General Conference Bulletin, vol. 4

DOINGS OF EUROPEAN GENERAL CONFERENCE

L. R. CONRADI

The first meeting of the European General Conference was held in connection with the German Union camp-meeting at Friedensau, July 23-28. Not only was this the largest meeting ever held by our people in Europe, but it was in every way the best. More found the Lord, and were baptized at this time, than at any other similar gathering in this field. We had baptism on each of the two Sabbaths during the meeting, and thirty-eight were baptized. GCB July 1, 1901, page 515.2

Not only was this a good meeting spiritually, but so much union and harmony prevailed that a large amount of business could be successfully transacted, and a number of new conferences were formed. The propositions which had been suggested by the late General Conference concerning the reorganization of the European field, had met with general approval among our leading brethren throughout Europe, and delegates had been appointed at all annual meetings, so that the way seemed well prepared for effecting the proposed changes. GCB July 1, 1901, page 515.3

At the Central European Conference, German Switzerland had been organized into a separate conference, that it might become a part of the German Union Conference. About fifteen brethren from Scandinavia were on the ground by July 19, and had formed the Scandinavian Union Conference, with an organization suitable to their present circumstances, electing Elder P. A. Hansen as their chairman. Germany, which had become too large for a single local conference, had been divided into the East-German and the West-German Conference and the South-German Mission. Besides this, the Holland and Hungarian, and the North and South-Russian Missions had been organized, and these, with German Switzerland, had been brought together as the component parts of the German Union Conference. This work had all gone forward with the greatest unanimity, and had been nicely completed by July 23. All the leading workers had also given considerable consideration to the proposed constitution for the European General Conference. And so at its first session, Elder Olsen being in the Chair, this constitution and by-laws, as found in the GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN, April 22, 1901, was adopted, with the following changes: - GCB July 1, 1901, page 515.4

Art. 3, Sec. 3, was so amended as to provide for “an additional delegate for each three hundred of its membership;” Art. 4, Sec. 1, now calls for an Executive Committee of 13, instead of 9; between Arts. 5 and 6 is inserted a new article, specifying that “the funds of the European General Conference shall consist of a tenth of the tithe and offerings of the five union fields named in the Memorial, and such other funds as may be given the European General Conference direct:” and Art. 1, Sec. 4 of the by-laws was so amended as to read: “At each regular session the Conference shall elect, unless otherwise voted, a standing committee of six delegates, who shall, with the Executive Committee, constitute a committee for auditing and setting all accounts against the Conference.” GCB July 1, 1901, page 515.5

The following delegates were seated: From the Scandinavian Union Conference, O. A. Olsen, Dr. J. C. Ottosen, N. Clausen, J. C. Raft, P. A. Hansen, J. P. Hansen, O. Johnson, E. Lind, E. J. Ahren, O. J. Olsen, A. C. Christensen, D. Ostlund; from the German Union Conference, R. G. Klingbeil, John de Heer, J. T. Boettcher, J. Erzenberger, W. Krumm, A. Dorner, C. Weber, H. F. Schuberth, H. Hartkop, Dr. A. J. Hoenes, J. Pieper, E. Frauchiger, J. F. Huenergardt, H. J. Lobsack, C. Reifschneider; from the Central European Conference, B. G. Wilkinson, J. Curdy; Oriental Mission, L. R. Conradi; Basle House. GCB July 1, 1901, page 515.6

J. Robert; British Conference, Dr. A. B. Olsen, W. W. Prescott, E. J. Waggoner, W. C. Sisley. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.1

We quote herewith a number of the resolutions passed in the open sessions of this Conference:— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.2

1. Whereas, The manifold blessings of God have so richly rested upon the work in Europe in the past that it has now been found advisable to organize a European General Conference; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.3

Resolved, That we unitedly express our deep gratitude to God for these blessings, and that we hereby reconsecrate ourselves to His service. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.4

2. Resolved, That the accounts of all the laborers in the mission fields, including the Oriental field, be audited under the direction of the European General Conference Committee. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.5

3. Whereas, Owing to the fact that the original Central European Conference had deposited with the Basle House (owned by the General Conference Association) a large amount of tithe, which the Central European and German-Swiss Conferences now need in order to undertake an aggressive work of evangelization in their respective fields, and which has been invested in the Chaux de Fonds and Pieterlen buildings; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.6

Resolved, That we request the Basle House to assume the responsibility of carrying the Chaux de Fonds and Pieterlen buildings, and to advance this tithe to these Conferences as fast as needed, and in case of loss, cover the same; also, in case of sale, to refund to the Chaux de Fonds church the money that church has placed in the Chaux de Fonds building. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.7

4. Whereas, God has revealed to his chosen people the principles of right living, and shown them that “the fear of the Lord tendeth to life,” physically as well as spiritually; and,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.8

Whereas, “In the preparation of a people for the Lord’s second coming a great work is to be accomplished through the promulgation of health principles;” therefore,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.9

We recommend, (a) That suitable young men and women be selected for the different European countries, and encouraged to prepare themselves for medical missionary work by undergoing such training as will qualify them for medical practice, and that funds be secured for this purpose by soliciting help from our American brethren, and by raising means in these fields, as far as possible. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.10

(b) And, recognizing the value and importance of health journals and literature as a means of educating the people, and giving them the principles of healthful living, we urge that such journals and our health books be given as wide a circulation as possible, and that our health journals be started as rapidly as the work demands. We further recommend that the European General Conference Committee be requested to arrange for the giving of suitable instruction in health principles in connection with general meetings. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.11

(c) That such fields and Conference as have the proper facilities be encouraged to start health institutions as soon as consistent. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.12

5. Whereas, The mission property at Basle is located in a German city, and by the recent division of the Central European Conference, the French Sanitarium and Medical Training School, conducted in that House, remain in the German-Swiss field, and this leaves the French field without a health institution in which to educate medical workers; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.13

Resolved, That we request the Executive Committee to do all it can to aid in starting a health institution in the French-speaking field as soon as the way opens. Further, that we request the General Conference and Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association to provide us a man to lead out in the medical missionary work in the French language, and that they give him the necessary financial support while he is gaining a preparation for and getting started in the work. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.14

6. Whereas, The starting or enlarging of any institution, causing a greater outlay of means, concerns the general financial interests of the entire field; and,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.15

Whereas, We are plainly instructed to counsel together; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.16

Resolved, That ere such steps are taken by any field, the counsel and consent of the European General Conference Committee be sought. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.17

7. Whereas, At the time of the erection of the Union School at Friedensau only temporary buildings were put up, and these are not sufficient for the needs of the school; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.18

We request, That the European General Conference Committee consider whether the time has not come when a suitable building should be provided. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.19

8. Resolved; That we request the General Conference and Mission Board to place a good Bible worker in Paris, one in Rome, and another in Iceland; and that these workers, for the present, be supported by the Mission Board through the General Conference of Europe. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.20

9. Whereas, On account of the constant development of the European field, the number of annual camp meetings will increase, and there are calls for local meetings during the winter; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.21

Resolved, That, where advisable, these camp-meetings may be shortened to about six days. GCB July 1, 1901, page 516.22

10. Whereas, The “Testimonies” plainly advise us to do our business as far as possible outside of camp-meetings; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.1

We advise, That the Conferences and Missions of Europe, as far as practicable, close their fiscal year at December 31, and also do their auditing as soon thereafter as possible. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.2

The Committee on Credentials and Licenses offered the following report, which was adopted:— GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.3

Ministerial Credentials: Z. G. Baharian, J. H. Krum, John Hoffman, David Ostlund, and all the ministers who may be in the employ of the European General Conference, and receive their wages from it. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.4

Missionary Licenses: Louis Passebois, Ida Schlegel, F. and S. Horner, K. Sandelin, and A. Boettcher. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.5

Next was the report of the Nominating Committee, unanimously adopted as herewith given:— GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.6

European General Conference Committee: O. A. Olsen, E. J. Waggoner, W. C. Sisley, B. G. Wilkinson, L. R. Conradi, Dr. P. A. De Forest, R. G. Klingbeil, Dr. J. C. Ottosen, E. Lind, P. A. Hansen, O. A. Johnson, Dr. A. J. Hoenes, H. F. Schuberth. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.7

After the election of this Committee, it met and organized itself, W. W. Prescott being chosen temporary Chairman, and E. J. Waggoner temporary Secretary. A committee of four, including the chairman, was appointed to make recommendations for the permanent organization. It was agreed that this Committee take upon itself the same class of work as was done by the General Conference Committee in America. P. A. Hansen, J. C. Ottosen, B. G. Wilkinson, and W. C. Sisley were chosen to act as this Committee on Organization. They reported as follows:— GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.8

Chairman, L. R. Conradi; Secretary, O. A. Olsen; Treasurer, W. C. Sisley; Auditor, E. Lind. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.9

That the headquarters be in London. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.10

Medical Department: J. C. Ottosen, Dr. A. J. Hoenes, P. A. De Forest, L. R. Conradi, W. C. Sisley. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.11

Sabbath-school and Educational Department: O. A. Olsen, B. G. Wilkinson, O. A. Johnson, E. J. Waggoner, H. F. Schuberth. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.12

Publishing Department: L. R. Conradi, J. C. Ottosen, E. J. Waggoner, W. C. Sisley, O. A. Olsen. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.13

The newly elected chairman introduced the question of selecting a Finance Committee to study the financial situation in each of the fields, and in the various institutions and conferences in European General Conference territory. The following were chosen as members of this— GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.14

Finance Department: L. R. Conradi, O. A. Olsen, W. C. Sisley, E. Lind, P. A. Hansen. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.15

The European General Conference Committee had in all, nine meetings, and the following important matters were considered during these sessions:- GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.16

1. The transfer of the Frederikshavn High School property to the Scandinavian Philanthropic Society. A full and satisfactory agreement was reached in this matter by all the parties concerned, and presented to the General Conference Committee of America. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.17

2. Brother David Ostlund, of Iceland, who was present, spoke of the work in that far northern field, and gave the Committee a better understanding of its needs. As he must do his work chiefly on Sundays, on account of the scattered population, it was agreed that he partially employ his time in printing, and that the money he would thus be able to save from his wages, go toward supporting a colporteur in that island. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.18

3. The situation at Christiania was carefully considered. It seemed evident to every one that, under the present circumstances, we would be obliged to hold that property for some time in the future, even if we should desire to eventually dispose of it, and it was thought advisable to make the best possible use of this place for the time being. If all should turn out well, and the house could become self-supporting, that would help in determining what would be best in the future. The way had opened to rent this property to good advantage, and still carry on the business we are doing at the present time. A brother who was doing our binding and folding in rented down-town quarters, was glad to come in and rent from us. Then, our medical mission in Christiania, which had thus far been renting a house several blocks distant, and in a more unfavorable location, at 1,800 kroner a year, proposed to fit up the old building for this use. By this arrangement, there will be an income of about $1,500 a year from the rental of the plant, and this amount will be received from brethren who are actually paying that sum to the world now. In carrying out this plan, it is necessary to make some improvements, especially in the heating apparatus connected with the house; but if these improvements were not made, we could not utilize the house in the future. So it was voted:— GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.19

(a) That, as the old heating apparatus in the main building is worn out, a new apparatus be placed there. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.20

(b) That the Christiania Medical Mission be allowed to enter and fit up the old building as they propose, it being understood that the total expense of all improvements shall not exceed 9,000 kroner (the amount of rent to be paid for the first eighteen months). GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.21

(c) That, until this rent be available to meet this expense, they be allowed to use the money secured from the sale of the unused property (excepting the two large presses), and the collections on bad accounts, the brethren agreeing to remain in the house at least three years (preferably five), subject to sale on six months’ notice. GCB July 1, 1901, page 517.22

4. The recommendations offered by the Medical Department, and adopted by the Committee as a whole, may be of interest:— GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.1

(a) That S. Jespersson, of Basle, take charge of the medical mission in Jerusalem, provided his place at Basle be filled by another; yet we would urge that this be done as soon as possible. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.2

(b) That a lady nurse go to Jerusalem to help in the work there. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.3

(c) That the British health work be put upon the same basis as it is in America and on the Continent. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.4

(d) That the supplying of suitable medical missionary help for the annual meetings be left to the Medical Department, after conferring with such conferences as desire such help, the traveling expenses of such help to be reported to the European General Conference. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.5

(e) That all the physicians of the European General Conference, as far as consistent, meet with the next session of the European General Conference. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.6

(f) That we encourage the British Conference to further develop the medical missionary work by opening bath-rooms, with electric-light baths, in one or more different places in their field. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.7

(g) That the health work be opened in Russia by sending one or two nurses to that field as soon as they can be found, and that the work be placed, as far as possible, upon a self-supporting basis. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.8

(h) That we establish a monthly circular letter between the different institutions and medical fields, giving statistics of the treatments, and an account of such institutions, and the spiritual interests therein. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.9

(i) That the Battle Creek Sanitarium be requested to send a schedule of their laboratory work to every one of our medical institutions, with such additions as may appear from time to time. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.10

It might be well to refer to the situation in Jerusalem: Brother J. H. Krum, who opened the work there, is an ordained minister, and it is proposed that he go to Constantinople to take the place of Brother Baharian, who is trying to secure government permission to go to Egypt. Brother Krum would then be free to take up evangelical work, visiting among our Turkish Sabbath-keepers, who are greatly in need of help, but whom Brother Baharian cannot visit because of government interference. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.11

5. Concerning the relationship existing between the Central European Conference, with its large unorganized mission field territory, and the European General Conference, it was stated that there would be in operation the same principles as obtain in the relationship of the Union Conferences to the General Conference. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.12

6. The doings of the Finance Department, which were acted upon favorably by the entire Committee, may be summarized thus:— GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.13

(a) Every Conference and institution in the European General Conference shall have its accounts audited by a thoroughly competent person at least once a year. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.14

(b) The time and expenses of the Chairman of the European General Conference are to be paid from the European General Conference funds, as well as such other expenses as may be incurred necessarily, in the doing of its work. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.15

(c) In case of a deficit, the Finance Department will be expected to call upon the different Union fields to supply the lack, not otherwise provided for, in proportion to their membership and financial strength, that the legitimate expenses of the European General Conference may be met. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.16

7. Some time was given to the consideration of the preparation that ought to be made for the observance of the week of prayer. After quite a thorough canvass of the subject, it was voted,— GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.17

That we recommend that the week of prayer be observed at such time as may best suit the circumstances in each of the conferences and mission field, and that each of the Union Conference Committees make provision for such readings or general plan of the meetings as may seem best. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.18

8. It was voted that Brother A. Boettcher and wife, of Hamburg, and Brother Hamar, of Sweden, connect with the depository in Helsingfors, Finland. There was also an earnest call made for more ministerial help in Sweden. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.19

While the shortness of time allowed the brethren to only partially solve all the questions that needed attention, yet we felt that this had indeed been a profitable meeting. The Lord came nigh, and his Spirit of unity was present in our councils. Every one was fully convinced that the work in this large European field, and in the adjoining Asiatic and African territory, was only begun, and that even now, we ought to have more time to consider its needs. All felt grateful for having enjoyed the privilege of attending this meeting, and many have written us that the time spent there was of great help and encouragement to them. Friedensau has indeed been, not only to the people of Germany, but to delegates from all parts of Europe, what its name signifies-a “Pasture of Peace,” where the Chief Shepherd led them into green pastures, fed them with spiritual food, enlarged their minds as to the needs of his work, and prepared them to better surmount the obstacles which lay in their pathway. GCB July 1, 1901, page 518.20

L. R. CONRADI.