Notes of Progress by Editor

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 28, 1908

Notes of Progress

By Editor

For the first time in many years we have the satisfaction of seeing the organization of our field forces approximately complete. According to our best knowledge there is now a general agent in each union conference, and a State agent in each State conference in the United States.

Through the prompt co-operation of our general agents, we are able to publish our monthly summary one or two weeks earlier than usual. This is an indication that our general agents are little by little, introducing better system and order in the management of their field work. This is indeed gratifying.

When efforts are being made to strengthen the departments of this cause by providing sufficient leaders to man the territory efficiently, we are met with these objections,—“Will it pay to employ another man?” “Will not this move add another officer?” “Will not the carrying out of this recommendation add another spoke to the wheel?” “Do we need another wheel for this vehicle?” While it is true that organization may become too complex, yet, it is equally true that a sufficient number of leaders is needed to handle the field thoroughly so as to develop all its resources most effectively. A good illustration of this truth may be discovered by comparing the reports in the accompanying summary from the Atlantic and Columbia Union Conferences with the report for the corresponding month last year. During the year 1907 this entire territory, not including Ohio, was under the direction of one general agent. Near the beginning of 1908 the territory was divided into two union conferences, Ohio was added to the Columbia Union, and a general agent was placed over each of these smaller unions. During 1907 the old Atlantic Union Conference, together with the State of Ohio, sold books during the month of April to the value of $3,454.09. The same territory, under the direction of two men, with less favorable conditions in the field, reports for the month of April, 1908, a total value of $7,432.45. These figures speak eloquently in behalf of the wisdom of maintaining a field force sufficiently strong for efficient leadership.