Ellen White: Woman of Vision

Seventh-Day Adventists The Name Chosen

Having voted to adopt a name, the discussion now turned on what that name should be. The name Church of God, was proposed and zealously advocated by some. It was objected that the name was already in use by some denominations, and on this account, was indefinite, besides having to the world an appearance of presumption. Brother White remarked that the name taken should be one which would be the least objectionable to the world at large. WV 78.2

The name Seventh-day Adventists was proposed as a simple name and one expressive of our faith and position. After some further remarks, Brother Hewitt offered the following resolution: WV 78.3

Resolved, That we take the name of Seventh-day Adventists (Ibid.). WV 78.4

This resolution was discussed freely, and the wording was adjusted to “That we call ourselves Seventh-day Adventists.” It was finally acted upon (Ibid.). WV 78.5

Even so, T. J. Butler, of Ohio, dissented, and Elders Lawrence, Sperry, Andrews, and Ingraham refrained from voting. Now the Sabbathkeeping Adventists had a name, a name that Ellen White was shown carried Heaven's approval. It had been a momentous conference, clearly influenced by the Spirit of God. WV 78.6

The next step to be taken was the organization of the publishing work. On May 3, 1861, the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association was incorporated in harmony with laws newly formulated by the Michigan legislature, and on May 23, in Battle Creek, bylaws governing the operation of the corporation was adopted. Officers for the association were chosen as follows: WV 78.7

President, James White
Vice President, G. W. Amadon
Secretary, E. S. Walker
Treasurer, Uriah Smith
Auditor, J. N. Loughborough WV 78.8

James White was elected editor of the Review and Herald, and G. W. Amadon, editor of the Youth's Instructor (Ibid., May 28, 1861). WV 79.1