Sabbath-School and Young People’s Work GCB April 8, 1903, page 116

REPORT OF THE CORRESPONDING SECRETARY, L. FLORA PLUMMER

At the last session of the General Conference, the Sabbath-school work was made a department of the General Conference. In July, 1901, the Sabbath-school office was removed from Oakland, and established in Minneapolis. The office has consisted of one pleasant room, and the office force has been the corresponding secretary and one stenographer. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.4

REORGANIZATION GCB April 8, 1903, page 116

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We are glad to report that during the reorganization period, which involved the relationship of each school to the church, and changed long-established customs in the handling of Sabbath-school finances, yet there was no serious confusion. Some of the conferences made modifications in the plans suggested, so there is not yet as complete uniformity as might be desirable. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.5

The organization of a number of new conferences in the Southern field has been of great benefit to the Sabbath-school work there. Formerly one secretary had the oversight of all the schools in the mission-field portion of the South, but since the creation of conference Sabbath-school departments in Alabama, Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi, much more direct work with each school has been possible, and Sabbath-school interests have prospered. The force of active Sabbath-school workers has also been increased materially by the divisions made in the California, North Pacific, Dakota, Illinois, and Michigan Conferences. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.6

IN OTHER LANDS GCB April 8, 1903, page 116

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A persistent effort has been made to get in touch with the Sabbath-school work in other lands. In the Australasian Union Conference the work is well organized. In each of the seven conferences there are efficient Sabbath-school secretaries. Many of the plans that have been followed in this country have been successfully carried out in that field. Reports have also been received from the Raratonga, Fiji, and Tonga mission fields,—island territory belonging to the Australasian Union Conference. In each of these places one of the workers has consented to fill the office of a mission field Sabbath-school secretary, and is laboring directly in behalf of this work. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.7

In the Society Islands, the secretary, Mrs. B. J. Cady, has done much to build up an interest in the Sabbath-school lessons by translating our senior and primary lessons into the native tongue, duplicating them, and sending them to each of the five schools in that group of islands. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.8

We have received no word in the last two years from the school on Pitcairn Island, although several efforts have been made to get a letter through to the friends there. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.9

For a time it seemed impossible to establish any degree of cooperation between our office and the larger part of the European General Conference. This was due to the different languages of that large field, and to our entire inability to understand any but the English. However, that difficulty has been nicely adjusted by the appointment of Union Conference Sabbath-school secretaries in the Central European and German’ Union Conferences. These two secretaries understand the English language sufficiently well to enable us to correspond satisfactorily, and the result has been full and regular reports from that field, and an interchange of plans and methods that has been mutually helpful. We are able to correspond directly with the secretaries in Norway, Sweden, and Denmark. With the regular report of the British secretary, that of Sister Minnie Hoffman, for Finland, and an occasional report from Brother Guy Dail for the Oriental field, we have felt that the entire European field has been quite well represented in our general summaries. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.10

In the South African Conference, the secretary reports regularly. Efforts are being made there to bring the schools into greater conformity with the general plan of our work. Basutoland and Matabeleland are the only African mission stations that have yet reported. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.11

In South America the advancement in this work has been quite marked. Sabbath-school secretaries have been appointed in several of the conferences and mission fields that heretofore had no such worker. Judging from the letters and reports, the work of these secretaries is greatly appreciated by the schools. The mission fields located along the northern coast report through the secretary of the West Indies. The secretaries in Brazil, Argentine Republic, and the West Coast mission field report direct to our office. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.12

Japan reports five schools, India two, China one. It is with a thankful heart that these vast empires have been added to our Sabbath-school general summary, thus indicating the establishment of centers of light in these heathen lands. The figures, representing the progress of the Sabbath-school work in other countries, contrasted with those which represent the work here, preach a very effective missionary sermon. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.13

PLANS OF WORK GCB April 8, 1903, page 116

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Turning from this general survey of the Sabbath-school field, we shall next present the plans of work which have been made prominent. The first is that of the study of the little volume, “Testimonies on Sabbath-school Work.” This study began before the last General Conference, and has continued with increasing interest during the last two years. Believing that our schools could not, without peril, pass by unheeded, unstudied, perhaps unread, such instruction as has been given them through the Spirit of God, our efforts in this line have been unceasing. As an aid in this study, suggestive outlines have been sent out each month to the state secretaries, to be passed on to the local schools. When the April study is completed, we shall have gone through the book page by page, and also have spent four months in a topical review of the same. These outlines of study have also been used in Australia and in other countries where there are English schools. It has cost considerable in time and money to prepare these and send them to all the schools, yet we feel that the real benefit gained can not be estimated at a money value. GCB April 8, 1903, page 116.14

CONVENTIONS GCB April 8, 1903, page 117

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1902 was the banner convention year. The schools were urged to depart from the popular custom of waiting for a minister or Sabbath-school worker to visit them and hold a convention for them, and to undertake a convention themselves. Appropriate subjects were suggested, and instruction given to enable inexperienced workers to plan a successful convention. Two efforts of this kind were made, one in the spring and one in the autumn of 1902. The secretaries of a long list of states report that the majority of their schools held the conventions as planned. The reports from some portions of the Southern field, from mission fields, and from the schools that have had but few advantages, were particularly gratifying. Reports from some of the schools stated that not one of their members had ever attended a convention, but that they followed the instructions given, and enjoyed a most profitable and blessed time. Usually the letters closed with an inquiry as to when they could have another convention. Certainly so universal a consideration of practical Sabbath-school topics can not but be fruitful of results. GCB April 8, 1903, page 117.1

THE HOME DEPARTMENT GCB April 8, 1903, page 117

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A study of the statistics of the denomination led to the creation of the Home Department of the Sabbath-school. The membership of our schools has been about one-fourth less than the church membership. It should be considerably larger, as such a large proportion of the Sabbath-school membership is made up of pupils too young to hold church membership. By the formation of the Home Department division, the isolated, the feeble, the aged, and all who are really unable to attend the Sabbath-school may be provided with the lessons, study them at their homes, keep their individual record, and report once a quarter to the nearest school or to the state Sabbath-school secretary. This work has naturally divided itself into two divisions,—the State Home Department, which is made up of isolated persons encouraged to join by the correspondence of the state Sabbath-school secretary, and the Home Department of local schools, composed of persons who can not attend the school, but who become members at the solicitation of workers in the school. This plan has been in operation for two quarters, and the last report gives an actual Home Department membership of 1,196 persons. No more cheering letters have come to our office than those that relate to the Home Department work. The state secretaries are getting in touch with our isolated members. Many of them had not been studying the lessons at all, had not been making missionary offerings, some not even paying tithe, nor taking our papers. Through the Home Department plan they have been led to do all these things. Their hearts have been encouraged by the connection thus made between them and the general work. The local Home Department work affords an excellent opportunity for real missionary work. I recently learned of one of our young people’s societies connected with one of our city churches that has made that their special work. They are meeting with good success, and expect at the close of the quarter to have a large Home Department membership to report. There is no question but what there are great possibilities for good in the Home Department work. There is no reason why it should not be as permanent as any other division in our schools, as the conditions which created it will always exist. The development of this work will be a source of strength to every conference. A state Home Department that takes in every isolated member in the conference, and a well-looked-after Home Department in every school, will cause the uplifting of thousands of hearts now heavy, and the changing of what is now an element of weakness to the denomination to an element of strength. GCB April 8, 1903, page 117.2

BRANCH SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK GCB April 8, 1903, page 117

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A most interesting feature of the work of the Sabbath-school Department is now known as the branch Sabbath-school work. These branch schools are held for the children of those not of our faith, and are truly missionary schools. This work has not been taken up generally throughout the states, but in a number of the cities branch schools have been established. The success of the endeavor demonstrates the value of the plan as a means of developing workers and as an effective missionary method. GCB April 8, 1903, page 117.3

Last winter about the hundred and forty children attended the different branch schools held in Des Moines, Iowa. The schools were conducted almost entirely by the young people of that church. Miss A. Helen Wilcox, who was then the Iowa Sabbath-school secretary, thus summarized the direct results of that work: “Regular Sunday evening meetings in one locality; one church-school attended by the branch school children; hundreds of articles of clothing distributed; one Sabbath-breaking Adventist reclaimed; increasing cleanliness in the homes of the people in the poorer districts where the work has been done; an excellent missionary garden planted to defray the expenses of one school; seventeen other branch schools started in the state; new spiritual life developed in those who have engaged in the work; increasing confidence gained by timid workers; greatly increased interest in the young people’s meetings.” GCB April 8, 1903, page 117.4

The reports of the four branch schools which have been held in St. Paul, Minn., are equally encouraging: One sister there gathers into her home every Sabbath afternoon from forty to seventy children of the neighborhood. About six weeks ago there was a most urgent call by the parents of these children for a series of meetings. A successful Sabbath-school is also held in that city by a colored sister for colored children. She has by this means gained an entrance into the homes of many of her people, and is carrying the truth wherever she goes. GCB April 8, 1903, page 117.5

Three branch schools have been started in Lincoln. These are all successful, and, like those already mentioned, open up the way for definite work in making known the “Advent message.” GCB April 8, 1903, page 117.6

The same experiences are reported from a number of other places. All these seem to be a most complete fulfillment of the words of the testimony: “Parents who can be approached in no other way are frequently reached through their children. Sabbath-school teachers can instruct the children in the truth, and they will in turn take it into the home circle.” (Continued on page 122) GCB April 8, 1903, page 117.7

Statistical Report of Conferences and Missions GCB April 8, 1903, page 118

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(a)For seventeen months. (b)Approximated.

For the Year Ending December 31, 1902 GCB April 8, 1903, page 119

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(c)By “total laborers” is meant the number of persons employed in the Conference or mission, including not only the four classes named, but all otherclasses not specified. (d)Including annual offerings to foreign missions. (e)Pay one minister.

Statistical Report of Conferences and Missions GCB April 8, 1903, page 120

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(f)For year ending June 30, 1902. The number of churches given includes companies.

(g)General revision of church records and more accurate reports account for the apparent decrease in the total number of Sabbath-keepers.

For the Year Ending December 31, 1902 GCB April 8, 1903, page 121

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(h)Approximate.

(i)The total amount of Sabbath-school offerings in the conferences and missions of the German Union Conference is used for the missions in the Union.

MISSIONARY EXERCISES GCB April 8, 1903, page 122

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Great as are the possibilities of the Sabbath-school work in the home field, our schools need the blessed inspiration of a real burden for the souls in mission fields. If our Sabbath-schools are not mightily moved by a revival of the missionary spirit that takes in the whole world, they will lose much. What is the Bible study worth to our schools, if they do not learn the lesson that what they receive they must pass on to others who have it not? In nearly all the regular missionary meetings that are held, the services are not such as would appeal especially to the children. There is no service that is better adapted for the instruction of all ages than the Sabbath-school. It seems very fitting that at least an occasional exercise be conducted in the Sabbath-school which will emphasize our duty to give this world-wide message to the wide world. Five missionary exercises have been sent out to the schools in the last year. These have met with almost universal favor, and many letters have been received asking that this plan be continued. The secretaries write that the Sabbath-school offerings have been materially increased thereby. The North Dakota secretary wrote this concerning an exercise furnished by Sister Anderson, in China: “The letter, ‘Children of China,’ was much appreciated by the different schools. In one school the little ones were so interested, and the parents so pleased to see their interest, that a donation of $6.82 was taken up for the work in China.” On one quarterly report which showed a special donation to missions, the statement was made by the secretary, “Had the letter. ‘Children of China,’ not been sent, this $12.82 would not have been donated.” Special donations were also reported after the exercise, “Children of Japan,” was sent out. When such exercises are held, the impression naturally left upon the child’s mind is that his Sabbath offering will be sent across the water to carry the gospel to the children about whom he has heard. It would probably be something of a disappointment to him if he realized that at the close of the quarter his pennies would be used for the purchase of lesson quarterlies or song books, or other supplies for his own school. If some definite plan were adopted which would enable the members of a school to know when they were contributing for supplies and when they were giving to missions, it would save us from inconsistency in an important matter. GCB April 8, 1903, page 122.1

“THE ADVOCATE OF CHRISTIAN EDUCATION” GCB April 8, 1903, page 122

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With the December issue of 1901, the “Sabbath School Worker,” which for sixteen years had been the organ of the Sabbath-school work, was discontinued as a separate publication, and was united with the educational journal, under the name “Advocate of Christian Education.” It was thought that the close relation necessarily existing between the church-school and the Sabbath-school made this combination a natural and helpful one. It seemed a needless expenditure of energy and money to endeavor to keep two general educational organs in the field when one might serve the purpose. GCB April 8, 1903, page 122.2

The first number of the “Advocate,” as the organ of the combined educational interests, was published in January, 1902. Since that time we have worked unceasingly to place this journal in clubs in the Sabbath-schools. We have found it a difficult matter to overcome the sentiment that the “Advocate” is preeminently a church-school paper. There is a very large army of Sabbath-school workers whose educational advantages have been limited, and who have never had a day’s training such as is given to church-school teachers, and this army is helpless when asked to adapt broad, general principles to specific needs. Yet these brethren and sisters must, of necessity, carry on the Sabbath-school work in the majority of our schools. The problem of giving these faithful, willing, yet untrained workers just the help that will make them efficient is not an easy one to solve. It ought to receive the most careful consideration of all who are interested in the Sabbath-school work. GCB April 8, 1903, page 122.3

At the beginning of this year there were 412 Sabbath-schools in this country taking clubs of the “Advocate,” and about 463 single subscribers on the Sabbath-school list. We have over 2,000 schools, and more than 6,000 teachers, in this country, so we have only been able to reach about one-fifth of our schools through the medium of the Sabbath-school organ. GCB April 8, 1903, page 122.4

Possibly, if the Sabbath-school department in the “Advocate” were strengthened, the needs of our Sabbath-school workers more carefully studies and more fully supplied, and all would unite to increase its circulation, a more encouraging report might be made at the end of another two years. The strengthening of the Sabbath-school department in the “Advocate,” or the establishment of a separate organ to represent Sabbath-school interests, should be carefully considered. GCB April 8, 1903, page 122.5

THE YOUNG PEOPLE’S WORK GCB April 8, 1903, page 122

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The last General Conference laid the foundation for an organized movement in behalf of our young people. The General Conference Committee later connected this work with the Sabbath-school Department. It seemed quite clear that the plans for our work should not follow the idea of an organization independent of the church, but rather that it should bear the relation of a department to the church work. A very simple plan of organization was outlined. This connects the entire movement with the church by placing it under the direction of the church and Sabbath-school officers. The societies have almost universally adopted the plan suggested. There is not a wonderful growth to report, yet surely a substantial beginning has been made. The system of reporting recommended has not been well carried out, yet we have an actual record of 186 societies, with a membership of 3,478. In addition to these societies, the state workers report that about 1,000 additional young people have been brought into touch with the movement by personal correspondence. This number includes many who are isolated, and others who are so situated that they can not connect with a regular society. GCB April 8, 1903, page 122.6

The “Youth’s Instructor” has been the recognized organ of the young people’s work. A special department has contained Bible and missionary studies well adapted for use in young people’s meetings. Reports from societies, and much interesting general matter pertaining to this work, have been given. The help thus afforded has been invaluable, and the majority of the societies have made use of it. GCB April 8, 1903, page 122.7

The influence of this movement is being felt in some conferences. The conviction is deepening that our young people have been called to do a definite work. The avowed aim of the young people’s organization is declared to be, “The Advent message to all the world in this generation.” Faithful endeavor has been made to bring the work up to a high standard. We have constantly urged that every meeting that is held, and every plan that is laid, should be wholly in line with the object of the movement. Every discouragement has been given to that which is light and frivolous, merely entertaining, or only social in its nature. We have felt that the distinct call to our young people is made in the words of the Testimony: “Will the young men and women who really love Jesus organize themselves as workers, not only for those who profess to be Sabbath-keepers, but for those who are not of our faith?” The banding together of our young people for anything else than mutual help in Bible and missionary study, and for missionary service, seems a deviation from the pattern placed before us. GCB April 8, 1903, page 122.8

We are glad to report that some magnificent work has been done by our young people’s societies. Their efforts have extended into almost every line of missionary work. Books, tracts, and papers have been sold; branch Sabbath-schools held; jail work done; Christian help work of all kinds undertaken; Bible-readings and cottage-meetings conducted; money collected for church debts; church repairs, and local missionary enterprises; the young people of Iowa have collected $372.85, in support of the work in France; the Battle Creek society has raised a fund of over $400, for the purpose of supporting one of their number in the Syrian field; the Upper Columbia societies are supporting a native missionary in China, $183 having been contributed already for work at home and abroad. In the aggregate, the societies have accomplished much that is worthy of commendation. We can all rejoice because of what has been done, and in our rejoicing we do not lose sight of the difficulties. We know that societies have been formed that were afterwards discontinued from lack of interest. We know that some have been conducted in a way to bring reproach upon the work. Nevertheless, the movement is advancing, and is gaining in strength and power. What it needs is more general personal labor and encouragement from workers in the field. Secretaries may correspond and advise and suggest, but the need of the societies is personal contact with wise helpers. If the ministers in every conference would make the young people’s work a prominent part of their work, many of the discouraging features would melt way. We sincerely hope that this conference may make such recommendations as will strengthen and establish this branch of the work. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.1

CLOSING WORDS GCB April 8, 1903, page 123

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In closing, I wish to call attention to this statement in “Testimonies on Sabbath-school work:” “The Sabbath-school, if rightly conducted, is one of God’s great instrumentalities to bring souls to a knowledge of the truth.” GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.2

The Sabbath-school work is so old and well established that some feel that it is in no special need, but if our Sabbath-schools ever fulfill their mission, there must be a great improvement in the quality of the work the schools are now doing. What course of training can be placed within reach of Sabbath-school officers and teachers that will help them to become more efficient workers? How shall we make real Bible students of Sabbath-school scholars? What missionary work can our schools do at home and abroad? How can the work of the General Conference Sabbath-school Department be strengthened and conducted to better advantage? What are helping and what are hindering policies in the conducting of conference Sabbath-school departments? These are live Sabbath-school questions. Upon their solution depends, to a large extent, the advancement of this work throughout the field for the next two years. As it is a work that touches our nearest and dearest interests, reaching every home and every member of the home, its influence extending into all lands, we most earnestly ask that it receive your careful consideration. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.3

Following this report, the Conference asked for recommendations prepared by the informal Sabbath-school Council, which has been meeting from day to day. The secretary of the council presented the following:— GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.4

RECOMMENDATIONS ON SABBATH-SCHOOL WORK GCB April 8, 1903, page 123

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FINANCE GCB April 8, 1903, page 123

We recommend,— GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.5

1. That the needs of the mission fields be kept before our Sabbath-schools, as an incentive to liberal contributions. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.6

2. That our Sabbath-schools set apart the contributions of one or more Sabbaths in each quarter, as may be necessary, for the expenses of the school, all the contributions of the remaining Sabbaths to be given to missions. It is understood that this does not affect the established plan of giving to the Orphan’s Home two yearly donations. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.7

3. That Sabbath-school contributions be not used for local church or church-school expenses. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.8

4. That the office expenses of the state conference Sabbath-school departments, exclusive of salaries, when not entirely met by conference funds, be paid for from the Sab GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.9

bath-school donations, such sum to be not more than a title of the donations. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.10

LESSONS GCB April 8, 1903, page 123

5. That a series of Sabbath-school lessons be prepared for the senior and junior divisions, which will present the distinctive points of our faith in a simple, direct, and concise manner. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.11

Whereas, The South is expressly a field peculiar to itself; and, GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.12

Whereas, The Spirit of prophecy has stated that it should have a literature prepared especially to meet its peculiar needs; therefore, We recommend,— GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.13

6. That our laborers in the South be permitted to adapt our future Sabbath-school lessons to the needs of their field, by simplifying the same, and by adding such helps and explanatory notes as in their judgment may seem advisable. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.14

LOCATION GCB April 8, 1903, page 123

7. That the headquarters of the General Conference Sabbath-school Department be connected with the headquarters of the General Conference; also,— GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.15

ORGAN GCB April 8, 1903, page 123

8. That the Sabbath-school department in the “Advocate of Christian Education” be discontinued, and that the “Sabbath School Worker” be reestablished as the organ of the Sabbath-school work and connected with the Sabbath-school Department of the General Conference. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.16

It was moved to adopt the report. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.17

Resolution I was passed without discussion. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.18

The secretary read the second recommendation. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.19

Explanation was called for. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.20

W. A. Spicer: There has always been more or less discussion about the bath-school donations for missions. Some have said that the Sabbath-school contributions should be used for local expenses; others, that, as the children give for missions, the contributions should not be used for local work, but for missions. In our council, Sister Graham, of Australia, explained the working of the plan which they have followed there, the same plan here recommended. IT is to name one Sabbath in a quarter, or two, if necessary, and then specifically give for local expenses. Then it is understood that every penny given on other Sabbaths goes direct to the mission fields. GCB April 8, 1903, page 123.21

Recommendation 3 was read and passed. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.1

J. N. Loughborough: When this was read, another thing was called to my mind. Not long ago I was in a church at a time when they were circulating their “Quarterlies” for the Sabbath-school. I held out a nickel, and said, “I should like a book, please;” but they said, “Oh, you needn’t pay for this; none of us pay for them; they are paid for out of the contributions.” Pointing to the line of print on the margin of the lesson pamphlet, I read, “The contributions this quarter are for the most needy fields;” and then I said, “I beg to state that I am not the ‘most needy field.’” GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.2

L. R. Conradi: In Europe we have educated our people, poor though they are, to pay for their “Lesson Quarterlies” and Sabbath-school papers and helps and running expenses, and we let them understand that all the contributions go directly to missions. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.3

G. F. Haffner: I am in favor of these recommendations. I am always in favor of giving the money for the purpose for which it is donated. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.4

The question being called for, the secretary read the fourth recommendation. The question was called on this. where-upon the secretary read Recommendation 5. The question was called, and the sixth recommendation was read. The question was likewise called on this. Recommendation 7 was read and question called for on it. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.5

The secretary then read No. 8. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.6

W. A. Spicer: We all expected to see great advantages in uniting the Sabbath-school organ with the educational organ, but in the working out of the plan have found that the schools really demand an organ that will put the department in closer touch with all the details of Sabbath-school work. The educational journal is necessarily conducted as rather a high-class educational organ in the lines of Christian education. It is desired to circulate the magazine among teachers of the world, and use it as a missionary organ, to some extent. Therefore it would not seem best to put into the “Advocate” the class of detail and personal matter which the Sabbath-schools seem to demand. So, while the plan of a united organ seemed an ideal one, we have found it unsatisfactory. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.7

Recommendation 2 was called for, and was again read. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.8

H. Shultz: Our German Sabbath-schools throughout the United States, so far as I know, have never taken out one penny; everything was given to missions, excepting two Sabbaths for the Orphans’ Home. And now, when they get this thing, they will say that is the ruling, and consequently they will take out one Sabbath’s donations every quarter. I don’t like the recommendation. I like to give all to missions, and pay our running expenses out of our own pockets afterwards. We educate our children to donate to the mission work, and consequently they learn to love it. This money ought to go to fields where the people are in darkness. The men in those fields where Christianity is not known can not “cut their own fodder,” as we say. They must be helped, and I don’t like to take this money out of the contributions. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.9

N. P. Nelson: When we first started Sabbath-schools, all the donations were for local use. Now let us not drift over to the other side, and lose sight of home altogether. I believe it will do children good to educate them to contribute also for home needs, for blackboards, maps, or other helps, as well as to give to missions. I believe the plan will work well. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.10

G. A. Irwin: The outworking of this plan in Australia has been to increase the Sabbath-school donations. We have not found the difficulties that seem to arise in Brother Shultz’ mind. The resolution itself, or series of resolutions. is endeavoring to inspire the missionary spirit in the minds of our schools. That is the one thought that I see in the resolution. But rather than bind any school by a hard and fast recommendation, it was thought best to give liberty. There might be circumstances where it would be necessary for more than one Sabbath in a quarter to be devoted to this. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.11

C. McReynolds: It seems to me that it might be an easy matter to educate our schools to the point where they would make a sufficient contribution on one Sabbath to cover the needs of the home schools, and if this could be done without oppression of any school, it seems to me it would be a very good idea. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.12

An amendment to this effect was moved. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.13

R. A. Underwood: Now if we make a rigid law, it seems to me we would make a mistake. I believe that more will come into the school if we leave the plan as recommended by the committee, and educate our brethren to come up to the plan just as far as possible. There will be occasions when more will need to be used in starting new schools. I think there are conditions when we should use a little leniency, or have a little freedom, and if our good brethren in any church or conference can bring all the churches up to that point, I say, Amen. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.14

M. C. Wilcox: I hope, brethren, we will not try to pass any hard and fast laws in regard to this matter. I am sure a suggestion on this question, worked out by a competent, faithful secretary, will do a great deal more than any hard and fast regulations that we may pass here. I am sure that the home work of Sabbath-schools is not altogether outside of missionary operations. Home Sabbath-schools are doing missionary work when they are furnishing papers for the poor. I believe that advantages will come from the original recommendation in the very fact that we make a difference between the two donations. We have not often specifically mentioned this in the past. Now when it is said. This donation will be used for our supplies: we want a good liberal donation; we want so many “Little Friends,” so many “Instructors,” they will respond liberally. And when we say the next Sabbath that we want a good donation for the mission field, and that it all goes there, you will find a more liberal donation still. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.15

The amendment was lost. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.16

H. W. Cottrell: I would like to hear again, the reading of the resolution referring to the removal of the headquarters of the Sabbath-school Department East, to connect with the General Conference headquarters. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.17

Recommendation 7 was read. GCB April 8, 1903, page 124.18

H. W. Cottrell: I suppose the committee have quite thoroughly considered it; nevertheless I question whether it would be wise to do that, as, if I understand it, it would necessitate a change in the present secretaryship, a change we would all regret. I could not let the vote pass without mentioning it, and stating that I am not altogether clear that that would be the best thing to do. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.1

Mrs. L. Flora Plummer: It is with some embarrassment that I speak to you upon that point, but, as Brother Cottrell has introduced the question, I feel that it would only be right for me to say a few words upon the matter, that you may understand something of the situation that has brought about this recommendation. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.2

As has been stated, the office of the corresponding secretary has been located in Minneapolis. It was located there because I live there, and I was appointed to the work. I have been in Minneapolis; the active members of our Sabbath-school Committee have been in Battle Creek; the organ of the Sabbath-school Department has been in Berrien Springs; and the separation of these Sabbath-school interests has worked materially against the advancement of the work. I do not feel that we ought to consider this upon a personal basis at all, but we should consider the advisability of so centering our Sabbath-school interests that the plans are workable. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.3

I have not had the privilege of frequent personal counsel with members of the Sabbath-school Committee. I have been separated from the Sabbath-school organ, so that I have not felt that the Sabbath-school Department could use that organ to advantage, under the circumstances. The headquarters of the Sabbath-school Department really belong with the General Conference. It is a department of the General Conference; it works the same field; the reports come from all parts of the field; and if the resolution concerning the establishment of the Sabbath-school organ should be passed, every advantage would be gained by associating the Sabbath-school interests closely together. It is not a question of the location of any one worker. It seems to me the department should have all the advantages of a permanent location. and then associate with it a working force of the members forming the Sabbath-school Department, and connect with it a Sabbath-school organ, if you expect the Sabbath-school Department to do effective work. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.4

R. C. Porter: I would like to say that it was with much mental reservation on the point that Elder Cottrell raised that we passed the recommendation in our council. We decided to bring it in, however, for this body to consider. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.5

C. H. Jones: We all recognize the fact that the Sabbath-school work among us is a very important work; and in order for that work to succeed, it must have close attention. It seems to me that it is very apparent that the Executive Committee, the corresponding secretary, and the Sabbath-school organ should be located where workers could have counsel together. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.6

Now, is it absolutely necessary that the Sabbath-school Department should be connected with the general office of the General Conference Committee? We have been thinking of advising the distributing of responsibilities, and creating centers in different parts of the field. It is not possible that the Sabbath-school work could make one such center? But, in any event, I do believe that if you expect success in this line of work, those bearing the responsibility must be located where they can counsel together frequently. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.7

S. M. Butler: It does not appear to me that it is necessary for the headquarters of the Sabbath-school Department to be in New York City. There are two reasons which appear to me to be against this. In the first place, we have been endeavoring to distribute these centers of influence. Why could we not let the General Conference headquarters go East, as is proposed, and then move the headquarters of the Sabbath-school Department to some place in the middle West, where it could be more closely in communication with all the schools of the country? If it goes to New York City, undoubtedly those connected with the General Conference offices will be put in charge of the work. Now, everybody knows that the great missionary problems that we have on hand, which actuated us in moving the headquarters to New York City, will absorb their attention and their energies, and the consequence will be that they will not be able to give the attention, and enter into the sympathy with the Sabbath-school work, that they would otherwise. Hence it would not be looked after as well as it would be to have some different arrangement. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.8

M. C. Wilcox: I move that the seventh recommendation be referred to the incoming General Conference Committee. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.9

Upon second, the motion was put and carried. The report as a whole was then adopted, and the meeting adjourned. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.10

W. T. Knox, Chairman. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.11

H. E. Osborne, Secretary. GCB April 8, 1903, page 125.12