General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE GERMAN CONFERENCE

has of all our Conferences the greatest population. While the 26 States of the German Empire have alone 56,000,000 of people, there is added to this large territory a vast mission field, with 58,000,000 more. Thus the German Conference, with no more members than the Battle Creek church, occupies a field having a population equal to that of the United States and all of South America. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.6

Since the last General Conference about 25 cities and towns have been successfully entered by our ministers, and churches established. Over 800 souls have been added by baptism, by profession of faith. The growth of the Conference can best be seen by a comparison with the American Conferences. In 1897 it was in membership, the 19th; in the payment of tithes, the 23rd. Today it is the 12th in membership, and the 10th in the payment of tithes. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.7

In the German Empire proper, there are now 1,801 members, against 1,243 in 1898. The tithe has increased from $9,200 to $14,500. For its 56,000,000 we have, all told, 30 ministers and Bible workers. The canvassers number some 60, and these have sold nearly $50,000 worth of books during the last two years. The mission boat in the Hamburg Harbor has been doing successful work among the thousands of vessels, which enter this port from all parts of the world. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.8

In Holland the membership increased from 95 to 143, and the tithes from $600 to $1,200. Churches have been established in the largest cities,—Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Hague, Utrecht, etc. For the 8,000,000 of Dutch-speaking people in Holland and northern Belgium we have, besides Elder R. G. Klingbeil, three other ministerial workers. The canvassing work is not so prosperous. Our Dutch paper has a local circulation of 1,500, and 1,000 are sent to South Africa. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.9

In Hungary we are now making better headway since Elder J. Hunergardt has acquired the Hungarian language with his German. Its membership has increased from 31 to 88, the tithes from $185 to $240. Among these numbers we have not only Germans and Hungarians, but also Rumanians and Servians. Yet we have for the 20,000,000 in Hungary, only three workers, while Austria with as many more, has none whatever. A company of six, however, are found in Prague, the home of Huss. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.10

In Rumania the membership has lately increased to 70, while in Bulgaria there is a company of eight at Rustschuck, and a number await membership in Southern Bulgaria and Macedonia. For the 12,000,000 people in the Balkan States there is but one worker, and the cry comes from Macedonia for him to come there. He is now probably there. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.11

In view of the crying needs for laborers, both in the German and Russian fields, we felt she need of a permanent school, where such could be trained to more advantage and with the least expense. A farm of 90 acres was purchased, in the heart of Germany, and an industrial school begun. All our available space has been filled, and there are now 30 students in attendance, not only from all parts of Germany, but also from Russia, Holland, Hungaria, Bulgaria, and even Macedonia. A sanitarium has been erected, and thus the workers receive at the same time medical training. Thus far our people in the German fields have raised $13,000 toward this important enterprise. Our publishing house in Hamburg shows an increase in its sales during the biennial period of $16,000. As we publish in 14 languages (of which only one is paying expenses), we naturally have to carry a large stock, and the house should have all possible support to continue the good work begun. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.12

The wants of this field are, more workers to enter the field in Austria, and the Balkan States, and some financial assistance in the equipment of the industrial school and sanitarium. The present total outlay for the latter is $35,000. GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.13

Adjoining the German field is the vast GCB April 9, 1901, page 159.14