Report of the General Quarterly Meeting of the N. E. Tract and Missionary Society by L. W. Hastings; Mary Martin

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 1, 1875

Report of the General Quarterly Meeting of the N. E. Tract and Missionary Society.

By L. W. Hastings; Mary Martin

The general quarterly meeting of the N. E. Tract and Missionary Society met at New Ipswich, N. H., March, 7, 1875.

The condition of the roads was very unfavorable, and the attendance not as large as usual; the snow in some localities being three feet deep on a level and badly drifted. Some were prevented from sending in their reports, being so hemmed in by snowdrifts, that the post-office could not be reached.

Meeting opened in the usual manner. The report of the previous meeting was read and accepted.

The report of missionary labor during the last quarter showed that 646 subscribers had been obtained for our periodicals, and 119,409 pages of reading matter distributed; 169 families had been visited, and 193 letters written. Amount received during last quarter from donations, sale of books, etc., $118.83; expenditures $500.97.

Report of labor performed by the V. M. Society during the last quarter is as follows: Letters written 167, subscribers obtained for periodicals, 40; tracts and pamphlets distributed, 22,056.

On account of the unusual severity of our northern winter, and the ill health of many active members of the Tract Society, or sickness of their families or friends, there has not been so much accomplished by way of obtaining names for our periodicals as otherwise would have been. Efforts have been made to procure such names as would probably become permanent subscribers, which has had a tendency to prolong the work, so that in the end, more in reality would be accomplished than by any spasmodic effort. The remarks made evinced much interest on the part of all present.

The suffering condition of friends in Kansas was introduced, and remarks made manifesting sympathy, and a desire to help bear others’ burdens. It was voted that where it has not already been attended to, each director should call the attention of the brethren and sisters in his district to the matter, to be acted upon as each should deem it duty.

The religious services in connection with this meeting were seasons of interest.

One who had become interested by reading, having never seen but two Seventh-day Adventists, was present. Though the meeting was comparatively small, he expressed surprise that so many could be found to meet in this section of country, and said he felt well paid for coming.

On account of other matters of interest, the Health Association did not hold its regular meeting as usual. Several essays and a letter were read which added to the interest of the meeting.

L. W. HASTINGS, Vice-Pres.

MARY MARTIN, Sec.