General Conference Daily Bulletin, vol. 1
November 25, 1887
VOLUME 1. - OAKLAND, CAL., - NUMBER 11
Eleventh Day’s Proceedings
PROMPTLY at 9:30 o’clock, A. M., November 24, the second meeting of the thirteenth annual session of the Seventh-day Adventist Educational Association was opened by singing “Soldiers of Christ, Arise,” etc. Prayer was then offered by Elder G. C. Tenney. The Secretary read the minutes of the first meeting, which were approved after one or two minor corrections. A. R. Henry asked that an unadvised statement which he had made at the previous meeting relative to the running expenses of the College be expunged from the minutes, which was done. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 35.1
The Treasurer then submitted the following report for the year ending August 1, 1887:- GCDB November 25, 1887, page 35.2
RESOURCES
| Real Estate, value 1886 | $59,000 00 |
| Improvements | 14,740 99 |
| Personal Property | 312 60 |
| Library | 1,608 91 |
| Book stand | 1,227 37 |
| Philosophical Apparatus | 1,213 45 |
| Museum | 562 15 |
| Accounts Receivable | 10 39 |
| Notes ” | 75 00 |
| —Manual Training Departments:— | |
| Boarding-hall | 4,242 92 |
| Printing | 2,862 24 |
| Carpenter | 717 97 |
| Millinery | 90 49 |
| Total | $86,664 48 |
LIABILITIES
| Notes Payable | $16,407 58 |
| Accounts Payable | 12,239 36 |
| Net Worth | 58,017 54 |
| Total | $86,664 48 |
| Worth Aug. 1, 1886 | $56,156 73 |
| Received on Shares | 80 00 |
| Received on Donations | 5,460 49 |
| Total | $61,697 22 |
| Less Loss | 3,679 68 |
| Worth Aug. 1, 1887 | $58,017 54 |
This report being only in general terms it was supplemented by an itemized report showing receipts and disbursements for the year, also giving the invoices of the different departments of the College and boarding-hall. The report shows that while the present worth of the institution is considerably more than it was last year, on the whole it is at present run at quite a loss, the tuition and other receipts not being equal to the expenses. W. C. Sisley explained that the College is now paying interest upon quite a debt, and said that if in some way that debt could be lifted the institution could be made self-sustaining. Clement Eldridge called attention to the fact that while some $10,000 was reported as paid out during the year on the new boarding-hall, there was not a corresponding amount added to the present worth. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 35.3
The Committee on Nominations then made the following report:- GCDB November 25, 1887, page 35.4
Your Committee would respectfully recommend the following persons as members of the Board of Directors for the ensuing year: U. Smith, W. W. Prescott, W. C. Sisley, A. R. Henry, J. H. Kellogg, W. S. Nelson, C. Eldridge. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 35.5
Adoption to amend this report by substituting the name of G. I. Butler for that of W. S. Nelson called forth considerable discussion from quite a number of brethren. W. C. Sisley, A. R. Henry, G. C. Tenney, O. A. Olsen, and Dr. Kellogg favored the amendment, while R. M. Kilgore, C. Eldridge, S. H. Lane, A. J. Breed, D. T. Jones, F. E. Belden, J. N. Loughborough, and Henry Hayen opposed it. It was urged in favor of the motion that Elder Butler’s intimate acquaintance with the workings of the College, his long connection with it, and the best interests of that institution, demanded that he have a place on the Board. But, on the other hand, it was argued that the magnitude of the work, and the state of Brother Butler’s health, demand that he be relieved, as far as possible, of the burdens of some of the detail work of our institutions, and that the cause at large demands all of his time and strength. After several unsuccessful efforts on the part of the Chairman to bring the matter to a vote, the previous question was moved; this motion prevailed, and a vote was taken upon the motion to amend, when it was declared lost. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 35.6
The report of the Committee on Resolutions was then submitted as follows:- GCDB November 25, 1887, page 35.7
1. Resolved, That the increased facilities afforded by our College are a source of renewed gratitude to God, and this action of the managers of the institution deserves our hearty approval. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 35.8
2. Resolved, That we appreciate the efforts of the managers of the College to place it in a condition to better fulfill the object of its establishment, and pledge ourselves, and ask our people, to sustain our Trustees in their laudable efforts thus far made. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.1
WHEREAS, Efforts have been made by the managers of Battle Creek College and of our other educational institutions to organize a system of manual training in connection with these schools; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.2
WHEREAS, We regard this effort as being in harmony with the will of God in relation to these institutions, as well as in harmony with the conclusion reached by the most advanced scientific educators of the age, therefore, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.3
3. Resolved, That we express our approval of the efforts which have been made, and of the results which have already been attained, and urge that these efforts be continued in the same direction, and that advance steps be made as rapidly as experience and the development of this line of educational work may indicate as necessary; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.4
WHEREAS, There is general ignorance, and, on the part of many, an entire misconception of the aims and purposes of manual training in the education of the youth, therefore, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.5
4. Resolved, That the Trustees be requested to prepare for general circulation a pamphlet on this subject; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.6
5. Resolved, That when this pamphlet is prepared, the Trustees of this society shall make an effort to place a copy in the hands of every Sabbath-keeping family. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.7
WHEREAS, in some cases students, parents, and guardians feel a little inimical to the plan of working a portion of the time, either in domestic affairs or at some trade; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.8
WHEREAS, Its object is to better fit all students for the ordinary duties of life as well as the highest Christian culture; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.9
WHEREAS, This object can be attained in no better way, therefore, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.10
6. Resolved, That we entreat all our people and the students that may come to the institution to try to realize the great benefit to be derived from the manual training department, and encourage the good work by every proper means. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.11
WHEREAS, Change of the method of keeping the accounts of the Tract and Missionary Societies so as to conform to the most approved manner of commercial book-keeping, is contemplated; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.12
WHEREAS, A mission training department is a requisite in the College, that proper persons may receive education in that line of work; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.13
WHEREAS, It is expedient that it be done in connection with the College, therefore, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.14
7. Resolved, That the missionary department be adapted to this object by having the missionary book-keeping taught in the commercial department, and also that the missionary classes be devoted largely to instructions in Bible-readings, missionary correspondence, and other branches of general missionary work. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.15
WHEREAS, We recognize a healthy condition of the body as essential to the best mental and moral development; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.16
WHEREAS, it is a recognized fact that a large share of the causes which occasion disease and premature decay of the physical powers in adults originate in childhood and youth. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.17
8. Resolved, That we urge upon the managers of all our educational institutions the importance of giving special attention to the physical training of students under their charge, and that it be considered the duty of managers and teachers to secure as far as possible an improvement in the health and physical condition of the students as well as in their mental and moral conditions. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.18
9. Resolved, That the study of health and temperance principles and of hygiene as held among us should be introduced into all our schools and made compulsory upon all students pursuing a regular course of study and who are not already proficient in these branches. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.19
WHEREAS, Many of our people are located at long distances from any of our denominational schools, involving large expense in sending children to enjoy the advantages of these schools; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.20
WHEREAS, it is evidently unwise for parents to send young children away from their care even though it be to our schools, therefore, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.21
10. Resolved, That we favor the establishment of local or church schools for the purpose of teaching the common branches, and that we recommend the managers of the College to give special attention to the training of teachers for such schools. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.22
R. A. Underwood moved that the report be adopted by considering each resolution separately, and they were so considered. When resolution five was reached, it was moved by Dr. J. H. Kellogg to amend the report by striking out that resolution and its preamble. Motion prevailed. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.23
Elder Butler asked for some explanation as to the intent of the resolution, relative to making the study of hygiene obligatory in the College. Dr. Kellogg said that all that was desired was simply to place that branch on an equality with others, by making it a part of the regular course, and requiring those who take that course to pursue that study, the same as we require them to study mathematics or any other science. Elder Butler thought there might some difficulty arise from the fact that we have no recognized authority upon this subject; that there is some difference of opinion even among our own people relative to what health reform is, but he said that if there could only be some recognized standard, he thought all would feel like sanctioning the resolution. Dr. Kellogg proposed that the Testimonies might be taken as authority, and said that if that were done he would agree to show that there is a sound scientific basis for every position ever taken by Sister White bearing upon this subject. The Doctor also said that the way for our people to come to the unity of the faith upon this important subject is by studying it; the more familiar we all become with the question, the more we will all think alike. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.24
A. T. Jones said that he would like to see a text-book prepared which should contain Sister White’s views upon hygiene supported by the scientific reasons which he believes underlie them. He said that true science is in harmony with all truth, for it is truth; and that he would be glad to see science get up to that place that it would agree with the Bible. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.25
Remarks were also made by Dr. Caldwell, of Healdsburg College, J. N. Loughborough, and others, after which the report of the committee was adopted as amended. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.26
On motion the meeting adjourned to the call of the Chair. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.27
AFTERNOON
The meeting of the Conference on the afternoon of November 21 was opened at 3 o’clock by singing a hymn. Prayer was offered by Elder Henry Nicola. Following the reading of the minutes of the previous meeting the resolution relative to reports of the employees of the General Conference, which had been presented at the last meeting, was laid upon the table. The following resolutions were introduced:- GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.28
WHEREAS, With our present plan of auditing, the time of several delegates is occupied for a large part of each session with merely clerical work, and the time of the session is too short to allow them to do the auditing in a manner satisfactory to themselves; therefore, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 36.29
15. Resolved, That this Conference authorize the President to appoint the Auditing and Finance Committees a sufficient length of time before any session of Conference to allow them to do at least the greater part of their work before the beginning of the session; and further, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 37.1
16. Resolved, That, in order to carry out the provisions of the above resolution, we recommend that each State send a list of its delegates to the President by the first of September preceding the Conference session. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 37.2
WHEREAS, The different parts of our work are so connected together, and the State Conferences and local institutions are so related to the General Conference and the work at large as to make our work one individual whole; and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 37.3
WHEREAS, The counsels of the President of the General Conference, who has the oversight of the whole work, with the officers of State Conferences and local institutions, is indispensable to unity of plan and harmony of action in all places and in all departments of the work, and, GCDB November 25, 1887, page 37.4
WHEREAS, Local cares and responsibilities placed upon our worthy President will not only overburden him and deprive this Conference prematurely of his valuable services, but will also deprive other Conferences and local institutions, equally needy and equally deserving, of his oversight and counsels; therefore be it GCDB November 25, 1887, page 37.5
17. Resolved, That this Conference respectfully but emphatically protests against overburdening our worthy President with the cares and responsibilities of State Conferences and local institutions, thus endangering his health and drawing his attention from the general work. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 37.6
It was then moved that these resolutions be considered separately. After some discussion, participated in by D. E. Lindsey, G. I. Butler, O. A. Olsen, W. C. Sisley, and others, resolutions fifteen and sixteen, relative to auditing, were laid upon the table. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 37.7
Resolution seventeen was then discussed at considerable length by O. A. Olsen, D. T. Jones, R. M. Kilgore, J. H. Morrison, W. C. White, Sister E. G. White, J. O. Corliss, and the Chair. A motion to lay on the table was lost, after which the resolution was rejected. On motion the Conference adjourned to call of the Chair. GCDB November 25, 1887, page 37.8