General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

BIENNIAL REPORT OF DISTRICT 8

The European Conference. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.2

The territory included in this Conference has an area of 3,555,000 square miles, a population in round numbers of 380,200,000, and represents from every standpoint the most important field for the gospel message. According to statistics Europe has the largest number of inhabitants per square mile of any continent, and includes the most highly civilized and most important nations of the world. From the experience of the past, it is also one of the most favorable fields open to the message. It was in 1874 that we sent the first missionary abroad, Elder J. N. Andrews going to Switzerland. Since that beginning, the work has been opened in most of the countries of Europe; namely, Great Britain, Germany, Switzerland, Holland France, Belgium, Russia, Scandinavia’, Hungaria, Italy, the Balkan States, Turkey including Egypt and Palestine, Finland, and Iceland. We have six organized Conferences, with a membership of 5,709: 187 churches; 45 ordained ministers: 30 licentiates; and 35 Bible workers. We also have large mission fields, such as Russia and Finland, Turkey and the Orient. The present number of laborers in all the different countries are 51 ordained ministers, 34 licentiates, and 52 Bible workers. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.3

We are all made very sad over the illness of Elder H.P. Holser. He has so long been connected with the work in Europe, and his efficient labor and large experience are so much needed just at this time, that it is with sorrow and regret that we see this faithful servant of the Lord stricken with disease and taken from the field. But there are providences that we can not fathom. Our earnest prayer has been that God would restore the health of his servant, and permit him again to continue in the work which is dearer to him than life. May not this desire yet be realized? GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.4

Europe represents about one hundred nationalities and languages. The truth is being published and preached in 27 languages and dialects, and there is in all a company of 6,987 believers. While this number and the work that has already been done is a matter of great encouragement, yet at the same time it is clear to everyone that this is only a small beginning. The work has made progress along different lines as the, statistical report will show. There has been an increase in all the organized Conferences of 826, and in the total membership of 1,021. It is also evident from the statistical report that the believers in Europe are not behind those of other countries in contributing of their means. Notwithstanding their more unfavorable conditions, with more limited resources, our brethren in Europe are really doing more than those of most other parts of the world. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.5

The different lines of work previously opened have been in active operation, and advancement has been made in new directions. In Central, or more properly, Southern Europe, the work is making steady progress. The Conference has made advanced moves in France, Italy, and Belgium. The Institut Sanitaire is enjoying a good patronage. The health paper, Vulgarisateur, in the French is well received, and doing a good work. The health-food department is also enjoying increased prosperity. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.6

The German Conference has purchased a farm for the establishment of a mission school. In connection therewith a health-food factory has been erected and put in active operation. There is also being completed a fine brick building for a sanitarium. The location is central, lying between the great cities of Magdeburg and Berlin, but fifteen miles from the former. Germany seems to present the most favorable and fruitful field for the message in all Europe. The membership of the Conference has increased by 559. As Elder Conradi will present a more detailed report, I will not here give farther particulars. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.7

The British Conference has made good progress. The number of members has increased, and the blessing of the Lord is attending the work. The burning of the food factory and mill at Salford Mills was a serious blow to an undertaking which was in its infancy; but the factory has been reopened at Birmingham with very encouraging prospects. But more about this field later. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.8

Scandinavia has passed through a very trying experience in the financial crisis that struck Christiana, Norway, in the middle of 1899. The result was that our publishing house became involved, and in consequence of the failure of many firms with which we had business relations, and whose papers our publishing house had endorsed, we became seriously embarrassed. Becoming unable to meet the heavy drafts upon us, we were compelled to suspend payment and ask for an extension of time to determine what could be done to secure our creditors and save the cause from reproach. The request was granted. Our depositories in Copenhagen, Stockholm, and Finland were also involved, and at one time the outlook was exceedingly dark and foreboding; but the providence of God has wrought in our behalf. We are greatly encouraged that the way is being opened to save the cause from the reproach that the failure of one of the leading institutions in an important field would have caused. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.9

The health work centered in the Skodsborg Sanitarium in Denmark has also been passing through a critical period, but here also has been manifest the providential care of the Lord. The past year has been a prosperous one for the institution, and our brethren in America and at home have rallied to assist in the way of means and encouragement, so that the present outlook is the best it ever has been. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.10

In Scandinavia we have a population of about ten million. The work was opened by Elder J. G. Matteson in 1877. We have three Conferences; sixty-seven churches, with a membership of 2,061; twenty-nine ministers and Bible workers. Many of our publications have been largely circulated. Some of our large books, such as “Great Controversy” and “Bible Readings,” also “Patriarchs and Prophets,” in the Swedish have been widely spread, and from present appearances the way is till open and favorable for continuing the circulation of our publications, new books will be needed from time to time. During the past year the Swedish Conference has sold more books than any previous year. GCB April 9, 1901, page 157.11

It must be evident to all who study our statistics, that the work has only fairly begun. This being so, plans must be formed and put in operation that will meet the mind of the Spirit of God. The time has certainly come when the work should be pushed with increased vigor. I would that the importance of this might be fully appreciated. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.1

Before passing Scandinavia, mention should be made of the educational work. In 1894 a union mission school was opened at Fredrikshavn, Denmark. This continued four years, and a good work was done, but our people were poor and it was found to be impossible to continue the school without running in debt. Without resources for arrears, there was no alternative but to close the school for the time. This is a matter of serious regret and great loss to the work, and we urge that measures be taken to reopen the school, that our young people may have the opportunity of being fitted for such work as the providence of God may indicate. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.2

The Swedish Conference has purchased a farm, and opened a mission school which is proving a blessing to the cause. But this school is seriously embarrassed on account of lack of funds. This is a question for serious consideration. There is no more important branch of the work in these fields than these mission schools. Our Scandinavian brethren in America should be encouraged to assist and strengthen the work in the parent country by their interest and means. This is as God would have it. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.3

Alongside of Scandinavia lies Finland, which has a very interesting people. It is under the Russian government. Among the two and a half million inhabitants we have but one minister and a few canvassers. The canvassers in their work have met with remarkable success during the past year, selling $7,742.58 worth of publications. The one minister is a Swede, and can not speak the Finnish language. This is a serious drawback. The Finns are a plain, earnest, and industrious people, and are religiously inclined. Finland is passing through a trying political experience, but this so far, instead of a hindrance, has proved helpful, and may continue so during the political transition. This therefore is the favorable time for us to push the work with energy. When once the Russian power is fully established, the situation will be changed. Considering this, and the number of laborers in our home Conferences, together with the amount of means expended, we can but feel that a serious mistake is being made in not sending some of the workers and funds to such destitute regions as are here presented. This must be done. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.4

With reference to the work in Southern Europe and the Orient the reader is referred to the report from Elder Conradi. The work in Turkey is being hindered by the confinement of Brother Baharian in Constantinople, as the government has prohibited him from traveling about the country, but our brethren are firm. The work needs strengthening. A permanent laborer should be provided to take supervision of the work. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.5

A work has been started in Egypt and Palestine, and has met with some success. The force here should be increased and a competent person should be sent to take the oversight of this large and important field. GCB April 9, 1901, page 158.6