General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7
EIGHTH MEETING
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
May 19, 2:30 P. M.
L. R. CONRADI in the chair. GCB May 20, 1913, page 58.15
Elder J. E. Jayne offered prayer. GCB May 20, 1913, page 58.16
L. R. Conradi: We will continue the reports of the Foreign Department of the General Conference begun this morning. The next report is the Jewish work. This will be led by Brother F. C. Gilbert. The speakers will have ten minutes each. GCB May 20, 1913, page 58.17
F. C. Gilbert (reading):— GCB May 20, 1913, page 58.18
THE JEWISH WORK
In the year 1911, at the spring council of the General Conference Committee, the work for the Jewish people was taken under the care of the Foreign Department of the General Conference, and became one of the departments of the foreign work. To those who have studied the problem among the Jewish people, and their relation and attitude toward the Christian religion, the work among these sons of Abraham is a very difficult one. Nevertheless, we believe yes, we are certain, that many from among these people will be gathered out for the Scripture says that this message must go to every nation, kindred, tongue and people. GCB May 20, 1913, page 58.19
According to the last Jewish Year-Book published by the Jewish Publication Society of the United States, there are about two and a half millions of Jewish people in the country. These Jews for decades have been located mostly in the cities; therefore the problem among them is a city problem. They have been coming to our shores by the tens of thousands for many years, because they felt that they could have a greater degree of freedom than they have been accustomed to enjoy in European countries. GCB May 20, 1913, page 58.20
For centuries the Jewish people have been very bitter toward the Christian religion, and no doubt there have been honest reasons for their feeling thus. Many facts along this line will be introduced by the superintendent of the Jewish Department. But we are glad to say that a change is coming over the Jewish people, and a radical one. From what we glean, there has never been a time when there was a greater revolution among the Hebrew people than is going on at the present time. True, it is a bloodless one, but nevertheless a real revolution. In this country the masses of the Jewish people are breaking away from the traditions and customs of their ancestors. As a result of having come in contact with Christian influences and with Christian civilization, the Jews have had their eyes opened, and they see wherein their teachers have led them astray. Having been taught that their religion was the true religion, because founded upon the Word of God, when they cast aside the Jewish religion they really threw away all religion. As a result, there is a large infidel and atheistic element among the Jewish people. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.1
Still it has been found that this condition is not altogether hopeless; for while the Jew says he does not believe, he cannot be separated from belief. When the Jew learns about our people and this denomination, it immediately arouses his interest, and he usually is anxious to learn about us and our work. It was found, therefore, that one feature in the work among the Jews must be to create a publicity campaign, and to bring prominently before them the people and work of Seventh-day Adventists. Those who have been in this work have done this for several years past, more especially since the General Conference has created this Jewish Department. Many of our people in different parts of the land have cooperated in this plan. As a result, thousands of Jews in this country who knew very little about our people a few years ago, today know a great deal about us. This has meant much for our work, and this educational work has had a strong tendency to break down some of the prejudice which has existed in the minds of the Jews. Our literature has been called for by them, and from all parts of the land have come requests from the Jews to learn more about the people known as Seventh-day Adventists. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.2
One feature worthy of interest in this report also means a great deal for our work among the Jews. There is a great movement spreading among them in bringing thousands of their countrymen to the Southland, by way of Galveston, Tex. There is a society among them which is buying up thousands of acres of land in the South, Southeast, and Southwest, and they are planning to bring these sons of Abraham from Russia and from other countries as fast as they can, and to give them an opportunity to till the soil. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.3
When our people learn better methods of reaching the Jews in all parts of the land, they will find many opportunities and open doors to bring the message to the Hebrew people in every union conference. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.4
The believers among the Jews are few; still, a beginning has been made, and today there are believers in several of the States of America. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.5
F. C. GILBERT, Superintendent.
THE FRENCH WORK IN NORTH AMERICA
L. R. Conradi: We are grateful to learn of the progress of the work among the people of Israel. We shall now hear from Brother Gustave G. Roth concerning the French work. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.6
G. G. Roth (reading):— GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.7
North America has about four million French-speaking people spread all over the country, of whom two million are in Canada, one million in New England, and one million in various States, as Louisiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Pennsylvania. The city of New Orleans has 120,000 French people; New York City, 100,000; Fall River, Mass., 50,000; New Bedford, Mass., 33,000; Woonsocket, R. I., 20,000; Holyoke, 20,000; Worcester, Mass., 30,000; Boston, Mass., 23,000; Lowell, Mass., 30,000; Manchester, N. H., 40,000; Montreal, 300,000; Quebec, 75,000; etc. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.8
Forty years ago some French Belgians, Canadians, and Alsatians who settled in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan, had occasion to hear of the Sabbath reform, first through tracts and papers and afterwards through the work of the Brethren Bourdeau and others. Unfortunately, the work among this people has never been carried on steadily. Nevertheless, in spite of discouragements, we have nearly two hundred fifty French Sabbath-keepers in North America who stand loyal to the truth and pay faithful tithes and offerings. The amount paid in the year 1912 was about five thousand dollars—twenty dollars per capita. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.9
In July, 1910, I, with my family, responded to the call of the General Conference to come from Europe to America to take charge of the so-long-neglected French work. I visited the brethren in Canada four times, and last spring I visited the various churches and companies in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Three tent efforts have been conducted,—in Woonsocket, R. I., Manchester, N. H., and Worcester, Mass. During that time, twenty-one have been baptized and twenty-four added to the church. Five in Worcester await such an occasion. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.10
Since last year we have had four French workers besides myself in this field. Elder Jean Vuilleumier has been laboring in Montreal, Canada; Elder L. Passevois, in Manchester, N. H.; Brother E. P. Auger, in New Orleans, La; and Brother Arthur Jean, in Worcester, Mass. It is very important that they be entirely released from all English work. This seems imperative, if the French work in America is to succeed. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.11
Schools
Until we have our own French school we have a French department in the South Lancaster Academy. Few students have been able to attend from Canada, the West, or the South, because we are at present unable to help them in their transportation from such great distances. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.12
Publications
We have issued two numbers of the magazine La Sentinelle, prepared especially for the work among the Catholics. The first number is exhausted, and the second is more than half gone. Five thousand copies were printed in each edition. We also have a little church paper, Le Visiteur, which our brethren appreciate very much. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.13
Our Needs
Our needs are very great. First, we need a large measure of the grace of God in order to be fitted for such a work, as we have to stand just before the mouth of the Roman beast. We need the prayers of our brethren, and their hearty cooperation. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.14
Second, we really ought to have twenty workers, located as follows: Louisiana, 2; New York City, 2; New York State, 1; Connecticut, 1; Rhode Island, 1; Massachusetts, 2; New Hampshire, 1; Maine, 1; Vermont, 1; Pennsylvania, 1; Illinois, 1; Wisconsin, 1; Michigan, 1; Canada, 4. As we shall have to train and educate these workers, the needs of the French Educational Fund, voted by the General Conference at Friedensau, should be presented to our people in North America. We trust that some action may be taken at this Conference regarding this. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.15
Third, we are in need of French leaflets for free distribution among the Catholics. They will cost many dollars, and we should have a certain appropriation for this. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.16
Fourth, Canada asks for a tent, with a complete outfit, and we hope that it will be provided. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.17
G. G. ROTH, Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE DANISH-NORWEGIAN SEMINARY AT HUTCHINSON, MINN
L. R. Conradi: After this good report, we shall listen to a report from the Danish-Norwegian Seminary, to be read by Prof. M. S. Reppe. This report is written by the president of the Seminary, M. L. Andreasen. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.18
M. S. Reppe (reading):— GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.19
At the meeting of the fall council of the General Conference Committee held in College View, Nebr., in the month of October, 1909, the first step was taken toward establishing the Danish-Norwegian Seminary. At that council a committee of twenty was appointed to select a suitable location for the school and to erect or purchase the necessary buildings. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.20
This committee, after visiting several places, decided to purchase a school property that was for sale in Hutchinson, Minn. It had formerly been owned by a Danish-Lutheran society, but because of financial difficulties had been placed on the market. GCB May 20, 1913, page 59.21
The property consists of a large four-story structure, built of pressed brick, with rock foundation. It contains, besides the recitation-rooms, 46 rooms for students, a pleasant dining hall, a chapel that seats about four hundred, and a good gymnasium. It is steam-heated, has electric lights, and city water. Belonging to the school is also a farm of 160 acres, all within the limits of the city of Hutchinson. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.1
Sept. 28, 1910, the seminary began its first school year. Formerly the work had been carried on in connection with Union College, in Nebraska, and it was feared by some that a sufficient number of students could not be gathered among the Danes and Norwegians in this country to support a separate institution. All were therefore agreeably surprised to learn that the total enrollment the first year reached 82. The second year of the school showed decided improvement over the first year; the total enrollment was 102. This year the enrollment was 105. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.2
The faculty consists of seven men teachers, besides several assistants. The spiritual interest has been good from the start. The weeks of prayer have especially been blessed seasons. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.3
Financially the school has prospered. It stands today without debts of any kind. Also in the running expenses it is making its way. So there is abundant reason to be thankful to the Lord. Our aim and hope is to make this school a blessing to the many hundreds of thousands of Danes and Norwegians in this country and beyond. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.4
M. L. ANDREASON, President.PHOTO-DANISH-NORWEGIAN SCHOOL, HUTCHINSON, MINN.
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT OF THE SWEDISH SEMINARY, BROADVIEW, ILL
L. R. Conradi: We shall now listen to another report, by Brother G. E. Nord, of the Swedish Seminary. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.5
G. E. Nord (reading):— GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.6
Educational work among Scandinavian Seventh-day Adventists in America began with a mission school in Chicago, Ill., in 1885. In 1891 a department was started in Union College, College View, Nebr., and many who are now in the work received their training there. But for years it had been evident that plans must be laid and facilities provided for a more thorough training in the Swedish language. This led to the steps taken at the fall council of the General Conference in College View, Nebr., in October, 1909, when it was decided to move the foreign departments out from Union College and establish separate schools. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.7
Location of Seminary
April 25, 1910, a committee, composed of the Lake Union Conference Committee and several Swedish brethren, met in Chicago, Ill., to decide on a location. After investigating a number of places and carefully weighing the advantages of each, they finally decided to locate the seminary on a farm about thirteen miles west of Chicago, near Broadview Station on the Illinois Central Railway. Broadview is a decidedly country place with no city attractions. The seminary is located in a beautiful grove of elm trees with an adjoining orchard, about fifteen minutes’ walk from the station. So the location is in every way suitable. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.8
Formerly there were on the place a dwelling-house, barn, and granary. In taking over the farm for the school, the former dwelling-house, which is a fine brick building, has been used as ladies’ dormitory, dining-room, kitchen, and laundry. The barn has been remodeled, and is now called North Hall. This serves as chapel, class-rooms, principal’s office, and men’s dormitory. The former granary has also been remodeled, and has furnished two good class-rooms, also dormitory room for ten lady students. A fourteen-room duplex house has been built for the teachers, and part of it is occupied by students. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.9
The Swedish Seminary has many advantages because of its location: First, because Chicago is a great mission field within easy reach of the seminary, and affords the students an opportunity to get practical training in missionary work while here at school. Second, through its many libraries, museums, zoological gardens, and conservatories, a student of history, science, or art finds a vast field for research. Third, with the seventy-eight acres of land connected with the school, and Chicago within thirteen miles’ reach, and with the many little towns surrounding the school, truck-gardening can be made a very practical asset to the school. Many of the students can be employed during the summer months to work in the garden, and thus earn their own way through school, as well as helping to dig out of the soil means for some of the much-needed improvements on the place. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.10
PHOTO-GERMAN SEMINARY, CLINTON, MO.
Membership
The beginning was small, but there has been a steady and healthy growth. The first school year began Sept. 27, 1910, with an enrollment of twenty-two. The second year the enrollment reached thirty-two; and this past year forty-four were enrolled. Thus we see that the number has doubled since the first year, and the outlook for the coming year is very encouraging. We have every reason to believe that the number of students next year will be more than tripled. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.11
In looking back over the past three years, we can only say that the Lord has done far above our hopes and expectations, and we feel that his hand has led in the establishment of this school. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.12
Industries
A small carpenter shop has been built and a blacksmith shop outfit provided. So far all the work, such as repairing, building, and remodeling houses, as well as farm and domestic work, has been done by the students. We have no organized industrial classes, but practical instruction has been given along these lines. However, to do justice to these departments, further facilities must be provided. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.13
A canning outfit has been purchased, and during the last year enough vegetables, such as sweet corn, tomatoes, beans, peas, and also fruit, were put up to supply all the needs of the school family, as well as some for the market. A sewing department has been planned for the next school year. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.14
Financial
The financial statement of the school has been given in another report, by Elder Mortenson, the superintendent of the Swedish work, but his report did not include the operating expenses; so it may be of interest to state here that the first school year closed with a deficit of only $305.95. This, however, included the seeding of the farm, buying fodder for the horses, cows, and chickens, putting in a large garden, planting several thousand raspberry and strawberry plants and grape-vines, the cost of printing the catalogue, etc. If these initial expenses had been met from other sources, the school would have shown a gain instead of a loss. The second school year closed with a gain of $413.74. The present year we have had some extra expenses to meet, but still we expect to come out about even. GCB May 20, 1913, page 60.15
Urgent Needs
We feel greatly encouraged by what the Lord has done, and can say, “Hitherto the Lord has helped us.” But we cannot conclude this report without mentioning some of our most pressing needs. The greatest is that of adding to our buildings. We have outgrown our chapel and our dining-room and kitchen; more class room must be provided, also more dormitory room; we need a larger business office and library, as well as a laboratory. These must be provided for the next school year. We need more books for our library; and a physical laboratory must be furnished. These are only a few of our most urgent needs, and we must appeal to our people for help. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.1
Mission of the Seminary
The Swedish Seminary has an important mission, and a promising future before it. While we started with small quarters and lack of equipment so necessary for a successful school, and while we have been greatly handicapped for lack of proper facilities, the school has been blessed, and much good accomplished, for which we are grateful. But the time has come when better facilities and equipment must be provided in order to meet the demands that are made upon this school by our Swedish young people throughout this country. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.2
The religious interest during the past year has been most encouraging. Every student in the school has confessed Christ and consecrated himself to the Lord and his service. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.3
Several earned their scholarship the first year by canvassing; nearly all were out the second year, and this year all are planning to return to the school, except a few who remain in the work permanently as ministers and Bible workers. All are going out this summer as canvassers, helpers in tent-meetings, etc., except a few who remain to work on the farm. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.4
Undoubtedly, many mistakes have been made, but the Lord has graciously held his hand over the work, and has guided us through perils seen and unseen. Teachers and students all have pledged themselves to do all that can be done on their part to make this enterprise successful, and to this end we solicit the prayers of all God’s people. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.5
G. E. NORD, Principal.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT OF THE GERMAN SEMINARY, CLINTON, MO
L. R. Conradi: Brother J. F. Simon will now give his report of the work in the German Seminary at Clinton, Mo. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.6
J. F. Simon (reading):— GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.7
Four years ago, at the meeting of the fall council of the General Conference Committee, held in College View, Nebr., the first definite step was taken toward the establishment of the German Seminary. The reasons given were these:— GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.8
There is a large and increasing German population in this country. The burden of carrying to them this message rests largely with those speaking that tongue. Germans can be reached best by Germans. While many make use of English in their business affairs, they pray and read their Bibles in German. The German’s religion is German. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.9
There was no other provision for the educating of German workers save the departments maintained for that purpose in connection with Union College, Walla Walla College, and Sheyenne River Academy. While these did efficient work, they did not provide enough advanced training in German. Consequently our young people were obliged to get most of their education in the English language. This, together with the tendency here in America among our young people to forsake the German, is the reason why the majority preferred the English to the German field of labor. It was realized that in order to hold the German young people for the German work, they must have a separate school, providing advanced training, where they hear the German language used, not only in classes, but in the daily conversation, for a sufficient length of time to create in them an admiration for their mother tongue, and to acquire fluency in the use of it. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.10
There were already sufficient young people in the churches and schools to fill a separate school. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.11
The rapid development of the German work was calling for a larger number of educated laborers than was possible to train without increased facilities. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.12
For the accomplishment of these ends, a resolution was passed authorizing the establishing of the German Seminary. The committee appointed for the purpose selected and purchased the Baird College, located in Clinton, Mo. This building was remodeled and adapted to our needs. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.13
The German Seminary has now been in operation three years. The first year we had 99 enrolled; the second year, 114; and this year, 141. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.14
Providential Care
We have evidence that this is a school of God’s planting. The hand of providence was recognized in the securing of the property. The Lord put it in the hearts of the brethren to give the institution their moral and financial support. Then there were nearly one hundred young men and women ready to enter the school. At the close of the third year, we find an increasing interest in the seminary throughout the field. The heavy sacrifices made by the brethren have bound their hearts to this school, and they are sending their sons and daughters, to give value to the financial sacrifices made. We have prospects for two hundred students the coming year. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.15
Visible Results
Already twenty-three of our students have permanently entered the work. One is in the ministry over in Roumania. Another is a teacher in Spanish Central America. A minister and his wife and a colporteur sailed for Brazil in February. Six have entered the ministry in this country, two are doing Bible work, and twelve are engaged in teaching. During each vacation we have had from twenty-five to forty canvassers in the field, besides some Bible workers and tent workers. The interest in foreign missions is also good. In our bands the past year there were thirty-seven volunteers for South America, thirty-one for Africa, and a few for Persia, India, and China. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.16
From the beginning of this school a high spiritual standard has been maintained. The close of each school year has found but three or four unconverted students on the roll. Most of the conversions have taken place as a result of student efforts in a very quiet way. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.17
Courses Offered
The seminary offers the following courses: Theological, College, Academic, Normal, Commercial, Music, and Art. Special attention is given the Theological and Normal courses. A prominent feature of the Theological course is the work offered in the ancient languages, giving the student a clear grasp of the inspired Word in its original form. The Normal course is designed to give the student not only a theoretical knowledge of teaching but to combine practical experience with it. For this purpose a church-school is conducted by this department. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.18
The faculty has been increased from nine to eleven since the first year. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.19
Facilities
Our library consists of six hundred volumes. Our laboratory and scientific apparatus is rather limited. We have one good microscope and about one hundred fifty dollars’ worth of laboratory appliances. We shall equip the school with appliances as fast as they are needed in the work. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.20
We have made a good beginning in the industries. There is in connection with the seminary a laundry, a farm of one hundred acres, and an orchard and garden of six acres. Much attention has been given to the development of these, and for the time and labor expended the results have been very gratifying. We are planning to add carpentry, blacksmithing, and dressmaking in the near future. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.21
Finances
In the running expenses our hopes have not been realized. Our books show a deficit of $1,529 the first year, $2,517 the second year, and $1,478 this year. With very careful management we hope to wipe out this deficit. We believe conditions are such now that we can do this by another year. We are not increasing our faculty this year, and we have prospects that the increase in attendance will be such as to make ends meet. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.22
With our finances properly adjusted, we will be able to give greater attention to the development of the educational work in the field. The future of this school demands the carrying on of an educational campaign in our German churches. The seminary has a capacity of only 225 students. As fast as consistent, the German church-schools should be developed to such an extent that the seminary can be relieved of the preparatory classes. While it will no doubt always be necessary to offer this preparatory work in the seminary, too, these classes should be very small. We should receive our students prepared to take up the academic work; and we can accomplish this only by establishing church-schools where the young people will have opportunity to get the needed preparatory work. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.23
Class of Students Desired
For the rapid development of the work we should encourage the very best German young people to come to the seminary. We want to educate them all, of course, but we should immediately have scores of the most talented and promising. The work is very much in need of them. Then, too, we need to encourage the young people to secure a thorough training. The two- or three-year standard in the minds of some is not sufficient for the majority of the students. We must encourage them to complete the longer courses. The parents must be educated to see this. We all recognize that this message now demands the best educated and the most consecrated talent. This is the standard the seminary is designed to maintain. GCB May 20, 1913, page 61.24
Above all, there stands the most vital of all needs,—a baptism of the Holy Spirit in such a measure that God can direct and guide, to the effect that his own plan for this school may be met in its development. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.1
J. F. SIMON, President.
WORK AMONG RUSSIANS IN NORTH AMERICA
L. R. Conradi: We shall listen to a short statement of Brother Olsen concerning the Russian work in the North American Foreign Department. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.2
O. A. Olsen: I received a letter from Brother S. G. Burley, the teacher of the Russian Department of the Sheyenne (North Dakota) Academy, and I have taken out some of it to give to the General Conference. If Brother Burley were here, he would read it. I thought the congregation would be glad to hear of the Russian work that is being done in North America. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.3
O. A. Olsen (reading):— GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.4
About fourteen years ago, Russian Baptists commenced to leave their mother country for America, because of the oppression there. Most of them settled in North Dakota, New York, Los Angeles, and different parts of Canada. When our people in Velva, N. Dak., held their camp-meeting about seven years ago, some of these Russians came to the camp-meeting, and the truth was sown among them in that way. I believe one or two started to keep the Sabbath. When they went home, they commenced to work among their own people, and a great stir came up among the Baptists concerning the day they should keep. Our brethren took notice of this, so Elder Wagner and Brother Schwartz visited them, also Elder Leer. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.5
It was very hard at first, for the Russian people are slow to accept new religions from other nationalities. But in 1908 a few Russian people came to the North Dakota Conference at Harvey. They were discussing among themselves and studying, but did not come out to join our conference. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.6
Early Believers
In 1910 a revival began among them. They were visited by Elder Leer, and the committee of the North Dakota Conference asked Elder Olsen to find a worker for them. He asked me to take up the work. I was then at College View. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.7
That year many Russian people went to the camp-meeting at Jamestown, and the organization of the Russian churches followed. Elders Leer and Wagner, Brother Litwinenco, and I went among the churches, and that summer thirty-six were baptized and three companies were organized. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.8
Sheyenne River Academy
In the fall of 1910 another era took place in the Russian work. The Russian Department of the Sheyenne River Academy, at Harvey, N. Dak., was opened, with an attendance of twenty-seven. This department is organized to prepare Russian workers for the thousands of Russian people in North and South America, and also in their home country. Although the work at first was very difficult, yet we gained success year by year, if not in quantity, in the quality of the students. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.9
The classes the first year conducted in Russian were as follows: Reading, writing, first and second year Russian grammar, Russian-English grammar, Old Testament history, New Testament history. Other studies were conducted in the English language. Because of the drought in North Dakota the enrollment the second year was only eighteen. The classes were conducted as mentioned above, with the addition of Bible doctrines, Russian Grammar No. 3, and other studies in the English language. The enrollment this year is eighteen, the same as last. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.10
Last summer two Russian students canvassed; one of them took nine hundred dollars’ worth of orders, and is doing splendid work in school, too. Nine attended the canvassers’ institute just held here in the school, expecting to enter the field this summer. We have two students who ought to be in the missionary field this summer, and I hope they will be sent either to New York or to other places where there are many Russian people. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.11
Work Among the Russians
Some of the brethren have moved to Canada, and it seems they have a good company in Alberta at the present time. Some of them live in Saskatchewan, and elsewhere, so our churches in North Dakota were drained a little, but the truth is spreading among the Russians just the same. Last year we accepted two Russian churches into our conference. At the present time we have six in North Dakota, besides another company who are inviting us to visit them, as there are six members that belong to our faith. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.12
Last year Brother Litwinenco, Elder Leer, and I visited Russian churches, and I spent some time in the East. I found that there are thousands who would listen to the truth if there was some one working among them. The Russian people of the Baptist Church, the Disciples of Christ or Christian Church, and Methodist Church, also other Slavonic people, received me favorably to preach in their churches. I hope that this year our brethren of the metropolis will commence the work among the Russian people. At the present time there are two hundred twenty Russian people who belong to Seventh-day Adventist churches in North and South Dakota and Canada. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.13
The most encouraging feature of the Russian work is that they are eager to gain an education, and most of the students who are here are desirous of returning to Russia to work for their own people, or to have a place in this country; it makes no difference to them which. I can recommend the students because of their faithfulness to the principles of this truth. The greatest desire of the teacher at Sheyenne River Academy is to instil in them this truth, and to work in harmony with our organization. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.14
We are encouraged this year over the possibility of having “Great Controversy” translated into the Russian language. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.15
SERGIUS G. BURLEY.
L. R. Conradi: We are all glad to listen to this report. We will now have the report of the secretary of the General Conference Educational Department, Prof. H. R. Salisbury. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.16
(Owing to lack of space in this number, Professor Salisbury’s report will appear in a later issue of the BULLETIN.) GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.17
At the conclusion of Professor Salisbury’s excellent report (hearty amens being heard from the congregation), conference adjourned. GCB May 20, 1913, page 62.18
L. R. CONRADI, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.