Ellen G. White: The Progressive Years: 1862-1876 (vol. 2)

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Young Men Called to the Ministry

A need frequently mentioned prior to the conference session was that of recruits to the ministry. Resolution No. 10 read: 2BIO 334.6

That we cordially invite our young men who have the cause of God at heart, and who are constrained by the love of Christ so to do, to present themselves as candidates for the ministry.—Ibid. 2BIO 334.7

This laid the foundation for perhaps the most important development in the year 1872—the call for, and opening of, a denominational school in Battle Creek. 2BIO 334.8

Another far-reaching action called for the formation of Tract and Missionary societies, the forerunners of the Home Missionary departments (later variously called Lay Activities and Personal Ministries) and the Adventist Book Centers of local conferences. S. N. Haskell had pioneered this type of activity in the New England Conference. He was the delegate from that field, and he was asked to work with a committee of five.—Ibid. 2BIO 335.1