Editorial by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jan 12, 1911

Editorial

By Editor

FORTY-FIVE years ago California was nearly as far removed from our general headquarters, so far as reaching it is concerned, as China and India are now.

THE first report from the Pacific Coast concerning this advent message was in the REVIEW of Feb. 9, 1864. Brother M. G. Kellogg, formerly of Michigan, who had then been living in California four years, wrote from San Francisco:— We now number twelve that are fully established in the Sabbath and the soon coming of the Saviour. There are several others who are interested, and believe the truth in part. We have prayer and conference meetings every Sabbath, and Bible class at commencement of Sabbath.

THESE few believers kept appealing earnestly for a minister to preach the message in California. In the REVIEW of Dec. 11, 1866, the General Conference Committee sent this message “to the brethren in California:”— We appreciate your situation and your wants; but see not how we can at present comply with your request. Never did we feel more forcibly the truth of our Lord’s declaration, “The harvest truly is great, but the laborers few.” Yet we would say to you, Do not be discouraged. We believe that in due time the Lord will provide men and means for the proclamation of this truth in California.

THEN, on June 2, 1868, Elder James White made this announcement through these columns:— After much prayer and counseling with fellow laborers, Elders Loughborough and Bourdeau decide to leave in a short time on a mission to California. They now design to take with them a new tent, in which they can hold meetings in that climate eight or nine months in the year. The expenses of such a tent, its transportation, and other extra expenses of this mission, will not be far from one thousand dollars. I suggest that this sum be raised by donations from the friends of the cause everywhere. Brethren, the Lord does not rain down upon us temporal blessings for us to collect in reservoirs and pools to remain stagnant. A proper and healthful circulation of these blessings will save souls, and glorify God. Who will take stock in the California mission?

IN response to this call, believers eastward began to “take stock,” and the new mission was launched. In the paper of August 11, following, appeared a report from Elder J. N. Loughborough, dated San Francisco, July 23, saying: “Here we are in California.” The journey had been made by way of the Isthmus of Panama, in twenty-four days from New York. The brethren at once opened meetings, and the cause in California immediately began to gather strength.

IT was forty-two years ago that the believers in the East invested in the “California mission.” Now the two California conferences (including Nevada) have a constituency of 7,606 Sabbath-keepers, and an annual tithe of $110,539. That early stock in the California mission has multiplied manyfold. And until the end, California’s resources of men and means will help to spread the message still beyond.