N. Y. and Pa. Conference Tract and Missionary Society by Stephen N. Haskell; S. B. Whitney

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 26, 1872

N. Y. and Pa. Conference Tract and Missionary Society.

By Stephen N. Haskell; S. B. Whitney

A GOODLY delegation of brethren and sisters from different parts of the State met according to the call in the REVIEW, for the purpose of organizing this Society.

Bro. Haskell was present, and rendered efficient aid. It immediately appeared that a very important question to be considered was the proper course to be pursued in relation to tract societies already existing in different localities in the State; and, after prayerful consideration, it was deemed advisable by all present, in order not to require any to pay a second membership, and yet furnish funds for immediate use, to raise by donations an amount equal to the number of memberships in these several localities, by virtue of which, the members of the local societies shall be considered as members of this society.

The constitution of the society in Michigan was adopted, with some amendments, adding to article III, as the object of the society, to find homes for widows and orphans; and defining the duties of officers.

The Conference was districted as follows, viz.:

Niagara, Orleans, Monroe, and Erie Counties.
Oswego County, except the towns of Orwell and Boylston.
Jefferson County, with the towns of Orwell and Boylston.
St. Lawrence and Franklin Counties.
Essex and Clinton Counties.
Warren, Washington, and Saratoga Counties.
Madison County and vicinity.
Oneida, Onondaga, and Cayuga Counties.
Chautauque and Cattaraugus Counties, and adjacent brethren in Pa.
Alleghany County, and Potter County, Pa.
Chemung and Steuben Counties, and Tioga Co., Pa.

The following persons were chosen as officers of the society. President, J. M. Lindsay; Vice President, B. L. Whitney; Secretary, Harmon Lindsay; Treasurer, E. B. Gaskill. Directors: District 1, Stephen Craig, 2, P. Z. Kinne, 3, S. N. Walsworth, 4, A. H. Hall, 5, I. N. Russell, 6, M. S. Tyrel, 7, S. I. Abbey, 8, P. Z. Kinne. Districts 9, 10 and 11, not being represented, no directors were appointed, but were left to be appointed by the president.

The time and place of the first general quarterly meeting were left with the president to appoint. Donations were liberally made to the funds of the society. Bro. B. L. Whitney was appointed as a general agent to look after delinquents on periodicals, outside of the society districts.

In addition to the regular business of the meeting, a recent testimony from Sr. White was considered, some hearty confessions made, and the following resolution unanimously adopted:

Whereas, The Lord has seen fit in his providence to notice us again, in a testimony from his Spirit, pointing out our condition as a State, and also the wrongs of individuals, therefore,

Resolved, That we acknowledge the justice of the reproofs given, and that we express our gratitude to God for the light received, and our confidence in the instrument he has chosen to do this work.

The meeting was characterized by great unanimity of feeling and action, the time was very diligently employed, and all felt that this movement is to mark a new era in the cause of present truth.

We feel especially grateful to Bro. Haskell, under God, for his great interest, faithful labors, and wise counsels, in connection with this enterprise in our Conference.

The meeting adjourned Monday morning, March 11, 1872, sine die.

S. N. HASKELL, Pres.

S. B. WHITNEY, Sec.

Kirkville, N. Y.