages of an education, unless they are returned to their home lands, or placed in schools not of our faith; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.29
Whereas, This situation demands the sympathy and active co-operation of all believers in the home lands; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.30
77. Resolved, That in heathen mission fields, where the number of foreign workers makes it necessary, Christian boarding schools, providing the first twelve grades of work, be established by the General Conference; that such schools be conducted in harmony with the educational policy of the denomination; and that suitable charges be made to all students. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.31
GERMAN SCHOOLS IN AMERICA
Realizing the great importance of educating our youth, and seeing the absence of system and co-operation among our denominational schools in which German is taught, and recognizing the urgent need that the General Conference lay plans for the betterment of this condition,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.32
78. We recommend, That our German church-schools follow the curriculum and system adopted by our English schools, as far as possible, substituting such German studies as are adapted to their respective grades. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.33
Whereas, There is great need of uniformity in the German departments of our higher schools; therefore,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.34
79. We recommend, That the same course of study be pursued by these departments, and that, wherever possible, the same text-books be used; and,— GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.35
80. We further recommend, That the regular course in these higher schools be four years, after the completion of which, certificates of proper recognition be granted. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.36
The meeting having continued considerably beyond the appointed time, adjournment was now taken to call of the chair. GCB June 6, 1909, page 344.37
W. B. White, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.