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

The Business Sessions of the Conference

Ministers present belonging to the Michigan Conference were James White, J. H. Waggoner, J. B. Frisbie, John Byington, J. N. Loughborough, Moses Hull, M. E. Cornell, R. J. Lawrence, and Joseph Bates. Bates now resided in retirement in Monterey, only two blocks from the meetinghouse. He was asked to serve as chairman of the conference. 1BIO 477.5

There was much to be accomplished in the business meetings; first, the examination of the standing of the churches, their memberships, and their wishes in relation to being taken into the conference. This accomplished, study was given to ministerial credentials and the assignment of ministers to fields of labor. 1BIO 477.6

Now that there was an official Seventh-day Adventist Church body, with longstanding, acknowledged leaders to guide in the work of the church, particularly in Michigan, attention could be given to more general resolutions. One read: 1BIO 478.1

Whereas, We believe that the Lord has called Brother and Sister White to labor among the churches, and, 1BIO 478.2

Whereas, The state of the cause in the several States demands their labor, therefore, 1BIO 478.3

Resolved, That this conference recommend Brother and Sister White to labor in different States, and assist in organizing conferences and churches, as the way may open before them.—Ibid. 1BIO 478.4