The Square System by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 18, 1907

“The Square System”

By I. H. Evans

IN the raising of the $150,000 fund, some of our churches have found that what is called “The Square System” has been very helpful. While there is no special merit in the thing itself, which is no better than any other plan that succeeds, yet it is one way which has been helpful in most places where used to encourage our people to clear up the whole amount of the donation to be raised by the church for this specific fund.

It not only has been helpful in raising the $150,000 fund, but numerous churches have tried it on various occasions where it was necessary to secure a considerable amount of money, and in nearly every instance they have written very encouragingly concerning the results.

The plan of operation is somewhat like this: Draw on a blackboard or large sheet of paper as many squares as there are individuals in your church. Then, let each square represent a specific amount of money. This may vary according to the option of those who are raising the fund. Each square can represent a pro rata share of the sum total to be raised, or it may represent a fractional part of the sum total.

Then persuade each individual in the church to take one or more of these squares, and continue the effort till all the squares are taken.

Sometimes it may occur that an individual is not able to take a square, while there may be others in the church who are both able and willing to take an ex-extra square, allowing the same to be credited to the individual.

This “square system” has been adopted in some of the conferences that are forging ahead on the $150,000 fund, and the results, as far as reports have been received, are most encouraging.

We shall be glad if our church elders and conference laborers who are endeavoring to secure donations on this fund are able to use to advantage any suggestions that have been made along this line. Oftentimes there is real enthusiasm in the raising of money by this little system, and not infrequently many people will double the number of squares they have taken several times before all the squares are taken.

I. H. EVANS.