Document: O. A. Olsen, “The President’s Address,” Daily Bulletin of the General Conference 5, no. 11 (February 15-19, 1893): 278-285. HTML, PDF.
Contents: GC President O. A. Olsen agains calls for the organizing of “district conferences,” known as union conferences today.
The part of the address that concerns union conferences is highlighted.
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The President’s Address.
Elder O. A. Olsen.
Through the blessing of God we find ourselves once more assembled in General Conference. We note with pleasure the large attendance, and we are especially pleased to see such a large representation from foreign countries. This is of itself very significant, as it is a most tangible evidence of the spread of the truth of God among the nations of the world. We extend to all a most cordial welcome. Our only desire is that your expectations for a large blessing may be fully realized, and we are sure that this will be so, if we together seek the Lord with all the heart.
This will be in many respects a very important Conference. The list of delegates is larger than at any preceding General Conference; the field represented is much more extensive than ever before; the doors open before us in foreign countries, where nothing has yet been done, and the demand for more laborers from countries already partially supplied, will surpass anything that has before been known in the history of this work; and last, but by no means of least importance, is the fulfillment of prophecy by which we know that we are entering upon the closing period of our work for the world, which makes it necessary for us to adopt most active and energetic measures for carrying forward the message which God has given us.
Since our last meeting we have received many evidences of divine care. Our ministry, and laborers generally, have been blessed with health and courage. We have also witnessed very rapid advancement in the work. The clamors for religious legislation have been continued with increased zeal. A number of important concessions have already been secured from the Government, over which the friends of that movement are very much elated.
The decision of Judge Hammond in the case of Brother R. M. King, and the decision of Judge Brewer of the United States Supreme Court declaring this to be a “Christian Nation,” and the action of Congress in closing the World’s Fair on Sunday, are all very significant movements. It is impossible for any one who will take note of these things in the light of prophecy, to be mistaken as to the time in which we live. It will take but a few more steps in the direction that events have been going for the past year, to literally fulfill Rev. 13:11-18. Several of our brethren have been thrown into prison in Tennessee, and have been forced to satisfy the fines imposed upon them for alleged violations of Sunday sacredness, by hard labor with criminals, on the streets. And it is not only in this country that we hear the clamor for religious legislation, and especially for more stringent Sunday laws, but it is becoming general throughout the civilized nations of the world, which shows that Rev. 13:8 is also about to be fulfilled. All this is unmistakable evidence that we are fast approaching the final crisis.
While we see the events just referred to transpiring around us, we also note with much interest and satisfaction the remarkable manner in which the way is opening for the truth to go to the different nations of the world. It will be the duty of this Conference to provide for a large extension of the work; first, by liberal appropriations for increasing facilities at important points where the work has been established, and second, by providing for opening work in many new fields.
We will now notice more particularly several different branches of the work under general heads:—
The Home Field.
The work in the home field presents many encouraging features. Never before was the way so fully open to extend the truth of God as now. Many in the ministry, and in the other lines of work, are getting a better hold on God, and the spiritual interest in the churches is rising.
The interest in the foreign work is also increasing, as is shown by the last annual contribution to foreign missions, which was much larger than in any previous year.
The division of the General Conference territory in this country into districts, and placing a superintendent over each, is proving of much advantage. The most serious difficulty met, has been that several of the superintendents of districts, being presidents of local conferences, have been laden with the responsibilities of local work. The district superintendent should be free to give his whole attention to the work in his district. This point should be borne in mind in the General Conference and State Conference appointments.
The Ministerial Institutes, recommended by the last General Conference, were held, one in each [p. 279] district, and in every case were a success. As a result, many individuals have been greatly benefited, and the work in general has received a new impetus. It is evident that a permanent and systematic arrangement for this class of work should be provided for the future. A recommendation in regard to this matter will be found under the head of “organization.”
Camp-meetings.—We held in all, 54 camp-meetings during the past year. This included one or more meetings in every local conference in this country and in foreign countries. And as a result, hope, courage and faith are increasing in the hearts of our people.
City Work.—But little has been done toward reaching the people in our large cities. In some places a beginning has been made, but it is so small compared with what it should be, that it is scarcely worthy of mention. We are greatly behind our opportunities in this line of work. The Bible work in cities should be placed upon a broader basis. The plan should include efforts in behalf of the suffering and destitute. In every city there should be a large corps of efficient and well organized workers. No more needy fields can be found anywhere, than the large cities of our own country.
Work Among the Colored People.—The time has also come when we should do something for the colored people of the South. There are more than 7,000,000 of these people in the United States, for whom we have virtually done nothing. We would recommend that the Conference consider their claims upon us, and if thought best, make a department of that work, appointing some one to take the special oversight thereof, with sufficient help to give it character and insure success.
The Educational Work.
In connection with the growth of the work in other directions, the subject of education demands, and is receiving, much attention. Experience has demonstrated the great value of our denominational schools where the Bible is taught, and religious influences are thrown about the students. Since the last General Conference was held, Union College has been completed, and is now in its second year. This College has four departments; viz., English, German, Swedish, and Danish Norwegian. Each department is complete in itself. The enrollment the present year is nearly 550. Up to this time the entire cost has been $161,000. Brother A. R. Henry, the business manager, will at the proper time present a complete report to the Conference, which makes it unnecessary to go into further particulars here.
The college which the last General Conference voted to build at Walla Walla, Washington, has also been completed, at a cost of $35,000. Various circumstances hindered the enterprise at the beginning, so that actual work on the buildings was not begun until March, 1892. We were under obligations to open the school in January, 1893; but it was found necessary to begin earlier; consequently the school was opened Dec. 7, 1892, with 101 students in attendance, and by the middle of January the attendance had increased to 156, and others have come in since. They are already crowded for room in some departments, and are asking for an addition to the building.
A small school has also been started in District No. 2, by Elder G. W. Colcord, which has at the present time an attendance of fifty. While these new schools have been opened and filled, we are glad to say that our older institutions are crowded to their utmost capacity. Battle Creek College has an enrollment of more than 725, and is badly crippled for want of room. Healdsburg College and South Lancaster Academy are both full to overflowing. At the present time there are more than double the number of children and youth in our denominational schools that there were two years ago. This is indeed very encouraging.
There is now a greater demand for further enlargement of the Battle Creek College, and this should be made the present year. There are also calls for other schools. Texas presents an earnest request, and from other parts of the South, appeals have been received for help in the same line.
Under this head we would also call attention to the importance of providing for a special course of study for those of more mature age, those who cannot take extended courses in one of our colleges. In this course the Bible should be the leading text book, but the English language, reading, and other rudimental studies should also be taught. There will be scores and hundreds who will offer themselves to labor in the cause, but who will not be able to do efficient work without preparation. Such a course might also furnish an opportunity for the medical missionary class to receive instruction in the Bible. The medical missionary instruction could with propriety be connected with this course. Provision should be made for such a class to begin with the opening of the next school year at Battle Creek College. In time, it may be thought best to arrange for a like course in other schools also, but, for the present, we recommend such a course to be conducted only at Battle Creek, in connection with the College and Sanitarium.
Mention will be made of this branch of the work in Australia and Europe in connection with other references to the work in those countries.
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The Educational Secretary will make a report, in which he will enlarge upon the work in all its phases, and to which report you are respectfully referred.
The Health Work.
Light was given on the subject of health, and the attention of this people was called to the importance of health reform in the early history of the message. We were also shown that an institution should be established where the principles of healthful living might be represented and taught. In harmony with the light given, the Sanitarium at Battle Creek was founded, and has grown to its present proportions. It becomes the duty of this Conference to give this branch of the work its due share of attention. Experience proves that it is necessary to give credentials to ministers and missionary workers. Now, if physicians and others who are laboring in the medical missionary work, are to be recognized as public laborers, why should they not also be provided with proper credentials, that it may be known who are in full harmony in this line of work. We see no reason for the physician being more excusable for using the influence of the denomination for selfish purposes, than would be the minister.
The subject of medical missionary work is receiving more attention than ever before. We have only begun to realize the importance of the health work in connection with our missionary efforts. We have a large class of young men and women who are taking a thorough medical course at the Battle Creek Sanitarium and the Michigan University, preparatory to entering upon a life of missionary work, to which they are all pledged. The possibilities of accomplishing much good through this avenue are very great. We call attention to the subject, as one worthy of your careful consideration.
The Publishing Work.
The publishing work during the past two years has fully kept pace with other branches of the message. During this time the General Conference Association has done considerable publishing, and we see no reason why this work in the hands of the Association should not continue to enlarge. The Association represents the denomination, and all its profits will go to advance the general work. The report of the Secretary will show what has been done.
Our book sales for the past two years have been the largest of any previous period of the same length. Much pains and care are being taken in the proper education of canvassers, which insures the continued success of this line of work, but it will be well to bear in mind that this branch of the work needs the constant support and co-operation of conference and tract society officers, ministers, and others in leading positions.
Homes for Orphans, and the Aged and Infirm.
At the last General Conference action was taken to establish homes for the orphans, and for the aged and infirm. Though all seemed to endorse the enterprise, yet for months it was difficult to raise funds sufficient to justify beginning work on the buildings. At this juncture a lady, not connected with our people, stepped forward, and furnished thirty thousand dollars, to be used exclusively in building a home for orphans. Work on the building was begun at once, and it is now enclosed, and will soon be completed. Nothing has yet been done toward erecting a building for the aged and infirm. Such an institution is greatly needed, especially for the aged and infirm who have been laborers in the cause. But work for this class has not been wholly neglected; a cottage has been rented, where a few aged people are being cared for, and we trust that before another General Conference convenes, a suitable building will have been erected, and other necessary arrangements made to provide a comfortable home for this class of persons.
The Missionary Work.
The number of our public laborers has always been far too small to meet the demands of our work. Even the strongest local conferences have not been able to reach but a small portion of the people in their territory through public laborers. It has been found necessary to have a systematic plan for the distribution of literature, followed by correspondence which would enlist a large number of workers who could otherwise do nothing. The Testimonies have repeatedly told us that literature on present truth should be circulated everywhere. Experience has shown that this line of work has accomplished most excellent results. The openings and the demands in this direction are greater now than ever before. Our literature should be placed in every family, and our pioneer paper, the Signs of the Times, should go, not only to our own country, but to English speaking people in every part of the world. Measures should be adopted to awaken a true missionary spirit in the hearts of our people, and then to direct their work, that it may be done in a systematic manner. The time has come when those who have been standing in the market place should go into the vineyard. State Tract Societies should give more attention to real missionary work, and to enlisting and educating workers.
Regions Beyond.
In the past we have been wont to speak of other countries as foreign fields, but practically there is no such thing as a foreign field to the gospel in general, nor to the third angels message in particular. “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every [p. 281] creature” is the original gospel commission; and the last message is to every “nation, kindred, tongue, and people.” Lands and countries which have not yet been entered, are only “regions beyond.” The Spirit of God is moving on the hearts of the people. The efforts which have been put forth in other lands have been blessed of God. Many new fields are open before us in all parts of the world. For lack of time we can only briefly mention some of them, although there is much which under other circumstances might be given.
British Provinces of North America.—The British Provinces of North America lying at our very doors, present an interesting field in which but little has yet been done. In Manitoba a number of people have begun to obey the truth from reading. In other portions of this great territory, something has already been done but as compared with what we ought to do, it is very little indeed. Ministerial help should be provided for this field.
Mexico.—On the other side of us is the Republic of Mexico, with a population of more than 10,000,000. So far we have practically done nothing in that country, but the way is open, and we recommend that definite measures be adopted at this Conference, for beginning work there at an early date.
West Indies and Central America.—A good work is in progress in these fields. Elder D. A. Ball spent more than a year laboring at different points with good success. One year ago last October, the Foreign Mission Board selected Brother and Sister Hutchins to send to the Bay Islands. They have been prospered in their work and are now asking for more help. We have with us Sister Harrison, from Jamaica, who pleads for help for that island. At Belize, in Central America, a company of believers has been raised up. As Elders Chadwick and Ball have already spoken quite fully in regard to the conditions of the work and its needs, we will not go into further particulars, but would suggest that at least one worker be selected to take charge of the canvassing work, and another to labor in the ministry.
South America.—Here we have a very large and important field. It will need no argument to convince those who are acquainted with the situation in South America, that we ought to arrange for an extensive work in that country. There is a small company of Sabbath-keepers in British Guiana, and quite a little company, and three canvassers in the Argentine Republic. The latter are calling loudly for help. The prospects for success are very encouraging. Friends in Iowa have donated a tent for South America. A book depository should be established in that field as it will be necessary to the success of the canvassing work. The English, Germans, French and Scandinavians are each quite fully represented, and a laborer in each of these languages should be sent at once. They would have to learn the Spanish in that country, as we have no Spanish laborer to send. These are some of the present wants of the South American field, and we would recommend that they be supplied if possible.
Europe.—In Europe we have four organized conferences, and two missions. The most important center for our work there is London, the metropolis of the world. We have as yet had no organized conference in Great Britain, but during the last two years, rapid advancement has been made. The labors of a few ministers in the field have been blessed in leading souls into the truth, and the work of the colporters and canvassers has been very satisfactory. Since the last General Conference Elders J. S. Washburn and O. O. Farnsworth have been sent to that field, as has also Elder Waggoner, who now has the editorial management of the Present Truth. But the work still needs strengthening. The delegates from that field will call for an appropriation of one hundred thousand dollars for the British mission. This is a large sum, but if the funds could be spared it could be used to excellent advantage. London must become the center of our work, for the British possessions in all parts of the world, and also for many other countries in Europe, Asia, and Africa, and possibly the Spanish speaking countries of America. A strong work must be established there. A large building is needed for church, school and mission purposes. A liberal appropriation should be made for this very important field.
The next point in importance in Europe, in Hamburg, the center for the work in the German Empire, and the countries of Central and Southern Europe, and Russia. This is a field containing many millions of people. Good openings are seen in many places, and souls are embracing the truth. As in London, so in Hamburg, a building is needed for mission purposes, which could also be used for public worship. It will be necessary to provide for the education of workers near the fields where they are to labor. Investigations have shown that it will require from twenty-five to thirty thousand dollars to secure what is needed in Hamburg.
European Conferences.—The report of the Foreign Mission Secretary will show that there are in the Central European conference an increase of churches and laborers. A Bible school has been established in Switzerland. The colporter work has met many difficulties in this field, but it has accomplished much good. The publishing house at Basel continues to do a good work. More labor is called for in France, and many other places.
In northern Europe, we have three conferences, those of Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, with an increased [p. 282] number of churches and believers, especially has this been the case in the last two years. The canvassing work is in a healthy condition. The Christiana publishing house is enlarging its quarters to meet the demands made upon it.
During the past year some effort has been made in Finland. Here the prospects for an extensive work are very encouraging. Elder O. Johnson, with two Bible workers, is now located at Helsig Fors. Brother O. J. Olsen, one, of the most experienced canvassers in Norway, is now on his way to Iceland, and the Farö Islands. It is interesting to see how the Northern Lights of the last message are streaming up.
The question of schools in Scandinavia should receive consideration by this Conference. Something has already been done, but there are still a large number of children and youth that ought to have the benefit of schools conducted as we have them in America. Poverty in that country is a great hindrance in the way of giving the young proper educational advantages.
Asia.—In this vast country, containing more than one half the population of the world, we have done practically nothing, yet there are a few scattered believers, and openings exist in many places. The field is so great that I hardly know what to suggest. But as the message is to go to every nation and kindred, and tongue, and people, we ought to plan for work there also.
India is first to present its claims. The brethren who have passed through this country, bring very favorable reports. The way seems to be open, and the field should be entered at once.
Also in China is the way open at several places. The interest of the Chinese in Chicago is worthy of special mention, and should receive consideration.
The way has also opened for the work in Jerusalem, and the prospects are that a mission could do much good in that city.
In this connection, reference might be made to the necessity of establishing a mission in Constantinople. This city is an important connecting link between Asia and Europe. It is a place where a mission ought to be established. We have already one or two brethren working there, and it would seem that the importance of the location would demand that a large work should be arranged for.
Much might be said of other Asiatic countries, as Syria, China, and Japan, but it will not be necessary, as it will be impossible for this General Conference to definitely plan for all the work which ought to be done, but the wants of this great field should not be ignored.
Africa.—Here is another great country, with a population of nearly 200,000,000. We are glad to report successful beginnings in the Southern part of this country. Since the last General Conference the work there has made rapid progress. The only serious obstacle which has been met in this line is the difficulty of furnishing books promptly. The first visit of Brother E. M. Morrison to that field resulted in much good, to the canvassing work. A little more than a year ago, Elder A. T. Robinson and wife went there by recommendation of the Foreign Mission Board. Their presence and labors are highly appreciated. The brethren there have erected a building for a book depository and church, the lower story being used for the depository and business office, and the upper story, for the purpose of public worship. They have also erected a college at Claremont, known as Claremont Union College, at a cost of $35,000. Four teachers were sent from this country, and school was to open the first of February of the present year. At a meeting held at Cape Town, last December, a conference was organized, called the South African Conference, with Elder A. T. Robinson, as President. This conference is represented here by Brother P. J. D. Wessels.
For several years the International Tract Society has been in correspondence with people in West Africa. This country was visited by Elder L. C. Chadwick on his missionary tour only a few months ago. His report shows that there are forty or more Sabbath-keepers living there. Here is a large field open for the proclamation of the truth, and help ought to be provided at once. It is rather remarkable that many of the natives are favorable to the Sabbath, for which reason their missionaries have found it difficult to impress upon them the sacredness of the first day of the week. It seems to us that the Conference will not do its duty without sending some one to take charge, and providing for aggressive work in that field.
Then what can we say in reference to the great interior of Africa? We know that the way is open for missionaries to go there, and that the field ought to be occupied, but having nothing definite to suggest I can only leave the matter with the Conference to take such action as may, to you, seem best.
Much more might be said concerning this great country and the opportunities it offers for missionaries, but in this brief address we must be satisfied with the mere mention of a few facts.
Oceanica.—This island world presents another great and important field. Australia and New Zealand have been interesting fields for some time, and we have watched the advancement of the work there with much interest.
During the past year they have been favored in Australia, with the presence of Sister E. G. White, her son, Elder W. C. White, and others who have [p. 283] gone there to labor. Much of the time since her arrival, Sister White has been greatly afflicted, so that it has been impossible for her to labor as she greatly desired, but of late she has improved much in health, and has visited several places with excellent results. A marked interest in education has been manifested in that field. A number of young people have come to this country and are now in attendance at the Battle Creek and Healdsburg Colleges, but it being inconsistent to depend upon their young people to come to America to be educated. The General Conference at its last session encouraged the opening of a school in Australia. Already one term has passed with very good results. But the work in that line has only begun. This Conference will be called upon to make provisions for the school there in the way of providing instructors, and by giving counsel in reference to the erection of buildings.
The Conference has already listened to an appeal from Sister White for help to build a church at Melbourne, which the brethren there are not able to manage alone. This request should receive attention and a proper appropriation should be made for this enterprise. Elder Tenney, who is here as a delegate from that field will present this matter at the proper time. An earnest request came from Australia for the labors of Elder E. W. Farnsworth, but the Foreign Mission Board did not feel free to send him, as he had been engaged to teach in Union College the present year, so we said to the brethren in Australia that we would refer the matter of his going to that country, to the General Conference for final action, therefore we ask that this body shall take this request into consideration, with others of like nature.
In reference to New Zealand, the work seems to be steadily progressing. During the last autumn, the Foreign Mission Board sent Elder G. A. Wilson and wife to that field. We have learned of their safe arrival, and hope they may prove a great blessing to the work.
The Missionary Ship.
During the last session of the General Conference, we received information of the arrival of the missionary ship Pitcairn, at Pitcairn Island. The ship left San Francisco the 20th of Oct. 1890, and arrived at Pitcairn Island November 25. It visited many other islands, the particulars of which we cannot give here, but will add that after a cruise of one year, eleven months and eighteen days she returned to San Francisco, Oct. 9, 1892. The success of this first cruise of our missionary ship, is known to this entire body. If it had not been for the sad death of Captain Marsh, and Brother Tay, and the illness of Elder Gates, it seems that it could not have been more satisfactory as regards results. The Lord has greatly blessed this undertaking. We see the signal blessing of the Lord at every advance step we have taken in the missionary work. It must be an indication for us to go forward. The good accomplished by this enterprise can never be known till the final day of reckoning. We are just in receipt of an interesting communication from Elder Reed, who was left at Tahiti, to establish the work. He now reports over forty keeping the Sabbath. One native minister has accepted present truth, and is engaged with him in the work. A brother by the name of Stewart, a merchant and mechanic, writes us a very interesting letter in reference to the work there and in the adjoining islands.
The Pitcairn was in port from Oct. 9, 1892, to Jan. 17 of the present year, when she left on her second voyage. While in port, she was refitted and put in excellent condition for sailing. She took on more missionaries, and will continue her work among the South Sea Islands. It has not yet been time to hear from her. We are glad to say that our missionary ship is a success in every particular. Much more has been accomplished than we at first anticipated. On account of feeble health Elder Gates remained at Pitcairn Island on the return trip to this country, but we are glad to say that when last heard from, his health was improving. He has been holding meetings at Pitcairn, and giving instruction to the young people. What he will be able to do in the future, we cannot, of course, tell at present. Our prayer is that he may be fully restored to health.
We have now briefly canvassed the field in a general way. Much more might have been said in reference to each country mentioned, and many countries might have been referred to which we have not mentioned at all; for our time will not permit of a lengthy communication on this point. The Foreign Mission Board has very faithfully watched the different interests of the foreign work. The tour of Elder Tenney in visiting several different countries on his way to this Conference brought us much information which will be valuable in arranging for the work in these fields. It is also well known to this body that since our last session Elder L. C. Chadwick has made an extended tour through Mexico, the West Indies, South America, and along the West Coast of Africa. The object of this visit was to secure information by which we could better plan for the work in these important fields, at this present Conference. We pray that the Lord may direct in our proceedings, giving us the ability to formulate the wisest plans, which, when put into execution, will bring honor to-the Master.
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Finances.
Before closing, it will be proper to say something in regard to our financial situation. You will see from the report of the secretary, that our receipts from all sources for the past two years have not been sufficient to meet the demands of the work. We are running behind at the rate of about ten thousand dollars per year. This has placed the General Conference Committee and Foreign Mission Board in a very embarrassing position. On the one hand we see the wants of the cause, and hear the appeals so earnestly made by hundreds and thousands who are stretching out their hands for help. Truly “the field is already white for the harvest.” We have felt very desirous to respond to the many earnest entreaties for help; for our hearts were touched with pity for those who know not Christ and the power of his love. On the other hand, we have lacked the facilities with which to meet the demand made upon us.
What should we do? We have been in extreme perplexity. We have made oral appeals for help; we have written articles endeavoring to set before our people the true situation, and while some have responded liberally, the rank and file of our people have not. This is the reason for the embarrassment which we have mentioned. In order to meet the demands for the work of God at this time, necessary funds must be provided. Many are ready to loan the General Conference money at a moderate rate of interest, but we have taken about all in this way that it is prudent to carry. While it is a favor to receive money at a low rate of interest, yet, borrowed money is not of the value of donated money. That for which we give our note, whether at a small rate of interest or without interest, is not ours, and we must hold ourselves in readiness to pay it when due. Our brethren must not get the idea that they can do their duty simply by loaning money to the General Conference, with, or without interest. It is true we can use a limited amount of borrowed money with propriety, but we must look to our brethren for liberal free-will offerings.
There was never a time when a given amount of money accomplished more than at the present, but the work is so greatly enlarged, that five thousand dollars today is apparently less than was five dollars some years ago. When we take a look over the world, and begin to contemplate what is to be accomplished by the truth of God, we will see that we are only in the beginning of the work. It means a great deal that the earth is to be lightened with the glory of the last message.
It may be proper at this point to make a brief summary of the needs of different fields, and also of the suggestions we have made in our address: Beginning with London, the work calls for liberal appropriation of funds, and it would seem that $25,000 would be the smallest amount that would meet the wants for a suitable mission building. This would be in addition to the regular appropriation to that field.
The next city is Hamburg. It will hardly be possible to make the needed improvement there with an appropriation smaller than $15,000. Then there is the call from Australia. Not having definite information in regard to the wants of that field, we are not prepared to suggest what should be done, but, perhaps $10,000 should be set apart for the buildings which should be erected in that country, and probably more. These three important enterprises call for not less that $50,000 dollars, and it should be kept in mind that this sum is required in addition to the regular appropriations for the maintenance of the work now being carried forward in those fields. Then comes up for consideration Mexico, South America, Western Africa, Interior Africa, the opening of the work in India, China, and Japan, and the establishment of missions at Jerusalem and Constantinople, besides the regular enlargement of the work in all the older fields.
You can thus form some idea of the large amount of means which will be called for. You can also readily see that $100,000 would be a small sum to cover these appropriations, and to provide for the additional work which we have just mentioned. The regular appropriation will amount to $60,000, and to meet the increasing wants of the different fields, $40,000 more could be utilized to the best advantage, so we have here the sum of $200,000 which will be needed the coming year. I have said nothing in reference to what should be done in the large cities of the United States, such as Chicago, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and many others. Neither have I mentioned the much needed church building at the capital of our nation, Washington City. The work there demands the erection of a suitable building.
You can readily see, brethren, that $100,000 could be applied to our city work, and then only a beginning would be made. We have long looked for the loud cry of the third angel’s message. Let me tell you it means more than many of us have thought. It means the cultivation of the spirit of sacrifice. But we forbear. We have only mentioned these things incidentally, to show you how they are, and you can draw your conclusions as to what ought to be done. If the General Committee and Foreign Mission Board which you will elect are called upon to execute the plans and carry forward the work which may be recommended by this Conference, they will need the hearty support of all our people, [p. 285] which support must not only be extended in sympathy and prayers, but also by liberal contributions.
Organization.
It will be important at this Conference to consider the question of further organization. This is made necessary in order to meet the demands of our enlarging work. We would recommend that this Conference provide for District Conferences, formed of local conferences, composing the General Conference Districts in this country, and that the sessions of the said District Conferences be held in the alternate years between the sessions of the General Conference. This same plan should also be extended to the work in other lands. Conferences in such fields could be grouped into Districts, and granted their necessary prerogatives under the General Conference. These Conferences might hold meetings alternately with the General Conference, as before stated, and there should be full delegations composing the Districts, with representatives from the General Conference. Each District Conference would be expected to consider and plan for the work in its own District, at its sessions, and also to provide, by the election of delegates, for representation at the General Conference.
Another consideration which makes the organization of District Conferences necessary, is the requirements of our financial work. Proper provision must be made for the legal holding of property set apart for the use of the cause of God, and the legal transaction of such business as may be connected with the cause in its various departments. The General Conference Association, which has met the requirements in this direction for a few years, will be unable to do so in the future. It has already nearly reached its limits as to to the holding of real estate, and should not be made to carry more responsibilities in that and other directions. Organizations designed to serve the purpose of the General Conference Association, should be organized in the Districts. These organizations would be amenable to the District Conferences, and on account of the direct connection which these conferences sustain to the General Conference, the work of said legal organizations would be connected with the work as a whole.
It may be proper in this connection to suggest that there should be formed a Seventh-day Adventist Benevolent Association, to take charge of the orphans and the aged requiring our care, and perhaps to hold the property of our hospitals and such other institutions that may be established in our large cities.
The Conference will appreciate that in this brief review that it has not been possible to do justice to the many important interests of the work. We have only mentioned a few of the leading points which must necessarily receive consideration by this body. But from what has been said, there can be formed some idea of the greatness and vastness of the work with which we are connected. Never was there a people entrusted with greater responsibilities than this people; we trust that this will be fully appreciated.
In behalf of the General Conference Committee and the Foreign Mission Board, we thank our brethren for their kind forbearance during the last two years. While you have no doubt seen many imperfections in our work, we trust that we have in all things sought the glory of God and the advancement of his cause. We are privileged now to lay off the burden we have been carrying, placing it back on the General Conference assembled. May the Lord especially lead in all the deliberations of this Conference destined to make a new era in the advancement of the message. The delegates will be required to act upon many important matters. May the Lord especially help them at this time. The several Committees will be weighted with responsibility, and we exhort them to seek God most earnestly, that their suggestions and recommendations may bear the impress of the Divine.