STATE QUARTERLY MEETING OF MICH. T. AND M. SOCIETY by J. Fargo; Mrs. S. H. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 11, 1877

STATE QUARTERLY MEETING OF MICH. T. AND M. SOCIETY.

By J. Fargo; Mrs. S. H. Lane

This meeting convened as appointed at Alaiedon, Dec. 23, 24. The first session was held evening after the Sabbath, Dec. 23. Eld. Fargo, the president, occupied the chair. Prayer by Eld. Haskell.

In view of the nature of the work that has been going on in the various districts, the reports sent in were few, there being but six districts that reported and some of these reports coming from some individual churches to the district. These reports from districts Nos. 2, 3, 6, 7, 10, and 11, showed there had been 222 families visited; 154 letters written; 25 subscribers obtained for REVIEW; 34 for SIGNS; 38 for REFORMER; and 49 for the INSTRUCTOR. Number of periodicals distributed, 1780; tracts and pamphlets, 151,337; almanacs, 932. One library furnished with a set of bound books.

Elds. Haskell and Fargo reported that they had visited sixteen churches each, and that all these churches, except Rochester and Almont, unanimously voted to pay a sum equal to one-third their s. b. the coming year for the support of the missionary work. It is here proper to state that there were eight individuals who did not vote, though they expressed themselves in harmony with the plan, also with the resolutions which were recommended to the Mich. T. and M. Society at the late session of the General Conference, which were adopted by these various churches.

Much interest was manifested by these churches in the distribution of the Health Almanac, and in obtaining subscribers for the HEALTH REFORMER, and the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. Twelve thousand almanacs have been taken. There are some eighty-seven that can be depended upon to canvass for the SIGNS and REFORMER without a premium, besides a goodly number who are making arrangements to give their entire time to the work with a per cent. Seventy-five subscribers have been obtained for the SIGNS, mostly by our brethren, at two dollars each. About one thousand premiums have been ordered, which are being placed in the hands of canvassers, with which to obtain subscribers.

If the same degree of interest is taken in this work in the remaining portion of the State as has been in the thirty-two companies already visited, and doubtless there will be, and the brethren continue as they have commenced, the number of subscribers assigned us—six thousand, six hundred and sixty-eight—for the periodicals, and the fifty thousand almanacs to be judiciously distributed, will be a work easily accomplished by this Conference.

Systematic Benevolence was re-organized for the church at Alaiedon at this meeting, with an increase of about $25.00 over last year. When the question of adding an amount equal to one-third of their s. b. came up, it was adopted by a rising vote of all present. There were six districts and fourteen churches represented, and every brother and sister present arose.

The canvassers for our periodicals were appointed in the Alaiedon church, who cheerfully accepted the appointment, and resolved to work.

The following business was transacted at this meeting, some items of which are of especial interest to the work in Michigan:—

I. It was decided to give special agents who canvass for the SIGNS with either of the premiums offered (except “Life Sketches”), a premium of 50 cts. for every two dollar subscriber thus obtained, providing that the canvasser first obtain ten subscribers before receiving anything. (2) This canvassing shall be done outside of our brethren. (3) The business must be done through the Tract Society. For per cent. on REFORMER, see agents’ circular.

II. It was thought that it would be for the interest of district No. 10 to be divided; but in the absence of those especially interested in it, the dividing of the district and the appointing of a director were referred to the Armada meeting, Dec. 29 and 30.

III. It was voted by the director that Bro. Fargo be released as director in district No. 6, and Bro. Howe act in his stead.

IV. It was also voted to rescind the vote of adding 20 per cent. on pamphlets charged to the various districts. That each district shall receive a credit from the Tract Society of a sum equal to the 20 per cent. which has been added to the almanacs for 1877, and to the premiums sent to canvassers for this winter’s campaign.

V. The propriety of transferring the churches of Haselton and Flushing from district No. 8 to district No. 7, was considered, and it was left for the directors in those two districts to arrange as they judge proper.

VI. The following resolution was offered and unanimously adopted:— Resolved, That we recommend to all of the churches in this Conference where s. b. has not been re-organized for 1877 to postpone the organization of it until visited by those appointed by the Conference.

That which added much interest to the business matters relating to the church in Alaiedon was the commendable course pursued by some of the leading brethren of the church. When it was understood that we designed to re-organize the s. b., and take an expression whether the brethren would pay a sum into the Tract Society equal to one-third their s. b., the elders readily took in the nature of the case, and at once consulted together. Some of the brethren pledged liberally last year, and were now under embarrassing circumstances. One of the elders quietly passed among such and encouraged them to take hold liberally, and if they had not the ready means to meet the present emergency, he offered to loan them that which they needed, without interest, notwithstanding he was paying interest on hundreds of dollars at ten per cent. Such acts are silken cords of love which unite hearts, golden links which bind individuals to Him who died for us.

The officers of the Tract Society present were Eld. J. Fargo, I. A. Olmstead, F. Squire, F. Howe, Alex Carpenter, and the secretary.

Elds. Kenyon and Jones were present, and took part in preaching the word with freedom and acceptance. Eld. Haskell spoke much in reference to the nature of the work, the relation we sustain to the cause of God, and the importance that each act well his part, that he may be acquitted in the day of Judgment. His remarks Sunday afternoon, which time was devoted to business, upon the necessity of coming up in this work with our means, and keeping pace with every advance step taken with the same spirit of sacrifice and devotion that characterized the pioneers in this cause, reached the hearts of all present.

Sunday evening there was a crowded house of interested listeners to Eld. Haskell as he spoke with good freedom, of the contrast between the work of Christ and antichrist in reference to the law of God.

At the close of the discourse there was another session of the Tract Society of about two hours. The brethren returned home much encouraged, feeling that brighter days were dawning on the tract and missionary work in Michigan.

J. Fargo, Pres.

Mrs. S. H. Lane, Sec.