NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE by George I. Butler; D. A. Robinson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 18, 1879

NEW ENGLAND CONFERENCE.

By George I. Butler; D. A. Robinson

The ninth annual session of the N. E. Conference of S. D. Adventists was held according to appointment on the camp-ground at Ballard Vale, Mass., Aug. 28, 1879. The president being absent, the meeting was called to order by the secretary. Prayer was offered by Eld. Geo. I. Butler. Twenty-three churches and unorganized companies were represented by twenty-eight delegates. Two churches not reported. Eld. Butler was chosen president pro tem. All brethren in good standing were invited to take part in the deliberations of the Conference. The church at Norfolk, Conn., was taken into the Conference, and Bro. S. J. Twing invited to act as delegate.

The report of the last annual session was read and approved. Moved and carried that the Chair, assisted by the secretary, appoint the various committees. The following were announced at a subsequent meeting: On nominations, Judson Rice, W. B. Mason, and George Murphy; on auditing, Wm. B. Mason, H. C. Nye, J. Webber, Judson Rice, H. P. Wakefield, and Bruce Graham; on credentials and licenses, H. C. Nye, S. A. Farnsworth, and F. W. Mace; on resolutions, W. C. White, C. W. Comings, and G. F. Haines.

Adjourned to call of Chair.

SECOND MEETING, Aug. 31, 5 P. M. Prayer by the secretary. Minutes of last meeting read and approved.

The report of the committee on nominations being called for, the following was presented: For president, Eld. S. N. Haskell; secretary, Eld. D. A. Robinson; treasurer, H. C. Nye; executive committee, S. N. Haskell, C. W. Comings, and J. C. Tucker; camp-meeting committee, H. C. Nye, H. P. Wakefield, and E. G. Bolter. The above nominations were then ratified by vote of the Conference.

The committee on credentials and licenses reported, recommending that credentials be renewed to Elds. Haskell, Orcutt, and Robinson; that licenses be renewed to G. F. Haines, E. T. Bedee, M. Wood, F. A. Buzzell, and L. W. Hastings; and that Bro. James B. Mason be granted a license to improve his gift. This report was adopted.

Pointed remarks were made by the president on the subject of granting licenses. The strictest economy should be observed in the use of means. Men just starting out should not rely on the Conference treasury, but the chief object should be to succeed as efficient laborers in the cause and work of God.

W. C. White, chairman of committee on resolutions, presented the following:—

Whereas, The subject of true temperance has been one of the means under God of spreading the light of present truth, and

Whereas, We believe this to be a work connected with the third angel’s message, therefore

Resolved, That we enter more earnestly into this branch of the work, and show ourselves true temperance reformers by a hearty co-operation in the present movement, and by the organization of a State [Conference] and local temperance societies.

Resolved, That we will faithfully carry out the tithing system as recommended by the General Conference.

Resolved, That we greatly rejoice in the privilege of meeting Bro. and Sr. White and listening to their words of counsel and admonition; and we would express to them our sincere thanks for their faithful labors during this meeting.

Adjourned to call of Chair.

THIRD MEETING, Sept. 1, 6 P. M. Prayer by Eld. Haines. Stirring remarks were made by Eld. White on the importance of our young men preparing themselves to act a part in the work of God. The learning and eloquence of a Paul came in at the right time to meet the opposing elements against the truth of God. Wesley was called on to the stage of action when he was needed. Our brains were made to be used; and especially in such a time as this all should use them to the glory of God. The Battle Creek College was referred to as eminently worthy of the patronage of our people, and as being peculiarly adapted to meet the wants of persons desiring to give themselves to the work of God. After remarks by Bro. Butler on the same question, the following resolution was adopted:—

Resolved, 1. That it is the sense of this Conference that there should be an educational relief fund raised in the Conference, to aid worthy men and women to educate themselves for home and foreign missionaries.

2. That this fund be raised by donations of sums of not less than one dollar; and by loans for three years, without interest, of sums of not less than ten dollars.

3. That the fund so raised be controlled by a board of three trustees, to be elected by the Conference, one for one year, one for two years, and one for three years; so that hereafter there shall be one elected annually, to hold his office for three years.

4. That the duties of these trustees be as follows: first, to encourage as many as possible to avail themselves of the advantages of our College at Battle Creek; secondly, to decide who need aid from this fund, and are worthy of it; also who shall be helped by loans, and who by donations, and to what extent in each case; thirdly, to report annually to the Conference, all receipts, expenses, and disbursements, which report shall be submitted to the auditor appointed by the Conference. A vote of thanks was then tendered Sr. Morton for her faithful labors in furnishing reports for the press; and to the leading journals of the State, for publishing so extended reports of our meeting.

Voted, To pay one tithe of our s. b. to the General Conference.

Adjourned sine die.

GEO. I. BUTLER, Pres. pro tem.

D. A. ROBINSON, Sec.