p. 20 | Annual Meeting of the Southern Publishing Association

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 15, 1912

Annual Meeting of the Southern Publishing Association

By E. R. P.

THE annual meeting of the Southern Publishing Association was held according to appointment in Nashville, Tenn., Jan. 18, 1912. The manager, R. Hook, Jr., presented a most encouraging statement of the work and prosperity of the association during the year 1911. During the first five months of the year the work in the factory was very low, many of the employees being kept on the payroll simply because their work would be required later. As the cash returns for sales are received largely late in the year, it has been extremely difficult for the association to finance its work during the first few months of the year, and it has been necessary to borrow large sums of money from the banks.

But the last six months of 1911 made up for the dull season during the first half. The colporteurs have enjoyed unusual success, not only in taking orders but also in making deliveries. The increase in business and the heavy demands for our literature during the last seven months of the year have made it necessary for the entire manufacturing department to work overtime. The employees have been very willing and faithful, and cheerfully worked from fourteen to sixteen hours a day during the time of greatest pressure.

The work has been so prospered that all money borrowed has been returned to the banks, running accounts have been paid up, and for the first time in its history the Southern Publishing Association is discounting its bills. In a letter to the manager, the cashier of one of the leading banks in Nashville wrote:—

“I am to-day in receipt of your favor of the twenty-ninth, enclosing a check for $1,000 to care for your note of like amount, which will mature on January 1. I am enclosing the old note properly canceled, and notice that taking up this loan enables you to start the new year without indebtedness, and it must be indeed a good feeling to have your institution on such a splendid basis. . . . We are delighted to serve you, and trust that you may feel free to call on us when you are in need of funds.”

The manager in his report gave many interesting figures, and items of information which were most encouraging. The following is taken from his comprehensive report, the whole of which would be interesting to the readers of the REVIEW if space would admit of its publication:—

“During the year we have printed 90,000 subscription books, 15,200 trade books, and 80,000 juvenile books, making a grand total of 185,200 copies. Eleven car-loads of paper have been required for the manufacture of this literature.

“The figures furnished by our sales department show that we have sold 71,917 subscription books, 70,299 juvenile books, and 34,189 home workers' and trade books, making a total number of 176,405 volumes sold during the year.

“In order to handle this large business, our wagon has made 494 trips to the city during the year. The total sales of literature from this office have been sufficient in volume to fill twelve freight-cars, the total weight being 141 tons. The total value of books sold during the year amounts to $191,185.85, the total value of periodicals $32,580, making a grand total of $223,765.85, a gain over the previous year of $32,568.40.

“While we have great reason to thank the Lord for the success which has attended our book sales, we also are encouraged by the increased circulation of the Watchman. During the year we have printed 329,000 copies, and have actually sold 299,800 copies at regular rates.

“During the year the average number of our employees has been fifty-four, and they have worked an average of fifty-three hours a week.”

As indicated in the above paragraphs, the year 1911 has been a good year for the Southern Publishing Association, both financially and spiritually. The distribution of literature, which is increasing rapidly year by year, shows a larger gain during 1911 than ever before during the history of the institution. The net gain shown in the financial statement amounts to $15,769.10.

The writer greatly appreciated the privilege of attending this meeting. A great change has taken place in our work in the South since the first meeting of this association was held in Nashville ten years ago. There have been many struggles, many discouragements, and many trials during this period, and the present prosperity of the work is in itself a great reward to those who have borne the burden and the heat of the day. Ten years ago the right of the institution to exist was disputed. To-day it takes its place near the head of the list among the most prosperous and successful of our publishing houses.

May the Lord increase the work of the association more and more, and give it a great and important place in publishing the closing message. E. R. P.