Ellen G. White: The Later Elmshaven Years: 1905-1915 (vol. 6)

Chapter 4—Independence or Unity?

For the printing of literature for the various language groups in North America, arrangements were made in 1903 to establish at College View, Nebraska, the International Publishing Association. Prior to this the Review and Herald had handled this type of work, but the loss of the plant by fire in late 1902 brought about the necessity of a new arrangement. Equipment was installed at College View, in a plant of moderate size, and printing was done there in German, Danish-Norwegian, and Swedish. 6BIO 44.1

Differences in nationality of workers led to differences in opinions as to how the plant should be operated. A growing feeling had been expressed at the General Conference session in Washington in May, 1905, that it would be well if there could be a separation of the printing work for these three language groups. Also, some of the ministers in the field working for these several nationalities were advocating the organization of separate conferences for each of the three respective ethnic groups. 6BIO 44.2

Considerable study was given to the matter at the time of the session, but the published reports of the meeting are silent in regard to this. However, at this session, arrangements were made to organize a Foreign Department of the General Conference to care for the needs of the various language groups in North America. 6BIO 44.3

The annual meeting of the International Publishing Association was appointed to convene at College View, Nebraska, on September 5, 1905. In connection with this the newly formed Foreign Department of the General Conference was to hold a council. Those arranging for these meetings were well aware of the agitation in the churches of the various nationalities calling for separate local conference organizations. It was with considerable misgiving that the leading brethren prepared for the meetings to convene in College View in early September. 6BIO 44.4