Ellen G. White: The Early Elmshaven Years: 1900-1905 (vol. 5)

The Reorganization

On this same day the basic action embodying reorganization was framed and presented to the General Conference in these words: 5BIO 90.3

“5. That the General Conference Committee be composed of representative men connected with the various lines of work in the different parts of the world. 5BIO 90.4

“6. That the General Conference Committee, as thus constituted, should take the place of all the present boards and committees, except in the case of the essential legal corporations. 5BIO 90.5

“7. That the General Conference Committee consist of twenty-five members, six of whom shall be chosen by the Medical Missionary Association, and nineteen by the General Conference. That five of these members be chosen with special reference to their ability to foster and develop true evangelical spirit in all departments of the work, to build up the ministry of the word, and to act as teachers of the gospel message in all parts of the world; and that they be relieved from any special business cares, that they may be free to devote themselves to this work. 5BIO 90.6

“8. That in choosing this General Conference Committee, the presidents of the union conferences be elected as members.”—Ibid., 185. 5BIO 91.1

The proposed changes were sweeping. They called for the various independent and separate international organizations—the Sabbath School Association, the Religious Liberty Association, the Foreign Mission Board, et cetera—to be blended into the General Conference. The Executive Committee was to be a much larger group with much wider representation. The medical missionary work, which had grown so strong, was to be integrated, with a definite representation on the General Conference Committee. 5BIO 91.2

It took several days of earnest, prayerful discussion and consideration before the conference was ready to take an action on such a sweeping reorganization. At one critical point when progress seemed blocked, Sister White stepped in and spoke directly to the point, exposing the vital involvements. When the vote was called for on these crucial and far-reaching steps in reorganization, the resolutions were passed unanimously. 5BIO 91.3

From day to day throughout the session the various districts into which church work in North America had been loosely drawn were organized into union conferences. Constitutions were drawn up and accepted, and officers were elected. The various international auxiliary organizations took actions looking forward to their absorption into the General Conference. 5BIO 91.4

It was a thrilling meeting of earnest, prayerful study, discussion, and action. There was no bitterness, no holding back. The thought expressed at the opening meeting by Elder Daniells when Ellen White called for a reorganization was kept in the minds of all: 5BIO 91.5

We all feel that our only safety lies in obedience, in following our great Leader. We feel that we should begin at the very beginning of this work at this meeting, and just as nearly as we know how, build on His foundation.—Ibid., 27. 5BIO 91.6