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California State Conference

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Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Oct 12, 1876

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 2, No. 42.

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California State Conference.

By John Norton Loughborough; Wm. Saunders

The fifth annual session of the California State Conference of S. D. Adventists was held at Fairfax Camp-ground, near San Rafael, Marin Co., Sept. 20–28, 1876.

FIRST SESSION.

Sept. 20, at 5 P. M. The Conference was opened with prayer by Bro. Wm. Healey. Credentials of delegates being called for, the following responded:—
San Francisco,—E. A. Stockton, J. S. Howard, A. Bousen, and Charles R. Chittenden.
Oakland,—J. I. Tay, G. S. Manuel, J. W. Conkrite.
San Jose,—Wm. Dumont.
Green Valley,—W. T. Ross.
Petaluma,—Edwin Moore.
St. Helena,—E. J. Church.
Healdsburg,—John Cook, Wm. Harmon.
Santa Rosa,—John Morrison, J. L. Wood.
Napa,—W. G. Myers.
Woodland,—S. Dye, Alfred Mason, N. Grayson.
Fairview,—M. J. Church.
Lake County,—Wm. Hicks.
Red Bluff and Bear Valley were represented by letter.

SECOND SESSION.

Sept. 21, at 5 P. M. This session followed a meeting of the T. and M. Society. As the roll of delegates was read they took the front seats. By vote of the delegates, all members in good standing in any S. D. A. church were requested to take part in the deliberations of the Conference.
The Secretary read the minutes of the last yearly session which were approved by vote, as read.
It was announced by the President, Eld. J. N. Loughborough, that in order to expedite the business of the Conference several committees would be necessary. It was voted that the Chair be authorized to appoint said committees.
At 7 P. M. of the 21st the President read the Conference Address, showing the past progress of the cause upon this coast, and delineating the important part Bro. White had borne therein, also foreshadowing something of the future necessities of the cause, and intimating plans that it might be well to adopt relative thereto.

THIRD SESSION.

Sept. 22, at 5 P. M. This session was opened with prayer by the President, and was simply occupied with an announcement of committees by the Chair as follows:—
Committee on Nominations: J. I. Tay, J. L. Wood, W. T. Ross.
On Credentials and Licenses: W. C. White, T. M. Chapman, and Edwin Moore.
On Resolutions: A. Mason, G. Manuel, and E. A. Stockton.
Auditing Committee: Chas. R. Chittenden, W. A. Pratt, John Cook, John Morrison, M. J. Church, and N. Grayson.

FOURTH SESSION.

Sept. 25, 8:45 P. M. This followed the evening service. A call was made for reports of committees, when the Committee on Nominations reported for President, J. N. Loughborough; Secretary, Wm. Saunders; Treasurer, G. Manuel; Executive Committee, J. N. Loughborough, W. C. White, John Morrison. The report of committee was accepted and the above officers unanimously elected.
The Committee on Resolutions reported the following:—
Whereas, It has pleased our Heavenly Father, in answer to the earnest petitions of this people, to bless us with clear views of duty, and
Whereas, Eld. Loughborough has been moved to prepare an Address to this Conference in which he clearly sets forth wherein we have failed in the past, and in a brief history of the cause on this coast has shown us who have labored unselfishly, and in whom we should have confidence, therefore, be it
Resolved, That we heartily endorse the said Conference Address, believing that the facts stated therein are in strict accordance with truth, and we recommend that it be published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES in connection with the report of the proceedings of this Conference.
Resolved, That in view of the facts stated in the Conference Address, whereby we learn that Eld. White has, by his means and influence, helped the work on this coast as no other man could, and has always labored unselfishly for the best interest of the cause, we heartily deplore the spirit of murmuring which has rendered his labors extremely arduous, especially during his last visit. We cordially extend to Bro. and Sister White our fullest sympathy and confidence, to which they are justly entitled, and invite them to spend as much of their time among us as shall be consistent with the general interests of the cause.
Resolved, That our thanks are due to the General Conference for their watch care and tender regard in sending us some of their most efficient laborers, and we hope to be able to show our appreciation of their kindness by rendering to them that hearty co-operation and support to which their arduous and unselfish labors entitle them.
Resolved, That our heartfelt gratitude is due the Author and Giver of all good for the increased spirit of unity and devotion with which our camp-meeting has been blessed.
Resolved, That we hereby express our thanks to the Camp-meeting Committee for their efforts in fitting up the grounds, and otherwise aiding in making the meeting a success.
Resolved, That we hereby extend our thanks to the N. P. C. R. R. Company for kindness and courtesies received during our camp-meeting.
These resolutions were adopted separately by the unanimous vote of the delegates, and by a rising vote of all the brethren and sisters present.

FIFTH SESSION.

Sept. 26, at 11 A. M. The Committee offered two more resolutions which were unanimously adopted as follows:—
Resolved, That it is the duty of Licentiates, or those acting under verbal permission to improve their gift, to consult with the President of the Conference in regard to their place and manner of labor.
Resolved, That the minutes of this meeting be published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses then reported, recommending the renewal of the credentials of J. N. Loughborough, M. G. Kellogg, and Wm. Healey, and that licenses be granted to Bro. J. L. Wood, R. A. Morton, John Judson, Andrew Brorsen, J. E. White, Isaac Morrison, and B. A. Stephens. A unanimous vote of the Conference was taken in harmony with the above recommendations.
The Auditing Committee reported that they had, in connection with the Conference Committee, effected a settlement with all laborers in the employ of the Conference, and that they had examined all affairs referred to them, and they also recommended to the Conference that steps be taken to obtain pledges to new stock in the P. S. D. A. P. Association to the amount of at least $5,000, and that pledges be taken also for donations towards the debt on the SIGNS. A call was made accordingly, resulting in $5,100 pledged as new stock, and $207.50 toward the debt on the SIGNS OF THE TIMES.

SIXTH SESSION.

This session was held Sept. 26, at 6 P. M., immediately after a meeting of the T. and M. Society. The Camp and Tent fund was introduced by the President with a report as follows:— Fund on hand at close of meeting last year........................$187.00 Since paid in on pledges........................................172.87 Received this year for rents, etc...............................162.70 Total received..................................................$522.57 Paid for new tent top..........................................$262.00 Insurance of Camp-building.......................................8.40 Camp materials and advertising for 1876.........................185.89 Camp printing....................................................19.25 Freight, draying, etc............................................17.90 Total paid out..................................................$493.44 Balance on hand.................................................$29.13
It was also stated that 49 days’ work had been expended upon the grounds this year. A call was made for means, and $70.50 was raised on the spot in donations to pay toward the clearing of the grounds. Report on Camp fund accepted.

SEVENTH SESSION.

This session was held after the evening discourse, Sept. 26, and was devoted to considering the matter of camp-meeting next year, and Camp-meeting Committee. Moved by Eld. M. G. Kellogg, that the President be empowered to appoint a Camp-meeting Committee any time during the year, and that said Committee act with the Conference Committee in selecting a location and deciding the time of next year’s camp-meeting. This motion was sustained by unanimous vote.
Voted, That the camp-meeting be not held on the Fairfax grounds another year.
A report of church standing was made by the Secretary, showing 559 members against about 500 last year.
Moved and supported, That the San Francisco church be invited to return the $1000, loaned them by the Conference, at their earliest convenience.

EIGHTH SESSION.

This session was held Sept. 27, at 3:30 P. M. Opened with prayer by the President. Letters were read from several of the churches. Calls were made for labor in various parts of the State. Bro. M. J. Church said there was an unfinished work in Fresno and Tulare counties, and they wished more preaching. Bro. Otis spoke in behalf of Santa Clara county and that part of the State. Bro. Bond spoke in favor of Solano county, stating that he thought that there was a class of candid people in Elmira, Dixon, Vacaville, and other towns in that vicinity. A meeting-house had been offered in one place if a minister could be had to speak in it. Brn. Stephens and Dumont spoke for San Jose. Bro. Healey spoke of going out into the field soon after camp-meeting if he could have a co-laborer. Bro. Wood said he intended to use the credentials that had been given him. His mind was in Fresno County. He thought he should be ready to start out in a couple of weeks.
The Treasurer’s report was read and accepted as follows:— Cash on hand at close of last Conference......................$1,460.66 Received during the year......................................2,512.06 Total........................................................$3,972.72 Paid out as per book, and Auditing Committee’s orders..........$2,671.83 Loaned to San Francisco church................................1,000.00 Total paid out...............................................$3,671.83 On hand.......................................................$300.89 Received from Green Valley, since closing report...............12.35 Bal. in Treasury at close of meeting..........................$313.24
There being no further business the Conference adjourned.
J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH, President.
WM. SAUNDERS, Secretary.