Meeting in Oakland by Editor

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 15, 1879

Meeting in Oakland.

By Editor

ACCORDING to appointment a meeting was held in Oakland, Cal., May 10, 11. There was a good attendance, considering the time of year. There were represented the churches of Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Napa, St. Helena, Woodland, Vacaville, San Francisco, Oakland, and Elder Wood represented the churches in the San Joaquin Valley. No other meeting ever held in the State, except a Conference, was so well attended by the influential representatives of the cause.

Elder Haskell's labors seemed to be appreciated. His instructions were suited to our circumstances, and we believe will be the means of giving a new impetus to the work in this State. We regret that his time will be so limited here. But after his return from the Camp-meetings in Washington and Oregon, he will be able to hold a general meeting in Sonoma county, and one in Napa county, and one in Yolo county; these, with the two Camp-meetings, in Tulare county, and the other probably in Sonoma county, will give him a good opportunity to meet all the brethren and sisters in the State.

The Sabbath was given to devotional exercises. Bro. Haskell's sermon was one of practical instruction, and seemed to infuse new zeal and courage into the hearts of all present. In the afternoon six were baptized in Lake Merritt. This was an occasion of peculiar interest to us, as three young men in the employ of the printing house here—two from Salem, Oregon, and one from Arizona—were baptized. The spiritual interests of the young people in the Office are cared for, and the influences surrounding them are jealously guarded.

A committee was appointed to present business to the meeting, consisting of Brn. Wm. Saunders, J. E. White, and T. M. Chapman. They introduced it in the form of the following resolutions:—

1. That we recommend to Brother Haskell to visit the churches in California as far as possible, and instruct our people in the work of the Tract and Missionary Societies, and in all that pertains to the progress of this cause.

2. That, as it will be impossible for him to visit every church on this coast, we recommend the churches to assemble at such principal places and at such times as shall be named by him, so as to learn the best methods of co-operating in the work.

3. That, considering the seaports of San Francisco and Oakland the most important fields of tract and missionary labor, we recommend that one or more persons be selected to take special charge of that department; and further, that a fund of one thousand dollars be raised to carry on the work in these ports.

4. We believe the tithing system recommended by the General Conference is the true Bible plan; and we recommend that a sum equal to one-third of the tithe be raised in addition thereto, for the especial purpose of sustaining the tract and missionary work.

5. That we regard the Sabbath-school work as of the greatest importance to both old and young as a means of instruction in the principles of present truth, and the way of eternal life; that the S. S. Association in California demands more attention and greater unity of action than it has hitherto received; and we recommend that this meeting appoint some person to make the subject of Sabbath-schools a speciality, to assist the churches in their schools and to hold conventions, as shall be deemed advisable.

6. That we recommend a weekly contribution of each one in the several schools to meet the expenses of the Sabbath-school work; and that one-tenth of the money thus raised be sent to the State Secretary to create a State Sabbath-school Fund. Also, that one-tenth of the State Fund be sent to the Secretary of the General S. S. Association, to assist in raising a general fund.

WM. SAUNDERS, J. E WHITE T. M. CHAPMAN, Committee.

Brother Saunders introduced the following resolution:—

That the feeling of union and harmony which seems to prevail among all connected with the publishing house, and the spirit of zeal and sacrifice manifested, are causes of gratification; and that the plan adopted and now being carried out of making each department of the Office self-sustaining, meets our approbation.

In the most harmonious manner all these resolutions were passed.

It was also voted that Bro. J. E. White be requested to take hold of the Sabbath-school work, according to the resolution on that subject.

The matter of tent labor was referred to the ministers and brethren present who represent the churches.

It was decided to hold two Camp-meetings, one in the San Joaquin Valley, to commence, probably, August 13, with C. M. Porter, C. Vermason, and J. M. Loveland, as Committee.

The other commence, probably, Aug. 21, with G. D. Hager, John Custer, and W. A. Pratt, as Committee.

Much consultation was had in regard to the locality for the northern Camp-meeting. The brethren from Yolo and Solano counties said there were no suitable grounds with shade in their sections. It seemed to be the general opinion that Healdsburg is the most suitable place.

While we greatly rejoice that Bro. Haskell has come to our assistance, and he could hardly come in a time of greater need, we regret that he will be able to spend so little time in California. As the time of the Walla Walla Camp-meeting is drawing near, he can not enter upon much labor here before going north. Unfortunately, also, there is considerable interval between the two N. P. Camp-meetings, which could be used to great advantage among us. With the time consumed in traveling there, and returning, he cannot enter upon any effective work here before the second week in July. We do not speak of this, however, to complain, but we appreciate the favor, but we desire to stir up the brethren to the necessity of responding heartily and promptly to the appointments which will be made by him for meetings in Santa Rosa, Napa or St. Helena, and Woodland.

Bro. Rice has a tent now pitched in Willow, Colusa county, and Bro. Morton expects to join him as soon as his work is done in Pacheco. Brn. Healey and Grainger will immediately pitch the large tent in Woodland. Bro. Wood, who has been successfully laboring in Tulare county, made arrangements to go with his tent to Los Angelos county. Being prevented, unfortunately as we now think, he tried to fill some time in Visalia, where he was taken sick and had to stop. He is feeble, but anxious to work, and will probably start out soon.