Historical Sketches of the Foreign Missions of the Seventh-day Adventists

REPORT OF MISSIONARY COUNCILS

THE FIRST ORGANIZATION

DURING the visit of Eld. Haskell to Europe in 1882, the question was considered of having an organization which should bring together the workers of the various missions as often as once each year, for consultation concerning the general wants of the cause. It was believed that an opportunity for comparison of views between the workers of different localities, a free discussion of the plans and methods adopted in the different fields, and a general consultation and decision as to new methods which might be adopted, would prove of mutual advantage and profit to the work in the various missions. Many of the workers were largely isolated, deprived of the companionship of others of the same faith during the year, and such an opportunity of Christian association and fellowship would be a privilege highly prized, and a source of spiritual profit to those who might share in these annual convocations. Such a meeting was therefore appointed to be held at Basle, Switzerland, Sept. 14-17, under the supervision of Eld. Haskell. Eld. J. G. Matteson represented the Scandinavian field, Elds. J. N. Loughborough and A. A. John, and Bro. Geo. R. Drew were present from the English Mission, and there was a good representation of the leading brethren in Switzerland. HSFM 109.1

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 Eld. J. N. Andrews was chosen chairman; Eld. 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. The delegates returned from this meeting feeling that they had enjoyed a profitable occasion, and that they could resume work in their various fields with renewed courage. HSFM 109.2