General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4
Twenty-eighth Meeting, April 22, 10:30 A. M
A. G. DANIELLS
A. G. DANIELLS in the chair. Prayer by C. P. Bollman. GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.17
The Chair: We have some unfinished business to attend to. The first item will be the completion of the report of the Committee on Distribution of Laborers, found on page 390 of the BULLETIN. We will ask the Secretary to read the recommendations. GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.18
Here the Secretary read the entire report, as found on the page referred to. GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.19
The Chair: What is your pleasure concerning this report? GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.20
It was here moved and seconded that the report be adopted. GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.21
The Secretary read No. 70. GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.22
W. C. White: There is much involved in Recommendations 71, 72, and 73, and the movements involved in these recommendations affect several publishing associations, and it is desired on the part of some that there be a little more consultation; therefore I request that action be deferred on 71, 72, and 73. GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.23
The Chair: Are there any objections to this? If not, we will pass them, and take up No. 74. GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.24
The Secretary read Nos. 74 and 75. GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.25
A. J. Breed: I understand this is not entirely satisfactory, but I don’t know why. I have talked with Brother GCB April 23, 1901, page 414.26
McLay several times. He desires to go to some place for the sole purpose of the health of his wife. I know these persons well, and I would like to see them have a place where it would be better for them than Illinois. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.1
J. W. Westphal: The reason it was not entirely satisfactory to Kansas is that arrangements were being made to take about seven ordained ministers out of the Kansas Conference, and in view of this Kansas felt that it ought to have some more ordained ministers. The brother in question is not an ordained minister, and I went to the committee with this in view. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.2
W. C. White: Our time is exceedingly precious this morning. There are two or three enterprises of international interest that would naturally occupy the whole time, and they are waiting for a little part of it. I move that action be deferred upon this; and if there be any other doubtful cases, I think we will act more wisely to ask that it be deferred, and then let the committee wrestle with it than for us to go into the discussion of details. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.3
The Chair: If there are no objections, we will defer this and call for the next item. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.4
The Secretary then read Nos. 76-80 inclusive. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.5
Delegate: I ask that No. 80 be deferred. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.6
The Secretary then read No. 81. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.7
Delegate: I would like to ask if Brother Adams of Iowa has been corresponded with, or consulted in regard to this in any way. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.8
The Chair: I can not tell you; his father is here. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.9
J. W. Adams: We have not been conferred with in regard to the matter. No one from Iowa has been consulted. I thought it would be well if we might have a better understanding before his name should come before the Conference. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.10
The Chair: If there is no objection, this will be deferred. Perhaps I ought to say just one word. It is unfortunate that cases come into the Conference in this way, without a full consultation on the part of all who are interested. But I want to tell you that it is by some mistake that it is done, and not by any policy that we have adopted. It was unanimously agreed on the committee that we would consult with three parties in every instance as far as we could,—the individual who is to be moved or changed, the persons with whom that individual is now associated, and the persons with whom he is to be associated. If there could be formed a general agreement among these, then the case would come before the Conference. It has been our purpose to do that, but in some instances it has been overlooked, or somehow slipped in. The policy is to consult with all hands, and I hope the delegates will recognize the sincerity of the Committee on Distribution of Laborers in this thing. Will you do that? [Voices in congregation: Yes! Yes!] All right; so that in future, let the distributing committee be a little more careful and hunt up every case, so that there will not be any misunderstanding. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.11
Delegate: I did not speak because we had any objection, but we had not heard heard anything about it, or been consulted. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.12
The Chair: Quite right to speak. On page 390, some items have been passed,—Nos: 70, 74, 76, 77, 78, 79; and 80 and 81 have been deferred. Now are you ready for the question on the items that have been passed? GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.13
Voices: Question! GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.14
The Chair: Those who favor say, Aye; contrary, No. Carried. What is your pleasure regarding the Memorial and Constitution submitted by the Committee for European Organization? GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.15
Delegate: I move that it be adopted. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.16
Delegate: I second the motion. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.17
The Chair: Do you wish to have it reread? GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.18
Voices: No! GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.19
The Chair: The entire Memorial and Constitution. Is it necessary to take a vote on this? If all are agreed that it be waived, we will do so by consent. Then those who favor the acceptance of this Memorial and Constitution, as far as it affects us, please manifest it by lifting the hand; contrary, by same sign. Carried. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.20
We have one more item,—the General Conference Constitution, found on page 378. What will you do with this report? GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.21
Delegate: I move its adoption. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.22
The Chair: Moved and seconded that the Constitution be adopted. Will you proceed to examine the Constitution? If so, the Secretary will read the report. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.23
The Secretary here read Article I of the Constitution. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.24
W. C. White: I was wondering if there was any way to save this time, to save this reading. If our brethren have not read it carefully, perhaps there is not. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.25
A Delegate: Inasmuch as this has been printed and distributed to all the delegates, it seems to me that we might save time by voting on it. I think every one knows what it is. If any person wishes to call attention to any point, he can do it; if not, take a vote. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.26
W. C. White: Inasmuch as there is much urgent business of a general character this morning, and as the discussion of constitutions often leads to the consumption of much time, and inasmuch as in its present form it has been printed and placed in our hands, I move deferred until to-morrow, and that in the meantime we study this carefully, and that amendments and proposed changes be passed in to the Committee on Organization, if there be any such. If there are any propositions, we will hold an open committee meeting. We find this a profitable way. All that have suggestions, bring them in. At our last meeting there were present those who were framing the constitutions of the Union Conferences, and all took part. I would ask that this be deferred until to-morrow. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.27
Delegate: I second the motion. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.28
The Chair: Moved and seconded that consideration of the Constitution be deferred until to-morrow. Any remarks? All in favor say, Aye; contrary, No. Carried. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.29
Another item of business is the report of the committee on Canvassing and Colporteur Work, on page 378. What will you do with this report? GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.30
C. Santee: I move its adoption. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.31
The Chair: Moved and seconded that this report be adopted. The Secretary will read the first item. We will adopt as we read, so as not to read twice. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.32
The Secretary here read Recommendations 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.33
C. H. Jones: I am sorry more time can not be given to the consideration of these recommendations. I feel that they are very important. But I know that our time is limited this morning, and I do not suppose we ought to discuss them at length. But this matter of circulating or using the Signs of the Times and the other periodicals mentioned, in pioneer missionary work, can not be regarded too highly. There are some here who have been engaged in this work, and I hope that at some time before the close of this Conference, they will be allowed to speak a little of their experiences in this matter. There are those who are circulating 400 to 500 copies of the Signs weekly, and they report that very soon after they commence to work in a city it develops interested parties, and they have more calls for Bible readings than they can possibly fill. I hope a little time can be given to the consideration of this question before the close of the Conference. GCB April 23, 1901, page 415.34
M. C. Wilcox: I wish that there were two men present this morning who are not here, who have had experience in canvassing with the Signs of the Times. One is Brother W. D. Curtis, who has been working in Peoria, Ill., and that among the very wealthiest people of that town,—a town where effectual work has not been done before. He wrote me just a short time before I came to this Conference, that he and the six sisters who were helping him, were circulating over 500 Signs of the Times weekly. These were being sold among the wealthiest class in the city of Peoria, and they had more than they could possibly do in the Bible readings. There was also developing a wonderful interest in that city. I wish that Brother C. T. Shaffer who is laboring in the city of Washington, could be here this morning. Brother Shaffer felt a year ago, that one of the very best means of pioneer work in a city was with the Signs of the Times. So he selected one of the hardest cities in the United States to demonstrate that, the city of Washington. He went there and took the very hardest part of the city—the wealthier class. Brother S. N. Curtis told me that he saw Brother Shaffer just a short time before he came here, and that during the time he has been there, he has had 1,300 names on his list. He still has 150 of the original names to which he is delivering the Signs of the Times. He is having a very widespread interest among those, and twelve different persons are now observing the Sabbath, as the result of his work. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.1
I know that there are many in this congregation and among these delegates, who have used the Signs of the Times, and have developed interest where they could get no interest at all. I wish we had time to hear from them, but we have not. But I tell you, brethren, one of the cheapest ways, one of the most effectual ways that the Testimonies have told us, of reaching a very large class, is by our periodical pioneer work. It is one of the least expensive ways, and I hope that there will be very much more done in this way. We ought to take our experienced laborers, and send them out to the foreign field, and bid them Godspeed, and to encourage our churches in doing work of this kind at home with our periodicals. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.2
Voices: Question! GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.3
The Chair: The question is called. The next item, the 6th. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.4
Here the Secretary read Recommendation 6. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.5
The Chair: All that has been said for the Signs applies to these papers; does it not? GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.6
W. C. White: One item that pertains to the Herald of Health, is not in the recommendation. May I mention it? GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.7
The Chair: Yes. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.8
W. C. White: The Herald of Health has been adopted by the workers in several cases as a companion for each health book sold. They say, “Here is a little journal treating on the same subject,” to help keep the interest alive in the matter of the book. “You can have this for a few pence more.” In that way the books that are placed in families are followed by the Herald of Health, and thus the interest is continually kept alive by the journal. Brethren, it is a good plan. Think of it. Study it in connection with other journals. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.9
E. J. Waggoner: I notice in the last recommendation that, so far as one part of it is concerned, the Present Truth be used in the same way in city work in its field. You have heard something of what has been said, and you know it is being done. I take it that this recommendation is not to the people in England, for they do not need it, they are doing that work already. And inasmuch as that is being done, I thought that if this recommendation is passed, it is a recommendation to the brethren here that they assist what they can in that, that means may be provided by which this may be done to a greater extent than it has been done in the past. Is that the idea of the recommendation? GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.10
J. E. White: I present one other line that has been undertaken, but has not come before your body at all, though having been considered by our Southern Union Conference. I would say that it has been voted to publish the Gospel Herald as a pioneer weekly paper, and use it in just exactly the same way as has been advised in these resolutions. Of course we all understand that the South is a great field by itself, and requires a literature by itself, which should be prepared in the South, edited in the South, and bear the Southern imprint. I hope to have the opportunity of placing in the hands of every one of you a copy of the paper. As we have it now, it is a monthly, but it will be printed weekly, in a little larger form. The price will be fifty cents a year, eight-page, larger than at present, and fifty numbers in a year. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.11
W. C. White: I move to amend this recommendation, by including the name of the Gospel Herald. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.12
E. J. Waggoner: I second the motion. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.13
The Chair: Those who favor, say Aye; opposed, No. Carried. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.14
The Secretary read Recommendations 7 and 8. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.15
S. N. Curtiss: In Recommendation 8, the word “colleges” should be substituted for “churches,” making it read: “We commend the practice of our colleges, academies,” etc. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.16
The Chair: That correction will be made. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.17
The Secretary read Recommendations 9 and 10. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.18
E. E. Miles: I would be very glad to speak to any or all of these recommendations, but will only speak on No. 3. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.19
I think our experiences with “Christ’s Object Lessons” is teaching us that the rank and file of our people are capable of circulating our literature. We would do well to continue to encourage them in this work. When the church takes an interest in the selection of one or more from their number for canvassers, they will follow them with their sympathy, their prayers, and substantial aid if need be. Thus the church will become connected with the canvassing work as never before and prosperity will result to the cause. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.20
The recommendations were voted upon and carried. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.21
The Chair: We have some recommendations accepted by the German brethren. Are these to be passed by this house? What is the intention, Brother Shultz? GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.22
H. Shultz: I must say that I was looking them over here in the BULLETIN. This is the first time I have ever seen them, although I had heard of them. Any one would naturally do the very thing that is here recommended. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.23
The Chair: Are you willing to have these suggestions printed in this form? GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.24
H. Shultz: I have no objection to their being printed; for they recommend themselves. GCB April 23, 1901, page 416.25
J. O. Corliss: They were presented to the editors of the BULLETIN to be printed, without any action from this house. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.1
The Chair: We have an item of business which ought to be attended to:— GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.2
“The General Conference Committee hereby places in nomination the following-named persons to constitute the trustees of the legal corporation known as ‘The Foreign Mission Board of the Seventh-day Adventists:’ A. G. Daniells, J. H. Kellogg, David Paulson, A. J. Read, E. A. Sutherland, I. H. Evans, H. F. Rand, A. T. Jones, W. W. Prescott.” GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.3
What will you do with this report? GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.4
C. H. Jones: I move we adopt it. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.5
O. A. Olsen: I second the motion. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.6
I. H. Evans: Perhaps a word of explanation will suffice. The Foreign Mission Board is a corporation. In the State of New York there were two kinds of corporations, either one of which we might have formed. One was a stock company intending to pay dividends. The other was a membership corporation, by which religious societies could operate. In making the choice, the Foreign Mission Board chose the membership corporation, as it only wished to hold property, and would have no dividends to pay. We organized with the distinct understanding that the membership should constitute the board. We could have put a hundred, or a thousand, or nine as the membership; so they selected just nine, with the understanding that those nine would be selected by the General Conference, and these would elect themselves trustees, to constitute the operating department of the foreign mission work. We have asked the General Conference Committee to nominate nine men that we might elect, or have our choice of electing, to constitute this corporation. Then this membership of nine will elect a board of trustees, which will preserve our corporate life, and allow us to continue in business. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.7
The Chair: The names will be read. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.8
The Secretary read each name separately, the question being called on each. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.9
J. O. Corliss: There are two names printed on page 377 of the BULLETIN, which are omitted. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.10
The Chair: Yes: the board itself is composed of eleven; but, as Brother Evans has said, we are to nominate but nine for the legal corporation trustees, as they are compelled by law to elect themselves, and there must be only nine in the legal corporation. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.11
The question was put and carried. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.12
The Chair: The Committee on Distribution of Laborers have a partial report. Shall we hear that, and then proceed to school matters? The Secretary will kindly read the report. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.13
J. E. Jayne [reading]: “The Committee on Distribution of Laborers suggest the following additional recommendations:— GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.14
“82. That A. F. Ballenger and wife, of the Chesapeake Conference, be invited to make England their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.15
“83. That Professor J. L. Shaw and wife, of South Africa, be invited to make England their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.16
“84. That Mrs. Laura Whitgrove, of the Cumberland Conference, be invited to make England her field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.17
“85. That U. T. Cady and wife, of Wisconsin, be invited to make the Society Islands their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.18
“86. That George Beckner, of Texas be invited to make Raiatea his field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.19
“87. That Magdalina Morris of Oregon, be invited to make the Society Islands her field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.20
“88. That L. R. Conradi and Dr. P. A. DeForest select a French teacher for the industrial school on Raiatea. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.21
“89. That Luke Roth and wife, of California, be invited to make Tahiti their field of labor, to assist in the French work. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.22
“90. That E. S. Butz and wife be invited to make Tonga their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.23
“91. That Geo. F. Enoch and wife, of Jamaica, be invited to make the Central America (South) mission field their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.24
“92. That J. B. Beckner and wife, of Texas, be invited to make Jamaica their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.25
“93. That L. A. Spring and wife, of Colorado, be invited to make the island of St. Kitts, West Indies, their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.26
“94. That W. A. Sweaney and wife, of Minnesota, be invited to make the island of Barbadoes, West Indies, their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.27
“95. That we accept the offer of Mrs. M. H. Honeywell, of Minnesota, to go to the island of Barbadoes at her own expense as a self-supporting missionary. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.28
“96. That S. A. Wellman and wife, of Jamaica, be invited to make the Lesser Antilles their field of labor, under the direction of the local mission committee. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.29
“97. That W. G. Kneeland and wife, of Dakota, be invited to make Trinidad their field of labor, with special reference to opening up the work in Tobago. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.30
“98. That R. G. Patterson and wife, of the Atlantic Conference, be invited to make West Virginia their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.31
“99. That L. A. Hoopes, of Battle Creek, Mich., be invited to take the presidency of the Iowa Conference. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.32
“100. That Jessie B. Sweet, of Ohio, be invited to make the Tennessee River Conference her field of labor, in the Bible work, under the pay of the Ohio Conference. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.33
“101. That A. O. Burrill and wife, of New York, be invited to make Kansas their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.34
“102. That Prof. S. S. Edwards and wife, of Battle Creek, Mich., be invited to connect with the Southern Industrial School, Graysville, Tenn., he to act as principal. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.35
“103. That O. C. Godsmark and wife, of Wisconsin, be invited to make the Cumberland Conference their field of labor. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.36
“104. That we grant the request of the Dakota Conference, that N. W. Allee, of Graysville, Tenn., make Dakota his field of labor.” GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.37
A. O. Wilson: I would like to speak of a little matter that it seems to me would be in harmony with the report that we have passed on Canvassing and Colporteur Work. Our pioneer missionary paper for blind people has had no consideration in this Conference. If other people need pioneer missionary literature to help them to get the truth, I believe the blind people, whom the Lord says are in greater need than anybody else because of the loss of their sight, need a pioneer missionary paper; therefore I would move that we in our Conferences be encouraged to support this paper by placing two or more copies in each State institution for blind people. GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.38
The Chair: We have closed the unfinished business and the reports as far, perhaps, as we can attend to them this morning. What is the next item of business? GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.39
W. J. Stone: There was a Memorial read here last Friday. We have here something that we would like to present in regard to it:— GCB April 23, 1901, page 417.40
“On Friday last the attention of this body was called to the Reunion of Confederate Veterans to be held in the city of Memphis, Tenn., May 28 to June 1, 1901. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.1
“At a meeting of the Southern delegation held the same afternoon, this matter was considered, and the Tennessee delegation was asked to suggest some plan of action to be presented to this body. Subsequently a smaller committee was appointed to formulate recommendations, and we submit the following points:— GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.2
“1. That the Gospel Herald issue a special eight-page daily edition during the Reunion for free circulation among the delegates and visitors; four pages to be devoted to our literature, and four pages to a daily program, general news notes, locals, and carefully selected advertisements. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.3
“2. That the Medical Missionary Association, the Review and Herald Publishing Company, and the Pacific Press Publishing Company be invited to donate appropriate literature for free circulation at this Reunion. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.4
“3. That the General Conference be asked to appoint C. P. Bollman as editor of this special edition, and D. W. Reavis as manager of circulation. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.5
“4. As neither the Southern Missionary Society nor the Southern Conferences are in a condition to do this work, it is recommended that the General Conference provide the necessary funds.” GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.6
I will say that we received a telegram this morning stating that there are about seventy-five thousand people expected to be present at this reunion. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.7
The Chair: What will you do with this memorial? GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.8
S. B. Horton: I move its adoption. William Woodford: I second the motion. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.9
The Chair: It has been moved and seconded that we adopt this memorial. Are there any remarks? GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.10
J. E. White: I will say in regard to the telegram, that I sent one yesterday asking for information regarding that reunion. We did not know how many days it would hold nor what the preparations were. The reply is that it will hold May 28 to the 30th, giving three days. They are expecting seventy-five thousand soldiers and visitors. The city of Memphis has contributed one hundred thousand dollars for the entertainment of them, and the plan has been that if this were carried out that the Herald Publishing Company at Nashville would print the inside pages of ten thousand papers, giving opportunity of getting the truth in as we want it, illustrating it in nice attractive style. We can furnish them at Nashville, and send them down and so have the news of the day. We will have our own artists go down and get pictures of such persons here as are leading in it, and we can make that part attractive, so that they will want to take it home and preserve it. From fifty to seventy-five thousand people of the South will be there. If we can make these papers attractive, and can scatter them all through the South, then when the papers come to them afterward with the truth, they will read it. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.11
W. C. White: It is said that an ounce of experience is worth a pound of theory. In Basel, Switzerland, when we were struggling along with our publishing work, and finding it difficult to sell papers, and even difficult in some places to give them away, there was appointed an international fete of athletes, gathered from Switzerland, Germany, and the countries around. They spent three days in Basel, and the people went to work and published a special paper for them. We printed two papers for them, and distributed seven thousand of one, and five thousand of the other. They were received with great appreciation. Not only that, but we found that a favorable impression was made upon business men by that little effort which sweetened the feelings of the people, and opened doors for us everywhere. My observations of this enterprise, and its results have led me to feel that it was a grand success. Now you can see that a gathering of veterans would naturally be a more encouraging field for such an enterprise than a gathering of athletes, and while the enterprise may strike us as something new, I believe the time has come for us to be able to strike while the iron is hot. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.12
The Chair: Are you ready for the adoption of this Memorial? GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.13
The question was called and carried unanimously. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.14
C. C. Lewis: I would like to call attention to a final recommendation of the Committee on Education that it may be printed in to-morrow’s BULLETIN. The report is as follows:— GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.15
“The Committee on Education beg leave to report, as their final recommendation, the following preamble and resolution:— GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.16
“Whereas, We were told many years ago that the cause of God needed more ministers and Bible workers; that there was a dearth of well-qualified laborers in these departments of the word; that cultivated intellect was even then needed in the cause, for novices could not do the work acceptably; that God had devised the only college we then had as an instrumentality for developing workers of whom he would not be ashamed; and that if the latent talents then in the church could have been developed and brought into use we would have had twenty ministers where we had one; and— GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.17
“Whereas, This instruction is applicable, with even greater force, to our own present conditions, and men whom God has called seem to be turning away from the sacred work of the ministry to engage in other pursuits; therefore— GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.18
“20. Resolved, That this General Conference do hereby encourage the development of these classes of laborers.— GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.19
“(a) By requesting the church to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest: GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.20
“(b) By recommending ministers to preach upon the sacred calling and work of the ministry; GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.21
“(c) By asking our editors to write upon the same noble theme; GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.22
“(d) By instructing our schools to keep this subject before their students, and to provide such instructors and such courses of study as will help those whom God has called to become workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth; and,— GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.23
“(e) By recommending the establishment of a fund in each school district, from which loans may be made to assist worthy students preparing for the ministry and the Bible work. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.24
“C. C. LEWIS, Chairman.
“C. W. IRWIN, Secretary.”
A. T. Jones: Brother Magan was to have been here at this hour to state further the different educational interests which we have in hand just now, especially in Battle Creek College, buy he is sick, and so far as anything else is concerned, we shall know more after we have heard what Sister White has to present to us. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.25
E. A. Sutherland: For some time during the last two or three years there has been an effort made to have some changes in the school work, and at the present time, especially in this country, we have reached the point where we can carry out some of the plans that we have been making an effort for. It has been thought that probably one of the best ways of bringing our educational work together, was to make the reformation so prominent that there would be unity of interest in the educational work. It is expected that the General Conference will take a very active part in the new school to be started. Plans are therefore being made to start this school so that the General Conference will have immediate control of it. In this way we hope to have a model school, so that all the schools can watch the work being done. In this way the schools all over the country can accept the light that is worked out, and reject all the failures. Sister White has something to say this morning that will help to start this school in a right manner. She has a deep interest in this work, and she told us the other day that she had some more things that she wanted to tell us. GCB April 23, 1901, page 418.26
[At this point Sister White gave an address, which will appear in a later number of the BULLETIN.] GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.1
The Chair: Brother Jones has an item of business to present before we close. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.2
A. T. Jones: This is a matter of legal form in connection with the Battle Creek College. In the reorganization plans, the new association is directed by its character that the General Conference assembled shall appoint thirty men who shall elect the managing board. This is the first General Conference held since these steps have been taken; and since there will be no other one for at least two years, it is essential to make our action perfectly safe, whichever way we go now, that there shall be this legal form recognized, and those thirty were elected, so that they can do what is necessary, whether we go forward or whether we go back. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.3
The Battle Creek College is now in the course of reconstruction; it is in the courts. Under this new plan that we have undertaken, to sell the property direct, and move out of Battle Creek, we do not know certainly yet whether it will be the easiest way to go forward, or to turn slightly back and go another way. We can do either way, as shall prove to be best. To make it perfectly certain, whichever way we go, it is necessary that these thirty men shall be named, to elect a new board, if necessary; and since our time is so short in every way, I have thought that the best way for the Conference to get at that—and I suggest it to you for your consideration—would be to name the twenty-five men who are the General Conference Committee, with five additional men, who will make the thirty, and I think they are all men that we can all trust to carry that work safely forward. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.4
These thirty men are electors to choose a board of twelve to conduct affairs. These thirty men can do their work in half an hour when they get together. They can all do this in a few minutes before they go to the different fields in the world. So if you, as a General Conference, approve this proposition, you can make the motion from the floor, so it will be the Conference doing it. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.5
Delegate: Who are the five additional men that you would name, aside from the General Conference Committee? GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.6
A. T. Jones: W. T. Bland, J. E. Tenney, L. Johnson, W. O. Worth (a business man of Chicago, who is very much interested in educational work), and C. C. Lewis. These five men in addition to the members of the General Conference Committee. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.7
W. W. Prescott: You must make it six if you have thirty men, for there are but twenty-four members elected thus far on the General Conference Committee. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.8
A. T. Jones: Who will you name as the sixth man? GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.9
The Chair: G. B. Thompson. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.10
M. C. Wilcox: I move that these thirty men who have been named be elected by this Conference. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.11
Delegate: I second the motion. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.12
A. T. Jones: It has been moved and seconded that these thirty men who have been named shall be elected by this General Conference as electors, to elect a board for the management of Battle Creek College affairs. All in favor of this will signify it by raising the right hand. Any opposed? It is unanimous. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.13
A. T. Jones: I would ask Judge Arthur to make a statement in regard to this matter, so that all may understand it. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.14
Jesse Arthur: I think you have stated the matter clearly. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.15
Adjournment was here taken, the benediction being pronounced by Elder Moon. GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.16
A. G. DANIELLS, Chairman.
L. A. HOOPES, Secretary.
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“Blessed are the pure in heart.” GCB April 23, 1901, page 419.17