General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4
Summary of Proceedings of General Conference
ADMISSION OF CONFERENCES
Queensland, South Australia, Cumberland, Ontario. (Pages 19, 20.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.7
ON ORGANIZATION
It was voted that the usual rules and precedents for arranging and transacting the business of the Conference be suspended, and that a General Committee be appointed, to consist of the following persons: The presidents and secretaries of the General Conference, of the General Conference Association, of the European and Australasian Union Conferences; of the Review and Herald, Pacific Press, and Echo Publishing Companies, of the Foreign Mission Board, Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association; of Battle Creek, Healdsburg, and Union colleges: and the following-named persons: J. N. Loughborough, S. N. Haskell, A. T. Jones, W. W. Prescott, and such other persons as should be necessary to represent the important enterprises and interests connected with the work of the Seventh-day Adventists throughout the world, the same to be named by the committee when organized, and this committee to constitute a general or central committee, which should do such work as necessarily must be done in forwarding the work of the Conference, and preparing the business to bring before the delegates. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.8
Other recommendations relative to the reorganization are found on pages 27, 28, 29, 33, 34. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.9
1. That the delegates from the several General Conference districts be asked to go forward in the perfecting of plans for the organization of District Union Conferences as rapidly as possible during this session of the General Conference. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.10
2. That the delegates from each district appoint three of their number to act with the Committee on Organization in the framing of a Constitution and working plans. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.11
3. That all questions regarding the change of district territorial lines be referred to the Committee on Constitutions and Plans. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.12
4. That in the framing of the Constitutions and working plans, provisions be made for the use by the district organizations that are strong financially, of such parts of their income only, as are necessary for the administration of the District Union Conferences, and that the balance be forwarded to the General Conference for the maintenance of its administration, and to assist weaker Conferences and missions. (Pages 169, 170.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.13
5. That the General Conference Committee be composed of representative men connected with the various lines of work in the different parts of the world. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.14
6. That the General Conference Committee, as thus constituted, take the place of all the present general boards and committees, except in the case of the essential legal corporations. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.15
7. That the General Conference Committee consist of twenty-five members, six of whom shall be chosen by the Medical Missionary Association, and nineteen by the General Conference. That five of these members be chosen with special reference to their ability to foster and develop the true evangelical spirit in all departments of the work, to build up the ministry of the word, and to act as teachers of the gospel message in all parts of the world; and that they be relieved from any special business cares, that they may be free to devote themselves to this work. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.16
8. That in choosing this General Conference Committee, the presidents of the Union Conferences, as far as consistent, be elected as members. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.17
9. That the Medical Missionary Board be authorized to fill any vacancy which may occur in the representation from the Medical Missionary Association. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.18
10. That the General Conference Committee be empowered to organize itself, and to appoint all necessary agents and committees for the conduct of its work. (Pages 185-189, 201-207). GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.19
11. That the General Conference Committee of twenty-five, as soon as elected, nominate the members to constitute the corporate membership of the Foreign Mission Board. Said members to be elected by the Conference. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.20
12. That the administration of the Foreign Mission work be under the supervision of the General Conference Committee. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.21
13. That it be left to the General Conference Committee to decide how long the corporate life of the Foreign Mission Board be continued. (Pages 219, 225-229.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.22
14. That the responsibility heretofore carried by the General Conference in appointing boards of management for the Southern Industrial School (Graysville, Tenn.), and the Oakwood Industrial School (Huntsville, Ala.), be transferred to the Southern Union Conference. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.23
15. That the General Conference Executive Committee be authorized to make such transfers of the responsibility of appointing the boards of management of other educational institutions, and the transfers of titles of properties and obligations for debts, as the organization of the Union Conferences may indicate to be advisable. (Pages 232, 281.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.24
INTERNATIONAL SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
1. In harmony with the recommendation of the Executive Board of the International Sabbath-School Association, we donate $2,000 to the work in other lands, and $500 to the General Conference for the work in Southern field. GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.25
2. In harmony with the plan of reorganization adopted by the General Conference, we hereby place this work, and the property and funds of this association, under the management of the General Conference, this action to take effect as soon as the General Conference is prepared to make this branch of the cause one of the departments of its work. (Page 351.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.26
INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ASSOCIATION
1. That in harmony with the plan of reorganization adopted by the General Conference, the International Religious GCB April 1, 1901, page 501.27
Liberty Association place its work, property, funds, and obligations in the hands of the General Conference as soon as that body shall be prepared to assume these responsibilities. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.1
2. That for the present, or until the expiration of the lease upon the rooms at 324 Dearborn St., the headquarters of the religious liberty work, the publication of the Sentinel of Liberty, and of the Religious Liberty Library, be continued in Chicago. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.2
3. That until further action by the General Conference either in open session or by its Executive Committee, the religious liberty work be carried on under the name of the International Religious Liberty Association. (Page 385). GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.3
ON FINANCE
1. We recommended to our Conferences, as far as they are able and consider that it would be a blessing to do so, to pay a second tithe to the general cause for its mission work. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.4
2. We further recommended to such Conferences as are able and willing to do so, that they send a number of their laborers into the mission field, and support them there, operating as far as consistent through the boards having charge of the different fields to which the laborers are sent. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.5
3. We recommend that, as far as consistent, the General Conference, the Union Conferences, and the local Conferences agree beforehand with their tried and accredited laborers as to the salaries which shall be paid them, and that no portion of their wages be held back. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.6
4. We recommend that our Conferences everywhere be urged to adopt and further develop the Ten-Cent-a-Week Plan for the support of our foreign work, as inaugurated by the Foreign Mission Board last year. (Page 170.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.7
5. We recommend that all who especially labor in word and doctrine in our colleges and academies in the training of workers for the field be supported from the tithe. (Pages 172, 207.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.8
6. We recommend that a most vigorous effort be made by our brethren and sisters, our local and Union Conferences, to push the relief of our schools and the Scandinavian Publishing House to a successful finish; that we endeavor to complete this work quickly, and that no other general movements of the kind be commenced until those now under way are completed, unless urgent necessity demand otherwise. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.9
7. We recommend that all proceeds from the sales of the German editions of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” both in the United States and in Germany, be given to the school which has recently been started in Germany. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.10
8. We recommend that the proceeds from the sales of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in the Danish-Norwegian language, in the United States and in Norway, be used for the relief of the Scandinavian Publishing House, and that the proceeds from the sales of the same in Denmark be used for the relief of the Frederikshavn school. (Amended. See page 386.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.11
9. We recommend that the proceeds from the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” in the Swedish language, both in the United States and in Sweden, be devoted to the support of the Nyhyttan school in Sweden. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.12
10. We recommend that all the bills for material for “Christ’s Object Lessons” in all languages in the United States be met from the Fifty Thousand Dollar Relief of the Schools Fund, which should be increased to meet the added cost of typesetting, plate-making, and advertising in the foreign languages. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.13
11. We recommend that each Union Conference be requested to raise a sufficient amount of money to cover the cost of the material in “Christ’s Object Lessons” shipped into its territory. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.14
12. We recommend that the Fifty Thousand Dollar Relief of the Schools Fund be raised by the following methods:— GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.15
(a) Appeals to the people at our camp meetings for cash donations and pledges. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.16
(b) Appeals through the columns of the Review and Herald. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.17
(c) Letters and circulars from the office of the Relief of the Schools Secretary, asking for offerings for this fund. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.18
13. We recommend that our ministers, licentiates, and Bible workers, one and all, with as little exception as possible, engage in an organized and vigorous effort, under the supervision of the vigorous local Conference Committees, to sell “Christ’s Object Lessons” themselves; to train, organize, and assist our brethren and sisters all over the field to do the same. That this effort begin not later than Oct. 1, 1901, and continue until Feb. 28, 1902. That if the whole three hundred thousand copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons” comprising the original gift of Mrs. E. G. White and the Review and Herald and Pacific Press Publishing Companies be not sold by that time, that similar plans and a similar program be followed out each year until this grand work is gloriously completed. That if the dates set for this work should, for any good and substantial reason, not be the most advantageous in certain Conferences, another period of equal length be chosen in which to do the work. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.19
14. That in each Conference this work be given into the hands of a proper person, who shall supervise and direct the same, in counsel with his Conference Committee. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.20
15. We recommend that the General Conference Committee be and hereby is requested by this Conference to constitute a Relief Department consisting of five members, whose duty it shall be to co-operate with the Union and local Conferences in the work for the relief of our institutions above named. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.21
16. We recommend that we unite with the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association in the raising of a fund with which to provide the necessary buildings for the American Medical Missionary College. (Pages 385-387). GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.22
ON EDUCATION
The following were submitted by the Committee on Education:— GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.23
1. That we urge upon our people the importance of establishing church schools. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.24
2. That we recommend our Conference laborers not to consider their work for churches complete until church schools are organized whenever consistent. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.25
3. That we recommend the appointment of church-school superintendents in Union or State Conferences, who shall co-operate with their respective Conference Committees and training-schools in the establishment of church schools, such superintendents to be be appointed by Conference Committees in consultation with the ones in charge of said training schools. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.26
4. That we recommend that in the appointment of school boards, persons be chosen who can efficiently represent the various lines of work taught in those schools. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.27
5. We recommend that our schools show their appreciation of the gift of the book, “Christ’s Object Lessons,” by encouraging their teachers and students to devote their summer vacations to the sale of the book. GCB April 1, 1901, page 502.28
6. In the support of church schools, local needs should be met, if possible, by local tuition or voluntary donations, and pupils should be encouraged to earn their tuition or contributions to the expense fund. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.1
7. Church schools should continue their work to the sixth or seventh grade, and intermediate schools to the ninth or tenth. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.2
8. Intermediate industrial schools should be established wherever it seems advisable. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.3
9. All who have to do with the training of teachers for church schools should require thoroughness of preparation, lest the church school work be retarded by reaction from disastrous experiments. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.4
10. We recommend that our brethren everywhere study diligently the principles of Christian education, and step out by faith, as new light shall be given, and put the principles learned into practical use. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.5
11. While we recognize the importance of educating our children under the most favorable influences, still we would caution all against taking extreme positions or making unwise utterances, which might bring reproach upon the reforms we desire to advance. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.6
12. We call upon Seventh-day Adventist teachers, who have been successful in secular schools, to consecrate their talents and experience to the cause of the third angel’s message, to study the principles given this people upon the subject of Christian education, and to hold themselves in readiness to fill places in our school work as the providence of God opens the way. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.7
13. We approve the movement to organize young people’s societies for more effectual missionary service; and we recommend that a committee of nine or more representative persons be appointed to form a plan of organization, and report it to this Conference for consideration. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.8
14. Earnest efforts should be made to save the children of unbelievers by the establishment of branch Sabbath schools wherever practicable. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.9
15. Careful study should be given to the subject of Sabbath-school conventions, and normal classes should be conducted in connection with them wherever practicable, that this agency, which has already accomplished so much good, may be attended with still greater success. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.10
16. Resolved, That we encourage all our schools, where the facilities will permit, to organize a preparatory course to fit young people for our regular nurses’ training-school course; and that this course cover elementary instruction in anatomy, physiology, hygiene, both practical and theoretical, chemistry, botany, natural philosophy, astronomy, cooking, physical culture, Bible, accidents and emergencies, and simple treatments. But the schools shall not offer diplomas to such students as professional nurses. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.11
17. Resolved, That each of our denominational colleges and academies provide such a course of instruction as will qualify students to enter the American Medical Missionary College. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.12
18. Resolved, That we approve the plan set forth on page 8 of the GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN, of helping our larger schools to teach the languages of the countries nearest their respective fields, and of printing tracts in those languages; and we request the General Conference Committee to take measures to set this plan into speedy operation. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.13
19. We recommend that the General Conference Committee develop plans by which the blind may receive instruction according to the principles of true Christian education. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.14
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 1, 1901, page 503.15
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 1, 1901, page 503.16
20. Resolved, That this General Conference do hereby encourage the development of these classes of laborers— GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.17
(a) By requesting the church to pray the Lord of the harvest to send forth laborers into his harvest: GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.18
(b) By recommending ministers to preach upon the sacred calling and work of the ministry; GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.19
(c) By asking our editors to write upon the same noble theme; GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.20
(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 1, 1901, page 503.21
(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. (Pages 207, 230, 231, 350, 418, 448.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.22
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON WOMAN’S GOSPEL WORK
1. That we ever keep it before the sisters that the object of this work is to save souls. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.23
2. That a woman who is qualified to reach all classes, especially those who need it most, should be selected from each Conference to attend the camp-meetings and all general meetings, and instruct the women in missionary work and temperance in all its phases. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.24
3. That corresponding secretaries be chosen to have charge of the English, German, and Scandinavian branches of the work. (Page 448.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.25
REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON PLANS AND RESOLUTIONS FOR THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING WORK
1. Resolved, That the stockholders express their gratitude to God for his fostering care, and for the measure of prosperity that has attended the publishing work the past year, and that we hereby express our desire to have more attention given to the development and training of workers, especially suitable persons to bear responsibility in connection with the publishing work in other parts of the world. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.26
2. Whereas, Our people are greatly encouraged to learn of the progress of the work in the various Conferences; and— GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.27
Whereas, The Advent Review and Sabbath Herald is the church paper to go to all English-speaking Sabbath-keepers; therefore— GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.28
Resolved, That we invite the editors of the Review and Herald to secure from the State papers, or otherwise, frequent, condensed reports of the progress of the work in the various Conferences, and publish the same in the Progress Department of the Review. GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.29
3. Whereas, There is need of a more thorough and systematic distribution of the truth by means of small tracts: therefore— GCB April 1, 1901, page 503.30
Resolved, That a series of small tracts suited for mailing in envelopes, covering the salient features of the message in a brief and concise manner, be prepared and furnished for free distribution:— GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.1
(a) That, to encourage a large circulation of these, they be furnished at the cost of production. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.2
(b) That when a church or society orders one thousand or more, it may have the privilege of furnishing announcements of local meetings and interests sufficient to occupy the last page. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.3
(c) That one page of each tract be devoted to advertising our leading publications. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.4
(d) That State tract societies be encouraged to furnish these tracts free to their regular self-supporting canvassing agents. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.5
4. We recommend that the Board of Trustees provide such homes for the young people working in the Office as in their judgment may be necessary. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.6
ON RELIGIOUS LIBERTY WORK
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 1, 1901, page 504.7
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 1, 1901, page 504.8
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 1, 1901, page 504.9
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 1, 1901, page 504.10
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 1, 1901, page 504.11
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. (Page 418.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.12
ON CANVASSING AND COLPORTEUR WORK
1. We recommend that each Conference employ a State canvassing agent. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.13
2. We recommend that the importance and advantages of resident canvassing be prominently brought and continually kept before our churches. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.14
3. We recommend that each church encourage one or more of its number to engage in canvassing for our large books, under the direction of the State agent. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.15
4. We recommend that these agents furnish their churches with the names and addresses of their subscribers, and that their churches follow up the work by correspondence, periodicals, and tracts. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.16
5. We recommend that the Signs of the Times and Good Health be used in pioneer city missionary work in this country. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.17
6. We recommend that Present Truth, Bible Echo, and Herald of Health be used in pioneer city missionary work in their respective territories. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.18
7. We recommend that equal attention be given our health and denominational literature. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.19
8. We commend the practice of our colleges, academies, State and church schools giving practical instruction in evangelistic canvassing. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.20
9. We recommend that, so far as consistent, canvassers’ institutes be held in every State. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.21
10. We recommend that more time be given to the consideration of the canvassing work before the general assemblies at our camp-meetings. (Pages 378, 415, 416.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.22
ON GERMAN WORK
Resolved, That we ask that a German monthly church paper be published, in which our German brethren and sisters can be instructed, and reports of our laborers can be published. (Page 336.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.23
For the purpose of advancing the present truth among the millions of Germans in this large land of America, we, as the representatives of the German work assembled at this Conference, desire that plans be laid by which more vigorous and harmonious efforts be put forth, so that more effective results among our people may be reached. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.24
For this purpose, we desire,— GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.25
1. That in each Union Conference, as far as practical, one man be appointed or elected whose duty shall be (a) to take the oversight of the German work in such Union Conference; (b) to look up and encourage proper persons to enter the German canvassing work and other branches in the cause of God generally. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.26
2. Such persons shall counsel and act together with the various Conference or Mission Field Committees. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.27
3. We further recommend that such persons be allowed to meet together at least once a year, for the purpose of counseling. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.28
4. It is further recommend that such duly elected or appointed persons, and the editor of the German paper, constitute a committee, which shall meet with the General Conference Committee, as circumstances may demand or allow, for the purpose of planning for the German work. (Page 356.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.29
1. Resolved, That the German brethren recommend that all our laborers and brethren do all in their power to circulate the German “Object Lessons” among the German people. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.30
2. Since we acknowledge that the Hausfreund occupies an important place in the proclamation of the third angel’s message among the Germans of different countries, and that may souls have already been brought to the knowledge of the truth through it; therefore be it— GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.31
Resolved 1 That we recommend that those whom the Lord has given talents in this direction contribute original articles, such as are fitting and timely for our own members, and also suitable for a missionary paper. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.32
2. That as far as possible every German Seventh-day Adventist family or single member not only subscribe for the paper for himself, but also pay for one or more subscriptions for his friends or neighbors, and that not only the ministers, but also the members of the churches, take subscriptions for it. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.33
3. We recommend that steps be taken that the Hausfreund be sold from house to house, especially in the large cities, and that monthly subscriptions be taken at the rate of ten cents a month, and be delivered by the laborers, and that such agents be assisted from the Hausfreund fund when deemed advisable. GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.34
Resolved, That we, acknowledging the importance of the circulation of our literature, recommend: 1 That all brethren and sisters as far as possible supply themselves with our books, tracts, and pamphlets, and become familiar with the contents of the same; 2 That we urge all our ministers and Bible workers to set a good example before the members of our churches in the diligent circulation of our books, etc., as well as taking subscriptions for our German paper; 3 That all our laborers and church-members keep an eye on devoted suitable persons of both sexes for the purpose of encouraging them to enter the canvassing field; 4 That our church-members not only pray for them, but also assist them financially when necessary. (Page 378.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 504.35
YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORK
Your committee would with burdened hearts recommend that something more effectual be done, and that speedily, to save our children, youth, and young people, and to develop them as laborers for God. As primary steps in this work, we would respectfully suggest the following:— GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.1
1. That we would urge our ministers, church officers, Sabbath-school and other workers, to encourage our young people, youth, and children to organize themselves into simple working bands, or companies, under the direction and counsel of wise, spiritual leaders. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.2
2. That these bands, or companies, be adapted to the material at hand, the churches of which they are a part, and the work which surroundings and opportunities bring them, and that more elaborate organization be a matter of growth and necessity and not of form. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.3
3. That the work of these bands include all phases of Missionary and Christian Help work. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.4
4. That all our workers in these lines, our church members, young and old, be entreated to do all in their power to plan and labor as those who are indeed one in Christ Jesus. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.5
5. That our Conference be asked to connect this work with the Sabbath-school or missionary department of the Conference work, that these bands of young workers may have some central source of instruction and channel of communication. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.6
6. That our Conference set such men as are especially adapted to this work to help our larger and city churches, organizing and training our churches, especially our young people and youth more effectually to labor for the Master. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.7
7. That a department in the Youth’s Instructor be open for the advancement of this work among the young people. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.8
8. That the Executive Committee of this Conference appoint a committee to study this work, and push it forward. (Page 441.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.9
COLORADO MEDICAL MISSIONARY AND BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
Inasmuch as there has arisen a necessity for the separation of the consumptive and non-consumptive patients of the Colorado Sanitarium, we recommend that steps be taken to provide for this exigency. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.10
Resolved, That the interests of the work of this association demand the establishment of creditable branches, including vegetarian restaurants, in Denver and other important centers in Colorado, as soon as possible. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.11
Resolved, That we approve of the plan of a tent-colony for the treatment of consumptives, and recommend that the trustees of this Association organize and operate such colonies, providing the suitable equipments, as fully and rapidly as possible. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.12
Resolved, That the State of Utah shall be considered as belonging to the territory of the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.13
Resolved, That the interests of the work of this association demand the establishment of creditable branches, including vegetarian restaurants in Denver, and other important centers in Colorado, as rapidly as possible. (Pages 358-361.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.14
INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL MISSIONARY AND BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
1. It was moved and seconded that the medical missionary work in foreign fields be turned over to the Executive Committee of the General Conference, with the understanding that a committee be appointed, which shall be so organized that it shall properly represent the medical missionary work as well as the evangelical work. (Page 315.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.15
2. Resolved, That it is the sense of this body that active and immediate steps be taken to advance and encourage our medical missionary work in the territory of the Southern Union Conference. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.16
3. Resolved, That we recommend and authorize the creation of a medical missionary organization for the Southern field to be incorporated and known as “The Southern Sanitarium and Benevolent Association;” that this association be organized on such a plan as will secure and insure the perfect co-operation of the International Medical GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.17
Missionary and Benevolent Association, and the Southern Union Conference: that the headquarters of this Southern Sanitarium and Benevolent Association be established at Graysville, Tenn. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.18
4. Resolved, That the objects of the Southern Sanitarium and Benevolent Association be the same as those of the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, and its auxiliary organization in different parts of the world. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.19
5. Resolved, That we recommend and encourage the establishment, at the earliest date consistent with existing conditions, of two medical missionary nurses’ training schools,—one for white people at Graysville, Tenn., and one for colored students at Nashville, Tenn.; that what is necessary to the success of these enterprises be sent as soon as possible; and that the standards of these schools with reference to missionary basis, entrance requirements, and courses of study be those adopted by the schools already established under the direction of the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. (Page 317.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.20
6. We recommend, That all applicants for admission to any of the medical missionary training schools, under the supervision of this association, be required, before entering the same, to make the following— GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.21
MISSIONARY DECLARATION
“I hereby express my intention and determination to devote my life to medical missionary work, having made the matter a subject of careful consideration and earnest prayer, and believing that it is the will of God that I shall thus do. GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.22
“I also hereby place myself under the supervision of the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association for the purpose of receiving such training and other preparation for the work of the Medical Missionary as may in the judgment of the Executive Board of the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association, be deemed proper and necessary to fit me to perform successfully such medical missionary work as may be assigned to me, and for direction and supervision in the work when I shall be prepared to enter upon it, at such time and place as providence may indicate to be duty, and the board shall advise.” (Page 318.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.23
7. We recommend, That men of means encourage and co-operate with the International Medical Missionary Board and other like associations in the opening of missionary restaurants and dining parlors in the various large cities, especially where the field has been prepared by the circulation of Good Health and other lines of educational work. (Page 319.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 505.24
8. Resolved, That health journals, health tracts, and other health literature be more widely used in missionary work; and that the following plans for the introduction of such literature receive the approval of this body:— GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.1
9. That all sanitariums and employees take a more active interest in the circulation of health literature; that employees be induced to canvass for it throughout the year, and that canvassing companies be formed during the dull season. GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.2
10. That the tract societies take the same interest in circulating health literature as in religious literature, and that they make calls in their State papers for canvassers for the health journals. (Page 336.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.3
11. That we encourage local tract societies to order and use health journals for missionary work, in the same manner as they are now using the Signs. GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.4
12. That appeals be made to the people for each family to take a health journal for their own instruction, and to induce their friends and neighbors to subscribe. GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.5
13. We approve of the plan of printing special numbers of health journals, and we ask our tract societies and people everywhere to aid in their circulation. (Page 337.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.6
14. Resolved, That city medical mission efforts are useful means of extending the gospel. (Page 338.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.7
15. Resolved, That we recognize the providence of God in the increasing number of openings for nurses to carry the health principles into numerous homes and communities, and that we encourage our young men and women to enter the training schools without delay, that they may be prepared to respond to these urgent calls. (Page 339.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.8
16. Resolved, That those starting, or carrying on, branch sanitariums and treatment-rooms shall work in harmony with the organized medical missionary work, and that the earnings of such branches and institutions be considered sacred to the advancement of the medical missionary and benevolent work in their respective fields: and that we indorse the plan in operation as given in the articles of agreement between the GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.9
Medical Missionary Board and such institutions. (Page 340.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.10
17. Resolved, That we proceed to raise a fund for the purpose of providing necessary buildings for the American Medical Missionary College. (Page 341.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.11
18. Resolved, That systematic efforts should be made to extend the methods and principles of rational hygienic living by means of suitable courses of instruction in connection with Chautauquas, camp-meetings, institutes, colleges, academies, and church schools. (Page 342.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.12
Whereas, There are places in Europe where medical missionary work ought to be started at once, and other places where the work needs special attention and financial help; therefore— GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.13
19. Resolved, That we ask the General Conference Committee to give this matter their careful attention as soon as possible, and to devise plans by which to secure the necessary funds. GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.14
20. Resolved, That we acknowledge the blessings of God, and the benevolence of our brethren in the support of the James White Memorial Home for the Aged, and the Haskell Home for Orphans, and express it as our hope and desire that these charities be encouraged by continued support and good will. (Page 343.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.15
21. We recommend that the training schools in institutions under the direction of the Medical Missionary Board adopt the same standard for acceptance of pupils for training, and the same course of study as is adopted by the training schools at Battle Creek. GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.16
22. That we encourage a preparatory year of study being taken in our schools when possible. GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.17
23. That as a rule we should not accept pupils in our training schools under twenty-one or over thirty-five years of age. (Page 344.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.18
MICHIGAN SANITARIUM AND BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION
Resolved, That we indorse and commend the action of the trustees in promoting the interests of the American Medical Missionary College, and in the use of funds for the payment of the salaries of the teachers and incidental expenses, and we recommend that they continue this until other arrangements are made for the running expenses of the school, on condition that the International Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association will make suitable effort to secure funds for an adequate building. (Page 314.) GCB April 1, 1901, page 506.19