Ellen G. White: The Early Years: 1827-1862 (vol. 1)

First Annual Session of the Michigan State Conference

An early call for this conference session was published in late August, “that all the churches may have ample time for the election and instruction of their delegates” (The Review and Herald, August 26, 1862). As the time neared, a cordial invitation was extended not only to church members in Michigan but to ministers and believers from other States as well. In anticipation of the conference to be held in Monterey, completion was hastened of the “commodious house of worship.” It was forty by sixty feet (Ibid., September 16, 1862). Those attending the conference were urged to come “expecting to stay till Tuesday morning, as the business of the [publishing] association and conference will probably hold till Monday night” (Ibid.). There was some misgiving that this conference, being held somewhat away from the center of the State, might be poorly attended. But the fears did not materialize. Uriah Smith, in reporting the gathering, stated: 1BIO 476.3

Brethren were present from all sections of the State, to the number, as it was estimated, of not far from five hundred, besides a few from New York, Ohio, Indiana, and Wisconsin.—Ibid., October 14, 1862. 1BIO 477.1

James White preached Sabbath morning and John Loughborough in the afternoon. Preaching time on Sunday was shared by Moses Hull and James White. Sunday morning some of the residents from the community crowded in. Before the meeting was adjourned at noon the center supports for the floor, thought to be fully adequate, gave way and the floor settled eight inches in the center. The floor was repaired during the noon hour, and meetings continued through Sunday and Monday. Uriah Smith reported: 1BIO 477.2

There were two social meetings, which were seasons of interest and encouragement. Sister White also spoke several times with usual freedom and power, to the acceptance of all lovers of the pure and straight testimony. Her words cannot fail to have effect upon the hearts and lives of those who heard.—Ibid. 1BIO 477.3

Publishing association business was completed on Monday, October 5. 1BIO 477.4