California Conference

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Oct 26, 1882

California Conference.

The eleventh annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held at Healdsburg, in connection with the camp-meeting, Oct. 6–16, 1882.

FIRST MEETING, OCT. 6, 2:30 P. M.

The president being absent, Eld. Uriah Smith was elected chairman. Opening prayer by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. The minutes of the last annual session were read and approved. Credentials were presented by delegates as follows:—

Arbuckle—Mrs. E. J. Howard. Burr Valley—Joseph Hutchings. Chico—Joseph Leininger; Fresno—John Church. Fairview—Mary Hutchings. Healdsburg—John Morrison, S. Brownsberger. Lemoore—W. G. Buckner, J. E. Yoakum, Peter Scazighini. Lakeport—E. J. Church. Los Angeles—H. C. Hiseman. Napa—A. W. Everts. Nevada City—Maria Beglinger. Newcastle—Mrs. E. M. Nierhoff. Oakland—J. I. Tay, Hannah Tay, Barbara C. Rice, E. J. Waggoner, W. C. White, Mary K. White, G. A. Baker. Petaluma—E. A. Chapman. Salinas—R. M. Ketchum. Santa Rosa—J. H. Thorp, J. G. Hurley, R. B. Ross, F. E. Lyttaker, J. A. McCulloch. San Francisco—H. C. Palmer, M. C. Israel, Joseph Figer, Rufus Parker. Sacramento—N. C. McClure. St. Helena—W. A. Pratt, James Creamer. Ukiah—J. B. Hughes. Vacaville—Wm. Butcher. Willits—M. P. Buck. Woodland—A. Mason, Wm. Saunders, Geo. C. Martin.

The request that the Salinas church be admitted into the Conference was granted. It was also voted that the companies at Ukiah and Willits be taken under the watchcare of the Conference. The question was raised as to what privileges this entitled the delegate, and it was decided that such delegates take part in the deliberations but have no vote. Eld. Van Horn spoke of the division of the Fairview church into the churches of Fairview, Fresno city, and Burr valley. It was voted that these be received into the Conference.

By vote of the Conference all members and visiting brethren in good standing were invited to take part in the deliberations of the meeting. Committees were appointed as follows: On Auditing—Wm. Saunders, W. A. Pratt, S. Brownsberger, R. Stickney, W. C. White, J. E. Yoakum, W. G. Buckner. On Nominations—Wm. Saunders, W. A. Pratt, R. Stickney. On Licenses and Credentials—Elders J. H. Waggoner, I. D. Van Horn, J. D. Rice. On Resolutions—Eld. W. M. Healey, Wm. Saunders, Eld. M. C. Israel.

On motion the following special committees were also appointed: On Preaching—Elders J. H. Waggoner, I. D. Van Horn, M. C. Israel. On Social Meetings—Elders I. D. Van Horn, W. M. Healey, E. A. Briggs. On Bible Class—Elders J. H. Waggoner, I D. Van Horn, Uriah Smith. On Sabbath-school—W. C. White, S. Brownsberger, E. A. Chapman. On Temperance—E. J. Waggoner, Eld. G. D. Ballou, Dr. Chase. On Health Retreat—Elders J. D. Rice, S. Rogers, J. H. Waggoner. On College—W. C. White, J. H. Waggoner, S. Brownsberger.

Adjourned to call of the chair.

SECOND MEETING, OCT. 9, 9 A. M.

Prayer by Eld. W. M. Healey. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. The Treasurer's report for the year ending Oct. 30, 1881, was also read and accepted. The Nominating Committee then presented the following report: For President, Eld. S. N. Haskell; Secretary, Barbara C. Rice; Treasurer, W. C. White; Conference Committee, in addition to the President, Elders M. C. Israel, and I. D. Van Horn These names were considered separately. Eld. Van Horn moved that another name be substituted for his own on the Conference Committee, but the motion was lost, and the report adopted, electing the officers as recommended.

Reports of labor were then called for. Eld. J. D. Rice gave an account of his work for the year. He had labored some during the winter among the churches, also at Freshwater and Lakeport; recently baptized five at the latter place. There is now a company of sixteen there, ready for organization. During the tent season he has labored in connection with Eld. E. A. Briggs and Bro. L. A. Scott. As the result, there is a company of sixteen at Ukiah, and twelve at Willits. In these places missionary societies have been organized and nearly all are paying tithe. He also spoke of Eld. Briggs' present work at Laytonville where nine have signed the covenant, and others are keeping the Sabbath.

Eld. Van Horn spoke of his work among the churches at Napa, Santa Rosa, Woodland, Fresno, and Lemoore, and reported good results. His work during the summer has been in San Francisco, assisted by Brother and Sister McClure and Bro. Hurley, with others assisting in the singing. Ten have united with the church as a result of the meetings, with about sixteen additional names upon the covenant. The attendance of the church has been doubled and the Sabbath-school nearly so.

Eld. G. D. Ballou stated that after coming to this State he at first labored for a short time with the Healdsburg church. During the summer his work has been in Salinas and Hollister. Both of these places being old fields the truth did not interest as in new places. At Salinas, six signed the covenant and four others were baptized. At Hollister, eight have signed the covenant, and others are deeply interested. There is much that may yet be done there.

Eld. Healey, shortly after the camp-meeting last year, assisted Eld. Van Horn in a tent-meeting at Alameda. He also visited the churches at Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, and Los Angeles, besides spending some time with the brethren in San Diego County. During the summer, business called him to Minnesota, where he attended camp-meeting, and spoke every Sabbath during his stay there. Since returning he has been engaged in a tent-meeting at Healdsburg, assisted by Bro. Ings and members of the church. Quite a number were reported as interested, but the results cannot yet be ascertained.

Adjourned to call of the chair.

THIRD MEETING, OCT. 10, 9 A. M.

Prayer by Eld. M. C. Israel. Minutes of the last meeting read and approved. Reports of labor from the ministers commenced at the previous meeting were resumed. Bro. Isaac Morrison gave an account of his work for the year. He held meetings at Kernville, and three are now keeping the Sabbath there. He went to Gonzales in company with Bro. Lamb. Eight persons accepted the truth there. He then went to San Juan, where he remained about four weeks. A Sabbath-school numbering about thirty-five was organized. The work has not been completed, but twenty have already expressed their determination to keep the Sabbath.

Bro. Frank Lamb reported his work at Castroville, where ten signed the covenant. Most of them have united with the Salinas church. Since that, he has labored with Eld. Ballou at Salinas, and with Bro. Morrison at San Juan, besides occasionally holding meetings in school districts adjacent to these places.

Bro. J. G. Hurley's first labor after camp-meeting was with the tent at Alameda, and for five months during the year he has been acting as tent-master. He visited and labored for a time at Soledad, Castroville, and Boonville. One remains faithful at the latter place. The results at the former places have been reported by others. Some time has been spent in missionary work at various places.

The School Committee appointed at the last session of the Conference was then called on to report. The resolution passed at the time was called for and read, also the names of those constituting the committee. As was recommended, the services of Prof. Brownsberger have been secured. Several places were visited with a view of selecting a suitable location for the school. It was decided that Healdsburg offered superior advantages above other places. A building was already erected here which could be procured on very favorable terms. The building and grounds cost the city of Healdsburg nearly $8,000, and were obtained for $3,750. The school was opened the 11th of April, 1882. As accommodations could not be found for all who desired to attend, and finding it impossible to rent a suitable building or buildings for a boarding-house, the committee proceeded to erect one. There having been $5,000 subscribed for this purpose the work could be begun without embarrassment. About $700 have been invested in school furniture. An incorporation has already been formed that business might be carried on more advantageously, and that certificates of stock might be ready at the time of the camp-meeting. The report of the committee was accepted. Several spoke concerning the benefits to be gained by the school and our duties in regard to it.

The meeting then adjourned.

FOURTH MEETING, OCT. 12, 11 A. M.

Prayer by Eld. J. D. Rice. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. The committee on resolutions then presented the following:—

Whereas, Stirring events at the present time show that important prophecies, upon which we took our stand years ago as a matter of faith, are now approaching their fulfillment, thereby confirming the correctness of our position;

Resolved, That in view of these evidences of the nearness of the end, our faith is greatly strengthened, and we feel called upon to go forward in our work with renewed courage and energy.

Whereas, In the providence of God a beloved brother, and a prominent member of our Conference, Bro. T. M. Chapman of Petaluma, has been removed from us by death, the past year; therefore,

Resolved, That while we bow in submission to the will of God, we miss his presence among us, and deplore the loss of his labors and counsels; and we hereby extend an expression of condolence to the members of his bereaved family.

Resolved, That we hereby express our gratitude to God that he has so speedily raised Sister White from her recent sickness, that she is able to attend this Conference and bear her testimony to us; and we hereby express anew our confidence in her work, and our gratitude for the testimonies of the Spirit of God among us.

Resolved, That this Conference feels thankful for the presence of Elder Uriah Smith, and for the valuable aid he is rendering in the crisis that is now upon us in this State.

Resolved, That in our opinion it would be better if the annual camp-meeting and Conference were held earlier in the season, as thereby a more general attendance of our people would be secured, the fear of storms having kept many away this year.

Resolved, That our thanks are due to Mr. Hassett, the owner of these grounds, for the free use of the same, and for the privilege he gave us of obtaining a supply of excellent water for the use of the camp, by attaching to his pipes; and to Messrs. Raab and Metzger, hardware merchants of Healdsburg, for the free use of about 1,200 feet of water-pipe, to convey water to the ground, and for the free use of stoves and crockery, for restaurant.

Resolved, That our thanks are also tendered to the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad Company, for its liberality in conveying passengers to this meeting at reduced rates, and for carrying the tents, and other freight of the Conference, to the camp-ground free of charge.

These resolutions called forth some remarks, especially that relating to the time for holding the annual camp-meeting. The general sentiment seemed to be that an earlier time should be chosen. The report of the committee was then adopted. The Committee on Licenses and Credentials gave a partial report, recommending the following persons for credentials: Elders J. N. Loughborough, J. H. Waggoner, M. C. Israel, W. M. Healey, J. D. Rice, E. A. Briggs, G. D. Ballou, I. D. Van Horn, and Sanford Rogers. It was moved to amend the report of the committee by dropping the name of Eld. J. N. Loughborough, inasmuch as he received credentials from the General Conference. The amendment was carried, and the report as amended was adopted.

The Nominating Committee reported the following as Camp-meeting Committee for the Conference year: G. D. Hager, N. C. McClure, J. J. Bolton. The report was adopted as read.

Adjourned to call of the chair.

FIFTH MEETING, OCT. 13, 9 A. M.

Prayer by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. Reports from ministers were again called for. Bro. A. Brorsen stated that as he has labored with others nearly all the time, his report has largely been given. He spoke of the good effect of temperance work in connection with tent-meetings.

Eld. M. C. Israel's labors have been quite widely distributed throughout the Conference. He has been engaged a portion of the time in business pertaining to the Conference; attended the southern camp-meeting, and assisted what he could in the San Francisco tent-meetings.

Sister E. J. Howard gave an interesting report of her missionary work in San Diego County. Eight are now keeping the Sabbath there, principally through her efforts. The Committee on Licenses and Credentials announced a meeting; and Eld. Waggoner spoke of the importance of our young men laying a foundation for future usefulness by applying themselves to study, and recommended them to attend the College.

Prof. Brownsberger spoke of the thoroughness which should be demanded of those attending the school. They must learn if they would obey the requirements of the school, and they were invited not to come unless they could do this. Bro. W. C. White also spoke for the school, and the desire he felt to see a strong class in the Biblical course.

Meeting then adjourned.

SIXTH MEETING, OCT. 15, 5 P. M.

Prayer by Eld. S. Rogers. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. The Committee on the Rural Health Retreat was then called on to report. They gave the history and financial standing of that institution. The amount of stock taken, with $300 pledged, amounts to $8,020. Owes on notes, etc., $4,360.26 not covered by cash on hand and due from pledges. The value of the real estate and movable property is placed at about $17,000.

It was voted to accept the report of the committee. Sister White spoke of the importance of just such an institution and felt confident that it would soon be self-sustaining. Eld. Waggoner stated that in visiting springs and places of resort he had never found a better location. It was announced by Eld. Rogers that arrangements had been made for bathing so that all kinds of water treatment could be given. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following, which was adopted:—

Resolved, That in the Health Institute we recognize an institution much needed. And we will take stock in the same, and otherwise support it according to our ability, and its necessities.

The following resolution was then presented and after some remarks adopted:—

Resolved, That we recommend our churches to raise a poor fund for the worthy poor, and that they donate one-tenth of the same to the Health Institute, to be used at the discretion of its Directors, to aid in treating the needy sick.

The following was then presented, which was spoken to by W. C. White and others:—

Resolved, That we request the chairman to appoint a committee of three, with whom our people may correspond who wish help, or who may desire situations for labor.

It was voted that this be laid on the table.

Eld. Waggoner presented the following, which was adopted:—

Resolved, That recognizing the present agitation of the Sunday question as a fulfillment in part of the prophecy of Rev. 13, and seeing in it an opportunity to place the truth of the Sabbath of the Lord before the people of California, we earnestly request our brethren to advocate and defend the truth from a Bible standpoint only, and by no means suffer themselves to be thrown into politics on this question, lest the cause be reproached, and the Sabbath of the Lord be placed on a level with "the day of the sun." Adjourned.

SEVENTH MEETING, OCT. 16, 11 A. M.

Prayer by Eld. M. C. Israel. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Eld. Rice stated that since the report of the standing of the Health Retreat was given they have ascertained that $1,000 reported as pledged to that institution was intended for the school.

The Committee on Licenses and Credentials presented the following additional report, which was adopted:—

We recommend for licenses the following named persons: Andrew Brorsen, Isaac Morrison, Ellet J. Waggoner, N. C. McClure, W. P. Burke.

There are others whom we might recommend had we no established means for their improvement. But we have insisted that they go to school, believing that they are, to a great extent, wasting their natural powers for want of cultivation.

And we recommend for colporters' licenses the following persons: Wm. Ings, H. C. Palmer, L. A. Scott, Mrs. F. L. McClure, Mrs. E. J. Howard.

And we exhort all the persons whose names are herein presented to aim for increase of usefulness, and to make these licenses but the stepping-stones to higher positions in the work.

The Treasurer's report was then read as follows:—

RECEIPTS.

Balance on hand, Oct. 20, 1881............$ 2,311.22 Tithes..............................................10,887.15 Miscellaneous credits.................................97.85 Donations..............................................394.90 Due Signs Office.............................483.27—$14,174.39

DISBURSEMENTS.

Traveling expenses.........................$ 821.35 To ministers...................................4,953.51 Printing.............................................182.65 Signs and tracts.................................215.76 Incidentals, express; postage, etc...........59.54 Camp-meeting expenses......................753.38 Conference tents and fixtures...............621.60 Tent-meeting expenses......................1,757.89 Tithe to Gen. Conference....................1,128.71 Loaned school............................3,650.00—$14,174.39 E. A. CHAPMAN, Treasurer.

It was voted that the report be accepted. Eld. S. N. Haskell, I. D. Van Horn, and W. C. White were elected delegates to the General Conference. It was moved that the resolution laid on the table at the previous meeting be taken up for consideration. It was spoken to by several, but on putting to vote, the resolution was not adopted.

The following resolution was then offered by the committee on the Health Retreat, embodying the resolution passed at the April meeting:—

Whereas, The stockholders of the Rural Health Retreat are desirous of making it a medical sanitarium, and placing it upon a benevolent basis, like our other denominational institutions, and to accomplish this have offered to sign off all claims for dividends and a large portion of their stock thus leaving only about $5,000 worth to be bought by other persons to clear the institution from debt, therefore,

Resolved, That we accept their proposition and recommend them to immediately make such changes in their by-laws of the corporation as will make it a benevolent institution.

The committee appointed at that time was also called on to report. The services of a competent physician have been obtained, and Bro. Rogers is now located there to assist in the work. About $800 worth of furniture has been purchased in order to suitably fit up the house for boarders, and steps have been taken to re-incorporate the institution. A vote of the conference was then taken indorsing the action of the committee, and adopting the resolution. The following was presented by Eld. Waggoner and adopted:—

Whereas, The circulation of our publications by every just means is very important, and our publishing houses have prepared certain valuable works especially for canvassing, therefore,

Resolved, That we recommend our brethren and sisters who can engage in such work, to consider the propriety and duty of thus working where their labor may be profitable to themselves and beneficial to the cause

The calls for labor and wants of the cause were then considered. Bro. McClure spoke for the company at Sacramento, numbering sixteen persons. An earnest appeal for a tent-meeting next spring had come from the company there. Sister Nierhoff presented a special request for temperance meetings, in connection with other meetings, from Newcastle. Eld. Israel spoke for Placerville, showing the need of a laborer there. Bro. Saunders stated that it is the desire of the Woodland church that the next camp-meeting shall be at that place. Bro. Buckner spoke for Lemoore and Lone Oak. Eld. Healey entered a plea for Los Angeles, and a petition was read signed by the members there, inviting the Conference to send a laborer into that field. Eld. Israel presented a request from about fifty of the citizens of San Rafael that meetings might be held there. Bro. Tay spoke of some living at Pleasant Grove, Sacramento County, who have become interested and their request is that a minister may be sent there. Sister Ruoff thought that a good work might be done at Stockton. Eld. Ballou presented the wants of the cause at Hollister and San Juan, where immediate help is needed. Adjourned sine die.

U. SMITH, Chairman. BARBARA C. RICE, Sec.