Review and Herald, Vol. 24, No. 1.
Proceedings of the Second Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Seventh-day AdventistsPage 1
Proceedings of the Second Annual Meeting of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
This meeting was held, according to appointment of the Committee, at Battle Creek, Mich., Wednesday, May 18, 1864, at 9 o'clock A. M. Prayer by Bro. White. Duly elected and authorized delegates were present from New England, the N. Y. and Pa. State Conference, Ohio, Michigan, the Ills. and Wis. State Conference, and Minnesota. Bro. Geo. I. Butler, of Waukon, Iowa, being present, on motion of Bro. White he was received as a delegate from that State. J. H. Waggoner was also received as a delegate to the Conference in behalf of Ohio, where he has labored mostly during the past year. Minutes of last meeting read and accepted. Report of missionary labor performed under the direction of the General Conference Committee was then called for, and submitted by Bro. Loughborough, who read reports from M. E. Cornell, S. Pierce, the Vermont State Conference, and himself. A summary of his own labors was given as follows: Traveled fifty-eight hundred miles. Held two hundred and fifty meetings. Baptized thirty persons. Books and charts sold, $502. Subscribers obtained for the Review, thirty-six. Reports from others engaged on the mission were equally encouraging. The standing of the mission is as follows: Number of names enrolled in churches organized and partly organized, two hundred and fifty-three. Amount of s. B. fund, $1051.34. Amount pledged to the mission, $882.65. The report was accepted. Brn. White and Andrews expressed their gratification at the good results thus far of the Eastern Mission. The Treasurer's report was then called for and submitted, showing the following result: Amount of funds in treasury, May 20, 1863, $384.25. Received during the year, $2122.18. Total, $2506.43. Amount expended, $1715.12. Funds on hand to balance $791.31. Report accepted. Adjourned to 2 o'clock P. M. Afternoon session. Prayer by Bro. Andrews. The following preamble and resolution was presented by Bro. White, and adopted: Whereas, It seems most proper that the Executive Committees of the several State Conferences should be composed of ministers in those States where three ministers suitable for the office can be found; and Whereas, It would be embarrassing to such a Committee to have the whole responsibility of settling with the ministers of their Conference, therefore Resolved, That we recommend to the State Conferences to choose a Committee of six to act with the Executive Committee in the settlement of accounts with ministers for the preceding year. Distribution of laborers for the coming year was then taken into consideration, whereupon Bro. Loughborough spoke for the cause East, Bro. Andrews for the cause in N. Y., Bro. Waggoner for Ohio, Bro. Ingraham for Wisconsin and Ills., Bro. Morse for Minnesota, Bro. Butler for Iowa, and Bro. Lawrence for Michigan. From all parts of the field, with the exception of Minnesota, the reports were encouraging, and the prospects represented as most cheering. The election of officers for the coming year being taken up, the action of the Conference resulted as follows: For President, John Byington; remaining members of Executive Committee, G. W. Amadon and J. N. Loughborough; Secretary, U. Smith; Treasurer, E. S. Walker. The following resolution by Bro. Andrews was unanimously adopted: Whereas, We deem the recent work of sister White, entitled, "An Appeal to Mothers," a work of great importance for general circulation, therefore Resolved, That we earnestly commend this book to the attention of our brethren everywhere, and that we especially call the attention of parents and guardians to the duty of placing it in the hands of the young. Adjourned, subject to the call of the Committee. Extra session, evening after the Sabbath. The subject of the distribution of laborers again taken up. The following resolution was offered by Bro. White, and unanimously adopted: Resolved, That it is the judgment of this Conference that Eld. Isaac Sanborn, of Wisconsin, should return to Minnesota, to labor there under the direction of the General Conference. On motion of Bro. Loughborough, the Vermont State Conference, at the request of said Conference, was admitted to the General Conference. Voted, That the doings of this Conference be published in the Advent Review. Adjourned to the call of the Committee. JOHN BYINGTON, President. Fourth Annual Meeting of the Michigan State Conference.
PURSUANT to call of the Committee through the Review the Michigan State Conference held its fourth annual session at Battle Creek, Mich. Thursday, May 19th, 1864, at 9 o'clock A. M. Session opened with prayer by Bro. Waggoner. Credentials of delegates examined. The number of delegates present, duly authorized were thirty-three representing twenty-two churches. On motion of Brn. Byington, Bates and Loughborough the churches at Memphis, Owasso and Bunkerhill were received into the Michigan State Conference. The minutes of the last meeting were read and approved. The reading of reports from churches was omitted. Reports from ministers belonging to the conference being called for, the following brethren responded, viz., James White, John Byington, J. H. Waggoner, J. N. Loughborough, R. J. Lawrence, Joseph Bates, J. B. Frisbie, and J. N. Loughborough for M. E. Cornell. Moved by Bro. White that a committee of three be appointed on nominations, whereupon the Chair appointed James White, J. N. Loughborough and Cyrenius Smith as that committee. On motion of Bro. White the recommendation of the General Conference with reference to choosing a committee to act with the executive committee in the settlement of accounts of ministers, was adopted, whereupon the following brethren were nominated by the Chair and approved by the Conference, viz., D. R. Palmer of Jackson, James Harvey of North Liberty Ind., W. S. Higley Jr. of Lapeer, Charles Jones of Monterey, James Sawyer of Wright and J. P. Kellogg of Battle Creek. Adjourned until 2 o'clock P. M. Afternoon session. Prayer by Bro. Loughborough. The Treasurer's report was presented and accepted, showing the following result: Amount in treasury May 20, 1863, $424.47. Received during the year, $1841.34. Total, $2265.81. Expended, $1885.80. Funds on hand to balance, $379.92. On motion of Bro. Loughborough, the subject of ministers' credentials was considered. The credentials of the following ministers were renewed: James White, Joseph Bates, J. H. Waggoner, John Byington, J. N. Loughborough, M. E. Cornell, R. J. Lawrence, and J. B. Frisbie. The following preamble and resolution was offered by Bro. Waggoner, supported by Bro. White, and unanimously passed by the Conference: Whereas, Moses Hull has left the work of the Lord among us, therefore Resolved, That his name be dropped from the minutes of this Conference. And further, Resolved, That we highly approve of the careful, judicious course of the General Conference Committee in Mr. Hull's case, whereby the cause has been saved2from reproach, and souls saved from the influence of his apostasy from the truth. The committee on nominations presented the names of the following brethren for the offices named: President, Uriah Smith; Secretary, E. S. Walker; Treasurer, Geo. W. Amadon; Executive Committee, John Byington and R. J. Lawrence. On motion, of Bro. Waggoner, the nominations were ratified, and the brethren named elected to the respective offices to which they were nominated. Adjourned, subject to the call of the Committee. Friday, 3 o'clock P. M., met again at the call of the Committee. On motion of Bro. White, the Mich. State Conference pledged $500 to the General Conference Missionary Fund for the ensuing year. On motion of Bro. Waggoner it was Resolved, That we recommend to the churches and scattered friends of the Michigan Conference to increase their pledges to the Michigan Conference Fund. On motion of Bro. White, the Conference recommended that Brn. U. Smith and I. D. Van Horn be set apart at this meeting for the work of the ministry. On motion of Bro. Loughborough, Resolved, That the proceedings of this Conference be published in the Review, and also in pamphlet form for distribution among the churches. Lead me, O my Father.
By L. M. Gates
My Father, in the weary way
Which thou hast marked for me,
Be thou my help, my staff, my stay,
And let me lean on thee. "Lead me in all my daily ways,"
Thy "tired child" uphold;
My spirit faints without thy grace,
Lead me into thy fold. Upon thy bosom, let me lean,
A lamb of Jesus' flock;
Refine my heart, and make me clean,
My fortress and my rock. My sun, my shield, my hiding-place,
My bulwark and my tower,
Show me the fulness of thy grace
In fierce temptation's hour. Though dark and rugged be my way,
Though sorrows press me sore,
If still my strength be as my day,
I would not ask for more. Help me by faith to follow thee,
Though tempests round me lower;
And neither sun, nor star, I see,
Pressed by the tempter's power. O lead me gently by the hand,
Nor would I shun the cross;
But earth resign at thy command,
Nor count it aught but dross. Lead me, till the last trump shall sound,
Till Jesus' face I see,
Then with eternal glory crowned,
Lead me to victory. Church Reports from Bunkerhill and Colon
From the Church in Bunkerhill. The church of Bunkerhill to the Mich. State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists asking the privilege of uniting with the Conference, having been organized April 24th by Bro. Byington, and covenanted together to "keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus." Our number of members at present is eighteen in good standing. Our S. B. fund amounts to $35.88 a year. From the Church in Colon. We praise our Heavenly Father for many manifestations of his love to us when we have met together for his worship on his blessed day. Our testimony to you, dear brethren, is, that we remain steadfast in the faith of the message of the third angel: "not as though we had already attained" to the perfection of its teachings, but, "we follow after." We report as follows: Whole number last year, thirteen. Erased from church book, one. Added to the church four, making our present number sixteen. Our pledge to Conference fund is the same as last year, viz., $9 per quarter. Church in Hanover
By Russel Hoag
From the Church in Hanover. This church has been duly organized. Each member is striving to overcome. We desire above all else the prosperity of the cause of present truth. Since last Conference two have been added to this church. It now contains sixteen members in good standing. We have a Bible class and a Sabbath-school. Our s. B. fund amounts to $73,32 per year. We are with the body, and shall acquiesce in the doings of the Conference. The following interesting particulars respecting the condition of some of the churches of S. D. Adventists in Michigan, we gather from letters brought by delegates to our late State Conference. From the Church in Allegan. As to the state of the church, a good degree of union exists between its members. There has been an addition of eight members the past year; losses thirteen. Present membership twenty-three. Amount of S. B. fund $100. We have prayer-meetings on Tuesday evening and an interesting Sabbath-school and Bible-class, Sabbath A. M., and prayer and conference meeting P. M. We have a new house of worship, built the past year, but not yet dedicated. The church and community have been anxiously waiting for some time, to have some messenger come.
J. M. FOSTER. Church clerk. Church in Battle Creek
By E. S. WALKER, Clerk
From the Church in Battle Creek. Membership at the commencement of the year, one hundred and nine. Accessions during the year, by letter five, baptism nine. Removed by letter five, by death one, gain eight. Present membership one hundred and seventeen. Amount of s. B., pledged for the year 1864, $447,12. The church is united and prospering. The Sabbath-school is also in a flourishing condition. E. S. WALKER, Clerk. From the Church in Burlington. The Lord is still working for his people here. There has been no loss of members here the past year, and three have been added to the church. We now number forty-seven members, and with few exceptions they are striving after holiness. We have a Sabbath-school and Bible-class numbering about thirty-eight in all. Our S. B. fund amounts to about $80 a year. We feel thankful for past labors for the church here, and hope to be remembered in quarterly meetings as often as convenient. From the Church in Convis. Since our last report four members have been added to our number, making in all twenty-four, three of whom are non-resident. Amount of s. B. fund $77,50 per year. We feel thankful for the watch-care of the Conference Committee, and hope to share an interest with them until the blessed hope be realized. Church in Charlotte
By E. Smith
From the Church in Charlotte. We feel as a church that we ought to be more sober and watchful unto prayer, in view of the appearing of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. We desire to have the messengers come and help us. We also feel to put our trust in God knowing that he will take care of his people. While we have had some losses we have had some additions to our little flock, for which we thank God and take courage. Our membership is as follows. During the year one has been removed by death, one by letter, and six disfellowshipped, and ten have been added to our church making our present number twenty-three. Amount of s. B. fund $57,
E. SMITH, Clerk. From the Church in Caledonia. The Caledonia church has forty-one members. During the last year one has been disfellowshipped, and two united with the church; gain, one. The s. B. fund amounts to $143.16 this year. From the Church in Eureka and Fairplains. The most of the brethren and sisters of this church are trying to arise with the message, and get ready for the coming of our returning Lord. We have meetings every Sabbath except the first Sabbath of every month when we meet with the church at Orleans. We have a Sabbath-school with a tolerable good interest manifested by the children. We number at present sixteen members, two dismissed by letter, and one excluded, and one left without a letter, making a decrease of four. No additions during the year. Our s. B. fund amounts to $166,92 this present year. We mean to continue steadfast until Jesus comes. From the Church in Green Bush. The church here are striving to overcome, and want to have a place with the people of God. We now number seventeen members, the youth and children included. Our loss for the last year has been two members only, while our additions have been seven, six of the number being the children and youth of parents that are keeping the Sabbath in this place. We have a Sabbath-school for the youth in which they are greatly interested. They seem to be striving to overcome all of their faults, and have a home with the redeemed on the earth made new. May God's blessing rest down upon them. Our s. B. fund amounts to $49,40 yearly. From the Church in Hillsdale. To the brethren assembled in Conference, at Battle Creek, Mich. May 19th, 1864.—Dear brethren: As it is not convenient for us to represent ourselves at the coming Conference by delegate, we would do so by letter. We number thirty-eight members, the majority of whom are striving for complete victory. Our s. B. fund for 1864 is $116,00. W. B. CASTLE, Clerk, pro tem. From the Church in Jackson. We feel happy to inform you that we are unitedly striving for the kingdom of God. Our numbers are twelve. During the past Conference year three have withdrawn by letter, and one has united with us. Our s. B. fund amounts to $191,88 per year. E. VAN DEUSEN, Elder
By E. Van Deusen
From the Church in Lowell.
Part of this little company are striving to go through to Mount Zion and share in the rest that remains for the people of God. We number on our church book at present fourteen. Eight of us meet every Sabbath, when no preventing providence hinders, to plead the promises. Two live at a distance of fifteen and twenty miles. Four have not met with us for various reasons, one of which we fear is a lack of interest in the work of the Lord. We have had an addition of one, and one has made application to join us; and we think in due time the Lord will help to add to us such as shall be saved. Our s. B. fund amounts to $62,51. We are thankful for the effort of Brn. Bates and Van Horn with us last fall, and hope that it may be as bread cast upon the water that may be gathered after many days. We want the watchcare of God's people, and their prayers that the Lord may have a remnant at Lowell. From the Church in Locke. Number of members, twenty-eight, additions seven, losses none, s. B. fund $15,00. From the Church in Lapeer. The past Conference year we began with fifty-five members. Four have moved away, two have been expelled, two have left the faith, one has died, and two have been added by letter, leaving us forty-eight members. Our S. B. fund though as yet incomplete, amounts to about $125. A meeting, Bible-class and Sabbath-school are very well sustained on the Sabbath, and a prayer-meeting every Tuesday evening. Most of the members are evidently trying to overcome and get ready for the solemn and fearful events that are just before us. From the Church in Memphis. During last summer we were favored with the preaching of Brn. Cornell. Lawrence and Van Horn, the result of which was that a few were induced to obey the voice of truth ard are now trying to keep the commandments of God and the faith of his Son. By the aid of Brn. Byington and Lawrence on the 10th day of January last, we organized a church of fifty-five members. Seven have since been added making our present number sixty-two. We have been engaged during the last fall and the present spring in erecting a house of worship which is now nearly completed. We have an organized Sabbath-school and Bible-class which is attended with much interest although we are laboring under some disadvantage for want of books. Our s. B. fund amounts to $151,32 for the present year which has been appropriated toward the expenses of our building. We send as delegates to your convention, Brn. Burtenshaw, Wakeling and Salisbury with a request that we be admitted as members of your Conference and co-workers together with you in the cause of God and advancement of his truth and glory in the earth. By order and in behalf of the church. From the Church in Milford. Our additions this year are seven by baptism. We have passed through the waters of affliction in the death of our dear Bro. Isaiah Rathbun, formerly of Brandon. Our present number is seventeen. Our s. b. amounts to $25,48 per year. Church at Oneida
By N. J. Berry, Clerk
From the Church at Oneida. Since last Conference there has been one admitted to our number. Membership at present, fifteen. Our present condition is good. We are all united in the truths of the third angel's message. We have meetings every Sabbath and the Lord meets with us by his Spirit; and we are blessed and our hearts are encouraged. We are determined by the help of the Lord to overcome every sin, and be ready for translation at the appearing of Jesus.
N. J. BERRY, Clerk. Church in Watson
By J. B. Tinker
From the Church in Watson. We can report that the majority of the church are earnestly striving for victory. Number of members at present, ten. Removed, three; two by letter. We have Sabbath-school and Bible-class. Ordinances attended to once in three months. Amount of s. b. fund, $38,52 per year. We deeply feel the need of help from ministering brethren. We think there is an ear to hear in this vicinity. There is one meeting-house, and two school-houses, that can be had to lecture in. From the Church in Monterey. Since our last annual report, four members have received letters to unite elsewhere. Ten have been removed, and three have been added to the church. We now number eighty-one members, the majority of whom feel like pressing together, that they may be worthy to be numbered with the people of God, and receive of the promised blessings to the overcomer. We have two evening prayer meetings during the week. On the Sabbath prayer and conference meeting in the forenoon, and Sabbath-school and Bible-class in the afternoon. Our Sabbath-school is in good condition, numbering about thirty scholars. Our s. B. fund amounts to $228,80 per year. From the Church in Newton. Our number in church fellowship is twenty. None have left us the past year, but four have united with us. We have union, but should be far more zealous in the great work of overcoming. The amount of our S. B. fund is $78. We hope to share with other churches in the labors of messengers the coming year. From the Church in North Plains. The members of this church number fourteen grown persons, three having been added the past year. Our present amount of S. B. fund is $41,60 per year. We are with but few exceptions in a prospering condition, and in union with the body. From the Church in Owasso. The S. D. A. church in this place was organized in July, 1862, by Eld. Joseph Bates, with eight members. No addition of members since. One of our number has been removed by death within the past year. Our s. b. fund amounts to $43, 68. The members of this church are all united and feel a great interest in the general prosperity of the cause. We are desirous of becoming united with the Michigan Conference.
J. M. WILKINSON, Clerk. From the Church in Otsego. This church has thirty members, ten having been added during the past year. No losses. The amount of s. B. fund is $86,84. The church is striving to make advancement as a general thing, and are more united than they were one year ago and more fully resolved to rise with the body. There has been a decided gain in some respects. The Testimony for the Church and for individuals is having a good effect and is more fully believed and appreciated.
Geo. Leighton, Clerk. From the Church in Orleans. The number of members now in good standing is sixteen. Four have been added during the year, two by letter and two by baptism. The amount of the S. B. fund is $134.48. All with one exception appear to be growing in grace and in the knowledge of the truth. From the Church at Oakland.
By David W. Randall
The present number of our members is thirty-six. There have been no dismissals and three have been added during the year. The amount of our s. B. fund is $260,52. The church respectfully request that they may be remembered by the Conference, by sending some of the messengers to hold with us a quarterly meeting. Bro. and sister White are earnestly invited to visit us and hold meetings with us at their earliest convenience. The church are trying to live in readiness to meet their coming Saviour. We hold meetings for prayer and conference each Sabbath, and have a Sabbath-school and Bible-class. From the Church in Orange. According to our last report made to the Conference, our church numbered twenty members. Admitted since, nine. Removed one. Deceased one. Membership at present, twenty-seven. Officers of the church consist of an elder, who also acts by virtue of his higher office as deacon, and a clerk. Of the above number of members only about eight grown persons, and as many children are able at all times to meet to keep up the meetings of the church, and Sabbath-school, which is regularly done. The rest of us live in three different townships, and it is only occasionally we all get together. Our s. B. fund amounts to about $57,00. From the Church in Shelby. We are still striving to hold on to the commandments of God and the faith of his dear Son. Since our last report one has been added to our number, and two dismissed by letter, leaving our number at present twenty. Our s. B. fund is about $120. From the Church in St. Charles, Mich. The S. D. Adventist church in this place was organized, Jan. 27, 1862, with twelve members. Since that time the number of names on our book has been increased to forty-three. One of our number has been removed by death within the past year. Seven have withdrawn by letter. We have received five members by letter, and five new converts, making our present number forty-five. Our s. B. fund amounts to $186,68 per year. The church are generally united and striving to overcome, but feel very much the need of help from the preaching brethren as often as convenient. From the Church at Tyrone. We commenced this Conference year with eleven members. Four have since joined who were not present at organization, and four by profession of faith in the message, and one has left, making our present number eighteen. Our S. B. fund for the present year amounts to $78. A meeting and Sabbath-school are well sustained on the Sabbath. Union prevails, and there is an evident desire with all to overcome and be found ready when the day of trouble may come. We are very anxious to have quarterly meetings established here, and sustained by one or more of the ministering brethren. From the Church in Tompkins. This little company of believers are still striving to gain the victory with God's people, and be prepared to stand with them on mount Zion. There have been no additions to this church during the past year; but one has been removed from our midst by death. We now number sixteen. There are but eleven, who live sufficiently near the place of meeting, to attend regularly. The amount of s. B. fund yearly at present is $47,36. We would request that a quarterly meeting be held here soon, and a special effort be made for the children among us. We are few in number, and acknowledge that the interest among the friends about us is not sufficient to call for the labors of a messenger; but we need arousing, that we may engage anew in the cause of the Lord, and be fitted to share in the inheritance of the saints.
E. P. GILES, Clerk. From the Church in West Windsor. Our church is small, having only eight members. We have had no gains nor losses during the last year. We feel that we want the watchcare of the Conference, and hope that we may live in such a way as to be worthy of it. Church in West Plains
By J. Banks
From the Church in West Plains. In our last Conference report we had nine members. One has since been removed by death, two moved away, and one disfellowshipped, and one new convert has commenced to keep the Sabbath. Last October we met to renew our pledge for one year from that time, and it amounted to about $24 per year. Of said sum we pledged $12 to Conference. Although a small branch of the vine, we do hope we shall be remembered and cared for. We hope some of our messengers will call and see us. I think our children can be profited much by a visit from some of them. We are striving to do the best we can to overcome and stand on mount Zion. We ask your counsel and watchcare. Pray for us, that we may live out the faith, and never bring a wound upon this good cause. Church in Wright
By James Sawyer
From the Church in Wright. At a meeting of the church held May 1, we felt that a report of our standing would then represent us in a backslidden state. Memberships had not diminished during the past year, but spirituality was decreasing. The church had lost five members, and gained seven, increasing our numbers to eighty-one. The amount of s. B. fund pledged for the current year is $300,08. In view of the sad state of the church, a special meeting was called May 11. Wrongs were confessed, and much was done in putting away evil from our midst. While trying to rise with the message, the church feel the need of help. They desire that some efficient messenger may visit them, and break unto them the bread of life. Report from North Liberty Church
By James Harvey
From the Church at North Liberty, Ind. We have eleven members that contribute to the S. B. fund which amounts to $30 per year. Six others keep the Sabbath, and meet with us occasionally. There has been one death and two removals from our church the past year.
JAMES HARVEY, Clerk.