General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7
Division Conference Minutes
W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson
NORTH AMERICAN DIVISION CONFERENCE
Fourth Meeting
May 30, 4:15 P. M.
AT the close of the afternoon session of the General Conference, W. T. Knox called a short meeting of the North American Division Conference, and the following partial report was rendered by the nominating committee:— GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.8
After much earnest, prayerful, and careful consideration, your committee on nominations for officers for the North American Division Conference would respectfully submit the following partial report: For president, Elder I. H. Evans; for vice-president, Elder O. A. Olsen. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.9
Motion was made to adopt the report. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.10
A. G. Daniells: Four years ago, when we were considering the needs of the Asiatic field, we looked the proposition over very carefully. The brethren were greatly perplexed to know whom to send. We canvassed the subject for days, and finally reached a unanimous decision throughout the entire conference, everybody joining in the recommendation, that Elder Evans, the treasurer then, should go to that field, to take charge of the work. So we telegraphed for Elder Knox to know if we could secure him for the General Conference, as Elder Evans’s successor. He sent back a provisional reply of acceptance. We took that up, and finally Brother Evans went. He has been going over his field, adjusting, reorganizing, and putting things in shape. Personally, I felt great satisfaction in placing a man of Elder Evans’s experience in that field. But now that Elder Evans returns to America, we shall join hands in pressing the work in this country, and shall gird up our armor for Asia, and do our best for that great field. I can say for my associates and myself in the General Conference office that we accept the committee’s report, and we vote for it, we stand for it, and will help Brother Evans and his associates in this division in every way. This new conference has a big work to do. We must all unite earnestly to carry out its policies; for they are the policies of the General Conference. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.11
C. W. Flaiz (chairman of committee): I think perhaps I ought to state some of the reasons that led the committee to present the name that we have presented. In studying the field it appeared to the committee that we should have a man as president of the North American Division Conference who would be strong in evangelical lines; and, inasmuch as we are confronted with heavy financial responsibilities, it seemed to us that we should have a man who had had experience in financial affairs, large financial affairs; we felt it should be a man who could come near to local conference presidents, one who had had experience in that line, and on the General Conference Committee. In consideration of the fact that the resources for the mission fields abroad must largely come from this field, it was the opinion that it would be well if we could have a man who had had personal experience in the mission fields abroad. In looking over persons to fill and to meet these qualifications, our minds turned toward Elder Evans. Then we were confronted with the problem of eastern Asia, and the question was, Would it be better to let him remain in the foreign field, and serve the situation there, or would it be better to call him back to the base of supplies, and bring his large experience to bear on this great division conference, to develop its resources for the fields abroad. It was this question which has been perplexing the committee for several days past. Brother Evans’s large experience in financial affairs will be a great assistance to this new conference. Not only must we furnish largely of means for mission fields, but we must also train men for the fields. And so we need some one who can lead out strongly in evangelical lines. These are the considerations that have led us to select Elder Evans and present his name to this body. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.12
The report was unanimously adopted. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.13
The committee on plans and resolutions submitted the following partial report, recommending:— GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.14
1. That permanent headquarters for the North American Conference be secured in a central location, and that a locating committee of five members be appointed by this conference to secure data respecting suitable locations, and report to the executive committee of this conference. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.15
2. That we request the General Conference to provide temporary headquarters for this conference at its administrative office building in Takoma Park. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.16
3. That a close operating union be maintained between the officers and department secretaries of the General and North American Division Conferences during the formative period of this new division conference. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.17
4. That the General Conference be requested to accept the treasurer of the North American Division Conference as assistant treasurer of the General Conference until this conference removes its offices to a permanent location. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.18
5. That the General Conference be requested to accept the secretaries of the Publishing, Educational, Medical, Sabbath School, and Missionary Volunteer Departments as assistant secretaries of these respective departments of the General Conference. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.19
6. That the executive committee of this conference be authorized to organize a legal corporation in the District of Columbia, to hold real estate, to receive gifts and legacies, and to attend to all legal business which pertains to this organization. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.20
It was moved and seconded that the report be adopted with the understanding that it would appear in the BULLETIN to be considered at the next meeting. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.21
Meeting adjourned, I. H. Evans offering the closing prayer. GCB June 1, 1913, page 218.22
W. T. KNOX, Chairman;
GUY DAIL, Secretary.