Ellen G. White in Europe 1885-1887

The First and Second European Conferences

In 1882 the first European Missionary Council was held in Basel, September 14-17. This meeting helped develop a unity and cohesiveness among the messengers of God laboring in the three distinct fields—Great Britain, Scandinavia, and Switzerland. The accomplishments of that conference are reported in Historical Sketches: EGWE 55.1

“This being the first meeting of the kind, it was made more an occasion of consultation and comparison of the labors of the past than of recommendation for future plans of work. A permanent organization was formed by the adoption of a constitution. Of this organization Elder J. N. Andrews was chosen chairman; Elder A. A. John, secretary, and Charles M. Andrews, treasurer. While the question of the relation of this organization to the various parts of the work in Europe was referred to the General Conference for its recommendation, the practical benefits gained from this first assembly were so evident that the meeting recommended such convocations to be held at least annually, from that time forward.”—Page 109. EGWE 55.2

Because of J. N. Andrews’ extreme feebleness and subsequent death, the Second European Council planned for October, 1883, was postponed. This second meeting was rescheduled for Basel, May 28-June 1, 1884, and coincided with the close of G. I. Butler's visit to the three European missions. The representation from the fields was much larger this time, with delegates present from Italy and Romania, as well. EGWE 55.3

The 1884 Council adopted certain recommendations, which included an official name, “The European Council of Seventh-day Adventist Missions,” and the appointment of a general executive committee of three, composed of brethren selected from the three different missions. This brought the best judgment of all the missionaries to bear upon the work to be done, and helped all to feel responsible for the advancement of the common cause. EGWE 55.4

It should be noticed that this arrangement did not create a “division” or “union” superstructure, or call for a staff of new workers, or a new budget. It simply gathered together the chairmen of the local missions into a three-man committee to oversee the general work in Europe. Thus the General Conference could deal directly with this committee on all matters of importance to the growing work, and Europe would have a voice to speak for it at General Conference sessions. EGWE 56.1

The emphasis upon representation from each field in order “to unite the work” in Europe reflected the strong and essential features of the denomination's representative form of church administration. Though this happy idea of full representation grew to fuller fruition at the General Conference session in Battle Creek in 1901, the general idea was recognized and apparent in the earliest development of the work in Europe. EGWE 56.2

From the earliest days of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, even before the organization of the General Conference in 1863, the Spirit of Prophecy messages had been heard calling for order and orderly procedures in developing a sound church government. (See Early Writings, 97). EGWE 56.3

And now we see in Europe the instrument whom God had used, on hand to facilitate the efficient development of a strong evangelistic and institutional witness on the Continent. EGWE 56.4

Ellen White was to be present at the Third European Missionary Council in Basel, and her speeches and counsels were to exert a strong influence on church organization in Europe and the rapid spread of God's truth. EGWE 56.5