p. 20 | North Dakota Conference Proceedings

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 14, 1903

North Dakota Conference Proceedings

By John G. Walker; A. E. Christian

The second annual meeting of the North Dakota Conference convened in Carrington, June 23-28. It was a time long to be remembered. The attendance of our brethren throughout the State was good, and they returned stronger in God and the blessed hope of soon meeting our dear Redeemer. Elder and Mrs. Haskell, Elders Butler, Spicer, Flaiz, Westphal, and Johnson were present, and gave much timely and encouraging instruction.

The business of the conference passed off harmoniously in every respect. The following officers were elected for the coming year: President, John G. Walker; Vice-President, Lars Neilson; Business Agent, Charles Leer; Secretary, A. E. Christian; Treasurer, Mrs. Alice H. Robinson; Field Secretary of Educational and Sabbath-school Department, F. G. Specht; Recording Secretary, Hattie Ohms; State Canvassing Agent, C. L. Kendall.

Brethren Valentine Leer, Edward Leoppke, Lars Neilson, A. E. Christian, Henry Johnson, and John G. Walker received credentials. Brother Walker was ordained to the gospel ministry. F. G. Specht and Christian Sulzle received ministerial license, and seven were granted missionary license.

The following recommendations were presented and unanimously adopted:—

“In harmony with the suggestion of the conference committee,—

“1. We recommend that steps be taken to incorporate under the existing laws of North Dakota, and request that the property now in North Dakota, and held by the Dakota Conference Association, be transferred.

“2. We indorse the action of the conference committee in publishing the North Dakota Gleaner in both English and German, and recommend also that the price be raised to twenty-five cents. We further recommend the conference committee to buy a German typewriter to be used in the office.

“3. We recommend that all our brethren and sisters adopt the systematic weekly offerings generally known as the ten-cent-a-week plan.

“In view of the fact that the crisis is just before us, and the great need of enlightening the people in the subject of religious liberty,—

“4. We recommend a vigorous campaign in the distribution of the Christian Endeavor number of The Sentinel of Christian Liberty.

“Whereas, Christian education is the only education that will qualify the children and youth to become efficient workers in the cause of the third angel’s message; and,—

“Whereas, The educational department of the North Dakota Conference needs to be strengthened and more fully organized, therefore,—

“5. We recommend that Brother F. G. Specht be asked to attend the summer school at Berrien Springs, Mich.

“6. We recommend that immediately upon Brother Specht’s return an institute for church school teachers be held.

“7. We recommend that the conference committee consider the advisability of planning for a three months’ school this coming winter, in which special instruction shall be given for church school teachers.

“In view of the pressing need of an intermediate school in our State, and the openings now presented to us,—

“8. We recommend that the conference take immediate steps for the establishment of the same.

“9. We recommend that the conference committee be authorized to carry out the arrangements for establishing the school as soon as funds are forthcoming, and that nine brethren be appointed by the conference to act with the committee as advisors.

“10. We recommend that the $6,000 fund be raised to $10,000 and re-distributed as follows: one-half to the educational fund, and the remainder to be equally apportioned to the tent fund, canvassers’ fund, depository and reserve fund, tract fund, and foreign mission fund. The same to be raised by donations and pledges.

“11. We recommend that a vigorous campaign with ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ and ‘Marvel of Nations’ be inaugurated for the benefit of the school fund, and also that a North Dakota acre fund be established for the same purpose.

“12. We recommend the following in regard to the Sabbath-school work:—

“(a) The holding of Sabbath-school conventions whenever practicable.

“(b) That Sabbath-schools be held in isolated families.

“(c) That both family and church Sabbath-schools be encouraged to report faithfully.

“(d) That the church elect the Sabbath-school officers, or if they are elected by the Sabbath-school, that the counsel of the church officers be sought.

“(e) That the ministers and other workers throughout the field be urged to give this work their hearty support and co-operation.

“13. We recommend the following in regard to the tract and missionary work:—

“(a) That more attention be given to the circulation of all our periodicals, both in the English and in foreign languages.

“(b) That children and youth be encouraged to engage in the same, and to sell the smaller books, such as, ‘The Story of Joseph,’ ‘Glorious Appearing,’ etc.

“(c) That a vigorous effort be put forth to induce young men and women to enter the canvassing work while the opportunity is favorable for making it a financial success, as well as a spiritual one.

“14. We recommend that the conference be divided into seven districts, and that devout and God-fearing lay brethren be chosen to take charge of the local missionary interests in each district, the work to be done at a time most favorable for them to leave their farms or other occupations.”

The workers start out with good courage, and by the help of God will press the battle to the gates of the enemy.

JOHN G. WALKER, President.

A. E. CHRISTIAN, Secretary.