The Missionary by C. A. Wyman

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 17, 1889

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 15, No. 23.

The Missionary.

By C. A. Wyman

REPORT OF THE N. P. TRACT SOCIETY, FOR THE YEAR ENDING MAY 22, 1889.

THE first annual meeting was held May 16, at 5 P. M., in connection with the camp-meeting. Elder Loughborough was called to the chair. After singing, prayer was offered by Brother W. C. Ward. The report of the previous year was read and approved. Interesting remarks then followed, relating to the resolutions of last year, particularly in reference to the work in British Columbia, and the fourth-Sabbath donations. Elder Loughborough gave a brief review concerning the establishment of a branch house in Canada, and the benefit to be derived from it. All felt to appreciate the work that has already been accomplished, as it places the work in that field on an equality with that in the United States, at least as to first cost of books.

In reference to the fourth-Sabbath donations it was ascertained that most of the local Tract and Missionary Societies had entered into the plan quite heartily, and as a result the financial standing was better than previous years. In most instances the donations were sufficient to maintain the work for the year.

The following committees were appointed: On Nominations—J. E. Graham, W. C. Ward, and J. M. Cole. On Resolutions—William Potter, H. W. Reed, and Albert Benson. On Auditing—H. W. Reed. Meeting adjourned to call of chair.

Second meeting was held May 20 at 9 A. M. Elder Loughborough in the chair. Prayer was offered by Elder Reed. Minutes of the previous meeting were read and approved. The report for the past year was then called for, read, and approved.

The Committee on Resolutions then presented the following:— WHEREAS, The plan of doing a credit business with individuals seriously hinders the financial success of the State society, and through it the publishing houses; therefore, Resolved, That so far as possible a cash basis shall be established, and those desiring credit should secure it through the local societies of which they are members, or through persons who will assume the credit. WHEREAS, There is great expense and much risk from fire by maintaining our depository in its present quarters; and, WHEREAS, The advantages that may be mentioned on account of its central location are not of sufficient importance to warrant the expense and risk; therefore be it Resolved, That the Conference Committee take the matter into consideration, and are authorized, if it shall be deemed best, to cause the sale of the present building, and locate either in connection with the school or upon grounds where the expense of its maintenance and the risk of loss shall be greatly lessened, and yet good mailing and shipping facilities be maintained.

The resolutions were responded to by several; and many facts were presented to show that the steps indicated were not only just, but would be conducive to the best interests

of the work. They were unanimously adopted.

The report of the Nominating Committee being called for, read as follows:— For President, E. D. Hurlburt; Vice-President, William Potter; Secretary, C. A. Wyman; Directors: Dist. No. 1, J. C. Bunch; Dist. No. 2, J. W. Will; Dist. No. 3, L. A. Logan; Dist. No. 4, G. W. Davis.

The names were voted upon separately and each one elected to the office named.

A meeting was held with the directors and librarians near the close of the meetings, and many matters of interest in relation to the first resolution, and other important features of the work, were discussed, and a unity of feeling and sentiment prevailed. The directors and librarians seem to have a good understanding of the duties resting upon them, and are alive to the great interests of the present time. We feel confident that the coming year will be one of marked interest and growth of the Tract and Missionary work in this field. C. A. WYMAN, Sec.