General Conference Bulletin, vol. 2
SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS OF THE THIRTY-SECOND SESSION OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST GENERAL CONFERENCE
L. A. HOOPES
(Feb. 19-March 10, 1897.)
THE following matter contains the reports of the various committees as adopted at the last General Conference, with the exception of matter pertaining to the directory:— GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.3
PLANS AND RESOLUTIONS
In consideration of the rapid extension and varied character of the work of the General Conference, we acknowledge the inconsistency which has been so clearly pointed out to us, of centering so many responsibilities at Battle Creek, and having so many matters of a varied character, and relating to the work in widely different localities, submitted for consideration to a few men who largely compose our General Conference Committees and Boards. We also see that it is not wise to choose one man to preside over the varied interests and extensive territory of the General Conference. GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.4
Therefore we propose that there shall be a division of responsibility, a division of territory, and a change in the manner of working of Committees and Boards, which shall be the inauguration of a thorough reformation. GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.5
Wherefore, we recommend,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.6
1. That the presidency of the General Conference Association, the presidency of the Mission Board, and the presidency of the General Conference work in North America be placed on three different men. GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.7
2. That the General Conference territory be divided into three grand divisions; viz., (a) the United States and British North America; (b) Europe; (c) Australasia; the remaining territory to be under the watchcare of the Mission Board. GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.8
3. That a mission board of nine members, with headquarters and incorporation in some Atlantic State, be elected to take charge of all mission funds, and all mission fields not included in the three grand divisions mentioned in Section two. GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.9
4. That Union Conferences be organized in Europe and America as soon as deemed advisable, and that these union Conferences hold biennial sessions, alternating with the General Conference. GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.10
5. That the Executive Committee chosen by the General Conference shall consist of thirteen members, composed of the presidents of the General Conference, the Australasian and European Union Conferences, the superintendents of the six General Conference districts in the United States, the president of the Mission Board, and three other persons; the president of the General Conference being the chairman of this committee. GCB July 1, 1897, page 89.11
6. That, in recognition of the example of the apostles, as recorded in the sixth chapter of Acts, business men be chosen to attend to the business interests of the work, leaving the ministers more free to engage in the ministry of the word. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.1
7. That the election of a Book Committee be discontinued. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.2
8. That this Conference, through its Chair, appoint a committee of five, to revise the Constitution and By-laws in harmony with this report, and submit it to this Conference for acceptance. [For revised Constitution, see page 129.] GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.3
9. That, in the location, the advertising, and the conducting of our camp-meetings, we make greater efforts to carry the gospel to the masses. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.4
10. That, in the future, accounts of laborers in the Australasian and European Union Conferences be audited by those in charge, or as they may direct; that the accounts of laborers in the Mission Board territory be audited by the Mission Board, or as it may provide; and that the accounts of the General Conference Committee, and such general laborers as are not confined to any one Union Conference, be audited by the General Conference, as heretofore. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.5
11. That we call the attention of conference officers, laborers, and church officers to the important instructions given through the Testimonies of late, on the subject of tithing, and urge upon all the necessity of more thoroughly instructing our people generally in the light given us. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.6
FINANCES
Whereas, There is a general feeling of uncertainty in the financial world; and,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.7
Whereas, Our leading institutions offer a safe place of deposit; therefore, we recommend,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.8
1. That when our Conferences have the means on hand, they keep their laborers paid up as closely as consistent; and,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.9
2. That all surplus funds in the Conference treasury be deposited in some one of our leading institutions, instead of depositing with a bank or any outside institution. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.10
Whereas, Serious complications have arisen, and in some cases money has been lost to the cause, on account of careless or incompetent bookkeeping; therefore, we recommend,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.11
3. That careful and competent bookkeepers be employed in all our larger institutions and tract depositories, and that before men enter upon the duties of business agents, or take charge of any line of work involving the handling of means, that they be required to pass a satisfactory examination as to their fitness for the work in the lines above referred to. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.12
4. That as soon as practical and necessary, there be formed in each American General Conference District, and the Australasian Union Conference, a local organization for the purpose of holding property, and that the property held by the General Conference Association in each of these Districts be turned over to these new corporations, except in District No. Three, where the General Conference Association shall constitute the local organization for the purpose of holding property. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.13
In view of the great need of the schools in the South, for immediate funds with which to construct necessary buildings, we recommend,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.14
5. That the sum of five thousand dollars be appropriated to the Oakwood Industrial School. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.15
6. That the sum of three thousand dollars be appropriated to the Graysville Academy. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.16
7. That the sum of three thousand dollars be appropriated to the Keene Industrial Academy. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.17
8. That one thousand dollars be appropriated for starting isolated schools in the South. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.18
EDUCATION
1. That the attention of our school boards and faculties be again called to the true principles of education as presented in the Scriptures and the Spirit of Prophecy, with the urgent request that such changes be made in the plans for instruction and training and the methods of teaching as are necessary in order that our educational institutions may be conducted in harmony with these principles; the one great purpose being to prepare efficient workers for the different lines of Christian effort. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.19
2. That, in harmony with the above recommendation, the necessity of a thorough training in the so-called common branches of study be emphasized, that better and more suitable opportunities be afforded for obtaining a practical business training, and for uniting labor and study in our schools, and also for manual training and the study of the natural sciences. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.20
3. That such study be given to these principles by the instructors in our schools as will enable them to embody in the next annual announcements, definite plans for the application of these principles in actual school work. GCB July 1, 1897, page 90.21
4. That the general plans adopted at the last session of the General Conference in regard to the publication of a monthly educational journal, be carried into effect as early as possible. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.1
CREDENTIALS AND LICENSES
That all cases in the European field to be considered for credentials or licenses, be referred to the General Conference Committee, until that field shall be fully organized into a Conference with authority to attend to such matters. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.2
That all other cases for credentials, licenses, and missionary credentials, whether new names or instances of omission of laborers now in the field, be referred to the General Conference Committee for consideration, with power to act. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.3
That the responsibility of granting credentials and licenses to persons working in mission fields included in the eight districts, be transferred to the Union Conferences as they may be organized. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.4
MISSIONARY GARDENING
That we recommend to our people the plan of missionary farming and gardening, and that the proceeds of such efforts be devoted to aid in sustaining the work of the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.5
INTERNATIONAL SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
PLANS of work adopted by the International Sabbath-school Association at its last biennial meeting at College View, Nebr., March 5, 1897:— GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.6
1. That our schools report and forward donations made by them for the Haskell Home, with tithe of the same, through the regular channels, the same as the Sabbath-school donations for other enterprises. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.7
2. That more space in the Sabbath-school Worker be devoted to “Improved Methods of Teaching,” “Use of the Blackboard.” “The General Review.” “Teachers’ Meetings.” “Personal Labor with Pupils,” “Development of the Missionary Spirit.” etc. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.8
3. That persons who have had experience in these features of the Sabbath-school work consider seriously whether they do not have a responsibility to furnish matter for the Worker on these topics, for the benefit of its readers. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.9
4. That a greater effort be made to interest the youth and children in the regular church service, by adapting the instruction and exercises to their needs. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.10
5. That our Sabbath-schools make a special study of the Saviour’s method of teaching by use of objects, and that the officers of this Association and the State associations render all the help they can in this line of work. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.11
INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS LIBERTY ASSOCIATION
RESOLUTIONS passed by the International Religious Liberty Association, at its last biennial session at College View, Nebr., March 1, 1897:— GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.12
Whereas, The Religious Liberty Library was established by the International Religious Liberty Association for use in carrying on its work, and for use especially in emergency cases when something special is needed promptly; and,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.13
Whereas, The Library is now published at Battle Creek, while the Association’s headquarters is in New York; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.14
1. Resolved, That we recommend that the Library be transferred to New York, and published by the Pacific Press Publishing Co. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.15
Whereas, The American Sentinel is not adapted to the needs of Canada; and,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.16
Whereas, A paper is greatly needed for that field; therefore,— GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.17
2. Resolved, That we recommend the establishment of a paper in the Dominion, and request the General Conference to provide an editor. GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.18
PROCEEDINGS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
THE following actions were passed by the General Conference Committee, March 13-31, 1897, immediately on the adjournment of the General Conference. It will be seen that there is a large list of recommendations on distribution of labor. It is due the Committee that we explain that many of these names were carried over from the Conference at College View, for lack of time. The Committee on Distribution of Labor appointed by the General Conference recommended many of these names to the Conference Committee for final action. This explains why there are so many recommendations made by the General Conference Committee under this head:— GCB July 1, 1897, page 91.19
DISTRIBUTION OF LABOR
1. That Elder H. W. Reed, of the Tennessee River Conference, make the Wisconsin Conference his field of labor. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.1
2. That Elder J. A. Brunson, of Chattanooga, Tenn., labor as Bible teacher in Union College, College View, Nebr. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.2
3. That Elder O. A. Olsen be invited to labor in South Africa for a time, before permanently taking up his assigned work in the European field. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.3
4. That Elder Luther Warren, of the Dakota Conference, make the Upper Columbia Conference his field of labor. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.4
5. That Elder J. W. Watt, of Indiana, make the Dakota Conference his field of labor. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.5
6. That Andrew Nelson, of Scandinavia, labor in the Dakota Conference. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.6
7. That Elder W. B. White, of Nebraska, go to Indiana to take the place made vacant by the removal of Elder J. W. Watt. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.7
8. That Elder H. E. Robinson, of England, make Nebraska his field of labor, taking the place made vacant by the removal of Elder W. B. White. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.8
9. That Elder J. B. Goodrich, of Quebec, labor in the Maine Conference. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.9
10. That Elder Abraham J. Voth, of the Dakota Conference, labor in the Minnesota Conference in the German work. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.10
11. That Elder W. G. Kneeland, of Michigan, go to the Dakota Conference, at the request of Elder N. P. Nelson. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.11
12. That Albert Ornell be retained on boat “Sentinel,” of the New York Harbor. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.12
13. That Professor Frank W. Howe be requested to take the editorship of the educational journal. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.13
14. That Elder W. L. Iles, of Ohio, make Arizona his field of labor, connecting with Elder G. O. States. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.14
15. That J. P. Lorenz labor in Texas among the Germans. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.15
16. That Elder C. P. Bollman labor in District No. 2, under the direction of the District Superintendent. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.16
17. That Hattie Andre engage in Bible work in District No. 2. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.17
18. That, if the Missouri Conference consent, Sister Eunice Hobbs, of that State, engage in Bible work in District No. 2. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.18
19. That Elder H. L. Hoover, of Missouri, labor in connection with Elder Anglebarger in New Mexico. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.19
20. That Elder J. N. Loughborough be left free to go to such fields to labor as may be arranged by consultation with the District Superintendents. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.20
21. That C. H. Abbott, of Kansas, make the Montana and Wyoming mission his field of labor. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.21
22. That Elder A. J. Stone, of the Illinois Conference, and Geo. G. Johnson, of the Minnesota Conference, exchange fields of labor. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.22
23. That this Committee concur in the action of the Mission Board in recommending Professor W. E. Howell and wife to go to Honolulu to engage in teaching among the Chinese. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.23
24. That Elder A. T. Jones aid in teachers’ institute work during the first part of the season, and then attend such general gatherings as his work in other directions may permit. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.24
25. That Elder E. H. Gates be recommended to labor in some field where it would be conducive to his health. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.25
26. That we have no objections to the Australian brethren inviting Elder A. T. Robinson to come to Australia. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.26
27. That the Committee request the New England Conference to release Elder G. B. Wheeler from its employ, to take up the religious liberty work at Washington, D. C. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.27
28. That the Wyoming mission field be placed in District No. 6; and that Elder H. W. Decker be recommended to labor in the Wyoming field. [[Page 92] See directory North Pacific Conference.] GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.28
29. That H. F. Ketring be recommended to to go to Kansas to labor, providing satisfactory arrangements can be made for him to do so, by the Kansas Conference. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.29
30. That the Walla Walla College Board be respectfully requested to release Professor E. A. Sutherland from the presidency of the Walla Walla College, and that he be recommended for the presidency of Battle Creek College. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.30
31. That Elder E. J. Hibbard be recommended for a position in connection with Walla Walla College; and that, if the recommendation be accepted, the Battle Creek College Board be requested to release him from his present position in Battle Creek College. GCB July 1, 1897, page 92.31
32. That the Committee recommend the removal of Elder M. G. Huffman from the Maine Conference, and that he connect with the Tennessee River Conference. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.1
33. That L. C. Sheafe be recommended to connect with J. R. Buster in tent labor in District No. 2, under the direction of the District Superintendent. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.2
34. That, on account of failing health, L. Dyo Chambers be released from his present connection with the tract society office at Chattanooga, Tenn., and that he be recommended to take up other labor in the Southern field. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.3
35. That Edgar Allee, of Minnesota, connect with the work in the South as Secretary of the Southern Tract Society. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.4
36. That Elder L. R. Conradi be released from the mission in Hamburg, to take up field work, and that Elder Holser be Superintendent of the work in the German and Russian fields, as Professor Prescott is expected to act in England, and Elder Olsen in Scandinavia. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.5
37. That Elder Eugene Leland be recommended to take the presidency of the Quebec Conference. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.6
38. That Elder J. H. Durland be requested to take the presidency of the Michigan Conference. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.7
39. That Professor G. W. Caviness be recommended to go to Mexico to take the place of Elder D. T. Jones on the Spanish-Bible Revision Committee. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.8
40. That Elder D. T. Bourdeau make Northern Michigan and Quebec his field of labor, under the direction of the General Conference; and that he be directed to labor principally in new fields. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.9
41. That if the way is clear for E. P. Auger, of Mississippi, to enter the work, he do so, laboring especially in the interests of the French in District No. 2. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.10
42. That B. F. Gowdy and wife of Minnesota, go to District No. 2, to labor under the direction of the District Superintendent. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.11
43. That the Committee suggest that Dr. O. C. Godsmark make District No. 2 his field of labor, providing he can work on the self-supporting plan. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.12
44. That Professor W. H. Mc Kee be invited to return to the United States to connect with the educational work, if the way shall open. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.13
The Committee on camp-meetings made report as follows:— GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.14
1. We recommend that the arrangements for help at the various camp-meetings be left with the District Superintendent and the officers of the Conference in the District. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.15
2. That as far as consistent, an exchange of laborers by the various Conferences in the District be encouraged. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.16
3. That we would encourage the ministers in the Conferences where these camp-meetings are held, largely to take the burden of the meetings. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.17
4. That the work of auditing the accounts of laborers be done before the regular camp-meeting begins, or that provision be made to do this work at some other time, so that the Conference Committee and leading brethren may be able to devote their entire strength to the spiritual interest of the camp-meeting. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.18
5. That, in the location, the advertising, and conducting of our camp-meetings, we make greater efforts to carry the gospel to the masses. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.19
6. That we give heed to the counsel of God in changing the place of these meetings, not holding them year by year in the same place. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.20
7. That, in conducting these meetings, there be more time for meditation and prayer, and that fewer meetings than usual be crowded into each day’s program. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.21
8. That, to accomplish this, we suggest that the hours of 10:30 A. M. and 2:30 P. M., usually occupied in preaching, be largely used in giving instruction in mission and gospel work. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.22
9. That one hour each day of the meeting be set apart upon the camp-ground for silent prayer and meditation, in which no public meetings are to be held. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.23
10. That such instruction with regard to camp-meetings as has been given from the Lord, in first page articles in the Review and Herald and in other places, be printed and distributed to District Superintendents, Presidents, and ministers of Conferences, and that they be urged to make special and diligent study and effort to follow them closely. GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.24
ANNUAL SEASON OF PRAYER
The committee on season of prayer and annual offerings reported as follows: GCB July 1, 1897, page 93.25
1. That December 22-26, 1897, be set apart as a special season for Bible study and seeking God; and that special offerings for the support and extension of missionary work be received during this time. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.1
2. That one reading for each day be provided by the General Conference Committee, and that in addition, special readings be provided where local issues demand it, by those in immediate charge; that these readings partake somewhat of the nature of a Bible reading, and be brief enough to leave sufficient time for prayer- and social meeting. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.2
3. That instead of appointing persons to write these readings, a call be made to those who have something special on their minds for the people to present the same in writing to the General Conference Committee for consideration and publication. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.3
4. That the fact be emphasized that this season does not preclude the appointing, by local authorities, of special seasons for fasting, prayer, and making offerings, whenever and wherever local circumstances make it advisable. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.4
5. That the question of fasting in connection with the season of prayer, December 22-26, be left optional with the individual. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.5
CREDENTIALS AND LICENSES
The following-named persons were granted ministerial credentials: J. O. Corliss, O. O. Farnsworth, H. E. Robinson, W. L. Iles, H. L. Hoover, H. J. Dirksen, G. W. Anglebarger, G. O. States, W. A. Alway, E. A. Sutherland. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.6
Ministerial license: J. C. Ottosen, S. Brownsberger, L. C. Sheafe, M. E. Olsen, C. T. Shaffer, T. Valentiner, C. W. De Vault, S. C. Osborne. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.7
Missionary credentials: L. A. Hansen, Mrs. L. A. Hansen, Hattie Andre, Birdie Watson, W. H. Edwards, Mrs. W. H. Edwards, L. A. Gibson, W. G. Buckner, Mrs. Rosa Buckner, Mrs. S. M. I. Henry. E. P. Auger, Eunice Hobbs, Levi Longard, Mrs. H. P. Booth. N. Z. Town, Mrs. F. H. Westphal, Silas C. Rand, Mrs. F. E. Braucht, Louise Burkhardt, G. P. Edwards, Mrs. Gertrude G. Edwards, Maggie A. Green, Stella Colvin, Mrs. N. Z. Town. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.8
MISCELLANEOUS
Voted, To recommend the discontinuance of the salary feature of the Chicago transportation office, and that the General Conference transportation business be transacted as far as possible through the General Conference office at Battle Creek. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.9
That R. A. Underwood and H. P. Holser act as members of the Foreign Mission Board. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.10
That Newfoundland be included in the General Conference field of North America. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.11
That the publishing houses appoint, in harmony and counsel with the General Conference Committee, the general canvassing agents,m and that the publishing houses support and manage these agents in the field. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.12
That two additional tents be furnished the Southern field the coming summer, provided the funds in the General Conference treasury will admit of such purchase. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.13
A letter was read from Elder C. McReynolds, of Texas, asking that the General Conference assist the Texas Conference in providing tent facilities for work among the colored people. In response, it was— GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.14
Voted, That, in consequence of the lack of funds in the General Conference treasury, the Committee would recommend that the Texas Conference provide from its own resources the necessary tent facilities for work among the colored people in that State. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.15
That the President be authorized to send needed money to Graysville Academy as soon as it can be obtained. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.16
“THE SIGNS OF THE TIMES.”
Voted, That the present arrangements with the Pacific Press concerning the Signs of the Times, be continued; that single subscription rates continue as formerly, except the three-months subscriptions, which shall be twenty-five cents instead of thirty cents; that the following schedule of terms to agents, as submitted by C. H. Jones, be the policy pursued from this time:— GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.17
REVISED SCHEDULE FOR THE “SIGNS.” TERMS OF SUBSCRIPTION
| Single subscription, one year, postpaid | $1.00 |
| ” ” six months, ” | 50 nbsp;” |
| ” three ” ” | 25 ” |
| ” one year, to foreign countries in Postal Union | 6 s. |
TERMS TO AGENTS
In clubs, same as regular club list as published. GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.18
Persons giving all their time to canvassing for our books or the Signs of the Times, or selling same, will be supplied at the following rates for single subscriptions:— GCB July 1, 1897, page 94.19
| New Subscribers, Single copy, one year | 50 |
| ” ” ” ” six months | 30 |
| Renewals, ” ” one year | 90 |
| ” ” ” six months | 45 |
| No single subscription received for less than | 25 |
| Extra copies of any one issue, per copy | 01 |
SPECIAL OFFER
Persons wishing to work a part of their time canvassing for the paper can avail themselves of the club rates, or our special offer, as follows:— GCB July 1, 1897, page 95.1
a. Two new yearly subscriptions, or one new yearly subscription and one renewal, sent us at one time, $1.75. GCB July 1, 1897, page 95.2
b. Three new yearly subscriptions, or two new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, sent us at one time, $2.50. GCB July 1, 1897, page 95.3
c. Four new yearly subscriptions, or three new yearly subscriptions and one renewal, sent us at one time, $3. This offer entitles you, as a “special agent,” to secure a year’s subscription free for yourself. GCB July 1, 1897, page 95.4
SPECIAL AGENTS
Any person complying with special offer b will be considered a special agent. Thereafter such may send us new yearly subscriptions at 75 cents each, and six-months subscriptions at 40 cents each. Renewals same as in terms to agents. GCB July 1, 1897, page 95.5
Sample copies sent on application. GCB July 1, 1897, page 95.6