General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7

Conference Proceedings. FIFTEENTH MEETING

I. H. EVANS

May 23, 10 A. M.

I. H. EVANS in the chair. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.2

Prayer by Elder George I. Butler. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.3

Among the delegates answering for the first time to the roll-call, we were glad to greet Elder Geo. I. Butler. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.4

The chairman called for reports from committees. The committee on plans presented the following further partial report, through Brother Dail, its secretary:— GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.5

Report of Committee on Plans GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.6

5. For manifold mercies and blessings that have preserved this great threefold message in its integrity, and maintained unity among its adherents; for the wonderful prosperity that has attended the advent movement as revealed in its rapidly growing membership, and its increasingly liberal financial support; for its remarkable development and extension into new fields; for liberty of conscience still vouchsafed; for the new life and energy taking possession of the believers,—for these and all other blessings and favors bestowed by a compassionate and merciful Heavenly Father, we render sincere praise and heartfelt thanksgiving. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.7

6. Whereas, The efforts of the past four years in supplying needy fields with trained leaders in the colporteur work have proved so eminently helpful and satisfactory; therefore,— GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.8

Resolved, That this policy be continued until every important field is supplied with qualified leaders. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.9

7. Whereas, The life of the church depends largely upon the missionary activities of its members; and,— GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.10

Whereas, Such activity can be greatly stimulated and aided by live and well-instructed church tract society officers; therefore,— GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.11

Resolved, That advanced steps be taken by officers of each conference and mission field in the thorough training of librarians and missionary leaders for their duties, by— GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.12

(a) Personal and private instruction in the home and local churches. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.13

(b) Gathering these officers together from a group of churches and conducting institutes with them. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.14

The adoption of the report was moved and seconded, and it was then left over to be voted upon after it appears in the Bulletin. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.16

CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE QUADRENNIAL REPORT

WASe

I. H. Evans: It has been arranged this morning for the unions in the United States and Canada to finish their reports. We will now call upon Brother M. N. Campbell, of the Canadian Union Conference. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.17

M. N. Campbell (reading):— GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.18

It is with pleasure that I submit to this body of delegates the third quadrennial report of the Canadian Union Conference. This organization includes within its territory the eastern half of the Dominion of Canada, and consists of the Ontario, Quebec, and Maritime Conferences, and the Newfoundland Mission Field, embracing a population of 5,000,000. For convenience I will present the work of the union under the various department headings, considering first— GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.19

The Evangelical Department

The evangelical work of the Canadian Union Conference is carried forward by 16 ordained and 8 licensed ministers, besides 18 workers holding missionary credentials. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.20

The work which for years has moved along so slowly is gathering momentum, and the seed-sowing of former years is now bearing fruit. During the last twelve months alone 5 new churches have been organized, and the membership of one old church raised from 18 to nearly one hundred members, thus adding 150 to our membership alone, aside from all other work. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.21

The introduction of the third angel’s message has met with determined opposition from pulpit and pew, being looked upon as an unwelcome innovation. However, our literature has been faithfully distributed for the last twenty years, and during the same period the living preacher has proclaimed the message by word of mouth, and now the flinty rock of conservatism is breaking down under the heavy blows of the hammer of truth. The heaviest ingatherings are still before us in Canada, and the time has evidently arrived when the reapers may look for large returns from their labors, for the harvest is fully ripe. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.22

The most serious problem confronting the union at the present time is the evangelization of the great French-speaking population of the Province of Quebec. That province, except for a narrow fringe of territory along the border of Vermont, New Hampshire, and New York, is solidly French Catholic. No Catholic nation of Europe is more intensely Catholic than is Quebec. Great Catholic cathedrals, monasteries, convents, and schools abound in all parts of the province, while long-robed priests and monks are to be met with at every turn. The people are held in absolute subjection to the man of sin, who, on the banks of the Tiber, “sitteth in the temple of God showing himself that he is God.” GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.23

The General Conference has made a special appropriation this year for the employment of French colporteurs to carry our literature and visit among the French people of that province. These workers have already been secured. We think that the printed page can enter and work where the living preacher would be rigorously excluded. Elder Vuilleumier is now stationed in Montreal, and is gaining a foothold in that city. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.24

Another problem of no small magnitude is the matter of carrying the message to the numerous fishing villages that line the coast of the great island of Newfoundland. These villages are accessible only by sailing vessels, and then only during the limited period of open navigation. We have four laborers on the island at present, one ordained minister, a licentiate and his wife, and a church-school teacher. A start has been made in some of the larger towns, and souls are accepting the truth. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.25

The believers in this union are organized into forty-three churches and six companies. Definite plans are being carried into execution to set every believer at work at something, especially with our tracts and magazines. At Montreal a license fee of one hundred dollars is exacted from canvassers. This for a time seemed to be an insuperable barrier to our book and magazine work in that city. One of our workers who attempted to sell magazines without a license was confined in jail several days. The church at that place made the matter a subject of special prayer, asking the Lord to remove this restriction to the work, which was proving such a hindrance. These prayers were heard in heaven, and since that time our workers have been entirely unmolested, and the magazine work is being carried on extensively in that city. Thus are the high walls being thrown down before the advance of the message in Canada. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.26

Institutions

There is but one union institution in eastern Canada,—the Canadian Publishing Association. Though carrying quite a ponderous name, its equipment is of a very modest order, consisting of a small press of sufficient size to print the union paper, and a few small pieces of machinery suitable to the simplest kind of work. Nevertheless, this press is kept on the move, turning out literature for this field. We find that some of the most important tracts are so strongly tinctured with Americanism that they are quite unpalatable to the average Canadian reader, and it is necessary to revise and reprint them for that field. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.27

For some years in the past the handling of the literature in the Canadian Union field has been under the exclusive control of the Canadian Publishing Association, but this year tract societies are being established and canvassing agents are being placed in the field. We believe that this move will strengthen the book work materially, and give an impetus to the work generally. GCB May 25, 1913, page 123.28

About thirty miles east of Toronto, at Oshawa, Ontario, is located the Buena Vista Academy, which was transferred from Lorndale to its present location last year. A farm of 237 acres has been secured, on which have been erected buildings suitable to the needs of the institution. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.1

It has come to be quite well recognized that educational work higher than the twelfth grade must be furnished for our young people within the Canadian field itself, as experience has demonstrated that few of those who go to the States for their advanced training ever return to labor in the home field. This has seriously depleted our ranks, for when the young people settled down in the States, their parents frequently followed them. Aside from this, the native Canadian worker has a very great advantage in laboring among his own people, and steps must be taken to train the young people in the field. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.2

The new institution at Oshawa has a capacity for 75 boarding students, and is in many respects admirably adapted to the work suggested for it. We are sure that the guiding hand of the Lord was manifest in the location of this school, and we look forward to seeing it develop into an important factor in the work of proclaiming the third angel’s message in the Canadian provinces. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.3

At Williamsdale, Nova Scotia, is located the Maritime Conference Academy, a school that has served that section of the Canadian Union for nine years. Situated about twelve miles from town, among the Cobiquid Mountains, it is safe from the allurements of city life. Its capacity has been tested to the limit the present year, and several had to be refused admittance for lack of space to properly care for them. This academy closes the year with a splendid record for both spiritual and scholastic work accomplished, and has the additional satisfaction of having all its accounts and expenses paid, and one thousand dollars cash in the bank. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.4

One of the oldest, if not the oldest, intermediate schools in the denomination is located at Fitch Bay, in the province of Quebec. There, amid the most beautiful surroundings of mountains and lakes, for nearly twenty years, a school has been maintained that has given a training in Christian education to from twenty to forty students each year. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.5

At St. Johns, Newfoundland, a school is maintained which is rapidly outgrowing its present quarters. The attendance ranges from forty to fifty. Quite a proportion of the students are children of those not of our faith. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.6

Medical Work

There is no sanitarium work carried on under conference supervision in this union. Two small sanitariums under private management and an equal number of treatment-rooms comprise the work in that line. The membership of the union should be at least doubled before any countenance is given to the establishment of a sanitarium. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.7

Financial

We are glad to be able to report that the believers of the Canadian Union are determined to keep abreast of their American brethren in the matter of giving to the support of the message. In 1912 the Canadian Union went two hundred dollars above the quota of fifteen cents a week per member for foreign missions. They have no notion of dropping below that mark the present year. The per capita of tithe is on the up grade. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.8

In concluding this report, I am glad to assure you that the courage and faith of the workers and the people of the Canadian Union is bright, and we look forward to the coming quadrennial period as the time when our growth will be commensurate with the means and labor that have been expended on the field. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.9

M. N. CAMPBELL, President.

WESTERN CANADIAN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

I. H. Evans: We will now hear from the Western Canadian Union Conference. H. S. Shaw will present the report. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.10

H. S. Shaw (reading):— GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.11

Quadrennial Report

The Western Canadian Union was organized in October, 1907, and was admitted to the General Conference at its quadrennial session in 1909. Its territory embraces the four western conferences of Canada,—British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba,—having in addition all that portion of Ontario lying west of Port Arthur. The entire area covers a little more than a million square miles. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.12

Population

The population is about one million seven hundred thousand, composed of English, German, French, Scandinavian, Russian, Polish, Roumanian, Bohemian, Galician, Chinese, Japanese, native Indians, and many other nationalities. The area being one million square miles and the population one million seven hundred thousand, it will be observed that the average is a little less than two persons to the square mile. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.13

Industries

The chief industries within the union territory are farming, stock-raising, dairying, fruit-raising, mining, and lumbering. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.14

Since the message entered this field, our brethren have been struggling to place the work on a permanent basis as rapidly as possible. The first year the union was organized we received seventy-five hundred dollars appropriations from the General Conference, there not being a local conference within our territory that was self-supporting. The Lord blessed the efforts of our brethren, however, and year by year they were able to diminish the appropriation. One conference after another declared itself self-supporting, until at the beginning of 1913 we were able to inform the General Conference that we would not ask for further appropriations. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.15

Last year the total number of laborers in our field was 15 ordained ministers, 10 licentiates, 33 missionary licentiates, and 48 book and periodical colporteurs, making a total of 104 laborers. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.16

We have 48 churches and 2 companies, with a total membership of 1,304 and 497 isolated Sabbath-keepers. making a total of 1,801 Sabbath-keepers. There are 68 Sabbath-schools, with a total of membership of 1,659. Our Sabbath-school contributions for 1912 were $5,914.02. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.17

Educational

We have two academies within our union. One is located at Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, and is known as the Manson Academy. It had an enrolment this year of about 50. The other is known as the Alberta Industrial Academy, and is located at Lacombe, Alberta. The enrolment of this school this year reached 160. These academies are doing splendid work, and good results of each are already being seen in our field. Besides these we have 14 church and family schools in operation. The total enrolment last year of all our schools was 446. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.18

Perhaps the following comparison may better express the real pulse of the work in our field for the period of the four years just passed. Comparing the reports at the close of 1908 with those at the close of 1912, the following will be observed:— GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.19

Jan. 1, 1909, our total membership was 839; Jan. 1, 1913, it was 1,304. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.20

Our total Sabbath-keepers then numbered 1,159; now the number is 1,801. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.21

At that time our annual tithe receipts were $15,005.01, while for 1912 our tithe amounted to $36,044.23. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.22

Our tithe per capita at that time was $12.95; now the tithe per capita is $20.02. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.23

For the year 1908, our book, tract, and periodical sales were $19,421.58; in 1912 our book, tract, and periodical sales were $34,044.23. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.24

Our offerings to missions for 1908 were $3,984.14; 1912 our offerings to missions were $14,125.05. This does not include the percentage of tithe paid in regularly for foreign missions by each of our local conferences. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.25

Union Paper

About a year ago we began the publication of a union paper, which we call the Western Canadian Tidings. This is proving a great blessing to the field. It is an eight-page periodical, published biweekly, and now has a circulation of nine hundred. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.26

There are many things we would like to tell you about our work in this interesting field, but this report must be brief. In closing, it is my duty as well as my great pleasure to tell you the message sent from our people in western Canada, that they purpose by the grace of God to remain true to the cause. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.27

H. S. SHAW, President.

REPORT OF NORTH PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

I. H. Evans: The next report will be from the Northern Pacific Union Conference. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.28

C. W. Flaiz (reading):— GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.29

The North Pacific Union Conference is located in the extreme northwest portion of the United States, and comprises the States of Montana, Idaho, Washington, Oregon, and the mission field of Alaska. It is divided into six conferences, viz; Montana, Upper Columbia, Western Oregon, Southern Oregon, Southern Idaho, and Western Washington. It was organized in the year 1906, with 136 churches, comprising a membership of 4,500. The growth of the conference can perhaps best be shown by a comparative statement showing gains in churches and membership during the quadrennial period just past. GCB May 25, 1913, page 124.30

The number of churches in 1909 was 147; the number of churches in 1912 is 166, showing a gain of 19. The membership in 1909 was 5,700; in 1912, 6,942, showing a gain of 1,240. In addition to this we have 10 unorganized companies, with a membership of 422, making our total gain in Sabbath-keepers for four years 1,663. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.1

Our members are paying annually $17 tithe per capita. We receive an annual tithe of about one hundred fifteen thousand dollars. Our union has raised during the past four years, in tithes and offerings, a total of nearly seven hundred thousand dollars. All our conferences have adopted and are carrying out the recommendation of the General Conference in the matter of the division of the tithe with the General Conference. This amounts to an average of fifteen per cent for the union. This, with the five per cent paid on the Sustentation Fund, makes fully twenty per cent of our tithes turned over to the General Conference. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.2

Sabbath-Schools

We have 259 Sabbath-schools, with a membership of 7,852. There has been a constantly increasing interest in our Sabbath-school work, as indicated by the increase in donations, amounting the past year to $20,288. The total Sabbath-school offerings for the four years amount to $58,866, making an annual average of $14,715. Many of our schools are making an earnest effort to increase their donations during the year 1913. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.3

Educational

Our educational work is carried forward by Walla Walla College, 8 intermediate and 58 church-schools. We have an enrolment of 652 students above the eighth grade, and 1,258 in the lower grades, making a total enrolment of 1,910. We are employing a total of 126 teachers. The esteem in which Walla Walla College is held by the people of this union is shown by the fact that the attendance the past year has been the largest in its history, its total enrolment being over four hundred. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.4

Several of our intermediate schools are to be especially commended for the excellent work done. A large number of our young men and women at present in these schools are planning to continue their work in the college, with a view of fitting themselves for service in some branch of the Master’s work. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.5

Book Sales

We have employed on an average about eighty salesmen. We have met with some success in our efforts to secure permanent workers who will give their entire time, summer and winter, to this work. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.6

During this quadrennial period we have sold subscription books to the wholesale value of $131,328. The wholesale value of trade books, tracts, and other literature sold was $104,330, making our total sales for the four years $235,658. During 1912 the North Pacific led the union conferences in Pacific Press territory, with sales amounting to nearly fifty thousand dollars. The prospects for the present year are most encouraging. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.7

Young People’s Work

We have 37 young people’s societies, with a membership of 887. These are composed of earnest, devoted young people, actively engaged in the various lines of young people’s work. During the year 1912 the sum of $1,139 was contributed to missions. Much more could be done in this union in the way of organizing our young people for effective service. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.8

Medical Missionary Work

The Portland and Walla Walla Sanitariums, together with a number of institutions under private management, have done excellent service in medical missionary lines. The Portland Sanitarium has been especially prosperous. Besides greatly improving their equipment, they have been able to do something toward reducing their indebtedness. The influence of this institution is felt in the better circles of society. Prejudice is being allayed, and many are inquiring concerning principles advocated. Thirty-eight young people have been graduated from the nurses course, and are finding their places in the organized work. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.9

Religious Liberty Work

Early last year it was announced that the second session of the World’s Citizenship Conference would be held in Portland, Oregon, June 29 to July 6, 1913. Our committee regarded this as an opportunity to call the attention of the people to the true principles of Christian citizenship in contrast to the pernicious principles that will be advocated in this gathering. It was thought that an educational campaign should be carried on throughout the union. Arrangements were accordingly made to hold a series of meetings in the principal cities in the early part of the year. The best halls were secured, and careful attention given to advertising. This resulted in bringing out large audiences of the most influential people, and space was accorded us in the leading dailies. Large quantities of religious liberty literature were distributed. It was planned to make a personal visit to each of the nearly one thousand ministers located in the cities on the Coast, calling their attention to the Christian Citizenship number of the magazine Liberty. This specially prepared number of the magazine will be furnished to all ministers, attorneys, physicians, educators, and merchants residing in these cities. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.10

Many of our churches have become thoroughly aroused to the importance of this work, and are flooding their neighborhoods with selected religious liberty literature. They are also giving of their means to help continue this campaign as the way may open before us. There are many evidences that this systematic effort has made a deep impression on the public mind. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.11

Help for Foreign Fields

Our conference has been drawn upon quite heavily for workers in the various lines for other fields. We have supplied one union president, three local presidents, three mission superintendents, two general field agents, two mission treasurers, and several ordained ministers, besides Bible workers and canvassers. Eleven workers were furnished during the year 1912. Workers from this union are to be found in some of the cities of the East, in Australia, New Zealand, East Indies, India, China, Japan, Korea, South America, and Persia. It has been a real sacrifice to part with these tried workers, and in some instances impossible to fill their places, and as a result, some of our conferences have not shown the gain that we should be glad to report. However, we are glad that we can share our blessing with these needy fields. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.12

Briefly to Recapitulate

This union has raised in tithes and offerings during this quadrennial period a total of nearly seven hundred thousand dollars. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.13

We have turned over to the General Conference on the Sustentation Fund $13,422. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.14

The per cent of the tithe to the General Conference amounted to $41,342. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.15

Sabbath-school offerings, $58,860. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.16

Harvest Ingathering, $19,972. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.17

All other offerings, $110,994. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.18

Making a total of $244,590. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.19

The amount raised for the General Conference during the year 1912 was $74,704. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.20

We have 38 ordained and 25 licensed ministers. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.21

The increase in the number of churches was 19. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.22

The increase in Sabbath-keepers, 1,663. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.23

We are thankful to God for the degree of prosperity that has attended our efforts, and pledge ourselves to renewed consecration and devotion to his closing work. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.24

C. W. FLAIZ, President.

REPORT OF THE PACIFIC UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

I. H. Evans: The Pacific Union will now report through its president, E. E. Andross. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.25

E. E. Andross (reading):— GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.26

The quadrennial period closing with December, 1912, was one of prosperity for the Pacific Union Conference. I may be permitted to speak more freely regarding this matter, since my official connection with the conference as president has covered less than one year of this time. The conference had formerly been blessed with experienced, aggressive leaders, and all departments of the work had moved steadily forward. The Lord has dealt very kindly with his people, and with deep gratitude of heart we acknowledge his blessings, both temporal and spiritual. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.27

This union conference embraces the States of California, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, and these are divided into six local conferences. Within its territory many and varied interests center, and I am very glad to be able to report progress in each. The progress has not been so much as it should have been, considering the times in which we are living, and we have no disposition to boast over what has been accomplished; but God in his great mercy has wrought for us, and of this we gladly speak. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.28

We have endeavored to keep our force of workers constantly employed in aggressive evangelistic work, largely in new territory, and, with but very few exceptions, some visible success has attended every effort. We now have 143 churches, with a membership of 8,777, showing a net gain of 26 churches and 1,337 members. Twelve companies, with a membership of 94, and 123 isolated Sabbath-keepers are reported, giving a total of 8,994. Thirty-five church buildings have been added, making 113 in all, an increase of about forty-five per cent. The seating capacity of our church buildings has been increased 5,800, or from 15,370 to 21,170, and the estimated value has increased $50,866, or from $220,775 to $271,641. GCB May 25, 1913, page 125.29

We have an efficient and devoted corps of laborers, which is continually being strengthened by the addition of recruits from our schools. We now have 63 ordained ministers, 27 licensed ministers, and 67 licensed missionaries, with 47, book and periodical canvassers; a total of 204 laborers. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.1

Finances

There has been a steady increase in our tithe receipts during this period, as follows:— GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.2

1909	$117,731.47
1910	135,731.01
1911	160,575.30
1912	179,772.45
Total	$593,810.23

This shows an increase over the former quadrennial period of $199,681.46. The average yearly per capita tithe has been $19.99. A total of $82,909.44 has been appropriated from our tithe to fields outside of our conference. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.3

PHOTO-At the Loma Linda Medical College, California

The offerings to missions amounted to $213,155.46, or about twelve and one-half cents per member per week. This shows an increase over the previous period of $123,612, or 138 per cent. Including the tithe appropriated to fields outside of our conference, we have a total offering of $296,064.90, with a total increase of $192,608.84, or one hundred eighty-six per cent. Including the entire amount raised for the work at home and abroad, we have the sum of $1,081,518.69, or an average of $129.35 for each Sabbath-keeper. This does not include that which has been raised in cash for our institutions, or in the construction of church and school buildings, which, if added, would materially increase this amount. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.4

Sabbath-School Work

Our Sabbath-school work has made commendable progress. There are at present 19 schools, with a membership of 8,294, showing a gain of 30 schools and 1,596 in membership. The total offerings were $67,336.40, a gain of $35,338.40, or 110 per cent over the previous quadrennial period. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.5

Educational Work

This feature of our work is also encouraging. Sixty-three church-schools have been conducted the past year, with 88 teachers. The enrolment has reached 1,656, an increase of 20 schools, 32 teachers, and 476 pupils. The estimated value of church-school buildings and equipment increased from $38,000 in 1908 to $41,326 in 1912. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.6

We have three academies, located as follows: San Fernando, Souther California; Lodi, Northern California; and Armona, Central California. These have an enrolment of about five hundred eighty students, and a capacity of about seven hundred. A good missionary spirit has prevailed in each of these schools, and quite a number who received part or all of their training at these institutions, are now occupying responsible places in the work. Within the past four years the Fernando Academy has sent forth nineteen students, who are now laboring in the following fields: one in Spain, two in the Philippines, one in China, two in Chile, five in India, six in Africa, and two in the Hawaiian Islands. Two are at present under appointment for India. There are two licensed and two ordained ministers, about twenty church-school teachers, besides canvassers, bookkeepers, and stenographers from this school, working in the home land. About forty of the former students of the Lodi Academy are now working as church-school teachers, canvassers, etc. The Armona Academy students have been quite successful in the canvassing field. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.7

The Pacific Union College will soon complete its fourth year, having opened its doors in September, 1909, with an enrolment of 85 students. Its present enrolment is 167. Since the opening of the college a large ladies’ dormitory, one half of our new college building, and several cottages have been erected wholly by teachers and students. A sawmill has been installed, and these buildings have been constructed from the lumber taken from the trees growing on the property. Not having seasoned lumber, it was necessary to purchase some finishing lumber for part of the work. The school has a well-equipped farm of 1,653 acres, and is endeavoring to make the industrial as well as the spiritual and intellectual features as strong as possible, thus giving a symmetrical education. During the four years of its operation, about $35,000 has been credited to student labor, thus enabling many young people to attend the college who could not otherwise have attended. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.8

Owing to peculiar conditions existing in our union, there seemed to be a lack of system in our educational work; and, in order to secure closer cooperation, to raise the standard of efficiency, and to reduce the operating expense to a minimum, a council consisting of the heads of our schools and the members of the union conference committee was convened for a brief period in June, 1912, when we could have the assistance of Prof. H. R. Salisbury. Again in December last we called another and larger council, consisting of the members of the union conference committee and of the local conference committees in the four California conferences, the members of the boards of our advanced schools, the educational secretary, and church-school superintendents. About a week was spent in earnest, prayerful consideration of the various interests of our local and union conference educational work. We feel confident that the results of these councils will be seen in increased efficiency in our school work, and in the reduction of our operating expenses. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.9

I take pleasure in reporting substantial and encouraging progress in the work of the College of Medical Evangelists of Loma Linda. It was chartered as a medical college in the latter part of the year 1909, and has four classes enrolled. Seventeen students are in the first year, seventeen in the second, twenty in the third, and seven in the fourth year. There are also two taking the medical evangelistic course. GCB May 25, 1913, page 126.10

From the human viewpoint, it seemed that as a denomination we were quite unprepared to undertake such a large enterprise; but our great need of a school for the training of medical missionaries, and the direct counsel of the Lord urged us forward; and, as we have endeavored to supply this need, and to walk in this counsel, we have been greatly surprised to see how wonderfully the Lord has led, and how he has enabled us to accomplish apparent impossibilities. The difficulties are not yet all removed, but our courage and faith in God have grown with the experiences of the past few years, so that we no longer question the possibility of realizing all that God is calling for in this important department of our work. With the present equipment, and that which is now being supplied, we feel confident that the college will be able to graduate students with a scientific preparation equal to that which may be obtained in any of the medical institutions of the world; and when we consider the spiritual advantages offered, our college is placed beyond comparison with other medical institutions. We trust that our young people who are seeking a preparation to engage in the work as physicians or as medical missionaries will not fail to take advantage of this splendid opportunity God is now providing for such training. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.1

Medical Work

We have at present four conference sanitariums in our union, besides several private institutions. These are located at St. Helena, Loma Linda, Glendale, and Paradise Valley near San Diego, all in California. The first is the oldest sanitarium under denominational control. The past four years it has enjoyed marked prosperity. For many years it struggled under a heavy load of indebtedness, but, through the blessing of God, this load has been lifted. From its net earnings the St. Helena Sanitarium has appropriated to medical missionary work in the needy mission fields the sum of $22,992.49. Its family of helpers at present numbers 155, including 5 physicians and 74 nurses in training. The food factory has been passing through deep waters, but the sanitarium has come to its relief. At the recent annual meeting the business was purchased by the California Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.2

The Glendale and Paradise Valley Sanitariums have passed through trying times, but the situation with each institution has greatly improved. The Glendale Sanitarium sustained a loss in 1908 of $5,469.59. In 1911 the tide was turned, and we were able to report a net gain of $3,496.36. In 1912 the gain was $7,516.01, and including donations, it was $9,702.47. With the Paradise Valley Sanitarium the change has not been quite so marked, but during the biennial period its former losses have been converted into substantial net gains. It has recently been purchased by the Sanitarium Association of Seventh-day Adventists of Southern California, and is now under the same management as the Glendale Sanitarium. Each of these institutions is enjoying a splendid patronage. They are carrying heavy liabilities, but we believe it will be possible year by year to materially decrease these from the earnings of the institutions. The former has a family of helpers numbering 100, including 5 physicians, 76 nurses, and 19 other workers, while the latter has 55 helpers in all, including 3 physicians, 25 nurses in training, and 27 other workers. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.3

The Loma Linda Sanitarium has been prospered materially during the past four years. Its income from patients has increased from $39,786.99 in 1908 to $72,619.33 in 1912, while its present worth has increased from $11,262.65 in 1908 to $67,519.38 in 1912. With the removal of its liabilities, and the release for the use of patients of all of its cottages, now occupied by medical students and employed as a clinical hospital, we believe it will be possible for the sanitarium to very largely, if not wholly, carry the inevitable financial loss in the operation of the medical college. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.4

Each of these institutions is successfully conducting large nurses’ training classes. St. Helena Sanitarium has a class of 75, Glendale 61, Loma Linda 51, and Paradise Valley 25, or a total of 212. Many of our young people are in this way being prepared for efficient service in this great work. While we rejoice over what has been accomplished in this line, we are anxious to make our nurses’ training-schools still more effective in the preparation of workers to carry the third angel’s message to the world, which we believe should be the ultimate object of every nurse receiving a diploma from our sanitariums. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.5

These institutions are coming to be a positive force for the extension of the message. From the human viewpoint, it seemed for a time that we were weighted down with an oversupply of such institutions, especially considering the heavy obligations we were carrying, and the strenuous effort required to place them on vantage-ground. We can now see, however, that the Lord, who sees the end from the beginning, guided in their acquisition; and we are assured that if we follow his guidance in the future, we shall soon see every word he has spoken through his servant concerning them verified. Besides the above, we have several private sanitarium and treatment rooms that are doing good work. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.6

Publishing

Our book and periodical sales for the quadrennial period, closing with 1908, were $160,992, while for the one closing with 1912, they were $284,370.45, showing an increase of $128,378.45, or 79 per cent. One very encouraging feature of this growth has been the large increase in the sale of tracts and small books, especially at our camp-meetings, for use in missionary work in our churches and in evangelistic efforts. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.7

The Pacific Press Publishing Association has enjoyed, during this period, steadily increasing prosperity, its net gain the past year being $33,343.78. From its net earnings the institution has invested $9,720.78 in mission work, chiefly in the Orient. Its business is wholly confined to our denominational work, and its capacity is almost continuously taxed to its utmost. We rejoice that such splended facilities have been provided for lighting the earth with the glory of this message. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.8

The Missionary Volunteer Department

The number of Missionary Volunteer societies has grown during the past four years form 47 to 74, while the membership has increased from 937 in 1908 to 1,754 in 1912. While much has been accomplished in the department, it is yet in its infancy, and we expect much larger results in the future. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.9

The Religious Liberty Work

The past four years have been strenuous ones in this line of our work, especially in California. Much has been done to enlighten the people on the true principles of religious liberty, chiefly by the generous distribution of literature on this subject. The names of more than sixty-eight thousand voters were secured in the autumn of 1910 and in January of 1911 to a petition addressed to the legislature of California in opposition to any form of religious legislation. It did not become necessary to present this petition to the legislature in 1911, hence it was preserved and presented to the legislature this year. Although very strenuous efforts have been made repeatedly to swing this State into line with all in the Union, save Arizona, on the question of Sunday laws, each succeeding effort has failed, and California still stands uncommitted to the evil principle of religious legislation. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.10

There is a strong desire on the part of our people throughout the union conference to see this message speedily carried to the darkest corners of the earth, and with the passing of the years, and the increasingly numerous tokens of the approaching end, this desire is being greatly strengthened. There is nothing that thrills the hearts of our people like the old simple truths of the advent message as they were originally proclaimed by the pioneers of this great movement; and they are ready to join in a grand united forward movement all along the line. With undying faith in the triumph of the message, and the coming of the Lord in this generation, we pledge our property, our children, and our lives, to the blessed work of hastening this glorious consummation. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.11

E. E. ANDROSS, President.

REPORT OF THE SOUTHEASTERN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

I. H. Evans: We will next call upon the Southeastern Union, Brother C. B. Stephenson. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.12

C. B. Stephenson (reading):— GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.13

The Southeastern Union Conference was organized in January, 1908, being formerly a part of the Southern Union Conference. The conferences comprising this union are the Cumberland (located in east Tennessee), Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. The membership, which at the beginning of the quadrennial period, was 1,778, increased to 2,556 during the four years, making a gain of 778. The total population of this territory is 7,800,000, about forty per cent of whom are colored. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.14

Ministry

There are 27 ordained ministers, of whom 4 are colored, 18 licentiates, and 32 licensed missionaries, 8 of whom are colored, and 66 evangelistic colporteurs, making a total of 143 field workers. The spirit of prophecy has said that the Southern field is one of the most difficult in the world. The Lord has blessed in giving fruit in every effort to promulgate the last message of warning. Representative efforts have been conducted in Atlanta, Ga.; Jacksonville, Fla.; Savannah, Ga.; and Wilmington, N. C., with very satisfactory and encouraging results. The Press Bureau did effectual work in giving publicity to the message in the Atlanta and Jacksonville efforts, as has been referred to by the secretary of that department in his report. GCB May 25, 1913, page 127.15

PHOTO-PARADISE VALLEY SANITARIUM, NATIONAL CITY, CAL.

Finance

The tithe is as follows:— GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.1

1909	$22,558.27
1910	31,174.90
1911	36,721.16
1912	33,570.01
Making a total of	$124,014.34.

Trust funds remitted to the General Conference are as follows:— GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.2

In 1909, $8,325.50; per capita, $4.68. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.3

In 1910, $14,898.04; per capita, $7.85. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.4

In 1911, $16,382.02; per capita, $8.57. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.5

In 1912, $19,933.86; per capita, $9.03. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.6

Making a total of $59,539.42. (These figures include the Negro Mission Department.) In addition to this amount $22,949.63 has been raised for home missionary and local work, making a grand total of tithes and offerings from all sources of $206,503.39. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.7

Negro Department

I wish to call your attention to what God is doing for the colored people in this field. The spirit of prophecy has said much about these long-neglected people, urging that special efforts be put forth for them. While we have not been able to do all that we should have liked to do, a beginning has been made, and we believe that in the near future we shall see a great outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon them. God is raising up men and women from the common walks of life, filling them with his Spirit, and sending them forth in power to win souls. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.8

I will refer to at least two city efforts that have been conducted by them. These efforts were conducted at Savannah, Ga., a strong Catholic city, and at Wilmington, N. C. In less than one year after the work was opened in Savannah, about 225 Sabbath-keepers had been gathered. A church building is in process of erection, which when finished will cost about four thousand dollars. It is located in a representative section of the city. Work will be continued during the present year, and we fully expect a large increase of members. Donations sufficient to cover the entire expense of the effort were given by the people. They are paying into the treasury every month about $100 tithe, and are giving liberally to missions, at the same time financing their church enterprise. A church-school, with an enrolment of over fifty, is being conducted. We are endeavoring to educate them to be self-supporting, so far as is possible. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.9

At Wilmington, N. C., over one hundred Sabbath-keepers are the result of less than a year’s work. There is an abiding interest at this place, with constant additions to their number. They have leased a commodious hall for worship. I understand that this effort will be continued, and doubtless a very strong church will be developed. We believe God is beginning to do a mighty work for the colored people. Our experience is that the Negro should be trained to work for the Negro. To this end the Oakwood Training School is doing a most excellent work. The most successful method of evangelizing the Negro race is by the living preacher. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.10

The membership of this department in 1909 was 276; in 1912, 777, making a gain of 501, with only 4 ordained ministers and 8 licentiates. Tithe in 1909, $1,796.47; in 1912, $5,201.44, a gain of $3,404.97. Donations, 1909, $615.76; in 1912, $2,204.01, making a gain of $1,588.25. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.11

Educational

There is 1 academy and 34 church-schools in the union, with an enrolment of 810, and employing 38 teachers. Our academy, at Graysville, Tenn., is doing most excellent work in training young men and young women for service in the world-wide work. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.12

Medical

The medical department has had its blessings and its discouragements. There are three institutions in this field, located at Graysville, Tenn.; Atlanta, Ga.; and Orlando, Fla. The Graysville Sanitarium has not, for a number of years, made the progress that we should have liked to see, with the result that it is heavily involved in debt. A careful study of conditions is necessary. The Atlanta Sanitarium, situated in one of the largest cities in the union, has been making some progress, and has a very encouraging outlook. The patronage is steadily increasing. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.13

The Orlando Sanitarium property was purchased about five years ago. The institution has received a liberal patronage from the first, and promises to become a strong factor in the promulgation of our medical missionary work in the South. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.14

PHOTO-GLENDALE SANITARIUM, NEAR LOS ANGELES, CAL.

Canvassing Work

Perhaps the book-and-periodical work will show the most encouraging growth of any of the departments, as the following comparative figures will indicate: Sales of 1909, $27,000.82; 1910, $35,123.10; 1911, $46,478.10; 1912, $54,-one hundred thousand, so far as we know has not a single Seventh-day Adventist in it; and nothing has been done there. GCB May 25, 1913, page 128.15

We have in this union eighteen white ordained and six licensed ministers, and 118.71; making a total for the quadrennial period of $162,720.73. Twenty-six canvassers were added during the four years, making a total of 66. Much has been done to encourage the colored people to sell our books and periodicals. Institutes have been held for them, with the result that it has been demonstrated they can make a success of the work. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.1

Conclusion

As above stated, the population of the territory embraced in this union is about 8,000,000. To warn this large number of people in the time allotted by prophecy will fearing workers,—men and women who are willing, for the love of souls, to undergo self-denial, and to persevere under all conditions. While it is true that in the South there are many perplexing matters, yet God is leading, and giving success. The people are responding to the gospel, and are loyal to the message. The field is white to harvest, but laborers are few. Our prayer is that God will, by this Holy Spirit, lay the burden of this field upon the hearts of those whom he can use to “come over and help us.” Our workers are all of good courage. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.2

In closing, I am sure I voice the sentiment of th entire constituency in expressing appreciation for the liberality shown by the General Conference in providing for needy field. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.3

C. B. STPEHENSON, President.

[Amens at conclusion of reading.]

SOUTHERN UNION CONFERENCE QUADRENNIAL REPORT

WASe

I. H. Evans: We will now all for a report from the Southern Union Conference. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.4

S. E. Wight (reading):— GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.5

The Southren Union Conference is composed of the States of Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and that portion of Florida lying west of the Appalachicola River, and about two thirds of the State of Tennessee. Its population numbers 9,307,713, about forty per cent of which is colored. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.6

PHOTO-Atlanta (Georgia) Sanitarium

The South is an interesting field. For upwards of thirt years the work has been carried on here. For some reason it has not seemed to prosper until recently. It seems now to be taking shape for theady onward march of the progressive work of Seventy-day Adventists. The workers, though few in number, have set themselves for the accomplishment of the task. The work of the past years has not borne fruit as some may have wished, but the field is now yielding to the efforts put forth, and the seed sowers of the past may be encouraged by the present-day results of their faithful labors. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.7

It takes effort to get people into this truth anywhere, and the South is no exception to the rule. By persistent, faithful effort the workers during the past four years have managed to increase the membership a little, there being an addition of 285. At the time of the last General Conference the constituency of the Southern Union was 1,918, and to-day it is 2,203; 590 colored and 1,613 white. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.8

The Lord certainly has subjects for his kingdom in this field, and they are being sought out. In some conferences fully one third of the constituency are spending a part of their time in missionary work. It is certainly gratifying to see the people engaged in the work which means a call for ministers to organize and complete the interest created by local missionary effort. All through the union there is activity, and people are sowing the seed, which it seems must bring, in the very near future, a bountiful harvest. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.9

Colporteur Work

One hundred seventy-three thousand nine hundred twenty-six dollars and forty-two cents’ worth of books have been placed in the hands of the people during this quadrennial period by our faithful colporteurs, and already churches have been raised up as the result of their labors. Many interests have been created where today people are calling for ministerial help. Too much can not be said in praise of the good accomplished by our books and magazines. There are approximately seventy-six colporteurs now engaged in selling books. The prospect for the future development of this line of the work is good. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.10

Academy

We have in our territory one academy, located at Hazel, Ky. It is managed by the Tennessee River Conference, but all students in the union are welcome to this school. There is no demand for an advenced school in this territory, and probably will not be for some time to come, or at least until the Southern Training School, located at Graysville, Tenn., is so crowded as to be obliged to refuse our students. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.11

Nashville Sanitarium Food Factory GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.12

The Nashville Sanitanirium Food Factory is supervised by the Southern Union Conference, and is located at Madisan, Tenn. This institution is of special benefit, in that it furnishes good food products, and also work for several of our people. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.13

Nashville Sanitarium

We regret to report the closing of the Nashville Sanitarium. Owing to its failure from the first pay expenses, running behind from two to five thousand dollars each year, we were obliged to discontinue operating the institution. It was closed by the full consent of the union conference committee and the local sanitarium board, after receiving advise from the Genaral Conference Finance Committee, which committee had carefully investigated the finances of the institution. It is, however, our determination to still carry on medical missionary work as best we can. What we have failed to do with an institution we will now endeavor to do without an institution. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.14

Miscellaneous Institutions

The Southern Publishing Association, Oakward Manual Training School, Madison Sanitarium and School, Hillcrest School, and others are located within our territory. These institutions are conducted in the interests of the whole South, being of a general character, and for this reason are not to be reported by me. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.15

Missions and Tithes

The people of this field, with all their heavy burdens of building churches and doing active missionary work, and in the face of devastating floods and failure of crops in some localities, ahve given to missions $24,225.29; and #10,716.86 of this amount was given during last year; the tithes amounted to $118,849.74. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.16

Evangelistic Work

Evangelistic work is being carried on actively in the cities of New Orleans, Birmingham, Jackson (Miss.), Memphis, Nashville, and Louisville. All these places have a small constituency, both white and colored. Efforts in these places are being made, with results that assure us that if the labor of the men now in the field can be supplemented by some additional help, these cities will soon be made strong centers of influence, and the Southern Union soon be self-supporting. There are many places in the South yet untouched. The city of Conington, just across from Cincinnati, in Kentucky, numbering about seven colored ordained and three licensed ministers. GCB May 25, 1913, page 129.17

The people of the South are today probably in a better condition to receive the truth than they have ever been before. It is time to strike, and to strike hard, and we wish to take this opportunity ti thank the General Conference, which has so kindly assisted with money and men to work this important field. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.1

PHOTO-OFFICE OF SOUTHERN PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION, NASHVILLE, TENN.

Our courage is good, and we are looking forward and working to the end of carrying this message speedily to the South, that we will all other faithful Seventh-day Adventists throughout the world, may see the day for which we have been looking and waiting,—the day of final triumph. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.2

S. E. WIGHT, President

REPORT OF SOUTHWESTERN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

I. H. Evans: Brother G. F. Watson will now render the report for the Southwestern Union Conference. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.3

G. F. Watson (reading):— GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.4

The territory of the Southwestern Union Conference comprises the States od Arkansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas. The Southwestern Union Conference was organized in 1902, with for conferences, but in 1909 the West Texas Conference was organized, and in 1911 the South Texas Conference was organized, thus dividing the State of Texas into three conferences; thus giving us six conferences in our union. We are not able to give the growth in membership, but at the present time our membership is 4,331. Ordained ministers, 25; licentiates, 18; missionary licentiates, 41. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.5

Finances

Our finaces have steadily increased during these years, as the following will show:— GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.6

The tithe for the years 1905-08 was $152,354.93; for the last four years, 1909-12, $208,961.58; a gain of $56,606.65, or $15.27 per capita. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.7

A comparative statement of our offerings to missions and institutions outside of our union also show a good increase. From 1905-08 we gave $11,055.66; from 1909-12, $113,258,58; a gain of $102,202.92. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.8

Literature Sales

Our faithful colporteurs and tract society secretaries have caused this branch of the work to climb to hill, along with the rest. When Brother R. L. Pierce, who is at the head of our branch house in Forth Worth, Tex., began to inquire about rates on car-load lots of book, not only the railroad men opened their eyes, but we as workers began to think that something was going to happen, and it did. The next year Brother Pieece ordered two car-loads of books shipped into our field. We would like to give you, year by year and conference by conference, how this branch of the work has climbed the hill, but time will not permit. Suffice it to say that during the years 1095-08 we sold $161,543.96 worth of literature, and from 1909-12, $309,580.28; a gain of $148,036.32, or an average gain per tear for eight years of $18,504.54. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.9

Educational Work

This branch of the great whole is receiving no little care and attention by those in charge, and the 1,347 students attending smoe one of the 46 schools in our union are being led our corps of God-fearing teachers and secretaries to look upon the giving of this message as the greatest thing in all the world. Thus a goodly number enter some branch of the cause of God yearly. Much attention is paid to the training of our older students to enter the field during the vacation as colpoteurs, and in this way many make their own way through school. Fifty bright young men and women left our Keene school to enter the field with our books this year, others taking up Bible work and tent work. The same spirit prevails in the intermediate schools throughout the uion. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.10

Some reverses have overtaken us during the past year in our school work. Early id February our broom shop was burned, which threw many of our young men out of employment, besides entailing a loss of $2,5000: But we erected in its stead a splendid modern broom factory, at a cost of two thousand dollars. We also erected a neat normal building, at a cost of five thousand dollars. Our water-supply had never been sufficient, but during the summer of 1912 we supplied this long-felt need, at a cost of two thousand dollars. We raised during the past year for these expenditures about fourteen thousand dollars. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.11

The Volunteer Work

The Missionary Volunteer work in our union is onward. The membership numbers 859. Our faithful secretaries are getting the work well in hand, and many of our young people are following up the Reading Courses outlined by the General Conference. One of our secretaries during the last nine months sold over $800 worth of the Reading Course books, and has delivered 103 certificates to those finishing the courses. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.12

This company of young people held, during the year 1912, 2,204 Bible readings and cottage meetings. They sold 20,628 papers, and gave away 60,165. They sold 1,250 of our deniminational books and 52,027 pages of tracts, and give away 131,769. They took 475 subscriptures for our periodicals. Books loaned and given away, 2,067. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.13

Offerings to goreign fields for the years 1909-12 amounted to $498.96; for home mission work, $258.22; for local work, $461; total, $1,218.18. Best of all, there were 180 conversions from the ranks of our young people. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.14

Work for the Colored

The work of this last message is not making rapid strided among the colored people of our union, but we hope that we are finding our bearings, and that same stakes are being driven “as a nail in a sure place.” One of these i our industrial school at Devalls Bluff, Ark. Here we have a forty-acre farm meagerly equipped for the training of workers to carry the glad news of the sooncoming Lord to their own people. The Oklahoma Conference has lately purchased a movable chapel, which serves a good purpose. The North Texas Conference has two new churches in process of erection. We hope for better days among the colored people our union. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.15

Sabbath-School Work

We thank God for the Sabbath-schools. We have 215 in our union, which not only afford Bible instruction for the more mature minds, but for the prattling child as well. The revenue from our Sabbath-schools reaches every Seventh-day Adventist mission in the world; and some of this comes from the Southwestern Union. From 1905-08 our schools gave $6,201 and from 1909-12, we gave $37,587, a gain of $31,286. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.16

There are mant points of interests to us in our field that might have been brought in, but our reports are so tame after hearing reports from other lands that silences is eloquence. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.17

G. F. WATSON, President

CENTRAL UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

I. H. Evans: The Central Union Conference will now report. Brother E. T. Russell. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.18

E. T. Russell (reading):— GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.19

Our territory is Nebraska, Missouri, Kansa, Colorado, Wyoming, and a small portion of the Black Hills of South Dakota, and it comprises the conferences of NEbraska, North and South Missouri, East and West Kansas, Volorado, West Colorado, and Wyoming. It has a total membership of about 8,400, with 247 churches and 30 companies. There are 62 ordained ministers, 30 licentiates, and 93 holding missionary licenses. In this class are included Bible workers, physicians, etc. It is safe that from 2,000 to 2,500 conversions have been reported during the four-year period. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.20

The total amount of trust or mission funds passed from the local conferences through the Central Union treasury during the past quadrennial period amounted to $265,623, and the total tithe receipts was $515,422. The total value of books sold and delivered was $375,000. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.21

This we consider a fairly good showing when we take into account that many of our field agents have been frequently changed, and at different times conferences have been without any one to take charge of the book work. The present outlook for the canvassing work in the Central Union is most excellent, as our sales thus far this year are about 138 per cent better than for the same period of 1912. GCB May 25, 1913, page 130.22

Educational Work

There are 53 church-schools, with a total enrolment of 870 pupils, and 5 intermediate schools, with 399 pupils enrolled. The general character of the instruction is excellent. While there are many children who, on account of being scattered, do not have church-school privileges, the general interest in educational matters is increasing, and teachers of experience and professional training are much needed. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.1

There are also two training-schools, Union College and the Clinton German Seminary. This year Union College had an enrolment of 309 college students and 120 in the normal department, making a total of 429. The German Seminary had an enrolment of 130, exclusive of the church-school or normal department, which had an enrolment of about 25. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.2

Union College has closed one of the most successful years of its history. Just before leaving for this Conference, I had the pleasure, as chairman of the board of management, of signing fifty-three diplomas. Of this number there were twenty for those who had completed the full college course. This is more than have ever before been graduated from this institution at one time. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.3

The German Seminary was purchased in 1909, and has had three successful years of operation, with a gradually growing attendance. When the building was bought, it was thought by some to be too large, but it is now evident that it will soon be too small to accommodate the gradually increasing number of students. Nearly all in attendance have a fixed purpose to prepare themselves for some place in the work of the Master. Fully fifty per cent of those in attendance this year will engage in some line of missionary effort during the vacation period. The past few months the seminary has enjoyed special blessings, both spiritual and financial, for which we are very thankful. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.4

Missionary Volunteer Work

The Missionary Volunteer work has been fostered by an excellent corps of State secretaries. The gathering of funds for missions has been a prominent factor in the work of the societies. The actual membership is not so great as it is possible to attain. The Volunteer institutes that have been held annually have stimulated the young people to make greater efforts to become active Christian workers. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.5

Sanitariums

We have four sanitariums under denominational management, and two private institutions. Our denominational institutions are as follows: Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, and Hastings. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.6

The Colorado Sanitarium is located at Boulder, Colo., and is under the management of the Central Union Conference. This institution is doing a good work in the training of laborers and also in treating the afflicted. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.7

PHOTO-The Colorado Sanitarium, Boulder, Colo.

The Kansas Sanitarium is located at Wichita, Kans., and is under the management of the Kansas Conferences. This institution is also enjoying fair prosperity. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.8

The Nebraska Sanitarium is located at College View, Nebr., a suburb of Lincoln, and the Hastings Sanitarium is located at Hastings, Nebr. Both of these institutions are enjoying a splendid patronage and are practically free from debt. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.9

Publishing Work

The International Publishing Association, at College View, Nebr., is doing a good, steady work, in the circulation of foreign literature in this country. Ten regular periodicals are issued, five being in German, three in Danish-Norwegian, and two in Spanish, all of which have increased steadily in circulation. Ten-cent magazines have been furnished in these languages for the past three years, with marked success. Books, Bibles, and tracts are handled in thirty-two languages. The total sales of all literature during the past four years have amounted to $141,590, or about thirty-five thousand dollars each year. About thirty employees are engaged in the work of this institution, and a good Christian spirit prevails among them. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.10

Work for the Blind

After the great fire at Battle Creek, the publication of the Christian Record, our paper for the blind, was transferred to College View, Nebr., and, while controlled by the General Conference, is under the supervision of the Central Union. It now has a circulation of about twenty-three hundred copies, and is issued monthly. It seems to be accomplishing a good work in enlightening the physically blind. Though sightless, many see the glorious message of the coming Saviour. Last year they purchased a building for their office, and are at present comfortably located in it. Aside from the paper, they are publishing many tracts treating on the message. I would recommend that the committee on plans take under advisement the bringing in of a recommendation looking towards the incorporation of the Christian Record, as many benevolently disposed people might feel desirous of assisting this branch of the work by deeds and legacies. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.11

Suffice it to say that nearly all lines of work are being carried forward in the Central Union in a strong way, except the religious liberty work, which has been somewhat neglected, as we have been without a secretary for some time. The past four years have been a period of deep anxiety to those in charge of the work, but it has also been a period marked with evidences of the special favor and blessing of God. And suffice it to say that at present we are of good courage in the final triumph of the advent message. GCB May 25, 1913, page 131.12

E. T. RUSSELL, President.

The meeting adjourned.

I. H. EVANS, Chairman;
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.