California Conference Proceedings.
THE twelfth annual session of the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held at San Jose in connection with the camp-meeting, Sept. 6–18, 1883. FIRST MEETING, SEPT. 7, 9 A. M. After singing a hymn, prayer was offered by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. Credentials were presented by delegates as follows: Arbuckle—Wm. Kearth; Burr Valley—Jos. Hutchings; Chico—Jos. Leininger; Fairview—M.-J. Church; Fresno—M. J. Church; Gilroy—Wm. Ings; Healdsburg—W. C. Grainger, John Morrison, J. Smith, S. Brownsberger, Geo. W. Mills; Lafayette—G. P. Sanford; Lakeport—E. J. Church; Lemoore—W. G. Buckner, Peter Scazighini, J. M. Hartman, Sr. Rosa Buckner; Los Angeles—Mary R. Stem; Napa—Jos. Eggleston; Nevada City—Sr. Fannie Angovc; Oakland—E. J. Waggoner, G. A. Baker, J. W. Cronkite, J. I. Tay, W. C. White, G. D. Hager; Petaluma—E. A. Chapman; Red Bluff—D. S. Hemstreet; Rocklin—C. C. Ramsey; San Francisco—H. C. Palmer, Eld. M. C. Israel; San Pasqual—John Judson; Santa Rosa—Frank Peterson, J. Thorp, H. Cole, J. H. Thorp; St. Helena—Jas. Creamer, P. M. Partridge, W. A. Pratt; Vacaville—Wm. Butcher, Jos. Dennison; Woodland—Geo. C. Martin, Wm. Saunders, W. W. Smith. Delegates were received from unorganized companies as follows: Willits—S. McElhaney; Placerville—Geo. Vickery; Newcastle—Sr. E. M. Nierhoff; Ferndale—Eld. G. D. Ballou, N. C. McClure; Potter Valley—S. Bice; Downey—Eld. E. A. Briggs; San Diego—Sr. E. J. Howard; Pleasant Grove—Eld. E. A. Briggs; San Jose—Eld. Wm. Healey; San Juan—J. I. Woolford. It was voted that all brethren in good standing be invited to participate in the deliberations of the Conference. The report of the last annual session was read and approved. The following committees were then appointed by the chair: On Nominations—Wm. Saunders, W. A. Pratt, M. J. Church; on Credentials—Elders J. H. Waggoner, M. C. Israel, W. M. Healey; on Resolutions—E. J. Waggoner, S. Brownsberger, J. D. Rice; on Auditing—M. J. Church, W. A. Pratt, W. C. White, Wm. Saunders, S. Brownsberger, Wm. Butcher; on Preaching—Elders J. H. Waggoner, Wm. Healey, M. C. Israel. Adjourned to call of the chair. SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 9, 5 P. M. Prayer by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. Minutes of the previous meeting read and approved. The following additional delegates were received: From Lemoore—Sr. A. R. Bond; Oakland—C. H. Jones, J. W. Gardner; San Francisco—E. A. Stockton, A. Brorsen, Jos. Figer; Ukiah—Sr. Phœbe Yokum; Laytonville—Eld. J. D. Rice. Eld. G. W. Colcord of Washington Territory, and brethren Allen and Harmon of Nevada were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference. On motion, the churches at Lakeport and Laytonville were received into the Conference. The ministers were then called upon to report. Eld. Ballou gave an account of the work at Ferndale, Humboldt County. Considerable missionary work had preceded the tent meetings. The Signs had been sent into that county quite extensively for several months by the missionary societies in the district. This was followed by the work of Bro. and Sr. McClure in visiting families, holding Bible-readings with them, also publicly in school-houses, and obtaining subscribers. This so prepared the way for the meetings that there was a good interest from the first. Many interesting circumstances were related in connection with the work there, especially in regard to Bible-readings, which were introduced wherever practicable. There are about thirty who have decided to obey the truth as the result of the effort. Seven of these have been baptized. Over $1,000 have been subscribed for a church. Eld. Briggs spoke of his work for the past year. At the time of the last camp-meeting he was at Laytonville, Mendocino County. Here fourteen signed the covenant, eleven of whom were baptized. He next held a series of meetings at Potter Valley. Four are still holding fast to the truth there. After this he went to Pleasant Grove, Sutter County, where the names of eight persons were enrolled upon the covenant. He attended the southern camp-meeting in the spring, and from there went to Los Angeles, where four were added to the church. From the fifth of June he has labored at Downey and vicinity, where twenty-nine have signed the covenant, ten of whom have been baptized. They had Bible lessons each day for the tent company, and the information gained was used in Bible-readings with families visited. Bro. Wm. Ings reported that he came to San Jose about three months previous to assist Eld. Healey in the missionary work. They were accompanied by ten of the College students. Two or three hundred subscribers have been obtained for the Signs, and many for Good Health and foreign periodicals. It has been a good experience for those who have been engaged in the missionary work; besides the benefit received from the lectures and Bible-readings. Twenty-nine names are already upon the covenant here. The President considered advance steps necessary. A love of the Bible should be created in the people by the missionary workers. Where this is done the work will be more lasting. THIRD MEETING, SEPT. 12, 5 P. M. Prayer by Eld. G. W. Colcord. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. The President spoke of the condition of affairs in Nevada. He has recently visited that State, and by his invitation delegates have been sent to the meeting. Brn. Allen and Harmon, who were present, were invited to present the wants of the cause there. They expressed a desire on the part of the people to unite with this Conference, and spoke of the need of ministerial labor and the willingness to help in the cause. It was voted that the President appoint a committee of three to confer with these brethren in regard to the matter. The following were afterward appointed: W. C. White, Wm. Healey, Wm. Saunders. The Committee on Resolutions then made a partial report, as follows:— Resolved (1), That we regard the increased circulation of our pioneer paper, and the eager desire manifested to hear and read the truth, as an indication that God is working on the hearts of the people preparatory to the speedy close of the message, and that he would have us take hold of the work with renewed faith and zeal. WHEREAS, The means hitherto employed to teach present truth to the world are very inadequate to meet the demands of the people for instruction; and WHEREAS, The Spirit of God is evidently impressing many with the fact that they have a personal duty in teaching the people, Resolved (2), That we recommend that as far as practicable, the various churches and little companies of Sabbath-keepers hold Bible-readings similar to those conducted on this camp-ground, for the purpose of better informing themselves in the Scriptures, and also of interesting their neighbors in the special truths of these last days. Resolved (3), That we urge all our brethren and sisters who can consistently leave their homes to labor in the cause, to attend the Special Course of Biblical Instruction to be given at the College during the coming winter, for the purpose of preparing themselves to labor in the missionary field. WHEREAS, Experience has shown that the preaching of the word has been attended with better success when it has been preceded by missionary labor; therefore Resolved (4), That, in our judgment, whenever it is proposed to hold a tent-meeting in any place, that place should, as far as is practicable, be thoroughly canvassed for monthly subscribers to the Signs of the Times, before the meetings commence, the work to be followed up with Bible-readings, and continued during the progress of the meetings. WHEREAS, The spiritual gifts as manifested in the church are given to unite God's people in one body, and bring them all into the unity of the faith, Resolved (5), That we show our appreciation of this great blessing to the church by reading the testimonies more carefully and prayerfully ourselves, by urging their importance upon others, and by endeavoring to live more in accordance with their teachings. The first resolution was spoken to by Eld. J. H. Waggoner. He considered the rapid increase in the circulation of the Signs surprising even to ourselves. It has increased in about six months from 10,000 to 20,000, of which about 18,000 are upon the regular subscription list. The chair presented a statement showing the increase of the Signs each year since it was first published in 1874. The increase during the last six months has been 1,500 more than during the eight years previous. The resolution was unanimously adopted. The second resolution called forth remarks from many in regard to the importance of becoming familiar with the word of God. It was the unanimous sentiment that there should be a special effort made to encourage Bible study among churches and scattered brethren, and that proper persons should be encouraged to hold Bible-readings among our brethren and others. While the third resolution was pending, the meeting adjourned to call of the chair. FOURTH MEETING, SEPT. 13, 9 A. M. Prayer by Eld. M. C. Israel. The third resolution, which was under consideration at the close of the last meeting, was again read. The President spoke of the importance of the special instruction to be given at the College. To make Bible-readings profitable, the persons who conduct them should make them a study, and know the texts quoted. He thought that a score of our brethren of mature years should avail themselves of these privileges, and considered that the Healdsburg school offered superior facilities to our people who desire to fit themselves for the various branches of the work. Men of judgment and experience,—those who have made a success in life, are wanted, to be educated in the word of God. In connection with the ministers there should be a class of workers which Paul calls429helps. Prof. Brownsberger spoke to the resolution. He thought the school had a very close relation to the work, and that its establishment here meant something. God is moving upon hearts to engage in his work. The question is, Is there willingness in the heart to go forward as duty calls? Eld. Waggoner considered that the individual who successfully aids in the school work is doing as much as he could in the ministry, and that there should be a growth in usefulness on the part of all. He expected that many laborers would be sent out from this school, even to Australia, and the islands of the sea. The resolution was adopted, the congregation also expressing their approval by a unanimous vote. Several spoke to the fourth resolution. Eld. Ballou has observed that wherever missionary work precedes tent-meetings there has been a good measure of success. It makes friends of the people. The resolution was adopted. The fifth resolution was adopted, the congregation also indorsing it by a rising vote. The committee appointed to confer with the Nevada delegates reported, recommending that Nevada be considered a part of the California Conference, and that we extend to the brethren there a hearty welcome. By a unanimous vote Nevada was received as recommended. On motion, it was voted that the chair appoint a committee to revise the present constitution. Eld. J. H. Waggoner, S. Brownsberger, and Eld. J. D. Rice were afterward appointed as such committee. Meeting adjourned to call of the chair. FIFTH MEETING, SEPT. 16, 9 A. M. Prayer by Eld. G. W. Colcord. In the absence of the Secretary, Eld. Colcord was chosen Secretary pro tem. The reading of the minutes of previous meeting was waived. The Committee on Resolutions continued their report as follows: WHEREAS, The canvassing work is an efficient means of getting the truth before the people, and of giving an experience which is an aid to effective service in other branches of the work; and WHEREAS, Certain valuable works, such as “Thoughts on Daniel and the Revelation,” and the picture, “Way of Life,” have been prepared to use in canvassing; therefore Resolved (6), That we recommend that those of our brethren and sisters who have had success in the past, and others of financial ability who feel a duty in this direction, and who may be recommended by those who have charge of this work, improve their talents by giving themselves to the work. Resolved (7), That it is with great pleasure that we have welcomed to this meeting Eld. G. W. Colcord, President of the Upper Columbia Conference, and that we recommend that this Conference send visitors to the other Conferences west of the Rocky Mountains, and cordially invite those Conferences to send their representatives to our annual meetings, believing that such an interchange will be of mutual benefit. Resolved (8), That, while we heartily indorse Bible-readings, and consider that they may be made of great benefit to the cause, we would not lose sight of the necessity of maintaining order in the cause of God; and recommend that all who wish to engage in this branch of the work go out under the sanction of the Conference, and not otherwise. These resolutions were adopted. Number six was spoken to by Eld. S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, and C. A. Cary. Number seven was also spoken to. It was thought consistent with the resolution that where a church could recommend persons they would be free to work in the church and vicinity. The Nominating Committee then made the following report: For President, Eld. S. N. Haskell; Secretary, Dr. E. J. Waggoner; Treasurer, Pacific Press; Executive Committee—Eld. S. N. Haskell, Eld. M. C. Israel, W. C. White. Eld. Haskell stated that his labors in California have been very pleasant, and that he has become much attached to the brethren here; yet duties in the East will doubtless require his attention more in the year to come than in the past. The persons recommended by the committee were duly elected. It was voted to drop the Red Bluff church from the minutes of this Conference, and to advise the members of said body to unite with other churches. Adjourned to call of the chair. SIXTH MEETING, SEPT. 17, 3:30 P. M. Prayer by Eld. G. D. Ballou. Minutes of the two previous meetings read and approved. The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported the following for credentials: Elders W. M. Healey, M. C. Israel, E. A. Briggs, J. D. Rice, G. D. Ballou, John Judson, Sanford Rogers, J. H. Waggoner. It was voted that they receive credentials. Those reported for ministerial licenses were as follows: W. P. Burke, Wm. Ings, E. J. Waggoner, N. C. McClure, A. Brorsen, W. G. Buckner, Isaac Morrison. It was voted that these receive licenses, except E. J. Waggoner, who was recommended by the President for ordination and credentials. A motion to this effect was made and supported. Brn. Myers, White, Stockton, and Gardner spoke, favoring the motion, which was carried. In addition to the action of the delegates the congregation favored the same by a unanimous vote. The following persons were named for colporteurs' licenses: Mrs. F. L. McClure, H. C. Palmer, Mrs. E. J. Howard, L. A. Scott. The cases of Henry Reick and others came up, and it was recommended that they attend the school if their circumstances would admit of it. The matter of granting them licenses was therefore left with the Conference Committee. Eld. Haskell spoke of the benefit to be received from the $25,000 endowment fund, the interest of which is to be applied in educating worthy persons for the work. Bro. A. La Rue spoke of his desire and feeling in regard to laboring in the Sandwich Islands, where he formerly resided for some time. These islands were favorably regarded as a missionary field by several who spoke on the subject. Already a number there have become interested in the truth, and some have embraced it. It was moved that this matter be referred to the Conference Committee and the council of ministers, and that they take action before leaving the ground. The chairman spoke of the necessity of trustees being chosen for the $25,000 fund. It was moved that a special board of three trustees be appointed to look after this matter. The chair suggested the names of Wm. Butcher, W. C. White, and Ruel Stickney, who were elected. It was stated by the chair that the duty of these trustees will be to see that the wishes of the donors to the fund are carried out. W. C. White made a motion recommending that the chair, Eld. Waggoner, and Eld. Rice define in writing the duties, time in office, etc., of this board. This was favored by an affirmative vote. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following, which were adopted:— WHEREAS, At this important time the cause of God is greatly in need of experienced men to manage its financial interests,—men who have made a success in business, and have acquired a competency, and WHEREAS, There are among us men of this class who fear God; therefore Resolved (9), That in the mind of this Conference it is the duty of such men to arrange their business so as to connect with the business interests of this work. Resolved (10), That we think it would be for the interest of the cause for Bro. Ruel Stickney to so situate himself that we could have his counsel in our business meetings, and we therefore invite him to locate as soon as possible in the vicinity of Oakland. Resolved (11), That we hereby acknowledge our obligations as a Conference to the South Pacific Coast Railroad, also to the San Francisco and North Pacific Railroad, for the generous reduction of fare granted to all those attending the camp-meeting, for carrying extra baggage free of charge, and for their uniform kindness extended to our people. Resolved (12), That we have highly appreciated these grounds, so well shaded, and containing so many conveniences for a camp-meeting, and that we extend to the Santa Clara County Agricultural Association our sincere thanks for the free use of the same. Eld. Waggoner moved that a vote of thanks be extended to the San Jose Mercury for the liberal space given to the camp-meeting reports. Carried. Eld. S. N. Haskell, W. C. White, and Eld. J. D. Rice were elected delegates to the General Conference. Minutes read and approved. Meeting adjourned sine die. S. N. HASKELL, Pres.
BARBARA C. RICE, Sec.