General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN CONFERENCE

The second in population among all our Conferences is the Central, or more properly speaking, the Southern European Conference. For the last two years this great field, with 109,000,000 of people, has been waiting to be supplied with a new president. While it has not received the attention it demands, yet prosperity has marked the feeble efforts, and there is an increase both in membership and tithes. In 1898 a membership of 728 was reported; but this included 120 members now belonging to the Turkish mission. We have endeavored to place the work in the different countries on a better basis, by locating tried workers permanently in these fields. GCB April 9, 1901, page 160.2

Switzerland proper has 550 Sabbath-keepers, and the work is advancing both in the French and German languages. As Elder J. Erzenberger is the only minister for the 2,000,000 of German-speaking Swiss, there is an urgent call for additional help. The sanitarium at Basel has had fair success during the past year. GCB April 9, 1901, page 160.3

The French paper has of late increased its circulation from 1,200 to 5,000. In France, with its 40,000,000 inhabitants, our work until lately has been confined to the southeastern part, where we have eight small companies, with about ninety members. Of late Elder L. P. Tieche has been located there permanently, with several workers to advance the message. Medical nurses have been at work successfully at the leading watering-places, Niel and Vichy. A year ago a medical mission was begun at the great capital of France, with its 3,000,000 of people. Lately Elder Vuilleumier has begun ministerial work there. What we need, however, is the necessary financial support to put the work on the proper basis. GCB April 9, 1901, page 160.4

In the French part of Belgium there are two workers. Only a small church of about 20 members has thus far been raised up. GCB April 9, 1901, page 160.5

In Italy, with its 31,000,000 population, our efforts have been confined so far to a small number of French-speaking people in the Waldensian valleys. Of late Elder Curdy has labored there with good success, and a number have been baptized, making about 25 in all. Elder J. Curdy is meanwhile acquiring the Italian language, with the view of laboring among the Italians themselves. We surely should do more for this great field, and make an effort to plant the truth in Rome and other large cities of Italy. GCB April 9, 1901, page 160.6

In Spain and Portugal, with 22,000,000 inhabitants, nothing as yet has been done; but as Elder Vuilleumier is acquainted with the Spanish, there is a prospect that in the near future something may be done. Surely steps should be taken to enter this important field also. GCB April 9, 1901, page 160.7

The wants of this great field are—some one to take charge of it, a German laborer for Switzerland, and financial help to place the work in Paris on the right basis. GCB April 9, 1901, page 160.8