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

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The Annual Meetings of 1865

The 1865 General Conference session, the Michigan State Conference, and the annual meeting of the SDA Publishing Association were called for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, May 17 to 19, at Battle Creek. John Byington was the chairman of the General Conference session. Significant resolutions were passed, relating to the recent war and assassination of the President: 2BIO 115.1

Whereas, A terrible rebellion has for the past four years convulsed our land, and retarded the progress of the third angel's message, and 2BIO 115.2

Whereas, This rebellion has been suddenly brought to naught, 2BIO 115.3

Resolved, That we acknowledge, with devout gratitude, the hand of the God in this event, as a direct answer to prayer, and that in view of the increased responsibilities laid upon us in again opening the way for the progress of the message, we solemnly consecrate ourselves anew to this great work to which God has called us.... 2BIO 115.4

Whereas, Abraham Lincoln, the noble-minded and upright chief magistrate of this nation, has fallen by the hand of an assassin, 2BIO 115.5

Resolved: That we hereby record our deep distress at the loss of this “prince and great man” (2 Samuel 3:27, 28), who was stricken down by his enemies at the very moment when he was studying how to forgive them all, and that we recognize in this most atrocious crime the true character of the slaveholders’ rebellion.—The Review and Herald, May 23, 1865. 2BIO 115.6

Among the items of business a resolution was passed advising against religious discussions—debates. These were thought to be less fruitful in converting people than “preaching the Word.” With the war so recently over, there were resolutions touching several related points: 2BIO 115.7

The act of voting, when exercised in behalf of justice, humanity, and right, is in itself blameless, and may be at some times highly proper. 2BIO 115.8

That we recognize civil government as ordained of God, that order, justice, and quiet may be maintained in the land; and that the people of God may lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty.— Ibid. 2BIO 116.1

At the same time, it was felt “we are compelled to decline all participation in acts of war and bloodshed,” and the Executive Committee of the General Conference was asked to prepare a statement “setting forth our view of the teaching of the Scriptures on the subject of war.” 2BIO 116.2

Responsibility to freed slaves was addressed in the following resolution: 2BIO 116.3

Resolved, That a field is now opened in the South for labor among the colored people and should be entered upon according to our ability. 2BIO 116.4

Among other items of business was one that called for strong support in the matter of building a house of worship in Battle Creek of sufficient size to house the important general gatherings of the church. 2BIO 116.5

The committee on nominations brought in a report recommending officers for the coming year: For president, James White; secretary, Uriah Smith; treasurer, I. D. Van Horn. They were elected, and a General Conference Committee was named, made up of James White, J. N. Andrews, and J. N. Loughborough (Ibid.). 2BIO 116.6

With the General Conference session over, things moved toward normalcy. James and Ellen White made and filled appointments as they continued with their writing and other responsibilities. Uriah Smith, in a June 6 editorial, pictured a bright future. He observed: 2BIO 116.7

There are no dissensions in our midst threatening to rend the body. The people of God are united as perhaps never before, in obedience to the injunction of the apostle to all be of the same mind, and joined together in the same judgment.—Ibid., June 6, 1865 2BIO 116.8