The Church Treasurer by R. W. Parmele

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 10, 1908

The Church Treasurer

By R. W. Parmele

The importance of accurate accounting on the part of all our treasurers can not be overestimated. This is true of our church treasurers as well as of our general treasurers. “He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much.” I greatly fear that our church treasurers do not realize the importance of this as they should.

Several years ago I spent three months in one of our large conferences, visiting churches, and examining the accounts of the treasurers. In that tour, I regret to say, I did not find a single treasurer’s accounts that balanced. One brother had receipts from the conference treasurer, showing that he had sent in one hundred fifty dollars more than his receipt stubs showed he had received, yet he insisted that he had always given a receipt, except for about seven dollars, and that his conference treasurer’s receipts were only for money he had sent in.

The accounts nearest in balance were only ten cents off,—and they were submitted by a church treasurer who could neither read nor write. This is not to put a premium upon lack of learning, but to show that accuracy can be attained by all. This brother realized his inability, and so took the greater pains. He had his daughters attend to the writing for him, and was careful to ascertain whether or not they had entered the amounts correctly.

It will be readily seen that accuracy on the part of our treasurers, will beget confidence on the part of the brethren, and will be conducive to liberality.

To see the effect of their giving, will also inspire the brethren to faithfulness in the support of the cause of God. Does fruit show for their sacrifice? What is being accomplished with the means that is placed in the cause of God? The treasurers should watch for the reports telling of the results that are being attained, and bring them before the church, thus giving them the good cheer that these reports carry.

R. W. PARMELE.