General Conference Proceedings
Elder G. A. Irwin in the chair.
Prayer was offered by Elder W. J. Stone. On motion to adopt, the partial report of the committee on plans (Resolutions 28 to 30) was taken up. Resolution 28* (on advanced normal diplomas) was read, action being deferred until the secretary of the Educational Department should be present. Resolution 29 (on the study and circulation of the book “Education”) was read. G. B. Starr read a portion of a letter from a lady connected with the educational work in Australia, the wife of one of the members of a scientific party now on an expedition toward the south pole. In the letter she spoke appreciatively of the book “Education.” The lady is now keeping the Sabbath. Chas. Thompson: I sincerely hope that this resolution will not simply be passed and then forgotten. I fear a great many of our own people fail to appreciate this wonderful book, for in the homes where I visited, I find that it is not generally in the library. The chapter called “The School of the Hereafter” is the most wonderful piece of literature I have ever perused. Professor Griggs: I wish to suggest a verbal change in the wording, changing “possess themselves of” to “secure.” The change was accepted, and the resolution was adopted. G. A. Irwin: The educational secretary is now here. We deferred Resolution 28 until his arrival. Frederick Griggs: There was a little amendment to be made to that, but I do not have it with me just at the present time. I move that this resolution be laid on the table. Resolution 30 was read, as follows:— “CHRIST’S OBJECT LESSONS”
Whereas, “Christ’s Object Lessons” was given for the relieving of our schools from indebtedness; and,—
Whereas, It has already accomplished a great work in this direction to the extent of securing some three hundred thousand dollars; and,—
Whereas, It has been some seven or eight years since we conducted a general campaign with this book; therefore,— 30. Resolved, That the Department of Education be instructed to organize and vigorously prosecute such a campaign, similar in purpose and plan to that formerly undertaken for our advanced and intermediate schools, and that we urge our conference committees everywhere to heartily co-operate in this undertaking. O. A. Olsen: I am glad to see this. Over in the Australasian field we took our quota for the Avondale School. The New Zealand Conference was the first one to finish, and the other conferences followed. Then there was need of more schools. New Zealand started out. They raised about $10,000 in cash, and then set themselves to sell 6,000 copies of “Object Lessons,” and they have done it. West Australia is now selling an edition for their own school. The Victoria Conference has passed a motion to sell a 10,000 edition for a new school enterprise.7 J. W. Lair: If it means that we are to do what some of our conferences did in the last campaign, I am opposed to it. I was in West Virginia when this campaign was launched, and I remember the experience that conference went through by purchasing the books, and leaving the conference in debt. Now it seems to me the plan that ought to be inaugurated is a cash basis,—the conference order books only as it receives orders for them. F. Griggs: This does not say that the same plan is to be inaugurated. It says it is to be similar. The real thought of the resolution is that the book shall be used in an energetic way; that earnest campaigns shall be made for the benefit of the schools now in debt, and the establishment of other schools. It does not, however, contemplate the idea of these funds being applied to the establishment and development of church-schools. All methods of conducting such a campaign should be taken under consideration, and where we failed before, improvement should be made at this time. A. G. Haughey: We have had some rich experiences in handling “Christ’s Object Lessons.” In West Michigan we enjoyed this whole experience of selling our quota. Chas. Thompson: It seems, from the discussion, that in order for a school to enter into the campaign, it must be in debt. I wish to inquire whether a school that is not in debt may share in the benefits of the campaign in its territory? The Chairman: I understand so. Also, it may be used for the starting of new school enterprises. It seems to me that Elder Olsen, in his remarks, explained the real workings of it. B. F. Kneeland: I understand, then, that this resolution does not apply where States have already sold their quota of “Object Lessons.” The Chairman: No, not unless they desire to do something in addition to what they have already done. B. F. Kneeland: I speak of this, because we have already inaugurated another campaign for the sale of “Ministry of Healing.” The Chairman: Then you would not be obligated by the passage of this resolution. A. R. Ogden: The real motive is to encourage the continuous sale of the wonderful book, “Object Lessons,” which the people everywhere should have. F. Griggs: I am afraid that the object of this resolution is not fully understood. Now it is not the idea of this resolution that there should be desultory campaigns with this book, but, rather, that a general campaign be entered into, similar in purpose to that which was conducted formerly. We must plan carefully a well-organized campaign, and see to it, if possible, that our schools are freed from debt. The vote resulted in 48 for and 28 against the resolution. At this point an address to the President of the United States, to be presented by a deputation, was read and adopted.
H. R. Salisbury moved the adoption of Resolutions 31 to 38, inclusive.
Resolution 31 was read as follows:— NORTH AMERICAN NEGRO DEPARTMENT
Resolved, That in carrying out the provision of the constitution creating a North American Negro Department of the General Conference, the following be a working basis:—
(a) That the work for the colored people in the Southern, Southeastern, and Southwestern union conferences be organized on a mission basis in each union.
(b) That, as the work for the colored people develops, local missions may be organized in these union missions.
(c) That a strong effort be made to quickly place the truths of the message before the colored people of the South in the most effective ways, especially by the use of suitable literature, evangelistic work, and mission schools. W. A. Westworth (Southeastern Union): I think we should not let this pass without a statement or two. While the needs of the work for the colored people have been presented to us over and over again, a great many of our people have come to think that the call from the South is an old, old song. Nevertheless, with us it is a very live issue. This morning when the servant of the Lord said, in emphatic tones, “God has not forgotten the South,” I could not but say, “Amen.” A great many have thought that it is nearly time the South was left out of the count. As I have previously said, in my report, while we would not turn away one penny or one man from the great foreign mission fields, I hope that the people of this denomination will wake up to the fact that we still have a great mission field at our very doors. I believe this department would be a great help to our work in the South, and I want to see it organized at this Conference. Sydney Scott: I appreciate the remarks, and concur with the speaker. The relations between the races in the South are becoming wider and wider. Seventh-day Adventists are not responsible for it, neither am I responsible for it. The conditions are to be met, and they have to be met in a common-sense way. I hope that this department work will meet the condition, and yet I have had some doubts about it. It is in my mind a question of representation. The relation between the colored and the white man in the South is becoming a serious question. In the South our people are losing confidence in the white man. It is just as well to handle this question without gloves. If this departmental work is carried out on a plan that will give a just representation to the negro churches, then I say “Amen” to the plan. If it will be one-sided, then I say “No” in the loudest tone.
I believe there ought to be a department, but there ought to be a just and fair representation in that department from the local mission clear to the head. I object to the expression “North American Negro Department” for several reasons. First, every man who is acquainted with the conditions in the South and the conditions in the North, knows that the term “Afro-American” is less misleading than “North American,” from the fact that you are legislating for the people in the territory where slavery existed. In order to make it North American, you must go over into Canada and Mexico. In these places there is no necessity for it. Therefore I would like to see the term Afro-American substituted for North American in this resolution. T. H. Branch: I am glad to say I believe with all my soul that this is the right thing in the right place at the right time. I have been in this truth for sixteen years. I worked hard before I went to Africa seven years ago, and to-day I will agree with you that of all the work we have done in this country, with the assistance of the white brethren, there are not over a thousand colored people in the truth to-day. Our hands have been tied. Now this department will loosen our hands so we can work for our own people, and if you do not pass it, you will tie up our feet as well as our hands. J. K. Humphrey: I am interested in the negro race because I am a negro. I indorse this resolution with all my heart. As stated before on this floor, I have been studying the situation. I have never been down South, but I know something of the Southern conditions. I therefore approve of this department for the work. I think something ought to be done for the North as well as the South. Of the eleven millions of colored people in the United States, three and one-half millions are in the North and seven and a half millions are in the South. Among them scarcely anything is being done. As I studied the situation, I found that the other nationalities were getting along first-rate; and as we hear their reports, we find the work is growing. It encourages you to listen to these reports of how the work is going among the Germans, Danes, Scandinavians, and others; but when it comes to the negroes, do you hear anything? I can but think of the time when the negroes were leading the world. They did it, history shows it. They were a bad people, and God overthrew them; but God is saving this people as individuals now; and I pray that this department that has been proposed, not because of color (while that may be one of the indirect reasons), but primarily to foster the work among the negro people, may be created. W. H. Green: I simply want to re-enforce what I said the other day. I hope that nothing but the consideration of facts will in any way hinder any person from carrying forward this recommendation. J. M. Campbell: I wish to say that I am heartily in favor of the Negro Department. I have done everything I could do to help in formulating plans for this, and I hope to do everything possible to make the work a success in this department. J. W. Manns: I am from Florida. I am heartily in favor of this Negro Department. I believe it will be better for the work of the Lord among my people. M. C. Strachan: I would like to place myself on record as being heartily in favor of the plan of establishing the Negro Department. The term used, North American Negro Department, meets my mind. I believe that this department is really the child of necessity, and the product of the ever-increasing and prevailing conditions which surround the negro in America. Sydney Scott: I think one ounce of common sense is worth more than one pound of enthusiasm without judgment. I hope no one will get the wrong impression that our colored brethren that are here are not in favor of the department. I am in favor of it; and every colored brother among our ministers in the denomination is in favor of it, so far as I know. Page Shepard: Brethren, facts are stubborn things. It occurs to me that Europeans have given the gospel to the world. You read in the Bible that Ethiopia shall stretch forth her hands. I do not think they ever rejected those who came to bring the gospel to them, because they were white. A. G. Daniells: Just a word with reference to the name. I think that if this matter should be referred to the committee on recommendations, they would give respectful attention to the suggestion to change it to “Afro-American.”
Now just one word with reference to the working of the department. It is not understood that this department will operate in every State and line people up in a departmental way. That isn’t the idea at all. But it is to set on foot a well-defined movement in behalf of the larger work for a class of people. I can not understand why there is objection to such a movement. It is beyond my comprehension, and I think the majority of these negro brethren who have spoken to this have manifested wise discernment and discrimination, that they see, not a movement to side-track a people, but they see a movement for the betterment and the uplifting of a people. Now that is the sole purpose of it, and these colored brethren who have spoken in favor of it know that that is the case, and we all know it; and I do not believe any gentlemen in Howard University, or any other university, are going to denounce us because we have set on foot a movement to help and assist to uplift a part of our fellow men. Now our other departments are launched for precisely the same purpose, and our brethren in those departments bear testimony to the benefit and the help this departmental effort has been in behalf of those people. L. A. Hansen: As Brother Scott said, there is a condition that means more than a question of language that necessitates this. We are considering the mission phase of this question, and this is a mission resolution. The question of representation will come into it, but, brethren, sitting as a whole Conference here, we can not deal with it wisely. It may be settled in different ways in different parts of the Southern field. U. S. Willis: I believe if this measure is adopted, it will be a step in the right direction. I believe it is a step to put the work on a definite basis, that we may accomplish something, and as for me I am heartily in favor of it. W. H. Sebastian: I am in perfect harmony with the step for a department for the colored people. I have confidence in my white brethren. I do not see any use of carrying this to extremes. The Scripture says, “Let all things be done decently and in order,” and I believe it is in perfect harmony with the Scripture and the Testimonies that we should have a department. D. E. Blake: I am a West Indian. I have lived twenty-one years in the West Indies. The remainder of my life I have spent in the United States. I had the privilege of spending some time in the North, and for about five years I have been in the South. I believe one of the very best things that could ever be done for the advancement of this work is the step that has been taken. I believe it is of God. We have prayed since we have been on this ground that the Lord would bring something about that would cause an advancement of our work among the colored people of the South. The question being called, the resolution was adopted unanimously. T. H. Branch: We desire to thank this General Conference for the establishment of this department. L. A. Hansen: I move that the question of the name of this department be referred to the committee on plans. Sydney Scott: I second the motion. G. A. Irwin: We will now listen to a further report from the committee on plans and finance. Further Partial Report of the Committee on Plans and Finance
FINANCIAL POLICY—1909 APPROPRIATIONS
Believing the hour has come, through the providences of God, that this denomination should quicken its pace in giving the message to all the world in this generation,— 39. We recommend, The following financial policy for the ensuing four years:—
(a) That the Executive Committee of the General Conference make appropriations annually to mission fields, equitably distributing the money raised, proportionate to the needs of the fields.
(b) That for the year 1909, the following apportionment of funds for the support of what is known as the “evangelistic work” be made:—
Australasian Union Conference ........ $8,500
Canadian Union Conference ........... 6,000
China Mission ...................... 42,000
European Field ..................... 10,000
Indian Mission ..................... 26,000
Japan Mission ...................... 11,000
Korean Mission ..................... 8,000
Hawaiian Mission ................... 600
Mexican Mission .................... 8,000
South African Union Conf. .......... 23,000
South American Union Conf. ......... 18,000
Southeastern Union Conf. ........... 6,000
Southern Union Conf. ................ 6,000
Southwestern Union Conf. ........... 4,500
West African Mission ............... 3,000
Western Canadian Union Conf. ....... 6,000
West Indian Union Conf. ............ 19,000
Total appropriations for the evangelistic work for 1909 .... $205,600 40. We recommend, That the General Conference Executive Committee at once start what shall be known as the $300,000 Fund for institutional work and missionary homes in foreign fields, a certain portion of this money to be raised each year during the succeeding quadrennial term, and to be apportioned approximately on the following basis:—
(a) To specified fields,—
China ............................. $100,000
Japan ............................. 50,000
Korea ............................ 25,000
India ............................. 50,000
Mexico ........................... 15,000
South America ..................... 35,000
Russia ............................ 5,000
Abyssinia ......................... 3,000
Latin Union School ................ 5,000
Total ............................. $288,000 (b) The balance of the $300,000 to be apportioned by the Executive Committee of the General Conference to such fields as stand in greatest need.
(c) That the Executive Committee of the General Conference shall from time to time designate which field shall receive a per cent of its apportionment, so that local committees can gauge their expenditures on a cash basis and thus prevent embarrassment to the general treasury.
(d) No field shall expend its appropriation faster than it is raised, unless previously arranged with the Executive Committee of the General Conference.
(e) The Executive Committee of the General Conference is hereby authorized to change the apportionment of any field, at any time, as conditions may demand.
(f) This apportionment for institutional work shall not be considered a debt, but is a united effort on the part of this people to raise this amount for the upbuilding of the work in foreign lands. 41. We recommend, That the ten-cent-a-week plan be adopted by our people, and that each conference endeavor to raise no less than this amount for the world-wide work of the General Conference, in addition to the $300,000 Fund, for foreign institutions and missionary homes; and that the following funds be included as making up the ten-cent-a-week offerings: annual offerings, midsummer offerings, Sabbath-school offerings, and specific offerings for foreign missions, when not designated for a specific purpose for which no appropriations have been made. 42. We recommend, That our people be encouraged to send their offerings to missions through their local church treasuries, rather than to forward donations direct to missions or to individuals; and that isolated believers remit their offerings to missions through their State conference or through their mission field treasury.
43. We recommend, That all funds be passed from the respective treasurers through the regular channels monthly. Whereas, There is most urgent need of reapers to gather the harvest in the great destitute mission fields; therefore,—
44. Resolved, That our local and union conferences be urged to curtail their expenses wherever expedient, and that they be invited to definitely appropriate from one fourth to one third of their total tithe receipts to the support of the work in the regions beyond. G. C. C. AND G. C. A. INDEBTEDNESS
45. We recommend, That the General Conference Committee be hereby authorized to apply on the debts of the General Conference Corporation and of the General Conference Association, 5 per cent of the general funds, when conditions of the treasury will warrant. SABBATH-SCHOOL OFFERINGS TO MISSIONS
Whereas, Our Sabbath-schools need the blessed inspiration of a real burden for mission fields, while opportunities to spread the message in foreign lands are multiplying faster than their means; therefore,—
46. We recommend, That our Sabbath-schools give all their donations to missions, providing for their expenses in some other way; and, further,—8 47. We recommend, That each conference pay the entire expenses of the Sabbath-school departmental work without drawing upon the Sabbath-school offerings given by the schools for missions. Whereas, There are about 80,000 blind persons in the United States and Canada; and,—
Whereas, There is being published by our people a paper for the blind, known as the Christian Record, at College View, Neb., containing the message of present truth; therefore,—
48. We recommend, That our union and local conferences endeavor in their respective territories to place the Christian Record in the hands of such blind persons as understand the systems used in its publication. MISSIONARY VOLUNTEER DEPARTMENT
Recognizing the great need of a special work to be done for and by the thousands of youth among us, and also the good results that have already come from the establishment of the Missionary Volunteer Department,—
49. Resolved, That we heartily approve of the action of the General Conference Committee in the establishment of this department, and of the earnest efforts that have been put forth to inspire our young people with high purposes, and to organize them for service. Recognizing that the greatest need of our young people is a deep spiritual life, that they may meet the approval of God in their own lives, and be able to lead others to Christ,—
50. Resolved, (a) That we recognize a change of heart and the reception of the Holy Spirit as fundamental in all our work for the youth; and,—
(b) That to this end earnest evangelistic effort be carried forward in their behalf. 51. Resolved, That in planning work for our young people we emphasize personal work as fundamental, and the basis of all lines of Christian work; and that to this end, we encourage the formation of small bands for prayer and definite effort. Recognizing the importance of our youth being thoroughly grounded in the truths of the Scriptures, and in the history and principles of the advent movement; and recognizing the necessity of our young people storing their minds with valuable information,—
52. Resolved, That we heartily approve of the Standard of Attainment, Missionary Volunteer Reading Course, the preparation and selection of suitable literature for the young, and other educational features of the Missionary Volunteer work. 53. We recommend, That the Missionary Volunteer Department prepare a series of society lessons embracing the doctrines peculiar to our faith, and also other fundamental truths of the Scriptures, and that they be published—
(a) In pamphlet form as a text-book.
(b) As a series in the Youth’s Instructor, with suitable notes and helps.
(c) In such foreign languages as may seem advisable. Whereas, The success of our Missionary Volunteer work depends very largely upon proper leadership; and,—
Whereas, This labor for the salvation and training of our youth is missionary work of the highest order; therefore,—
54. Resolved, That our conferences make special efforts to secure the very best talent for this important work, and that the churches be encouraged to use great care in the selection of local leaders. 55. Resolved, That the present plan of organization be recommended to all our union and local conferences, as the general plan for the upbuilding of this important department of our work. Realizing the great importance of the early training of our children in the Lord’s work,—
56. Resolved, (a) That, first of all, parents be encouraged to associate their children with themselves in study and missionary work.
(b) That we encourage the organization of Junior Missionary Volunteer societies only in church-schools, and in large churches where home conditions seem to demand it, and suitable leaders can be obtained.
(c) That in any church where there are children, a Junior leader may be appointed, who will plan especially for the spiritual interests of the children, and enlist the co-operation of the Sabbath-school workers and the Missionary Volunteer Society in work for them.
(d) That children who love the Lord and unite in this work either in a separate society or in connection with the Missionary Volunteer Society, be reported as Junior members. Recognizing the great opportunities offered at our annual camp-meetings for the salvation of souls, and for the training of our people in all lines of Christian work; therefore,—
57. We recommend, That diligent effort be made at these meetings for the salvation of our children and youth, and for their development as Christian workers; and we urge those who have this work in charge,—
(a) To make wise plans for the meetings and attendance.
(b) To organize the Christian young people into bands for prayer and personal work.
(c) To follow up the work diligently so that the results may be permanent. Whereas, There is a great educational and spiritual value to our youth in rendering definite assistance to foreign missions; and,—
Whereas, The Foreign Mission Seminary Endowed Scholarship Fund is greatly needed to assist in quickly preparing workers for the field; therefore,—
58. Resolved, That our conferences be encouraged to complete this fund as soon as possible.
59. Resolved, That the General Conference Missionary Volunteer Department keep prepared a list of definite opportunities to help advance the cause, and that the department co-operate with the local conference workers in choosing such of these opportunities as may seem best adapted to the local field. LITERATURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN OTHER TONGUES
60. Resolved, That, as far as possible and necessary, the Young People’s Missionary Volunteer Department co-operate with the foreign departments in America, and with other fields, in producing literature, society lessons, etc., in other languages aside from the English. At the close of this report, the committee on distribution of labor presented a partial report. [This was printed in last week’s REVIEW.]
Meeting adjourned.