During the summer and fall of 1874 the Battle Creek College building was erected. It was a brick structure, three stories above the basement, 75 x 75 feet, in the form of a Greek cross. It was completed and dedicated with appropriate exercises Jan. 4, 1875. The school opened in this building with over one hundred students and seven competent teachers for the different departments. With the opening of the college in the school year of 1877 it was reported that two hundred students were in attendance. The report of the Educational Society, made at the General Conference in October, 1880, showed that there had been 1400 students enrolled in Battle Creek College from 1873 to December, 1880.
Two More Schools Opened
At the General Conference, December, 1882, it was reported that two denominational schools had been opened under the auspices of the conference during the year, one being the Healdsburg College, located at Healdsburg, Cal., which was opened April 11; the other, South Lancaster Academy, located at South Lancaster, Mass., opened April 19.
Healdsburg College
In the Review of Jan. 15, 1884, appeared the following interesting statement respecting the Pacific Coast denominational school:—
“In September, 1881, the California Conference decided to open a denominational school, and appointed a committee to carry the enterprise into effect. By April, 1882, ample grounds, with a suitable building of ten rooms, had been purchased, two instructors had been employed, and a school of thirty-three students begun. During the college year (beginning395July 29, 1882), the school was regularly chartered as a college, an additional plot of five acres bought, a commodious hall [for a students’ home] erected, a faculty of six teachers secured, and 152 students enrolled. Since its opening nearly $27,000 had been subscribed for the enterprise, much of which has been paid by the people of California.”
South Lancaster Academy
The people of New England began their school in the house of worship at South Lancaster, Mass. Through the untiring efforts of Elder S. N. Haskell and the sacrifices of our people in New England, a suite of school buildings was ready for dedication in the autumn of 1884. The buildings owned by the South Lancaster Academy Association were then five in number, two being entirely new. The academy building was 60 x 65 feet, and the other newly erected building, the students’ home, 36 x 88 feet. These were dedicated Oct. 19, 1884.
This institution, after twenty-one years of efficient service, is still prospering, and has sent out earnest laborers in the Master’s cause to various parts of the world. The principal of the academy now is Frederick Griggs, who also serves as secretary for the Educational Department of the General Conference.
London (England) Training School
As the work in London, England, continued to advance and grow in strength, it was deemed advisable during the summer of 1887 to open a training school for Bible workers, with which active Bible work was to be connected. From this school workers have been sent to labor in other parts of the United Kingdom and the Colonies. A flourishing school is at the present time conducted at Duncombe Hall, North London, with Prof. H. R. Salisbury in charge, who received his early education in the college at Battle Creek, Mich.
Battle Creek College Enlarged
The demand for more room at Battle Creek College was such that in the summer of 1886 it became necessary to make an extensive addition to the college building, and the year following (1887), to erect a dormitory (known as the West Hall) for lady students. West Hall contains rooms for 150 students, and 225 can be accommodated in the dining hall; while the South Hall, erected in 1884, at the south of the college campus served as the gentlemen’s dormitory. At the opening of the college for the winter term, 1886-87, there were 568 students in attendance.
In 1885 Prof. W. W. Prescott was placed at the head of Battle Creek College, and shortly afterward was appointed to the position of Educational Secretary for the denomination. This was demonstrated as a wise move. Not only was Battle Creek College benefited, but through the labors of such a secretary, with the blessing of God, there was brought about closer unity and greater efficiency in the work of all our denominational schools.
Emmanuel Missionary College
The Battle Creek College did efficient service up to the year 1901, when the ground and buildings were sold to the American Medical Missionary College Association, and the educational society was discontinued. A new college corporation was at once formed, called the Emmanuel Missionary College. A farm was secured near Berrien Springs, in southwestern Michigan, where buildings have been erected by the students, and a prosperous school is conducted. It is the fixed purpose of this school to give an “all-round education,” in harmony with the instruction quoted in the former part of this chapter. To qualify laborers fully prepared for work in any part of the world where they may be called in the providence of God to labor, is the one great desire and aim of the teachers of the Emmanuel Missionary College.
Central Bible School, Chicago, Ill.
In a Review of March, 1887, a proposition was made by Elder Geo. I. Butler that a mission building be erected in Chicago, Ill., which should serve as a central Bible school for the instruction of Bible workers, and at the same time could be used as a chapel and mission house for our people in the city. In the fall and winter of 1888-89 the building was erected. The cost, including lots, house, furnishings, etc., was about $28,000. It was formally opened April 4, 1889, with a canvassers’ institute. At the time of the dedication the statement was made that our people knew of at least one thousand persons who had already accepted the present truth in various parts of the country from the efforts of the Bible workers.
This school was ably conducted by Elder Geo. B. Starr until the spring of 1891. Then, with teachers appointed by the General Conference Committee, it continued its work until the year 1893, when it was found that the building was inadequate to meet the growing demand for Bible instruction. As arrangements were made to connect a Bible school with the Battle Creek College, the Chicago building was sold to the Medical Missionary and Benevolent Association. The building has been enlarged and equipped for a small sanitarium, and is now called the Chicago Branch of the Battle Creek Sanitarium.
Union College, Nebraska
The General Conference of 1889 had under advisement the proposition to construct a college at some point convenient for the following nine State conferences, namely, Iowa, Minnesota, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Dakota, Texas, Colorado, and Arkansas. A committee was accordingly appointed by the conference whose duty it was to select a desirable location for the school. When the citizens of such places as Des Moines, Ia., Fremont and Lincoln, Neb., and other places learned what we were about to do, they vied with one another398in offers of contributions to the enterprise, so desirous were those of each place of having the buildings located in their town. As Lincoln, Neb., made the most liberal offers, and as it was deemed the most feasible site, the school was located there.
The main building, Union College proper, is a structure 141 x 84 feet. The height from the ground to the top of the dome is 100 feet. Besides this building there are two dormitories, each 104 x 104 feet, three stories high. It was anticipated that the proceeds of land donated would meet at least one half of the expense of fitting up this central college of the denomination, in which workers were to be educated in separate departments in English, Scandinavian, and German by teachers in their native tongues.
The buildings were dedicated Sept. 24, 1891, and the school opened September 30. The enrollment for the first year was 301. In 1892 the school opened with an attendance of 222, and the enrollment for the year was 553. Of these seventy-one were in the German department, and eighty-five in the Scandinavian.
A farm is connected with the college, furnishing work for students who desire to labor in agricultural lines. The college has also a bakery, where health foods are manufactured to some extent. During the year 1903 an association was organized for the purpose of publishing papers and books in the German, Swedish, and Danish-Norwegian languages. This association owns its printing house and the whole American printing business of the denomination for these nationalities. The work is carried on principally by the students. Not only are they instructed in the printing business, but here they gain an experience by actually doing missionary work.
The medical work is also represented in connection with this college. By economizing room it was discovered that the school could dispense with one of its large dormitories, and thus, with a little expense, a sanitarium was put in operation, and is doing an excellent work.
Walla Walla College
This school is located near Walla Walla, State of Washington, and was dedicated Dec. 8, 1892. The school opened the day before with an attendance of 101 students. This number increased during the year to 185. A small farm and other industrial interests are connected with this school. It is in a prosperous condition, and is doing a good work. Prof. J. L. Kay is now at the head of the faculty.
Australian School
August 24, 1892, a school was opened in Melbourne, Australia, in a rented building, with a faculty of five teachers. L. J. Rousseau, from the College at Battle Creek, Mich., was the first principal of the school. In the year 1894 this school had an enrollment of 89 students.
Removal to Avondale
The promoters of the school being desirous to connect labor with study, a change in locality was deemed advisable, hence a removal from the large city of Melbourne to Avondale, Cooranbong, New South Wales, a rural district, where a farm was secured, and suitable buildings erected. The school is at the present time being successfully conducted on the industrial plan.
Prediction Concerning Avondale Fulfilled
In its founding and management it was the aim of the committee to have the school conducted as nearly as possible in harmony with the instructions given respecting industrial schools. This was to be a “model school,” and assurance was given time and again that if properly managed it would be a success, not only as a school, but the land itself, which had been deemed worthless, would be productive. Time, with the blessing of the Lord, has demonstrated the truthfulness of the prediction. Notwithstanding the severe drouth for400several years in succession, which brought disaster to agricultural pursuits and a failure of crops all around them, the Avondale farm was green and productive. This was a remarkable occurrence, so much so that the officials of the government came to inquire as to the methods used in farming to produce this wonderful success.
The report for the workings of the school for the year 1903, shows an increase of fifty per cent. in attendance. The finances were also in good condition — expenses all met, and a balance of $1,500 in the treasury to be used in the interest of the school. Prof. C. W. Irwin has been the manager and principal of the school for nearly four years.
Mt. Vernon Academy
The General Conference, in 1893, passed a resolution favoring the opening of an academy at Mt. Vernon, Ohio. This school has some industrial interests connected with it, and is reported as doing good work. Its enrollment for 1894 was 140. Prof. J. W. Loughhead had for several years served as principal of this school, until he was called to Washington, D. C. The address of the school is Academia, Ohio.
Keene Industrial School
The General Conference of 1893 approved the opening of an industrial school at Keene, Texas. A farm of over 130 acres was secured, buildings erected, and the school opened under Prof. C. B. Hughes and his assistants. It is carried on in harmony with the plan of combining labor with study. The enrollment in 1894 was 160 students. This school has also been a decided success.
Claremont Union College
This school is located at Kenilworth, near Cape Town, South Africa. Its faculty were mostly selected from the Battle Creek College. It opened in 1894, with an enrollment401of ninety students. At the close of the first school year, the number of pupils had so increased that it became necessary to provide more room by enlarging the school building. The college is at this date under the supervision of Prof. C. H. Hayton.
Seventh-day Adventists also conducted a village school (primary) at Claremont with seventy students, and a church school at Beaconsfield, which had, in 1894, an enrollment of thirty pupils.
Summary of Educational Work, 1895
The following report was made by the educational secretary to the General Conference in February, 1895:—
“The educational facilities of the denomination may be summarized as follows: There are five colleges located in the following places: at Battle Creek, Mich.; College View, Neb.; Healdsburg, Cal.; College Place, Wash.; and Kenilworth, South Africa. There are four academies, or schools doing the work of the academic grades in this country, at South Lancaster, Mass.; Mt. Vernon, Ohio; Keene, Texas; and Graysville, Tenn. . . . Besides these there is the Australian Bible School; a school in Mexico in connection with the medical mission; school for the native children on Pitcairn Island; on Raiatea, of the Society group; in the South Pacific Ocean; on Bonacca of the Bay Islands in the Caribbean Sea; about fifteen church schools in this country and abroad; two General Conference Bible schools; and quite a number of canvassers’ and local conference schools not regularly organized.”
In giving a summary of the attendance at the regular colleges and schools of the denomination the secretary says: “At safe estimate there are over 3,000 pupils of all ages enrolled in Seventh-day Adventist schools at the present time.”
Summary of Educational Institutions, 1903
The educational work and institutions among Seventh-day Adventists have grown in proportion to other branches of the message. As shown from the General Conference Year Book for 1904, there are at this date nine colleges and academies in America, and five in other countries. Those of other countries are located as follows: At Avondale, New South Wales; Kenilworth, Claremont, near Cape Town, South Africa; Holloway, London, North, England; Nyhyttan, Järnboas, Sweden; Friedensau, near Magdeburg, Germany.
There are in America, intermediate schools, fourteen; in other countries, five. The latter are located at Copenhagen, Denmark; Honolulu, Hawaiian Territory; Diamante, Entre Rios, Argentine Republic, South America; Curityba, Brazil, South America; Brusque, Brazil, South America.
In addition to the above-mentioned educational institutions, there are 357 local church schools conducted by the denomination. Of these 317 are in the United States, and forty in other countries. Had we accurate statistics to date, these figures would be largely increased. Many schools have been opened since the close of 1902. For instance, the Nebraska Conference reported having ten church schools. Feb. 1, 1904, their report shows “twenty-four church schools,” an increase of fourteen in one conference.
Truly the Lord’s guiding hand has wonderfully directed and opened the way for the educational work among this people. May he give wisdom to those who are called to manage this branch of his cause, that the various schools may be conducted in harmony with the plan he has outlined. Then will there be multitudes of efficient, well-developed workers for the Master, and not men and women “one-sided” in education and character. “The Lord gave the word,” says the psalmist, and “great was the company [army, margin] that published it.”
CHAPTER XXVI
OUR FOREIGN MISSIONS
It is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.” Our first mission to a field outside of the United States was opened in 1874, when Elder J. N. Andrews was sent to Switzerland, and there began work.
THE CENTRAL EUROPEAN FIELD
Eight nations were at that time included in this mission; namely, Switzerland, France, Italy, Turkey, Belgium, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, a territory containing 140,000,000 people.
It may be of interest to mention, at this point, the circumstances that led our people to enter upon a mission so vast in territory, at a time when the denomination was numerically weak.
Elder Czehowski
In the year 1865, Elder M. B. Czehowski, a converted Polish Catholic priest, who had accepted present truth, desired our people to send him as a missionary to Central Europe. As this was impracticable at the time, he presented his case to the First-day Adventists of Boston, Mass., who, perhaps, considered him entirely disconnected from our people. Be that as it may, they secured the means required, and sent him to his desired mission.
Sabbath-keepers in Switzerland
In 1866, he taught the Sabbath truth and the third angel’s message in Tramelan, Switzerland, which effort resulted in bringing out a company of Sabbath-keepers. Soon after, he left them to teach the message in Hungary. He said nothing to the company in Tramelan of our work in America, but Albert Vuilleumier, one of the number, could read English. He, by chance, saw a copy of the Advent Review. Through this means a correspondence between the two countries was begun.
Elder Erzenberger Sent to America
In 1869 James Erzenberger, of Tramelan, was sent to America for the purpose of learning the English language and becoming more fully acquainted with the doctrines and usages of the Seventh-day Adventists. He arrived in Battle Creek June 18, and remained in America one and one-half years. He left New York, on his return trip, Sept. 9, 1870. In June of the same year, Ademar Vuilleumier visited this country, where he remained about four years. On his return to the homeland, he was accompanied by Elder Andrews. They arrived in Neuchatel Oct. 16, 1874.
In 1875, Elder D. T. Bourdeau and his family left America for France, where they were appointed, by the committee, to labor.
A French Paper Started
In the following year, in July, 1876, there was begun at Basel, Switzerland, the publication of a paper in the French language, entitled Les Signes des Temps (The Signs of the Times). May 13, 1882, six years later, Elder Haskell sailed from New York City for Europe. While on this missionary tour, he spent more or less time in Switzerland.
Elder Whitney Goes to Basel—Death of Elder Andrews
July 26, 1883, Elder B. L. Whitney and his family arrived in Basel, he being appointed by the General Conference Committee to take the management of that mission, to the relief of Elder Andrews, whose health was rapidly declining. A few months later, in October of that year, he passed away.
Elder Andrews did not in early life enjoy the advantages of the higher schools and colleges, yet he was well educated, being what the world calls a self-educated or self-made man. By his application to study he mastered Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, and in later years the French language. The French language he acquired for its aid in opening and prosecuting the work in the Central European Mission, where he labored for the last six years of his life, writing for and publishing the French Signs of the Times, as well as preaching in that language. It was while thus laboring that he fell under the hand of death.
Dr. Kellogg in Europe
In the spring of 1883, Dr. J. H. Kellogg visited Europe in the interest of medical research. He spent a few days at each of our missions, and his visits were a source of much encouragement to the workers, especially was his advice in regard to the work at Basel greatly appreciated by Elder Andrews.
Elder Butler Visits Europe
At the General Conference held in October, 1883, it was recommended to begin, as soon as possible, the publication of a paper in England. As the result of another vote passed at this conference, Elders Geo. I. Butler, M. C. Wilcox, and A. C. Bourdeau went over to assist in the work in Europe and England. Elder Butler landed at Glasgow, Scotland, Feb. 27, 1884. One object of Elder Butler’s visit to the foreign406missions was to learn by personal observation the difficulties in the prosecution of the work in foreign countries, and how to overcome them. He, too, spent more or less time in Basel, and in the Central European field. A. C. Bourdeau labored among the French people in the valleys of the Alps, among the Waldenses; while M. C. Wilcox connected with the printing and editorial work in England, remaining until the close of 1886.
Publishing House Erected in Basel
In 1884, the publishing house, Imprimere Polyglotte (the name signifying, printing in many languages), was erected in Basel. In March, 1885, H. W. Kellogg was authorized by the General Conference Committee to visit Basel, and purchase the necessary machinery for the printing house. This he did, and thus was a well-equipped printing plant, owned by Seventh-day Adventists, established in the ancient city of Basel.
During the time of Elder Butler’s visit in Europe, a German paper called the Herold der Wahrheit was printed at the Basel office. The same year a Roumanian journal, Avarülu Present (Present Truth), was also published at this office. And still another in Italian, called L’ Ultimo Messaggio (The Last Messages). Both of the last-named journals were sixteen-page quarterlies. At the Swiss Conference, in October, 1884, it was stated that during the year there had been printed and circulated of these four journals 146,000 copies. Up to 1895, the time the printing office (in consequence of persecution in Basel) was removed from that city to Hamburg, Germany, there were published books and tracts in eleven different languages; viz., French, German, Italian, Roumanian, Spanish, Bohemian, Russian, Dutch, Hungarian, Armenian, Turkish, and Turkish-Greek. So it was, as its name signified, an institution “printing in many languages.”
Mrs. White Visits Europe
Sept. 3, 1885, Mrs. White, her son, W. C. White, and family arrived in Basel. One and one-half years were they in the old countries, visiting the missions located in the Central European field, where invaluable service was rendered to the various missions.
The Swiss Conference Organized
Sept. 10, 1885, the Swiss Conference was organized. In a report given at that time it was stated that the conference was composed of one ordained minister, seven licentiates, ten churches, and 224 members. These paid a tithe the previous year of $1,645.11. Besides this donations had been made to the work of $2,041.22.
Elder Waggoner in Europe
Mrs. White, with W. C. White and family, returned to America in 1886. The same year Elder J. H. Waggoner was invited to connect with the Central European Mission. He spent over two years in this field, making his home, during this time, at Basel. It was in this city that his death occurred, April 20, 1889, as previously stated.
The failing health of Elder Whitney, and his subsequent death (April 9, 1889), was another grievous stroke to this mission.
Elder Robinson in Europe
Elder D. A. Robinson, who was laboring in England, was chosen as the successor of Elder Whitney. He labored efficiently in this district for about six years, when, by invitation of the General Conference, he left for India in the year 1895. His removal necessitated the appointment of another superintendent.
Elder Holser Superintendent of the Field
Elder H. P. Holser was the man selected for the position, and in addition to this office he was chosen as the manager of the whole Central European Mission. Here he labored untiringly and efficiently until 1901, when he, too, was obliged to succumb to the ravages of disease. He died in Canyon City, Colorado, Sept. 11, 1901.
Notwithstanding these adverse circumstances, the mission grew and the work advanced, as shown by a report made to the General Conference in 1895, which states that the Central European Conference is composed of nineteen churches with 484 members, who paid a tithe the previous year of $4,378.18. They had at that date four ordained ministers and five licentiates.
THE GERMAN-RUSSIAN MISSION
In 1870, J. H. Linderman, pastor of a church near Elberfeld, Prussia, and forty of its members, began the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath from the study of the Bible, not knowing of another company of Christians in the world who were keeping that day as the Sabbath. A knowledge of this company was conveyed to our people in a peculiar manner. A beggar called at the mission home in Basel on the Sabbath. The family were studying the Sabbath-school lesson with Bibles open before them. The scene impressed the man, and led him to ask questions.
The Elberfeld Company
On learning that they were not Jews, but Christians, observing the seventh-day Sabbath, he spoke of this company at Elberfeld. Elder Andrews thought it wise to investigate the statement; therefore, in company with Elder Erzenberger, he went to Prussia in the early part of 1875, where they found the company as represented. Elder Erzenberger remained for some time laboring in that part of Germany, and409on Jan. 8, 1876, eight persons were baptized at Elberfeld, being the first baptism by Seventh-day Adventists in Germany.
The truth had gained a foothold in Russia as early as 1882, through reading matter sent by German brethren in America to their friends in the German colonies of Russia.
Elder Conradi in Europe
In 1885 Elder L. R. Conradi left America for the Central European field, to labor among the Germans. On June 28, 1886, he left Basel for the Crimea, Russia. Here, in company with Elder Perk, he journeyed to Berdebulat, where two sisters were baptized and a church of nineteen members was organized, this being the first Seventh-day Adventist church in Russia.
Elders Conradi and Perk Imprisoned
Immediately after this Elders Conradi and Perk were arrested for teaching contrary to the orthodox faith, and were imprisoned for five weeks in Perekop. After his release (by the intervention of the United States minister) Elder Conradi visited Eastern Russia, and then returned to Switzerland.
Work on the Volga, Russia
It was during this same year that Elder Laubhan began to labor in Russia, near his home, located on the River Volga. In the year 1880, Elder Klein, of Kansas, entered upon work in German Russia, and thus have laborers been raised up for this hard and difficult field, and though the believers have been subjected to banishment and imprisonment, the Lord has remarkably blessed the work.
Success of Canvassers in Germany
In the year 1880, colporteurs began work in Rheinish-Prussia, Würtemberg, Baden, and Alsace. So successful were410the eight or ten energetic, faithful workers that in one year the following number of books were sold: “Life of Christ,” 3,000; “From Eden to Eden,” 2,000; and 12,000 pamphlets. As a result of this labor, in nearly every place the books were sold and read, some, one or more, embraced the truth.
Mission Opened in Hamburg
In May, 1889, the mission work was opened up in Hamburg, Germany, by Elder Conradi, and in a very short time a training-school for workers was instituted. The following October a Sabbath-school of twenty-eight members was organized. It was during this year that Elder Haskell visited the mission and a church of twenty members was organized, and a book depository established.
Elder J. T. Boettcher was at this time engaged in the German work at Barmen. A report was given, in 1890, to the General Conference, stating that in the German-Russian mission there were nine organized churches, with an aggregate membership of 422, besides seventy-five Sabbath-keepers not yet organized. On April 7, the same year, twelve more were baptized, and united with the Hamburg church. In December the membership of this church had increased to forty. The amount received on book sales from the depository in Hamburg, Holland, Russia, and various parts of Germany, was $5,000.
Success in Europe
Slowly but surely the work advanced in the Central European Mission, as indicated in a report given at the General Conference in 1891. There were at that time five churches in Germany, with a membership of one hundred and forty, sixty-four of whom were members of the Hamburg church. The tithe paid was $1,000. The books sold on the ships, by the ship missionary in Hamburg, amounted to $500, while the sales of the canvassers for the year, in the entire field,411were $6,000. One hundred and fifty had accepted the truth in Austria, and there were thirteen churches, with a membership of four hundred in Russia.
Five Russian Sabbath-keepers Banished
About this time (1891), five of the members of a Russian church, including the leader, had been arrested for teaching doctrines contrary to the established church, and condemned to five years’ banishment to the Trans-Caucasus. They were to be chained together, and were required to walk five hundred miles. In this trial their faith sustained them, and they were happy in the Lord. During the year a pamphlet had been prepared in the form of Bible readings in the Russian language, on the sufferings of Christ, sleep of the dead, which day and why, and can we know?
At the time of the General Conference in 1895, the membership in Germany had increased to 368, and the tithe the previous year was $2,327.43.
More Sabbath-keepers in Russia
In Russia, notwithstanding very many had emigrated to other countries, the membership had increased to 467, who paid a tithe of $841.60.
From the statement made by the foreign mission secretary in the week of prayer reading for 1896, we learn that “in the German-Russian field during the previous year their numerical strength had been nearly doubled; their number being augmented by an addition of over four hundred. In Berlin, Germany, sixty were attending the regular Sabbath services. The erection of the mission chapel in Hamburg had strengthened the work there. In Munich, in Bavaria, a number were awaiting baptism. There were believers in Leipsic, Konigsberg, Magdeberg, Posen, Stüttgart, and other leading towns in Germany. There was also a company in Rotterdam, Holland.
“In Russia, colporteurs had obtained permits from the government. Translations of literature had been made in the Lettish and Esthonian languages. The German paper had been moved from Basel to Hamburg, and at that office they were printing the truth in fourteen languages.”
Baptism in Hungary
During the year the first baptism had occurred in Hungary, and the first ordinance meeting in Bohemia. A ship mission had been established at Galatz, in Roumania, for the Danube and the Black Sea.
Canvassing in Germany
In the Home Missionary for December, 1895, Elder Spies said of the canvassing work in the German field, “Those in charge of the canvassing work, when it was begun in this field, did not cease to push it, although assured by some of the leading publishers and book men in Leipsic that ‘selling books by subscription would prove a failure.’”
“In August of 1887 the first edition of ‘Life of Christ’ was gotten out in the German language. About the time the book named was ready for circulation, a canvassers’ institute was held in Basel; this marked the beginning of the canvassing work, not only in Germany, but in all Europe. The seventh edition of this book has now come from the press in the German language.
“Since Jan. 1, 1895, twelve new canvassers have entered the field. In June, 1895, the report showed fifty per cent. increase in sales. At present a special effort is being made with Harold der Wahrheit, our German paper. Some, not very large churches, take from fifty to two hundred copies, which they sell. And they have very pleasant experiences with the purchasers. In the Review of Feb. 18, 1896, Elder Conradi said, ‘We close 1895 with fifteen hundred Sabbath-keepers in the German-Russian field.’”
THE SCANDINAVIAN MISSION
The mission to the Scandinavian people was opened by Elder John Matteson in the year 1887. On the 6th day of June he arrived in Vejle, in Jeyland, Denmark. When he went to that country there were a few who had begun the observance of the Sabbath through the reading of papers and tracts sent to them by friends in America.
In tracing the rise of this work, we learn that in 1850, four persons who had moved to America from Norway, began to keep the Sabbath of the Lord. They resided in Oakland, Wisconsin. Two of this number were the father and mother of Elder O. A. Olsen. In 1863 Elder John Matteson began the observance of the seventh-day Sabbath. He lived in Poysippi, Wisconsin. In the next six months, through his labors, about forty Danish-Norwegians embraced the doctrines of Seventh-day Adventists. The first active preacher who united with him in the ministry was Elder J. F. Hanson of Minnesota.
The First Book Published in Danish-Norwegian
In the year 1866, Elder John Matteson applied to the managers of the Review and Herald office to ascertain if they would print, for the use of the Scandinavians, pamphlets and tracts in their language. He was informed that a lack of funds at the office forbade their doing so; but there were persons of his nationality in Wisconsin and Minnesota who were so anxious to have the truth printed in their mother tongue that, although they were in moderate circumstances, and numbered less than fifty, they raised $1,000 in cash, and placed it in his hands for that purpose. With this money and a quantity of neatly prepared manuscript, Elder Matteson came to Battle Creek, and again made application for printed books. As he was prepared to meet the objections previously made, his desires were granted, and March 18, 1867, he began the reading of his manuscript, prepared for his book, “Liv og Død,” (Life and Death) to Elder J. N. Andrews and414myself, who were then members of the committee on publication. In other words, he told us in English what his manuscript said in Danish-Norwegian.
Elder Matteson Becomes a Printer
At that time there was no printer who could be spared to set the type for him, and so he begged the privilege of learning to set it himself. He continued at this work until he had about one thousand pages of pamphlets and tracts printed in his own language.
With this new means for disseminating the truth among his people, he went forth with renewed courage, holding meetings in various States. From that date the work advanced quite rapidly among the Scandinavians.
The First Foreign Periodical
The work among the Danish-Norwegians had assumed such proportions that a demand was made for a monthly paper in which persons of that nationality could receive instruction and encouragement in their own language. Therefore, on Jan. 1, 1872, there was issued at the Review and Herald office, a Danish monthly, a twenty-four page journal in magazine form, bearing the name, Advent Tidende (Advent Tidings). The following year the size of this journal was increased to thirty-two pages. It was the first periodical issued by Seventh-day Adventists in a foreign language.
In 1874 the interest was such among the Swedish-speaking believers that a sixteen-page monthly was started in that language, called Svensk Herold.
At the time Elder Matteson entered upon the mission to the Scandinavian people (June, 1877) in the old country, 266 copies of the Tidende were being sent from America monthly to Denmark, and 60 to Norway. Through reading these journals a number of persons were already keeping the Sabbath in Scandinavia. As a result of his labors for one415year in Denmark, companies of believers were raised up in several different places.
A Printing Office in Norway
After this Elder Matteson went to Norway, where, June 7, 1879, he organized a church of thirty-eight members, as the result of his labors in Christiana. Elder J. P. Jasperson, from America, joined him in the ministry about this time. In that year also a publishing association was formed in Norway, and property purchased in Christiana for a printing office, meeting-room for church services, and living rooms, at a cost of $14,580. For a time a small edition of a paper, Tidernes Tegn, was issued weekly from the Christiana office.
In the early autumn of 1880, Elder Matteson came to America to obtain help to enlarge the Scandinavian work. He attended the General Conference of that year, and returned to Europe in April, 1881, greatly encouraged. Soon after his return, a cylinder press was purchased and placed in the Christiana office.
Health Journals in Danish and Swedish
They at once began the publication of a health journal in Danish, called Sundheds Bladet. In 1883 he issued a similar journal in Swedish, and a religious journal, called Sanningens Härold. In 1884 they possessed an office outfit valued at $2,563. During this year there had been printed and circulated 115,000 papers in all, besides many thousands of tracts, and some books.
Elder Haskell in Scandinavia
The work in the Scandinavian countries received much help from the visit of Elder Haskell in 1882, and in 1884 they were materially aided by the labors of Elders Geo. I. Butler, B. L. Whitney, A. B. Oyen, and E. G. Olsen.
Mrs. White Greatly Aids Scandinavia
In 1885, Mrs. E. G. White, and her son, W. C. White, made a visit to Scandinavia, which was of inestimable value to the work in that field. Some had gotten the idea that tithes could not be paid by the poor in that country, and that it was useless to try to canvass for books. The testimony borne by Mrs. White was timely, and well received by the people, as was evinced by the response given in these words, “All that the Lord hath said will we do, and be obedient.” During this visit an entire change was effected in the Scandinavian field, produced principally by the untiring labors of Mrs. White.
New Office Building Erected in Norway
In 1886 Elders O. A. Olsen and N. Clausen visited the Scandinavian countries, the latter remaining there quite a length of time. In 1885 a new office building was erected in Christiana, and for the year ending Sept. 1, 1886, the office realized from the sale of books and tracts alone, the sum of $5,386.68, while the amount received on subscriptions to periodicals was $3,146.03.
Twenty-Five Churches in Scandinavia
A report given to the General Conference in 1889 stated that in the Scandinavian field there were twenty-five churches, with 926 members, who paid a tithe of $2,548.75; it also had six ministers, four licentiates, and fifty-two canvassers. The book sales for Norway and Sweden in one quarter were $2,161.26.
School in Christiana
A school at this time was in operation at Christiana, with fifty students. In 1891 a Bible institute was conducted at Christiana, by Elders O. A. Olsen and E. J. Waggoner,