SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF S. D. ADVENTISTS by James White; Uriah Smith

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 17, 1878

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL SESSION OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE OF S. D. ADVENTISTS.

By James White; Uriah Smith

This meeting convened, as per appointment in REVIEW, on the camp-ground at Battle Creek, Mich., Oct. 4, at 10:30 A. M. Prayer by the president, Eld. James White.

Delegates responded as follows: J. B. Goodrich, from Maine; B. L. Whitney and S. B. Whitney, from New York; H. A. St. John, from Ohio; J. H. Waggoner, W. H. Littlejohn, J. Fargo, E. H. Root, W. C. White, D. H. Lamson, S. Brownsberger, and S. H. King, from Michigan; S. H. Lane, from Indiana; G. W. Colcord, from Illinois; H. W. Decker and O. A. Olsen, from Wisconsin; J. N. Loughborough, from California.

The following brethren, being present, were invited to act as delegates from their respective localities: J. F. Hanson, from Iowa; R. F. Andrews, from Illinois; J. N. Ayers, from Kansas; S. Osborn, from Kentucky and Tennessee; M. E. Kellogg, from Vermont; and S. N. Haskell, from New England. From missionary fields: Robert Sawyer, from Virginia; L. Caldwell, from Texas; A. O. Burrill, from Alabama; A. C. Bourdeau, from the Province of Quebec; J. N. Andrews, from Switzerland; and D. T. Bourdeau, from France.

Reports presented show the present standing of the Conference to be as follows:

GENERAL CONFERENCE SUMMARY FOR THE YEAR ENDING OCT. 4, 1878.

Name of Conferences	Ministers	Licentiates	Churches	Members	S. B. Pledges
Maine	3	2	16	312	$1,067 84
Vermont	7	7	23	525	$1,566 39
New England	2	3	24	450	$3,000 00
New York and Pa.	8	5	40	850	$3,643 10
Ohio	2	10	14	396	$1,570 76
Michigan	21	19	108	8258	$9,538 56
Indiana	4	4	19	380	$1,200 00
Wisconsin	8	13	47	1156	$2,904 88
Illinois	9	7	25	700	$1,883 63
Minnesota	14	21	51	850	$3,248 61
Iowa and Nebraska	13	17	72	1500	$6,000 00
Missouri	4	5	14	355	$1,200 00
Kansas	5	9	26	695	$1,356 00
California	8	8	29	740	$5,899 86
Kentucky & Tenn.	2	3	6	72	$426 89
Oregon	3	6	5	215	$1,230 00
Texas Mission	1	2	4	150	$500 00
Gen. Southern Mis.		5	3	68	$172 71
European Mission	2	5	16	250	$600 00
Nevada Mission			2	45	$508 56
Colorado				30
Danish	1	3	5	80	$60 00
Total	117	154	549	13077	$47,637 29
As given last year	100	97	478	11708	$47,176 56
Gain during year	11	57	71	1369	$460 73

The reading of the minutes of last session was waived.

On motion the chair appointed the following committees:—

On Nominations: J. N. Andrews, J. N. Loughborough, J. H. Waggoner.

On Resolutions: U. Smith, James White, S. N. Haskell.

On Auditing: W. C. White and H. W. Kellogg.

On Preaching: James White, S. N. Haskell, D. M. Canright.

The following resolution was presented by the president:—

Whereas, The impression has gone out from some unknown cause that J. H. Kellogg, M. D., holds infidel sentiments, which does him great injustice, and also endangers his influence as physician-in-chief of the Sanitarium; therefore

Resolved, That in our opinion justice to the doctor and the Institute under his medical charge demand that he should have the privilege of making his sentiments known, and that he be invited to address those assembled on this ground, upon the harmony of science and the Sacred Scriptures.

This resolution was unanimously adopted, after which the Conference adjourned to the call of the chair.

[NOTE.—In accordance with the foregoing resolution, Dr. Kellogg gave, before a large audience, Oct. 6, an able address on the harmony of science and the Bible, for which the congregation tendered him a vote of thanks.]

The second meeting of the sixteenth annual session of the General Conference was called at 4:30 P. M., Oct. 4. Minutes of last meeting read and approved. Harrison Grant presented credentials as delegate from Minnesota. Sr. Aurner was received as delegate from Dakota. She spoke in behalf of the people in that territory, and the wants of the cause there. Eld. Hanson followed with remarks on the same subject. Seventy-five Scandinavians and twenty-five Americans have embraced the truth there. There are three churches of Scandinavians and one of Americans. Their S. B. amounts to $300.

Bro. Andrews then gave a thrilling account of his work in Europe. The Sabbath approaching, the Conference adjourned to the call of the chair.

Third meeting, Monday, at 10:30 A. M. Prayer by D. M. Canright.

The following additional delegates reported to the Conference: A. R. Henry, from Iowa; C. L. Boyd was received from Nebraska; John Fulton from Ontario, and F. D. Allen from Missouri, Eld. G. I. Butler, the appointed delegate, not being present. Eld. N. Wardner, from the S. D. Baptist General Conference, was introduced by the president, and favored the Conference with interesting remarks. The congregation, by a rising vote, responded amen to his fraternal words. He was followed in remarks by Eld. Waggoner and Eld. James White. Eld. Wardner was then received as delegate.

U. Smith, having been appointed to revise the constitution, at the session of 1875, reported, presenting the constitution as revised to the present time, and suggesting that there be incorporated into the report the important actions of the Conference since its organization, and directions for organizing churches, and for forming legal societies for holding church property. The report was referred to the publishing committee of the Publishing Association.

U. Smith also reported in response to the action of the last session of the Conference, appointing him a committee to present a better form of church letter. The following recommendation was made: That the letter be not given to the member, but be sent to the church with which the member wishes to unite, in form as follows:—

LETTER OF COMMENDATION.

...................., 187.. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in ........................ .................... to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in ........................ BELOVED BRETHREN,— Whereas, ........................ is desirous of uniting with your body, this is to certify that the said ........................ is a member of this church in good and regular standing, and that we cordially recommend ........................ to your fellowship and care; and when ........................ shall have been received by you, and notice of that fact given to us by the return of the accompanying certificate, with the blanks filled, ........................ will be no longer considered a member of this church. This letter is valid for three months from date. In behalf of the Church. ........................, Clerk.

CERTIFICATE.

...................., 187.. The Seventh-day Adventist Church in ........................ .................... to the Seventh-day Adventist Church in ........................, Greeting:— This is to Certify, That ........................ recommended by you to us in a letter dated ........................, was, on the ........ day of ........................, received as a member of our church. Attest: ........................, Clerk.

It was also suggested that a letter of introduction be furnished to those who have good occasion to go abroad among Sabbath-keepers, reading as follows:—

LETTER OF INTRODUCTION.

...................., 187.. This is to Certify, That the bearer, ........................, is a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in ........................, in good and regular standing, and one whom, while absent from us, we can commend to the confidence of Seventh-day Adventists. This letter is good for three months from date. In behalf of the Church. ........................, Clerk.

The report was adopted.

The remaining time was occupied by Bro. Andrews in giving a further view of the situation in Europe, and in remarks following by Bro. and Sr. White.

Adjourned to call of chair.

Fourth meeting at 11 A. M., Oct. 9. Prayer by Eld. J. N. Andrews. The nominating committee recommended the following list of officers for the coming year: For President, Eld. Jas. White; Secretary, U. Smith; Treasurer, M. J. Chapman; Executive Committee, Jas. White, J. H. Kellogg, S. Brownsberger. These persons were unanimously elected to their respective offices.

The North Pacific Conference was received into the General Conference, in accordance with their request, and Eld. J. N. Loughborough was received as delegate. A separate Conference having been organized in Nebraska, on request of Bro. Boyd, the Nebraska Conference was received into the General Conference. On request of J. N. Loughborough, and on their own request, the body of believers in Nevada was taken under the watchcare of the Conference.

After remarks by A. C. Bourdeau, Jas. White, and S. N. Haskell, on motion, Canada was taken under the watchcare of the General Conference, as a missionary field.

Bro. Hanson spoke in behalf of the Scandinavians in Dakota Territory, and also of the Russian Mennonites in that part of the country, and of the need of a new hymn book. Bro. Olsen spoke on the same points and the proposed European Danish paper. Bro. White spoke on the same subjects, after which the chair was empowered to appoint two other persons to act with himself as a committee to confer with Brn. Hanson and Olsen on this matter.

Fifth meeting at 6 P. M., Oct. 9. Prayer by U. Smith. Papers were read by Sr. White, and it was voted that they be published in the REVIEW. Bro. A. Swedberg was received as delegate to represent the Swedes.

The following resolutions were offered and adopted:—

Resolved, That Elds. Andrews, White, Haskell, Smith, and Canright be a committee to prepare a work on the Scriptural plan of Systematic Benevolence.

Resolved, That Eld. L. McCoy, of Sigourney, Iowa, and Bro. A. R. Henry, of Indianola, Iowa, be, and hereby are, invited to move, at their earliest convenience, with their families, to Battle Creek, to fill important positions in the work here.

Resolved, That Elds. J. N. Andrews, J. H. Waggoner, and D. M. Canright be a committee to confer with J. H. Kellogg, M. D., relative to the publication of the able and instructive address which he delivered before the people of Battle Creek and vicinity on the evening of Oct. 6, 1878.

Adjourned to call of the chair.

Sixth meeting, Oct. 10, at 5:30 P. M. Prayer by S. N. Haskell. Minutes of preceding meetings read and approved. The condition and wants of the cause in California, Kansas, Missouri, Dakota, and Ohio being introduced for consideration, it was

Voted, That a committee of three be elected to consider what can be done toward supplying their wants, and those of any other portion of the field in like situation, according to their appeals and requests. Elds. J. N. Loughborough, S. N. Haskell, and J. H. Waggoner were then, by nomination and vote, elected as such committee.

Voted, That the General Conference Committee take immediate steps toward the publication of a Manual containing the Constitutions and By-laws of our different organizations,—General Conference, Educational Society, Health Institute, Publishing Associations, and Tract Societies, to which shall be appended a synopsis of the rules of Parliamentary practice applicable to the workings of these organizations.

The Committee on Resolutions presented the following, which was adopted unanimously:—

Whereas, Our beloved brother, Eld. Jas. White, was prevented, by physical infirmity, from taking any part in our meetings at our last camp-meeting, but has now, by the blessing and good providence of God, been so far raised to health again as to be able to

preach to us with his former clearness and power, and to aid by his counsel in all important business matters; therefore,

Resolved, That the happy contrast in this respect between our camp-meeting one year ago and our present camp-meeting excites the warmest gratitude of our hearts.

Seventh meeting, Oct. 11, at 8:30 A. M. Prayer by J. N. Loughborough. Reading of minutes waived. The committee on the wants of the different Conferences reported through S. N. Haskell. The committee suggested that Eld. G. I. Butler take the oversight of the Missouri and Kansas Conferences the coming year, which suggestion was adopted. It was then

Voted, That Eld. D. M. Canright take Ohio as his field of labor the coming year, and act as president of that Conference.

Voted, That Bro. Hanson take the supervision of the Scandinavian cause in Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska.

Voted, That the chair appoint a committee of three to examine the new music book entitled, “The Song Anchor,” published by J. E. White, with reference to the propriety of recommending it for adoption by our Sabbath-schools.

Elds. S. B. Whitney, B. L. Whitney, and C. W. Stone were appointed as said committee.

Sr. White having made instructive remarks on matters pertaining to the Conference work, the Conference tendered her a vote of thanks for her timely suggestions and counsel.

Brn. Brownsberger and Kellogg having declined to act as members of the Executive Committee of the General Conference, on account of other sufficient labors and burdens, they were released from serving, and the subject of nominations to fill the vacancies thus caused referred back to the nominating committee.

Bro. Burrill, being called upon, made a statement relative to the cause in the South. At the conclusion of his remarks, it was recommended by vote that as Bro. Burrill has labored faithfully, and successfully opened a mission there, he now have the privilege of again laboring in the North, and that Eld. J. B. Frisbie take his place in the southern field.

The following resolutions were then adopted:—

Resolved, That those who apply for a license to preach the third angel’s message, should, before they receive a license, be examined by a competent committee in regard to their doctrinal and educational qualifications.

Resolved, That we have a committee of three to suggest a course of study for all our ministers, that committee to report at some future meeting of this session.

The chair being empowered to provide the committee, appointed as such Prof. S. Brownsberger, J. H. Kellogg, M. D., and Eld. U. Smith.

The following resolutions offered by A. Swedberg were unanimously adopted:—

Whereas, Bro. James Sawyer has now been laboring for some time in Maine, and

Whereas, We believe he could accomplish much more good in Iowa and other Western States, where there is an extensive field of labor among the Swedes; therefore

Resolved, That the General Conference recommend Bro. Sawyer to labor in this western field.

Resolved, That we, the Swedish Adventists of Battle Creek, believing that we hereby express the sentiments of all our Swedish brethren, as well as our own, declare ourselves exceedingly thankful to God and to our American brethren for the interest they have taken and are taking in our Swedish mission, and for the assistance rendered us; and that we show our gratitude by pledging ourselves to do all in our power to advance the Swedish cause, and the cause at large.

Adjourned to call of chair.

Eighth meeting, Oct. 11, 1878. Prayer by Eld. S. N. Haskell.

Bro. L. McCoy was received as delegate from Iowa.

The nominating committee reported the following names to complete the executive board: S. N. Haskell and D. M. Canright. These persons were thereupon elected.

The matter of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES was next considered. After remarks by Bro. White, the following resolution was presented by Eld. Loughborough:—

Resolved, That this Conference recommend that Eld. J. H. Waggoner be local editor of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES for the coming year. Carried.

Eld. White stated that the price of the paper might be reduced to $1.20 per copy if there were 10,000 subscribers.

J. E. White having at this point been received as a member of the Conference, the prospect of raising the subscription list of the SIGNS to the above number was referred for consideration to the following committee: J. H. Waggoner, J. E. White, and S. N. Haskell.

Adjourned to call of chair.

JAMES WHITE, Pres. U. SMITH, Sec.

(To be continued.)