Why These Constant Changes? by A. G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 25, 1910

Why These Constant Changes?

By A. G. Daniells

Some of our people who read the brief notes in the REVIEW, telling of the removal of some of our leading men from one country to another, and from one department of our work to another, can not understand why so many changes are made. Here and there we find persons who attribute the changes either to fickleness on the part of the administrative boards or to unfitness or inefficiency on the part of the men who are changed. Some consider the expense involved in these changes as so much loss.

The true explanation for the most of these changes is that we are connected with a living, growing movement. If our cause were dead, or paralyzed, few changes would be required. But inasmuch as it is constantly developing, creating and filling new openings, entering new fields, launching new enterprises and institutions, we are compelled to move experienced and efficient men from one country to another, and from one position of responsibility to another. And it often occurs that the removal of one man who is called to some special work, makes it necessary to change the place or the work of several others. No one regrets these changes more than the managing boards and committees; for they are usually accompanied with many perplexities.

Early this spring it seemed best, after extended consideration of the matter, to request Prof. Frederick Griggs to take the presidency of Union College. Professor Griggs was then secretary of the Educational Department of our cause. For several years he had given his time and energies to the upbuilding of the educational work. The Lord had blessed his efforts; and at the recent General Conference session, he had been placed at the head of that department for another term of four years. It was with great reluctance that the committee consented to release him for the work of a local institution, but it was done to meet the pressing needs of the hour.

This change led to the transfer of Prof. H. R. Salisbury from the presidency of the Foreign Mission Seminary to the secretaryship of the Educational Department, and also to the appointment of Prof. J. L. Shaw to fill Professor Salisbury’s place in the Seminary.

A short time ago the Loma Linda College of Medical Evangelists was launched in Southern California. Dr. W. A. Ruble, secretary of the Medical Missionary Department, was called to the presidency of this college. There was no other consistent thing for the General Conference Committee to do but to let the doctor go. It was well known that it would be very difficult to fill his place in the department, and this has not yet been done.

Within a few days other important changes have seemed absolutely necessary. For more than a year we have been endeavoring to secure a superintendent for the India Mission Field. Professor Shaw, who had held that position for eight or nine years, was recalled on account of failing health. For months he seemed to make little improvement, but in time he began to gain. Last spring he seemed well enough to lead us to venture to place him at the head of the Foreign Mission Seminary. He has been blessed in his preparation for the next year’s work of the Seminary. But now, when it seems impossible to secure a suitable man to take charge of the work in India, Professor Shaw and his courageous wife volunteer to return to India. After much careful study and earnest prayer, it has been decided that they return, and they sailed August 24. We urge all our people to pray earnestly for Brother Shaw’s complete restoration to health.

This change has made it necessary to secure a new president for the Foreign Mission Seminary. Prof. M. E. Kern, secretary of the Missionary Volunteer Department, has been elected to this position. It is not thought best by the General Conference Committee to release Professor Kern from the secretaryship of the Missionary Volunteer Department. The assistant secretary, Sister Matilda Erickson, has been with the department from the first, and will be able, with Brother Kern’s general supervision, to carry on the work very efficiently. While they will not be able to carry out all the aggressive plans they have outlined for the coming year, they will be able to make reasonable headway in their work.

While we sometimes regret the necessity for making some of these changes, involving perplexity and expense, we are really glad and rejoice that we are connected with a constantly developing movement that requires such activity.

A. G. Daniells.