Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

The Fifth Annual European Council

On Tuesday, June 14, as some of the church members returned to their homes, the Fifth European Council opened. Mrs. White was present at the opening session and was thrilled to hear Elder Matteson tell of two successful colporteur schools held during the previous year. In Stockholm twenty had attended, some of whom at first could scarcely read or write. After three months of careful instruction they had been sent out into the towns and villages. Their sales were encouraging. And some were enjoying an additional triumph; they were now able to write intelligent letters to their colporteur leader reporting their activities. EGWE 301.4

Brother J. Laubhan, who represented Russia at the council, reported 150 Sabbathkeepers in the southern part of that country. Evidently Ellen White could not remain silent in the midst of the many encouraging reports. She rose to bear her own personal testimony of thanks to God, who had strengthened her to speak in several places since leaving Basel. “My heart was broken before the Lord in view of the strength, the presence of the Lord, that had been granted me,” she commented. EGWE 302.1

The next morning even nature seemed to be cheerful. “We are favored of God with a bright, beautiful morning,” Mrs. White wrote. “The birds are caroling their songs of praise to their Creator and our hearts are filled with praise and love to God.”—Ibid. EGWE 302.2

As the brief, four-day council closed on Friday, June 17, W. C. White had a marked impression of its success. He pronounced it “the most harmonious, and profitable meeting” that he had ever attended. EGWE 302.3

Among the actions taken at the session were the following: Each mission agreed to hold a three-month training school for literature evangelists every year. Committees were appointed to select new books for publication, and for translation when necessary. Since the message was to reach all classes of people, it was even resolved that it would be “highly expedient” to encourage select individuals to attend the “best institutions of learning, that they may become acquainted with the theories of those who may oppose the truth, and to act as missionaries.” In line with this recommendation, E. G. Olsen was encouraged to take some classwork in Copenhagen. He was also commissioned to improve his language skills. EGWE 302.4

The council resolved to start a city mission in Hamburg, Germany, as soon as possible—a move that eventually led to the establishment of Hamburg as an important center of Adventist work. EGWE 302.5

Finally, the Norwegian leaders took the occasion to organize their country into a separate conference with four churches. Christiania, with 144 members; Larvik, 21; Drammen, 21; Moss, 18; plus 40 scattered Sabbathkeepers. It was a small conference, but it was a good beginning. Today in Norway the membership has doubled itself four times. EGWE 302.6

That Friday, as the council closed, Mrs. White took time to visit Mr. Erickson, the owner of the grounds on which the camp meeting had been held, and the next day, Sabbath, she met the woman who owned the house in which she had been staying. After a pleasant interview, she handed her a copy of her book The Life of Christ in Norwegian. EGWE 303.1