SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 22, 9 A. M
Proceedings of the California Sabbath-School Association.
THE eighth annual session of the California State Sabbath-school Association convened on September 18, 1885, at 4:30 P. M. Meeting was called to order by the president, C. H. Jones. After singing, prayer was offered by Elder W. M. Healey. Report of the last annual session was read and approved. The president then extended words of greeting to all present representing different Sabbath-schools; and all who were interested in Sabbath-school work were kindly welcomed to take part in the exercises and to consider themselves as delegates. Attention was also called to the tent that had been especially fitted up for Sabbath-school work, and where could be found a good supply of lesson helps, books, maps, blackboards, etc. All workers were invited to make this place their headquarters. The usual committees were then announced as follows:—
Committee on Nominations: Elders William Ings, J. D. Rice, A. T. Jones; Committee on Resolutions: Elder E. J. Waggoner, S. Brownsberger, Elder W. M. Healey; Committee on Examination of Record Books: Josie Baker, Della Frisbie, Alice Bartlett.
Meeting adjourned to call of chair. SECOND MEETING, SEPT. 22, 9 A. M.
Prayer by Elder J. H. Waggoner. After the reading of the minutes of the first meeting, the secretary's yearly report was called for and read. There are now 46 schools and a membership of 1,797, an increase of 526 during the past year. The report showed that during the year ending June 30, 14 schools had been organized, and 4 others during the present quarter, making 18 schools that have been organized during the past Conference year. The schools at Chico, Laytonville, and Willits have been discontinued, leaving an increase over that of last year of 15 schools. The treasurer's report was read, showing a balance of $69.20 in the treasury. The president then spoke of the nature of the Sabbath-school as being a home work, while that of tract and missionary societies is, in a measure, foreign. The Sabbath-school work is the life of the church, for it is a work in which each individual member should engage, and in doing so he not only helps the church, but himself also. It was suggested that an individual be employed by the Conference, who could devote a part of his time in behalf of the Sabbath-school interest. But one person cannot do all that is necessary to be done; we must all work if we expect a harvest. Elder J. H. Waggoner remarked that he was glad to see the interest that was being taken in the Sabbath-school work, which he considered an important branch. Elder Loughborough also spoke encouragingly. He could report a great improvement in the schools that he had visited, and could see a spirit of liberality prevailing among the scholars and manifesting itself in weekly thank-offerings. Several others gave interesting reports of schools that had been organized by them. The president then stated that he had no knowledge of a constitution ever having been adopted by this Association, at least he knew599of none in existence at the present time. One, however, had been prepared, which was read and by vote referred to a committee of three, for revision, and who were to report at the next meeting. Elders J. H. Waggoner, E. J. Waggoner, and A. T. Jones were appointed as said committee. On motion there followed a short recess. Promptly at 10:30 o'clock, with president in the chair, the meeting was resumed. Prayer by Elder Loughborough. A few verbal changes having been made in the constitution, it was adopted by a unanimous vote. Following is the constitution as adopted:—
# CONSTITUTION OF THE CALIFORNIA SABBATH-SCHOOL ASSOCIATION.
# ARTICLE I. NAME.
This Society shall be known as the California State Sabbath-school Association of the Seventh-day Adventists.
# ARTICLE II. MEMBERSHIP.
This Association shall be composed of all the members of such Sabbath-schools as shall report quarterly to the Society.
# ARTICLE III. REPRESENTATION.
This Association shall be represented by all the members of Sabbath-schools within its limits, who may be present at any regular meeting.
# ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS.
The officers of this Association shall be a President, a Vice-president, a Secretary, an Assistant Secretary, and an Executive Board of five, of which the President and Vice-president shall be members. These officers shall be elected at the annual sessions of the Association.
# ARTICLE V. DUTIES OF PRESIDENT.
The duties of the President shall be to preside at all the meetings of the Association and of the Executive Board, and to call special meetings thereof.
# ARTICLE VI. DUTIES OF SECRETARY.
SECTION 1. As Secretary, (1) he shall keep a record of the proceedings of the Association, and present a yearly summary of its workings at the annual sessions. (2) He shall attend the meetings of the Executive Board and keep a record of its proceedings. (3) He shall execute all the correspondence ordered by the Association and by the Executive Board. (4) Before the close of each quarter he shall send out blank reports to the secretary of each school. (5) As soon after the close of each quarter as possible he shall send to the secretary of the General Sabbath-school Association a summary of the standing of all the schools belonging to the Association.
SECTION 2. As Treasurer, he shall act as Treasurer of the Association, and shall receive and hold all moneys belonging to the Association, giving receipts therefor, and paying out as the Association or the Executive Board may direct.
# ARTICLE VII. DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD.
The functions of the Executive Board shall be: (1) To represent this Association when not in session assembled, and to execute all its recommendations and orders. (2) To assist, either personally or by authorized agents, in organizing or conducting Sabbath-schools and Sunday-schools in those places where an attendance can be secured, and where the truths of the Bible can be plainly taught. (3) To make all necessary provisions for rendering the sessions of the Association interesting and profitable; and in general, to labor to make our Sabbath-schools efficient in preparing their members to be faithful members in the grand mission of the Third Angel's Message.
# ARTICLE VIII. FUNDS.
It shall be the duty of each school to pay into the Association each quarter a tithe of all its class contributions, and the funds so raised shall be used in defraying the expenses of the Association, and in assisting in establishing new schools and other missionary enterprises.
# ARTICLE IX. REPORTING.
It shall be the duty of each school to make, each quarter, to the State Secretary, a written report of the number belonging, average attendance, amount of contributions, etc.
# ARTICLE X. AMENDMENTS.
This Constitution may be altered or amended by a two-thirds vote of the delegates present at any regular meeting. The Committee on Nominations presented the following report: For President, C. H. Jones; Vice-president, W. C. Grainger; Secretary, Josie Baker; Assistant Secretary, Alice Bartlett; Executive Committee, E. J. Waggoner, A. T. Jones, R. S. Owen. These nominees were duly elected. The Committee on Resolutions presented the following:—
WHEREAS, The past year has been one of unusual increase of membership and activity in our schools.
Resolved, That we acknowledge the hand of God, and hereby express our thanks to him for his favor and blessing; and pray that his Spirit may accompany those who labor in this work, and not only cause a continued increase of members, but an increase of love for God and his truth.
WHEREAS, The Sabbath-School Worker gives practical suggestions in regard to Sabbath-school work, answering questions that are continually arising; therefore,
Resolved, That we advise and urge all the officers and teachers in this Conference to subscribe for and study it.
WHEREAS, The Sabbath-school conventions that have been held in this State have been to the advantage of the schools; therefore,
Resolved, That conventions be held during the coming year, at such times and places as shall be deemed best by the Executive Committee.
Resolved, That this Association assist in meeting the expenses of a laborer whom the Conference may send to labor among the churches, if said laborer devote a part of the time spent with each church in the special interest of the Sabbath-school work.
Resolved, That we indorse the use of maps, pictures, and other means of illustrating Scripture lessons to the youth and children, but think there is danger of this manner of teaching becoming a sort of formal entertainment; therefore we would recommend that officers and teachers be earnest and careful to keep the true spirit of practical truth and godliness prominent in their instructions.
WHEREAS, The New Testament Scriptures relating to the life and work of Christ, our dependence on him for the forgiveness of sins, and his second coming for our salvation, are especially necessary in impressing hearts,
Resolved, That we request the General Sabbath-school Association to consider the propriety of having lessons on these topics, prepared for the youth and children, to alternate with the present lessons on Old Testament history, as may be advised by the officers of the General Association.
WHEREAS, The country is being flooded with literature of a trashy and pernicious character, which is especially designed to catch the minds of the youth and children, and which totally unfits them for the reception of spiritual things,
Resolved, That we deem it the imperative duty of all officers, teachers, and parents to remove such reading matter as far as possible from the children under their care, and to fill its place with that which will elevate and instruct, and to use diligence in arousing an interest in such reading matter. Each resolution was then considered separately, voted upon, and unanimously adopted. The second resolution was spoken to by the president, who heartily indorsed the S. S. Worker. That every one might have an opportunity to subscribe for it, Della Frisbie and Alta Morrison were appointed to canvass the ground. Bro. C. H. Jones, Elders J. H. Waggoner, and J. N. Loughborough made remarks to the third resolution. Being present at the convention held in Oakland, they could affirm that it was an interesting and profitable meeting, and that all who can attend such meetings in the future will be greatly benefited. In speaking to the fifth resolution, Elder Waggoner said: The resolution is timely. It should be the earnest endeavor of the teacher to keep the grand central point of the lesson in view, for the scholars are not really benefited unless this is the case. The interest should not be allowed to abate, but all should strive to make the truth more impressive. Remarks were made to the sixth resolution by Elder J. H. Waggoner and C. H. Jones. All could see the need of such lessons, for even little hearts can be impressed with their need of a Saviour, and learn to love and obey God. Comment on the seventh resolution was deemed unnecessary, for all could appreciate its importance. The remainder of the time in the meeting was occupied by Elder E. J. Waggoner, who delivered a short address on Sabbath-school helps. Printed directions for keeping class record books were then distributed, and the meeting adjourned to call of the chair. The third meeting, Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 5 P. M., was occupied in practically illustrating the method of keeping a class record. FOURTH MEETING, SEPT. 24, 9 A. M.
Instructions in keeping class records were continued, after which an hour was spent in answering questions. After a short recess all came together again at 11 o'clock. Prayer by Elder A. T. Jones. There still remained a number of questions but these were left for the present, and Elder J. H. Waggoner was invited to address the association. The subject of his remarks was, "Influence of the Home on the Sabbath-school." He first stated the difference between a Sabbath and a day school. We do not appreciate aright unpaid labor, consequently we look upon the work of a day teacher as of more importance than that of a Sabbath-school teacher. In order that a child may have a good foundation on which to build, it is necessary that he have a good influence at home, for what is learned from the half hour's recitation at the Sabbath-school is of very little importance without this help. The study of the lesson should be begun early in the week, and the lesson being thus fixed in the mind will be made more impressive. The parent must precede the work of the teacher, and the teacher only comes in to second and finish up the work of the parent. The address was replete with good thoughts and suggestions. After considering other questions, the meeting was adjourned to call of the chair. FIFTH MEETING, SEPT. 25, 4 P. M.
The song, "Work for the Night Is Coming," opened the meeting. Prayer by Elder J. H. Waggoner. The time was occupied in finishing up the work on the blackboard, which, being completed, presented the record of a class for one quarter, with the average standing of each pupil, also that of the class. During the past year the Executive Committee drew $200 from the State Association and donated it to the General Association, to help establish a publishing fund. By a unanimous vote of the convention, the action of the committee was ratified. Adjourned sine die.
C. H. JONES, President.
JOSIE BAKER, Secretary.