Annual Meeting of the California State Sabbath-School Association.
The Second Annual Meeting of the California State Sabbath-School Association met in connection with the Healdsburg camp-meeting Sept. 18, 1879, at 5:30 P. M., Eld. M. C. Israel presiding. The meeting opened with prayer. The minutes of the preceeding meeting being called for were read, and, no objections being made, stood approved. The progress of the work for the past year was then read, which showed a very gratifying increase in the Sabbath-school interest throughout the State. The number of schools represented by delegates was 29, as follows: Arbuckle, Bloomfield, Christine, Church's Colony, Central Colony, Forestville, Fairview, Guenoc, Healdsburg, Lafayette, Locust Grove, Lemoore, Lakeside, Mendocino, Napa, Nevada City, Oakland, Pacheco, Petaluma, Rocklin, Red Bluff, Santa Rosa, San Francisco, San Pasqual, St. Helena, San Jose, Vacaville, Woodland. Bro. J. E. White being called for gave a very interesting account of his work among the Sabbath-schools in the southern part of the State, in which it was stated that nine schools were organized with memberships varying from 12 to 45; and that although traveling through the State was very expensive, the expense to the Association was nothing, as it was wholly made up from the sale of maps, charts, etc.; that these new schools had entered into the work with the greatest enthusiasm, the attendance being remarkably good, some coming miles to receive the advantages of the Sabbath-school. On motion the chair appointed the following committees on Nomination and Resolutions:—
Committee on Nominations: J. D. Rice, W. J. Bostwick, R. A. Morton.
Committee on Resolutions: J. E. White, B. A. Stephens, J. B. Dymot. On motion the meeting adjourned to the call of the chair. The meeting opened with singing and prayer. On motion all members of Sabbath-schools present were permitted to take part in the proceedings of the meeting, except voting. The report of the Committee on Resolutions was then called for, said committee reporting as follows:— WHEREAS, In the providence of God a great interest is being awakened in the Sabbath-school work throughout our Conference, and
WHEREAS, We regard this as one of the most successful means of spreading the good news of the third angel's message, and in training of the youth in present truth, and
WHEREAS, A special effort is being made to bring up this work in California to the highest state of excellence, and
WHEREAS, There has been formed in California a State Sabbath-school Association, the object of which is to promote the best interests of the Sabbath-school work in this State, therefore,
Resolved, That the officers and teachers in the schools throughout the State, make every effort in their power to promote a missionary spirit in all the members of their respective schools.
Resolved, That the teachers' meeting is absolutely necessary to keep up the life and efficiency of the school, and that it be adopted in all the schools throughout the State.
Resolved, That greater attention be paid to punctuality and regularity in the attendance of the members of the schools, and that the teachers be made responsible for the attendance and punctuality of their classes.
Resolved, That each school not taking the weekly Instructor, subscribe for a club, to be used in the Sabbath-school missionary work.
Resolved, That as the best appliances have been provided, that each school procure a suitable outfit in the shape of record books, maps, &c. from the State Secretary, as no school can be successfully conducted without necessary appliances
Resolved, That each school requires a fund to provide itself with these appliances, we recommend the introduction of the class contribution box wherever not now used.
Resolved, That one-tenth of all collected in these schools be sent to the State Secretary to create a State fund, according to the State Constitution already adopted. On motion the report of the committee was received, which action adopted the resolutions as a whole. The Committee on Nominations reported as follows:—
For President,—J. E. White; Secretary and Treasurer,—W. J. Bostwick; Executive Committee,—M. C. Israel and Geo. Manuel. On motion the report of the committee was received and the candidates elected. Eld. Haskell then spoke briefly of the importance of maps in the Sabbath-school; that schools should supply themselves with every means of instruction upon Bible subjects within their reach, that would tend to promote the interest of the school. The object of the Sabbath-school was dwelt upon much to the edification of those engaged in the work. Interesting remarks were also made by Bro. Stephens, upon the subject of punctuality in attendance. The teacher is responsible for the attendance of the pupil. If the pupil absents himself from one Sabbath, the teacher should make it his business to visit him during the week and know the reason for such absence. Remarks were also made by the Secretary in regard to ordering Sabbath-school supplies. Schools should order all their supplies through the Association, making their returns to the State Secretary. When new officers are elected or old officers re-elected, the same should be reported immediately to the State Secretary. Quarterly reports should be made out immediately upon the receipt of blanks and the same returned to the Secretary without delay. No further business coming before the Association, on motion, adjourned. M. C. ISRAEL, President.
W. J. BOSTWICK, Secretary.