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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 11, 1910

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 87, No. 32.

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Our Work for the Cities—No. 2

By A. G. Daniells

In order to give the work to be done in our cities and the methods by which to do it, thorough, practical study, a council of workers was held in New York City, July 7-13. The attendance was larger and more general than those who called the council had hoped to secure. The following representatives were present from various conferences:—
General Conference: A. G. Daniells, G. B. Thompson, H. R. Salisbury, O. A. Olsen, Dr. D. H. Kress, Dr. Lauretta Kress, M. E. Kern.
Atlantic Union: W. B. White, O. Montgomery, W. H. Holden, H. C. Hartwell, R. D. Quinn, J. W. Lair, H. W. Carr, C. S. Longacre, F. M. Dana, R. J. Bryant, H. C. White, C. L. Kilgore, F. C. Gilbert.
Columbia Union: B. G. Wilkinson, W. H. Heckman, B. F. Kneeland, W. G. Kneeland.
Greater New York: L. W. Graham, J. K. Humphrey, O. O. Bernstein, A. V. Cotton, L. Klebahn, E. A. Merrell, A. Boettcher, M. L. Andreasen.
New England Sanitarium: G. B. Starr, Mrs. G. B. Starr.
During the first part of the council the question that pressed upon us most heavily was the greatness of the work to be done. This seemed so stupendous that it well-nigh paralyzed us for a time. But as we turned our attention to the different phases of the work to be carried on, and the most practical and successful methods that can be employed in doing the work, light and courage came into our minds and hearts.
The more carefully we studied the details of these great problems, the more clearly we came to realize how poorly we understood them and our need of the very council we were holding. The various lines and methods of work considered might be summarized as follows:— Public meetings in halls and tents, and open-air services in parks and streets; Bible work; medical missionary work; distribution of literature; the use of newspapers and magazines; how to start and operate missions; how to advertise to the best advantage; how to secure large contributions; how to obtain the co-operation of the brethren and sisters in the localities in which the meetings are held; methods in conducting public services; and the selection of suitable workers.
When the representatives had concluded the general study of the questions which had brought them together, the affairs of the council were turned over to the Eastern section of the committee on evangelistic work in our cities. This committee adopted the following recommendations:—
Whereas, The most urgent and positive instruction has come to us through the spirit of prophecy that a strong, aggressive, and well-organized work should be carried forward in our large cities, a number of the cities in the Eastern part of the United States being specially mentioned; therefore,—
1. Resolved, That we most heartily respond to this instruction by immediately laying broad and definite plans for the prosecution of this neglected work.
Whereas, In order successfully to carry forward this work, there is need of many trained workers to enter these populous and unworked cities; therefore,—
2. We recommend, (a) That training-schools be opened in New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, and such other cities as may seem best; (b) that wherever these schools are opened, there be carried forward evangelistic work, Bible readings in the homes of the people, the selling of our magazines and other periodicals, the distribution of leaflets and tracts, the scattering of printed abstracts of sermons delivered in halls and tents, and medical missionary work by trained nurses connected with the schools.
3. We recommend, That the local conferences in the Atlantic and Columbia Union conferences be urged to take hold of the work in the cities within their territory; that their strongest and most experienced workers be located in the large centers of population; that plans be laid for aggressive campaigns; and that, as far as consistent, there be associated with these experienced workers mature persons of less experience, to receive a training for work in the cities.
4. We recommend, That the executive committees of the Atlantic and Columbia union conferences, and of the local conferences within these unions, be asked so to arrange their administrative plans that they may give the work in the cities within their borders special attention, so that the presidents of these conferences may be left free to lead out in organizing and developing this work in harmony with the plans laid by the General Conference Committee.
Whereas, The work of carrying our message to these large cities is one of great importance, attended with great difficulties and is a work from a human standpoint entirely beyond our power to accomplish; and,—
Whereas, The magnitude of this work calls upon us as a people to awake to our great responsibility, and more fully to consecrate ourselves to the service and work of God; therefore,—
5. We suggest to the General Conference Committee that Sabbath, August 20, be appointed as a day of fasting and prayer in all the churches of the United States and Canada; and we earnestly request our people to pray that the special blessing and power of the Lord may attend this work at this time, and that wisdom may be given to carry forward the work of the third angel's message among the millions gathered in our cities.
6. Resolved, That immediate steps be taken to proclaim our message to the masses in the cities by means of inexpensive and specially prepared leaflets, and by articles in the daily press.
7. We recommend, That a Bible training-school for foreign workers be established in Greater New York or vicinity.
8. We recommend to the General Conference that Brother A. Boettcher be ordained to the gospel ministry.
9. In view of the great work to be undertaken in the large cities of the East to carry the truth to the unwarned millions, the Eastern committee on city work would respectfully request the General Conference Committee to make appropriations as follows to assist in the training of workers in these great centers of population:— English training-school in New York ............... $5,000.00 Foreign training-school in Greater New York or vicinity 4,500.00 English training-school in Boston .................. 4,500.00 Small German training-school in Buffalo ............ 2,000.00 English training-school in Philadelphia ............ 4,500.00 Jersey City and Newark ............................ 2,000.00 Portland, Maine .................................... 1,000.00 Manchester, N. H. .................................. 1,000.00 Total ............................................. $24,500.00
Recommendation 5 suggests to the General Conference Committee the appointment of a day of fasting and prayer in behalf of the work now to be done in our cities. Acting upon this suggestion, the General Conference Committee has appointed Sabbath, September 17, to be observed as a day of fasting and special prayer for the success of our city work.
Other important considerations regarding this call to work our cities will be presented next week.
A. G. DANIELLS.