General Conference Bulletin, vol. 5
European General Conference
L. R. CONRADI
REPORT BY THE PRESIDENT, L. R. CONRADI
REORGANIZATION
The great issue two years ago was the reorganization of the individuals, as well as of the great field entrusted to them. A memorial was submitted at that meeting outlining a more suitable organization of the great European field. The General Conference approving the plan, we laid it before our brethren in the various conferences of Europe, and all entered heartily into the effort to bring it about. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.1
In order to unite all the German fields. German Switzerland was, by unanimous vote, separated from the Latin field, and formed into a conference. The former German Conference was subdivided into two conferences and two mission fields. Russia was also divided into two mission fields. The three conferences thus formed, with these five mission fields, united as the German Union Conference, at Friedensau, July 22, 1901. On the same date delegates from the three Scandinavian conferences and the two mission fields formed the Scandinavian Union Conference. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.2
EUROPEAN GENERAL CONFERENCE
Next day the above two Unions, with the British and Central European Conferences, and also the Oriental Mission Field, formed the European General Conference. An executive committee of thirteen members, representing the five fields and the different departments of work, was chosen. London was designated as headquarters, and the necessary arrangement was made for the support of its chief officers by setting aside the tithe of the income of the five Union fields. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.3
The benefits of this reorganization may be summed up as follows:—
1. A stronger committee to oversee the work in Europe and the adjoining portions of Asia and Africa.
2. Greater union of the different nationalities.
3. An increased missionary spirit to push out into fields beyond.
4. A more careful oversight of the financial welfare of the different institutions and conferences.
5. A marked growth both in means and members.
By breaking up these immense fields into smaller divisions, more of our people reaped the advantages of general meetings, and became better acquainted with the needs and the manner of our work. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.4
FURTHER STEPS
September 27 Southern Russia was organized as a conference. From May 15 to 25, 1902, a second session of the European General Conference was held in London, and we were glad to see not only delegates from all portions of Europe, and also from portions of Africa and Asia, but to welcome quite a delegation from America. The greatness of the field opened up as never before. At this meeting the European General Conference Committee was enlarged to fifteen members. During the visit of these brethren, the Latin field was so reorganized that France, with the French-speaking portion of Belgium, formed a mission field, Italy another, and the Central European Conference was restricted to French Switzerland, while Spain, Portugal, and French North Africa were to form the Latin-Union Mission Field. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.5
In August, 1902, at Leeds. England was divided into two conferences, the North England and South England. Scotland, Ireland, and Wales were organized as distinct missions, and the five together formed the British Union Conference. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.6
Another profitable council of the European General Conference Committee was held that summer at Friedensau, where, on the Sabbath, not less than twenty-two nationalities were assembled to worship. During the winter a Scandinavian Union treasury was formed. Southern Germany was organized as a conference, also Rhenish Prussia: while Austria. Hungaria, and the Balkan States form now three distinct mission fields, instead of one. In Russia the native Russians were set apart as a special mission field. Egypt and the Orient were also better organized. The European General Conference to-day has three Union Conferences and two general mission fields, and in its territory there are now twelve conferences, with fifteen mission fields, under local conference direction. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.7
SCANDINAVIAN UNION CONFERENCE
This field has by far the smallest population of our five European Unions, yet it exceeds that of the Central and Pacific together. And while these two have some 325 workers, there are 35 in Scandinavia. But even then it is, pro rata, the best supplied field in Europe, and contains the oldest conferences,—Denmark, organized in 1880; Sweden, 1882; and Norway, 1887. Finland and Iceland constitute separate missions. The Scandinavian field has passed through quite a commercial and industrial crisis during the last few years, and this accounts partly for the small gain in membership,—some fifty members. Several hundred have been baptized, but on account of the unfavorable financial condition, a number emigrated; others apostatized. The membership July 1 was 2,125. Quite a number of their 75 churches and companies are in cities, and, in fact, there are churches in all the important cities. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.8
Notwithstanding the continued financial crisis in Norway, and the entire failure of last year’s crop throughout the north of Scandinavia, the tithe has increased by $2,000, the tithe last year being $13,733, and the offerings $1,700. Denmark has entirely ridded itself of its former heavy indebtedness, and Norway nearly so. The most encouraging feature is the canvassing work. About 75 canvassers are steadily at work, last year’s sales amounting to $33,000. Sweden is especially strong in this line. Matters in the Christiania publishing house have been so arranged that sufficient rent comes in to cover the interest on the mortgages and the running expenses. They have two good presses, and if, by the cooperation of the United States, more work could be furnished, the house could easily be kept. They expect to make the last payment by June, so that they can assume full legal control of the property by the time of their conference. The medical mission in the old building is doing fairly well. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.9
Since the separation from Christiania, the Swedish publishing work has in a short time accumulated sufficient capital to cover its book-stock. Their statement of Feb. 28, 1902, shows $4,338 present value. GCB April 6, 1903, page 92.10
The Helsingfors (Finland) publishing house is getting into a far better condition under its present management, having $3,000 capital, and, with a little additional help, has sufficient means to keep a good book-stock. Finland has now its own general agent. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.1
In Iceland Brother Ostlund reports a circulation of 1,800 for his journal, and last fall we sent him good help in a Swedish worker. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.2
The Skodsborg (Denmark) Sanitarium shows an increasing patronage. Last year’s income was nearly $30,000. By gifts and earnings, their real capital now amounts to $14,000, on a total investment of over $70,000. But with the present patronage, careful management can soon place this institution on a sounder financial basis. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.3
The Frederikshavn school building has also been converted into a sanitarium, and since Dr. Nelson has taken charge of its work, there is some prospect of making that property pay. The loss, about $1,700, is lessening, but some help should be rendered them, until they secure sufficient patronage to fully cover expenses. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.4
Scandinavia suffers most from the lack of educational advantages. Sweden has a school farm, and this, with some other conference property, presents a paid-up capital of $6,000. A school with some 30 pupils has been carried on here, and with the contemplated changes this will be merged into a regular missionary training school. Norway and Denmark are also awakening to the fact that they need a school, and experienced educators are not lacking. The people throughout the Scandinavian field feel grateful for the great sacrifice made in behalf of Christiania and Skodsborg. They also appreciate the help sent them in Elders Christiansen, Anderson, O. Johnson, and P. A. Hansen, the latter being the president of the Union. The plans are laid that the three conferences not simply sustain their own workers, but also help to sustain those in Finland and Iceland. But the stringent financial condition demands, for the present, financial aid from without, about $2,500 for their gospel work; and the institutions should be strengthened by special donations of the Scandinavians in the United States. Considered as a whole, the situation is much improved, and the prospects are good for a greater growth in the near future. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.5
BRITISH UNION CONFERENCE
The British Union Conference is the smallest as to size, and the fourth as to population, in the European field, yet it exceeds in population that of the two strongest American Unions—Atlantic and Lake—put together. The last biennial period has witnessed a more complete organization and proper division of the field. A strong conference is being developed in North England, a good foothold has been gained in Scotland, and a number of large churches have been established throughout Great Britain. There are now churches in such centers as Glasgow, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Belfast, Southampton, Hull, Bath, Cardiff, etc., also some five in London itself. Edinburgh is being entered, and a strong campaign is planned the coming tent season. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.6
The membership has increased from 862 to 1,028, of which 464 are in the South England Conference, 336 in the North England Conference, 119 in Ireland, 67 in Wales, and 52 in Scotland. They report 38 ministerial workers for forty-two millions of people. Their tithe has increased from $10,117 in 1900 to $12,636 in 1902. Their offerings last year were $904.74. Their book canvassing work has been greatly strengthened and encouraged by efficient help from the United States. The report shows 65 engaged in it, and the result proves that Great Britain is as good a field for the book work as the United States. The retail price of book sales for 1901 and 1902 amounts to $52,627. Another encouraging feature is the large circulation of the paper “Present Truth.” The circulation has increased from 17,106 copies weekly in 1901 to 20,548 in 1902. About 75 persons engage wholly in its sale; the various conferences assist this work financially as far as necessary. Our publishing house in London shows for the biennial period $129,894 worth of sales, retail value. While it has but few facilities, yet these, as well as its large stock of books, are paid for. It still operates in rented quarters, and they prove more and more inadequate. Steps have been taken to extend the lease one year longer, and meanwhile to find a suitable location in the country about London where the publishing and educational work can be carried on unitedly. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.7
A successful training-school has been established in London. Professor Salisbury being in charge. I found about 70 promising students in attendance, some 20 of these from the United States; they earn their way, at least partly, by canvassing in this large city. The school this year is being conducted in a large room at Holloway Hall; teachers and pupils have become accustomed to the noise of the busy street so near to them. Our people in Great Britain have thus far sold 2,500 “Object Lessons,” the canvassers as many more, and thus about $3,000 have been secured toward the purchase of a suitable property for a school. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.8
HEALTH WORK
This branch has made rapid strides. Dr. A. Olsen, who has been fully qualified as physician in Great Britain, has given considerable attention to it. By personal effort with, and outside of, our people, he secured sufficient subscribers to warrant the issue of “Good Health.” Its first number appeared in November, 1901, and its monthly circulation is already 40,875. This prepared for another and greater step, the securing of suitable property for a sanitarium. Considerable time was spent in searching for a location, and last fall such a location was found at Caterham, about 30 miles south of the center of London, yet of easy access. I visited the place on my way here, and personally felt that it is well located and a good bargain. It is only five minutes from the railway station, and at the upper end of Caterham, a town of 9,000 population. The bathrooms are in good condition, and there are 25 well-furnished rooms to receive patients at once. But very few repairs are needed, and but few additional facilities needed to begin with. Our people in the United Kingdom responded nobly to the call to raise their $5,000, making nearly $6.00 a member, as Ireland was exempted. They have already taken possession of the property, fully paying for it. Three trustees hold it until the Health Association is incorporated, which will hold it for, and subject to, the British Union Conference. Dr. Bell having also qualified in Ireland, our brethren there accepted our advice, during our visit, and rented suitable quarters for a health home at Belfast, and favorable reports reach us from there. Our people raised the means for the necessary equipment, and the prospects are bright to meet the current expenses. GCB April 6, 1903, page 93.9
A still more favorable opening was presented at our committee meeting in February, at Leicester, North England. A gentleman who owned a hydropathic institution, hearing of our work, offered the same to us free of charge; all we need to furnish and care for is the necessary medical help. Our brethren in Great Britain have requested me to present to this body the following action on their part:— GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.1
ACTION OF THE BRITISH UNION CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Whereas, Our American brethren have generously responded to our call for $10,000, which, with our donation of $5,000, enables us to secure a well-furnished sanitarium absolutely free from the burden of debt for the British field; therefore, be it,— GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.2
Resolved. That we, the members of the British Union Conference Committee, in behalf of the British Union Conference, express our deep feeling of gratitude and hearty thanks to our brethren in American for their generous gift in providing two-thirds of the cost of our sanitarium, and that we give praise and thanks to our kind heavenly Father for the great blessing, and encouragement, and success that have followed this enterprise; and be it further,— GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.3
Resolved, That we request Elder L. R. Conradi to present this resolution to the General Conference, and, in our behalf, express our heartiest sense of gratefulness for their kind sympathy and liberal support given to us. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.4
O. A. OLSEN, Pres. British Union Conference. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.5
All rejoiced in the deep interest taken in supplying this important field with efficient help. Brother W. C. Sisley is doing efficient work as manager of the London publishing house, and as treasurer of the European General Conference. Brother H. R. Salisbury has the school. Elder E. E. Andross is in charge of the North England Conference; Elder A. F. Ballenger, of Wales: Elder W. A. Westworth, of Scotland; and Elder Wm. Hutchinson, of Ireland. Dr. E. J. Waggoner has charge of the South England Conference, but, in view of his many duties in the editorial room and school, the brethren hope that some one will be supplied from America for that important work. Elder O. A. Olsen has, since Brother W. W. Prescott’s departure, had charge of the British field, and I am glad to report that his physical condition has been much improved. While he feels a special burden for the Scandinavian work, he is willing to labor in any part of the world, where his services are most needed. He sends greetings to this General Conference, wishing us God’s richest blessings. In case Elder Olsen should leave, his place needs to be filled. A strong help is needed in Ireland, also an efficient worker for London is called for. As so large a number of workers have lately arrived from the States, the financial assistance called for is necessarily greater than in the past, but the returns will soon free this, to assist in supplying a still greater force of laborers, both from the native field and from abroad. They ask for an appropriation of $9,000 for the half year beginning July 1, 1903, but a good share of this is covered by the help rendered from American conferences, especially the California. When we consider the importance of Great Britain, not simply as such, but its influence on its immense colonies, and remember how much of true missionary spirit there exists in it, we must at once see that we should redouble our energies in order to develop the resources of that country, and sound the message with power, so that from its shores help can be supplied to the hundreds of millions in India, Africa, and other territories under British rule. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.6
GERMAN UNION CONFERENCE
The German Union Conference is the largest and most populous field in the European General Conference. Its size, population, and real wants will, perhaps, better be appreciated if I state that the other four fields of Europe and the seven Unions in the United States would find room in its territory, and their combined population would be twenty-five millions less than the 255 millions of the German Union Conference. How promising this immense field is may best be seen by the fact that, though the youngest child of the three European Union Conferences, and though having less workers and means at its command than the four Union fields combined, yet its membership already constitutes the larger half. During 1902 there were 911 members added, raising the total membership of the Union to 4,256, against about 3,300 in 1900. The Union embraces the German, Russian, and Austria-Hungarian Empires, German Switzerland, Roumania, Bulgaria, Holland, Luxemburg, Flemish Belgium, Servia, and Montenegro, and, with the exception of the four last named, the work has been begun in every one of these countries. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.7
GERMANY
In the German Empire, with its fifty-six and one-half millions of souls, we have now four organized conferences:— GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.8
1. East German—Population, 21,000,000; members, 1,037; tithe, $7,209; working force, 3 ordained ministers, 3 licentiates, and 10 Bible-workers. In this field is Berlin, with two and one-half millions, and a score of large cities. In nearly all of these we have churches. In the whole conference are 42 churches. We have 75 canvassers at work, under three general agents. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.9
2. West German—Population, 17,000,000; members, 805, in 27 churches; tithe, about $7,600: working force, 4 ministers, 2 licentiates, 17 Bible-workers, and 50 canvassers. In this conference all our leading institutions are located, the publishing house at Hamburg, the school and sanitarium at Friedensau. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.10
3. Southern German—Population, 12,800,000; members, 268, in 13 churches, embracing the largest cities, as Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Karlsruhe, Stratzburg, Damstadt, etc. The tithe was $3,252; ministers, 2; licentiates, 4; Bible-workers, 5; canvassers, 15. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.11
4. Rhenish Prussia—Comprises the province thus named, with a population of 5,760,000; membership, 232, in 7 churches; tithe, about $2,378. This is the manufacturing center of Germany, the most thickly populated and prosperous district. Here the truth first took root, over thirty years ago. They have but 1 minister; licentiates, 2; Bible-workers, 2; canvassers, 25. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.12
This gives a total for Germany of 89 churches and companies; 2,342 members; tithe, $20,439; offerings, $2,877; total, $23,316. Though the truth has entered 30 cities out of 33, with a population of 100,000, yet we have only 10 ordained ministers. Four of these are presidents, and one the head teacher at Friedensau. Four of these are natives, Elders Pieper, Frauchiger, G. Schubert, O. Liepke, only Elder Weber being from the United States. GCB April 6, 1903, page 94.13
GERMAN SWITZERLAND
The population of this conference is 2,300,000. Since this field has been separated from the French portion there has been a marked growth in members and means. Elder J. Bottcher has at present charge of this conference. There are now 290 members, as against 200 eighteen months ago. They have now 8 churches, in the largest cities, such as Zurich, Basel, Bern, St. Gallen. It has 2 ministers, 2 licentiates, and 2 Bible-workers; tithe, $1,989; offerings, $260. GCB April 6, 1903, page 95.1
RUSSIA
Russia, with its 130,000,000 of souls, is now subdivided into 3 portions: (1) South Russian Conference, embracing the German-speaking colonies in the south and east, numbering about 1,000,000. There are 787 members, in 30 churches, all in country settlements. There are now 2 ministers, 2 licentiates, and 1 Bible-worker. Its tithe, amounting to $1,752, has thus far fallen short of supporting the few workers employed. We regret that Elder J. Lobsack, its president, has been sick for several years, and his place should be supplied. This, and considerable emigration, have much retarded the progress of the conference. (2) The Northern Russian Mission Field takes in the Germans, Esthonians, Lettonians, Poles, etc., in the Baltic Provinces, and Northwestern Russia, about 14,000,000. We have churches in St. Petersburg, Riga, Reval, Libau, etc. There are now 280 members. It has but 1 ordained minister, Elder D. Gade, 2 licentiates, and 3 Bible-workers. Their tithe was $1,016. (3) The Central Russian Mission Field embraces the Russian-speaking people of over 100,000,000. Thus far we have encountered great difficulties, of every nature, in getting this work properly and effectually organized. We lacked men who could speak that tongue, and who were also rooted and grounded in present truth. While there are properly 500 Sabbath-keepers in that tongue, yet we only report 221 members; tithe received was only $144. The tithing and health reform are some of the great obstacles; another, that we could not meet with them as with the others. Two of our German-speaking brethren who understand Russian have been ordained for this work, and we are gaining ground. Before leaving Europe, we had the joy in sending a native brother, who has for some time been attending our training-school at Friedensau, back to that country, and several others are at school now. Russia should surely receive more attention, and more help and means should be furnished to their field. Some attention ought to be given to the Armenians in the Trans-Caucasus. Russia rules already one-half of ancient Armenia, and it is only a question of time till she must annex the rest. GCB April 6, 1903, page 95.2
HOLLAND AND FLEMISH BELGIUM
Holland and Flemish Belgium, with a population of 8,000,000, form another mission field. For a while the work seemed very prosperous, and the March report, 1902, showed 240 Sabbath-keepers in that field. On my way to London I learned, for the first time, that some queries had been raised on our position as to the 2,300 days, and our exposition of the sanctuary question. To my astonishment, I found that Elder Klingbeil, who had been in charge, was also involved. Being but a new field, and the national feeling playing quite a part, and nearly all the workers involved, the enemy naturally had a better chance. Over 150 left us, but it was not long until the so highly praised “new light” ended in their forsaking the Sabbath, and even some defending anew the papal institution of the power of darkness. But a number of honest souls have rallied, about 50 are with us, and we have four workers there. The tithe is $731. Elder H. F. Schuberth, the vice-president of our German Union, has temporary charge of the field, until some one of experience can be secured who understands the Dutch. A good interest is reported at Amsterdam, the largest city. GCB April 6, 1903, page 95.3
AUSTRO-HUNGARIA
In this large empire work is just beginning. The most progress has thus far been made in Hungaria. Of its 19,250,000, about 9,000,000 speak Hungarian; nearly 3,000,000, Roumanian; 2,250,000, German; and the rest, different Slavonic dialects. Our 133 members are divided between these different nationalities. Elder Hunergardt preaches in both Hungarian and German. We have lately sent Elder Mathe there, and there are two native Bible-workers. They report $610 tithe. In Austria Elder Lorenz has raised up a church of 20 members, inc Prague, and since fall we have a licentiate working in Vienna, the capital. Some are interested, and one has taken a stand. As Elder Lorenz feels obliged to return to this country, on account of sickness in his family, Elder Mathe will have to take his place. There are 47,000,000 of people, and all we have are five workers. GCB April 6, 1903, page 95.4
THE BALKAN STATES
At our Union meeting at Friedensau, Elder G. Perk was sent from Germany to take charge of this mission held, its population being some 12,500,000. As he knows the Russian language, he can understand the Bulgarian and Servian. He located at Bucharest, the leading city, and a company is developing there. Brother A. Seefried, who labored ten years as a Bible colporter in Albania, Bulgaria, and elsewhere, is now moving to Philipopel, the chief town of Roumelia. There are now 90 members in this field, and five workers; tithe, $127. GCB April 6, 1903, page 95.5
Besides these fields, our Union sustains a ship mission in the Hamburg harbor, in which brethren Christensen and Fintel are doing good service. Glancing over the figures, one can easily see that the main responsibility of supporting this work falls, naturally, on the four conferences in Germany and German Switzerland. Though having 60,000,000 of people in their own border, and numbering about 2,600, yet they gladly turned over to the Union $6,300 in regular tithe, second tithe, and offerings, to be used in these mission fields, leaving them $19,000 for their own wants. But they did not stop there, but, at the annual meeting last winter, they donated over $1,200 to open up a mission in German EAst Africa. In the mission fields we raised $5,250, making, with the $2,500 appropriation from the Mission Board, over $13,000 for the 195,000,000 in the mission fields, the ship mission, and the Union officers. GCB April 6, 1903, page 95.6
“Be strong and of a good courage: for unto this people shalt thou divide for an inheritance the land, which I sware unto their fathers to give them.” GCB April 6, 1903, page 95.7
“Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the seal for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.” GCB April 6, 1903, page 95.8