Tract and Missionary Institute by Stephen Nelson Haskell

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Oct 9, 1879

Tract and Missionary Institute.

By Stephen Nelson Haskell

WE now have in contemplation a Tract Institute in this State. It is not fully decided where it would be best to hold it; possibly at Oakland. It would continue two full weeks. All should attend the full time. Hence they should come prepared to be at the place of the Institute over three Sabbaths. It will consist of: (1) A thorough course of instruction in book-keeping, as it relates to the tract and missionary work. (2.) The best methods of conducting V. M. societies, canvassing, and doing missionary work in its various phases. (3.) How to keep church books, both by church treasurers and clerks. (4.) General principles of conducting business meetings, parliamentary practices, common errors in holding business meetings pointed out, and such practical information as every S. D. A. should receive. There will also be theoretical instruction given in the Sabbath-school work, and a model Sabbath-school held each Sabbath morning in which all will be invited to participate. The Institute will probably be held after the middle of November. If this Institute is held we want to see at least 100 of our brethren and sisters from the California Conference present, and as many from the North Pacific Mission as can consistently attend. If held at Oakland the board at the boarding house of the Publishing Association can be had at $2.00 per week. A set of books and stationery which each student will require will not exceed one dollar. The ministers, tract officers, and every person who holds a position in the missionary work, or wishes to, should be present. In short, we design it to be a season of practical instruction in all that pertains to the duties above specified, and also a season of seeking God for his blessing. After consulting with those having in charge the Association, it is thought that room rent can be furnished free to those who bring their bedding; we think, therefore, that the entire expense of those coming will not exceed $6.00 while here, remaining over three Sabbaths, providing they bring their bedding. All are invited who wish to live on plain fare, and have plenty of hard study for two weeks that they may learn how better to do the Lord's work.

Whether the Institute will be held or not will be determined somewhat by the number that can attend. All such are requested to immediately direct a letter or postal to that effect to Signs of the Times, Oakland, Cal.

S. N. HASKELL.