General Conference Bulletin, vol. 7

18/161

Auditor’s Statement

W. A. Spicer, C. P. Bollman, C. C. Crisler, T. E. Bowen, H. E. Rogers, J. N. Anderson

TAKOMA PARK, WASHINGTON, D. C., April 25, 1913.

Elder W. T. Knox, Treasurer, GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.15

General Conference Association, S. D. A., GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.16

Takoma Park, D. C. GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.17

Dear Brother: Your accounting department has done faithful and honest work in recording the business of the association for the year 1912, and after careful examination of the books and accounts, which I find in balance, I am pleased to certify to the correctness of the statement herewith submitted. It correctly reveals the financial standing of the General Conference Association Dec. 31, 1912. GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.18

Respectfully submitted,
R. T. DOWSETT, Auditor.
(Continued from page twenty-three)

A total of receipts for the four years of $1,833,932.42, in contrast with $888,607.45 for the previous four years, a gain of $945,324.97. The total disbursements for the four years have been $1,668,428.49, as compared with the previous four years’ disbursements of $833,871.04, an increase of $834,557.45. GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.19

During this same period, there was received by the treasury on the $300,000 Fund, $177,999.30, the fund being closed July 1, 1912. Of this there was disbursed as follows:— GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.20

China$57,119.76
Japan1,414.34
Korea14,729.02
India29,039.68
Europe7,972.40
Australia1,000.00
South American Union14,000.00
Brazil4,500.00
West Africa1,500.00
West Indian Union4,500.00
Cuba300.00
Canadian Union571.23
Montreal church1,949.89
Total138,596.32
Balance39,402.98
$177,999.30

In the past, one of the perplexing problems of the denomination has been a proper provision for the care of the aged and infirm conference workers. During the fall council of 1910, the president plan, known as the Sustentation Fund, was adopted,—a fund created from five per cent of the tithe of all the conferences of America. Thus far the plan has afforded universal satisfaction, and has proved a great blessing to the denomination. Since it has been in operation, from Jan. 1, 1911, it has yielded $110,963.60; one hundred eighty-five ministers, Bible workers, and other conference laborers have regularly drawn their support from the fund, at an outlay of $103,538.16. Temporary assistance has been given to the amount of $3,801.07. From the rapidly increasing demands made upon the fund, it is evident that it will be necessary in the near future to raise the per cent of tithe devoted to this work. GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.21

We have in this report much to encourage us. The funds connected with our evangelistic work are all in healthy condition. Much of the heavy financial pressure of the past years has been removed. With this there comes to our brethren in distant and difficult fields a feeling of security that has not always characterized their labors. This is as it should be. But, without doubt, this Conference will give voice to many pleas that should be granted, and if they are, they will call for still greater outlay, all of which should only confirm us in the faith in which we hold the message, but will necessitate greater devotion and liberality than in the past, in order that not only every opportunity to advance the kingdom of God may be improved to the full, but also that every phase of our denominational finance may be properly cared for. W. T. KNOX. GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.22

“Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honor preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord.” GCB May 18, 1913, page 30.23