L. R. Conradi: This afternoon we shall continue the reports from the European Division. We will listen to a report from W. J. Fitzgerald, of the British Union Conference.GCB May 22, 1913, page 95.16

W. J. Fitzgerald (reading):—GCB May 22, 1913, page 95.17

REPORT OF BRITISH UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

By many and populous countries Great Britain is regarded as the parent state. Her legislative assembly is everywhere spoken of as the mother of parliaments. Her direct and indirect political, social, and commercial influences are perhaps exerted more widely over the earth than those of any other country, either ancient, medieval, or modern. Such a position in the world has been acquired by splendid qualities of adventure and ascendency during many centuries of racial and national evolution. The full attainment of such a position, has led naturally to the entertaining, on the part of most Britons of the present day, of a feeling of satisfaction with things as they have already come to be.GCB May 22, 1913, page 95.18

The introduction and progress of any movement in such a country would, by force of outstanding characteristics, of established religion, pride, assurance, conservatism, caste, etc., meet with many interesting and difficult problems. Formidable barriers would be found to hinder the start and to check the march of the movement. Especially would this be the experience of a new religion. Its introduction would be less readily obtained, and its progress more steadily resisted, if the movement were of foreign birth. Reluctant indeed would be the reception granted a religious movement born of a wayward daughter broken away from the household of such a proud and stately mother. The movement which we represent had such a birth. Having its rise in the United States, it had attained the age of nearly thirty-five years before it essayed to seek an entrance into Great Britain. The statistics which we shall herewith submit will reveal that difficult indeed was the introduction and slow the progress of our message in the home land of the English-speaking races.GCB May 22, 1913, page 95.19

Freedom

As nearly absolute freedom as can be in any land peopled by fallen mortals, is granted by the British nation to this or almost any other movement for purposes of propaganda. Propagandists can come and go, and say and do about as they please, anywhere, at any time, without let or hindrance. The difficulty of progress is therefore not due to any restriction of freedom. It is never ours either to enjoy or regret the excitement of interference by representatives of state authority. Neither is it ever ours to report sensational occurrences in connection with our work in the British Isles, such as make many reports from other parts of the European Division such interesting reading.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.1

PHOTO-BRITISH UNION CONFERENCE HEADQUARTERS, WATFORD, ENGLAND

In Great Britain, peace and quietness surround our workers on every hand. Rarely ever do they experience open opposition. Such opposition as may, at rare intervals, be offered by representatives of the established church, or even by those of the great nonconformist bodies, secure in their positions of national respect and influence, is modified by such regard for refined conventions as to rob it of most of its interest and stimulus. We feel sometimes as if we might welcome a reversion of our entire social order to the more stormy and trying conditions prevalent in the British Isles a few generations ago.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.2

In the very freedom, peace, good order, refinement, regard for conventions, esteem for things hoary, and the wide-spread national self-satisfaction, we find the chief barriers to the advancement of our cause, the acceptance of which requires such great changes in the habits and customs of people. It appears, therefore, that those elements which, on first thought, might be regarded as favorable to religious propaganda, may in reality prove to be hindrances. Such countries as on the surface appear to be most promising, may in real experience prove the most difficult to those who would win others to the acceptance of a radical religious reform. But we would ever see the most favorable aspects of our field, and take courage. Progress, though slow, has been made in the past; the present is yielding fruit, and we look to the future for the accomplishment of much better things.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.3

Membership

We received into fellowship during the last General Conference term, 1,178 new members. Our net gain in members was 681, or an average of 170.a year. That shows that in about one ninth of the time the movement has been in the field, about one third of the entire net gain was made. And nearly one half of the net gain of the quadrennial term was made in 1912. The net gain last year—one thirty-fifth of the time our work has been in progress—was 310, or more than one eighth of the entire membership, 2,355, reported after thirty-five years of development. The fact encourages us to expect much better progress for the work in our field in the immediate future. We are determined, by the grace of God and the power of his Holy Spirit, to press forward ever closer to the foremost ranks of our rapidly advancing forces in the European Division.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.4

Forward Movement

Toward the close of 1911, there came upon the workers in our union a very strong conviction that a special forward movement was due. A workers’ institute was appointed for December of that year. We were most happy to welcome to that institute Brethren A. G. Daniells and G. B. Thompson, from the General Conference headquarters, as well as Brother Conradi, our leader in Europe. The institute was indeed a time of refreshing. Old aspirations were revived, and new hopes were begotten in all our hearts. We went forth to the work of 1912 fully determined that it should mark the beginning of a stronger forward march. We made practical the theory that union and local conference presidents should act leading parts in conducting aggressive public efforts. The ministers and workers generally were happy to follow our lead, and the year proved the most fruitful in the history of the field. All our workers began the year 1913 with stronger courage and larger hopes, backed by successful experiences in soul-winning.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.5

Tithes and Offerings

We have been pleased to note a steady gain from year to year in our finances. The gain in tithes for the former year period was over twenty per cent, while the gain in mission offerings was almost one hundred per cent.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.6

Our tithes for the period ending Dec. 31, 1912, amounted to $111,371.72, or a gain of $19,582.61 over the preceding term. The tithes for 1912 were $30,105.23, or $5,026.76 more than for 1908, the closing year of the preceding period.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.7

Our offerings to missions amounted to $24,424.08, a gain of $11,963.71 over the total offerings of the preceding four years. The offerings of last year alone were $6,983.65, or $3,443.86 more than the offerings of 1908.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.8

Self-Supporting

We might mention another development that has brought courage to our hearts. In 1908, the British Union received nearly five thousand dollars from the General Conference, apparently little enough to aid us in carrying the message to forty-five million people. The next two years the appropriation was reduced to two thousand dollars. In 1911, we ventured to dispense with even this, and aim at entire self-support. The Lord blessed with increase of resources, and thus far we have succeeded in keeping the banner flying. All our leaders in the field have taken hold with courage and faith, and the adoption of the self-supporting policy has had a very salutary influence upon our workers. It has given a real impetus to the cause in our field, and has stiffened the moral fiber not only of our workers but also of the rank and file. The European Division, feeling that we needed a little working capital in our conference, has generously provided a reserve fund of $5,000 for this purpose, a grant which we greatly appreciate.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.9

Field Force

Another cause for thankfulness is found in the constitution of our present field force. In past years, our best workers have been found largely among those who came to us from the States, and their departure frequently left awkward gaps in our ranks. At the present time nearly all our field workers are home-born, and those who are not themselves natives to the field, have taken wives who are, so that we look for them to remain in our field. This will secure a steady continuous development in our work which will, we are convinced, give us more efficient laborers than we have ever yet possessed. The experiences of 1912 demonstrated that our English workers have become capable of bearing the burdens laid down by men of experience who have been obliged to return to the States. In this development of a strong native force, we see great occasion for encouragement.GCB May 22, 1913, page 96.10

Our Health Work

Our health work shows some signs of progress. The Good Health Magazine has a circulation of fifty thousand monthly. The Caterham Sanitarium, under Dr. A. B. Olsen, enjoys a steady patronage, and always shows a profit. Two smaller institutions, at Leicester and in Ireland, proved unremunerative, and were disposed of. One of them is doing better under private management. Last July we opened a new sanitarium at Stanborough Park, with Dr. C. H. Hayton in charge. From the first, the patronage was large, but considerable unremunerative work was done, so that the first year’s working will show a loss. As the institution becomes better known, we look for a large and profitable us to do better for our nurses. Already there is an increased demand for this training. Our health food factory has been gaining four thousand to five thousand dollars annually.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.1

Publishing

The last four years have proved successful ones for the distribution of our literature in the British Isles. The Present Truth has had an average weekly circulation of about two thousand five hundred. Many hundreds of thousands of other papers—the Our Day Series—have been sold by our agents. Book agents, too, have enjoyed encouraging success. We are just beginning to follow the American lead in work with magazines dealing with important phases of our message. The annual net gain of the publishing house during the General Conference term has been from five thousand to seven thousand.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.2

Training-College

About sixty young people have been attending our training-school from year to year. At the close of each year, a small group of acceptable workers goes out from the institution to remain in the field. Thus every succeeding year finds our field force growing stronger. A special feature in connection with our school work is the scholarship canvassing. This plan works very successfully in our field. Last year, out of sixty students, fifteen had won scholarships, and as many more had almost succeeded in doing so.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.3

Altogether, the prospect for our work in the British Union is bright. Our hearts are full of courage. We expect that year by year it will become more apparent that the United Kingdom will contribute its share of believers and financial resources to the cause which we all hold dear, and in which we hope to win eternal rejoicing.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.4

W. J. FITZGERALD.

SCANDINAVIAN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

L. R. Conradi: We are surely grateful to hear of the progress in Great Britain. Elder Raft, the president of the Scandinavian Union, will render his report.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.5

J. C. Raft (reading):—GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.6

The Lord of hosts, the great and mighty God of love, who is standing by his servants, opening doors and preparing the way for the proclamation of the threefold message, is also working for us. Whether we visit the large and rockbound isle of distant Iceland, located far out in the foaming, greedy Atlantic Ocean; or go far up in Norway, inside of the Arctic Circle, in the land of the midnight sun, with its grand and mighty mountains; or turn our faces toward Finland, the land of a thousand lakes; or to Sweden, with its far-stretched areas, its great forests, its rich iron mines, and fertile fields; or whether we come to the southern extremity of Scandinavia, to little Denmark, with its level plains, small indeed in size, but very fruitful—in all these places we find that the Lord has prepared the way for us, and that honest souls are thirsting for light and truth. Truly, with the apostle Paul we can say, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.7

PHOTO-CATERHAM SANITARIUM, ENGLAND

During the last four years we have taken in 1,354 new members; the tithes and offerings have been $141,149; and our literature sales, $300,562.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.8

In Iceland the work is in a prosperous condition. The public meetings which Brother Olaf Olsen is conducting in the city of Reykjavik have been well attended during the winter, and the prospects are encouraging. In 1912 we printed 2,500 copies of “Christ Our Saviour.” At the rate of sales in past days, it would have taken us a number of years to sell so many books, if, indeed, so large an edition could have been sold among the ninety thousand inhabitants, scattered over an area thrice that of Denmark, with its nearly three million inhabitants. Today, however, the edition is nearly exhausted, and we are about to print a new edition of five thousand copies.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.9

The Icelanders are a very interesting people. They are earnest and devoted, and when you have once gained their confidence, they are very faithful. In the northeastern part of the island some have begun keeping the Sabbath, and others are interested. Recently they sent us one hundred kroner (twenty-seven dollars) in tithe. Brother Olsen is now visiting them, and we hope that a number will take their stand for the truth.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.10

Far up in the North the message is being proclaimed. There is an excellent intrest at Bodo, and also at Vardo, where meetings have been conducted. The interest is good. We have decided to start the work among the Laplanders, and a young man is now preparing for this work.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.11

In the Finland Conference, the work among the Finns has been advancing quite rapidly during the last two years, and the prospects are bright. In 1912, our three ministers there labored in three different places, and as a result of their efforts three churches were organized. Eighty-nine were baptized. It would make your hearts glad and fill your eyes with tears of joy to hear our missionaries tell of God’s loving care for them in their often trying work. On one occasion one of our colporteurs, having solicited orders in a certain town for one of our books, had made an arrangement with the state church sexton to deliver the books for him. In the meantime the parish minister had warned the people against the book, advising them not to take it. The sexton, of course, was present, and heard the minister’s warning; but, true to his word, a few days later he went about delivering thirty Adventist books.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.12

The Swedish people are very susceptible to the Word of God. It is not difficult in Sweden to get together an assembly of attentive hearers. At one time a minister in the state church invited Elder O. Johnson to conduct some meetings in his parish. Elder Johnson accepted the invitation, and, being asked by the minister on what subject he intended to speak, said that he would be very careful and moderate, speaking only on some ordinary theme. To this the minister replied: “No, do not do that by any means, Mr. Johnson. We have had many meetings of that kind here, and the people are very religious and God-fearing. That is not what we need. Tell us something about the prophecies and the second coming of Christ. That is what we are anxious to hear.” This minister was certainly right. What the world is waiting for is the threefold message, proclaimed in the power of God.GCB May 22, 1913, page 97.13

Another minister wrote to our depository in Stockholm for one of our books. The book was sent to him, accompanied by a bill, but he sent no money. After a time another bill was sent, but still no money came. Finally Brother Lind decided to visit the minister. This he did, and was received in a very cordial manner, with the remark on the part of the minister that he had sent no money for the reason that in this way he hoped to make some Adventist come to see him.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.1

Institutional Work

We have a school in Sweden, to educate workers for Sweden and Finland. The food factory at Vasteras, Sweden, is doing a good business. In Denmark we have our union school, where we educate workers for Norway and Denmark. The school is connected with the Skodsborg Sanitarium, this latter institution belonging to the entire Scandinavian Union.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.2

PHOTO-CAMP-MEETING IN NIMES, SOTHERN FRANCE

During the last four years the Skodsborg Sanitarium has been patronized by nearly four thousand patients and guests, representing all classes of society: counts, barons, statesmen, bishops, ministers, military officers, and other prominent men and women whose names are very popular and whose influence has considerable weight.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.3

The influence of the sanitarium helps much to increase the interest of the public in our work and prepare the way for the proclamation of the message.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.4

We have a group of faithful canvassers, who, through many hard battles, circulate a large amount of literature in Scandinavia. In 1912 we sold literature for $73,397. The evidences are many that the canvassing work helps to advance the last message of mercy. A little over a year ago a sailor received some tracts, which he read, and became interested. Arriving at Riga, he wrote to our depository in Copenhagen for “Great Controversy.” A short time later he took his stand for the truth, and returned to his home in Denmark. Here he began telling what God had done for him, and soon ten persons accepted the message. One of our brethren visited them, and not long after, a church was organized, now numbering fifteen members.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.5

We might also speak of battles, and troubles and difficulties of various kinds; but the many blessings we are constantly receiving at our Father’s hand, more than outweigh them all. Scandinavia is desirous of sharing good or evil with the remnant that God has been leading so wonderfully by his mighty arm during all these years. This people and this organization are of God, and it is a most blessed thing to know it. In the power of God, we will proclaim the message from the southernmost part of Scandinavia to Hammerfest, the most northern city in the world. It is our hope and our conviction that when, in the near future, the great multitude of all nations and tongues and peoples and tribes march up to the sea of glass before the great white throne, many Scandinavians will join in the song of victory—not in any of the Scandinavian tongues, but in the beautiful language of Canaan.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.6

J. C. RAFT, President

LATIN UNION CONFERENCE

WASe

L. R. Conradi: Surely we are all pleased to have heard this good report. Now we will hear from the Latin Union. L. P. Tieche, of Paris, will render the report.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.7

L. P. Tieche (reading):—GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.8

The territory of the Latin Union Conference is composed of the Leman Conference, the French Conference, the Northern France Mission Field, the Italian Mission Field, the Spanish Mission Field, and the Paris Latin Union District. The population amounts to one hundred million.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.9

Here we have to deal with nations which have for centuries been drinking at the poisoned golden cup of Babylon. This means spiritual darkness, ignorance, superstition, and fanaticism.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.10

Our force of workers in these different fields comprises fourteen ministers, twelve licentiates, twenty-one missionary licentiates, and nine canvassers, making a total of fifty-six in all. These workers are almost all at work in the large cities of our union: Paris, Lyons, and Marseilles, in France; Naples and Florence, in Italy; Barcelona and Alicante, in Spain; Lisbon and Porto, Portugal; and Geneva, Switzerland.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.11

During the last four years 683 persons have accepted the truths of the last message. The total membership is now 1,266, of which 703 are to be found in the Leman Conference, 62 in the Latin Union District, 219 in the French Conference, 31 in the Northern France Mission Field, 84 in Italy, 53 in Portugal, and 114 in Spain. We are sure that all will rejoice to know that the last message has found its way to these essentially Catholic countries, and has been established there.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.12

Our churches do not stay behind in tithes and offerings. The tithe, which amounted to $9,210 in 1908, has risen to $14,307 in 1912; and the donations, which amounted to $2,718 in 1908, were $4,055 in 1912.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.13

PHOTO-GROUP OF BELIEVERS, SOUTHERN FRANCE

Our school for the training of workers, situated at Gland, Switzerland, is prospering. Last year forty-six students were in attendance. They came from France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Algeria, Switzerland, Germany, England, and America. This school has already furnished the field with a number of young, efficient workers, and the prospect is that each year will see a certain number of young people take up active work in the different needy fields of our union.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.14

Since our sanitarium has been transferred from Basel to Gland, it has had good success. We have room to accommodate about ninety patients, but we find ourselves under the necessity of enlarging our buildings. This institution has helped to overcome prejudice against our denomination. The first thing our patients notice is the loving, Christian spirit that characterizes all the employees, and we believe that this helps toward their recovery as much as all the treatments they take. Many who were discouraged and broken down have recovered their courage and happiness by daily contact with our consecrated nurses and helpers.GCB May 22, 1913, page 98.15

The school and the sanitarium work together. The students of the nurses’ course take the Bible studies, and the Bible students take a good share of the nurses’ course. In this way workers are trained who can use both the left and the right arm of the message.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.1

PHOTO-A group of believers in Spain

The publishing house, located at Gland, is doing well. The book sales for 1908 amounted to $6,658, while in 1912 they were $17,211. But this is very small if we consider the population of our territory. While the canvassing work is established on a good basis in Switzerland and Spain, nothing of the kind exists in France, Italy, or Portugal. We are sure that books can be sold in these countries, as well as in Spain, but we have not yet found the men to take hold of this most important work.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.2

We have no printing plant of our own, but steps are being taken to establish one at Gland for the French work, and another at Barcelona for the Spanish work.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.3

In closing, I will say that we are cherishing good hope for the more rapid advancement of the cause in our union, but when we consider the hundred millions who must hear the last message, it is evident that we shall have to put more workers into the ranks. Our confidence is in the Lord, and we know that his Spirit can do more than we can ask or think. We also have confidence that this body will give to our needy field all the attention they deserve, and we ask you to remember us in your daily prayers.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.4

L. P. TIECHE, President.

SPAIN AND PORTUGAL

WASe

L. R. Conradi: We shall now hear from W. G. Bond, in charge of the work in Spain.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.5

W. G. Bond: We have labored almost ten years in Spain. At present we have about one hundred fourteen members of the church. There are a few more Sabbath-keepers than this, who are not yet ready for baptism. We have only two ordained ministers and four Bible workers among the twenty millions of Spain. It is represented on this map as a rather dry and desolate field, but we do not find it discouraging. We find many pleasant features of the work, and we feel that, while our field is difficult and we have many great problems before us, yet the Lord has placed our feet in pleasant places, and we are glad to be there.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.6

Up to the present our efforts have been along the Mediterranean coast. We have two churches there. One is located at Barcelona, and composed of fifty-seven members; the other, at Valencia, with seventeen members. We also have companies in thirteen different places. In Barcelona, Valencia, Alicante, and Cartagena we have put forth efforts in the publishing work, but these fields have not been worked as they should have been. At the present time my brother and a Bible worker are in Alicante, and are having excellent success. Large numbers are attending their meetings, and already quite a number have manifested their intention of obeying the truth.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.7

The canvassing work is prospering in our field, considering the circumstances, and the efforts that have been put forth. But we feel that we need help in this line as well as in our evangelistic efforts. Our canvassers are direct from the Catholic Church, and Brother Brown, our leader, finds he needs many experienced assistants in carrying forward the book work.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.8

PHOTO-LISBON, PORTUGAL, OLD INQUISITION BUILDING FACING THE SQUARE

The first of the year we opened meetings in one city, and had to move our headquarters four times, on account of Catholic opposition. We were put out of our meeting place, and it seemed impossible to find another location. For three weeks we had no meetings; but we prayed the Lord to open the way for us to continue our efforts. Finally an old gentleman about eighty years of age heard that we had no meeting place. He had never seen us, but he became so impressed with what had taken place that he could not sleep. In the morning he called his daughter and said, “I wish you would look up those Protestants.” She replied, “Shall we not wait until after breakfast?” “No,” he replied. When I went to see him, he said: “I have good news for you. I hear you have lost your meeting place. The second story of my house is unfinished, and you can use that. I am sorry my fellow citizens have treated you like this; and I wish to offer you the upper part of my building in which to hold your meetings.” We were glad to accept this offer, and thanked God for having opened the way. We began meetings in that place, which had a seating capacity of about 450, and our meetings have been well attended. God has blessed, and eight have begun to keep the Sabbath as a result.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.9

I wish to beg an interest in your prayers, for we feel our need. Of the forty-nine provinces in Spain, we have yet to enter forty. You see our need is great.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.10

L. R. Conradi: Now we will hear from C. E. Rentfro, from Portugal.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.11

C. E. Rentfro: I bring greetings from about sixty believers in the country where the great Lisbon earthquake took place, in 1755. Portugal has a population of about six millions, counting three large groups of islands. We have four workers,—one Swiss, two Portuguese, and one American.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.12

There are three members of our Porto church living in Africa, in Loanda, the capital of Angola Province. They are in business there, and are holding up the light of truth, and calling for help. We desire in Portugal to be a recruiting station for that place, and would like to make a call for some one to come over and learn the language in Portugal, study its laws, and go down into Angola to teach the truth.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.13

We desire to echo the pleadings of many other fields, and that is that all of you pray for us, for our people, and for our workers.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.14

L. R. Conradi: After hearing these reports from Catholic countries, we will hear a report from the Levant field, Turkey, by the secretary of the division, Guy Dail. [This interesting report will be held over, for publication when it can be given more fully than in this issue.]GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.15

L. R. Conradi (following the Levant report): Now, before closing, Elder Loughborough has something of a special nature to say to us.GCB May 22, 1913, page 99.16

J. N. Loughborough: It so happens that on this camp ground there are two anniversaries. I have told you about one,—the dark day of May 19, 1780. Now I want to tell you about the birth of a little child. You know old folks are all interested in little children. This was one that was born fifty years ago this very day, May 21, 1863, and I think it was at about this hour that we got it where we could call it a living child. It was the General Conference. Do you think I am interested in hearing these reports? Well, I can hardly hold my breath sometimes when I hear them. How that little child has grown!GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.1

Well, sir, at the time of that meeting, we had been talking for two years about having a General Conference. We had the State conference of Michigan, organized in 1861. Perhaps you have read in the old papers about the conferences they had in those days. I have a report of one that was held in 1859. Why talk about conferences in ‘61 and ‘63, when you had one in ‘59? I can even tell you about a conference when there were only twelve present. Well, sir, this leaflet [holding it up] is a report of it. What a little BULLETIN! It contains a report of a sermon on Systematic Benevolence; that is, being so benevolent as to pay the Lord the tithe that really belongs to him. The report of business transacted in that three days’ conference covers four pages. There was a $160 debt for running a tent the year before, and they wanted to get pledges and cash to make up $500 to meet that debt, and to keep the missionary work going that year. They lacked about $110 of that, and they thought that by soliciting from the brethren they would be able to make it all up. And then, too, they wanted a committee of three men to take charge of the money when it should be collected. You see we went at it business style back there.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.2

Now, in 1863 a call was made for a general conference, signed by James White, J. N. Loughborough, and John Byington. We got together and had a delegate conference. There were twenty delegates, from seven States. Two of them had one delegate apiece. One was the State of Wisconsin, and one was the State of Minnesota; and, I declare, Michigan had most all the rest! Well, they wanted a committee on a constitution, and they appointed it fifty years ago this morning. The committee reported fifty years ago today. The constitution adopted was not nearly so long as the one you read here today, but it served the purpose.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.3

Some of you have been in the army, and when the others were all shot down around you, and you were left alone, you began to feel lonesome, with the bullets flying around your head. Well, out of those eight men that in consultation and much prayer drew up that constitution, how many are alive?—Just one man, besides your speaker, that other being past ninety years of age, Elder Isaac Sanborn. And where are my friends that were there?—Ah, they have fallen. Out of twelve men on two committees at that meeting, four apostatized, and the rest have died—died in the triumphs of faith.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.4

How many persons do you suppose there are in this audience that were in the city of Battle Creek when the General Conference was organized? I know of only two, Sister Kilgore and myself—save one who was not old enough to take part in the proceedings, but who carried water for us, it being a hot day. He was W. C. White, then not quite nine years old. How the work has grown! I thank God that I am here, and that the message is going! I am glad that the little child that was organized fifty years ago has grown to be so strong a being as it is now. However, I expect to see it grow faster yet. Yes, this is the anniversary day of the birth of the General Conference.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.5

A. G. Daniells: I am very glad Brother Loughborough has broken the silence. We had considered this a little, and thought of having a sort of jubilee celebration today—the fiftieth anniversary—but we were all under such pressure with the work upon us that we finally thought that about as good and practical a celebration as we could have would be to go right on and tell the story of the triumphs of the work, without having some set formal service. We have laid before the delegates these wonderfully encouraging reports from distant lands, and this last report [the Levant report] has told of the travels of one of our fellow workers in Asia Minor, and the northern part of Palestine, in the very cities that Paul visited. I think Brother Loughborough, this is a pretty good way to celebrate. We have Seventh-day Adventist people, brethren and sisters, living in the cities where Paul labored and where God helped him to raise up churches, to whom some of his epistles were addressed.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.6

When our brethren formed the constitution and adopted it fifty years ago, they could not have imagined the mighty triumphs of this work as we see it today, and as we report it in these meetings. Dear friends, the practical work that is set before us is a wonderful testimony of the vitality of this movement, and of this great work,—how it has held its ground, and gained new ground, year by year, until now, in reporting its triumphs, we have to point toward the north pole, and the south pole, to the equator, to both hemispheres, and continents, and divisions, and islands everywhere throughout the world. Brethren, we have reason to thank and praise God for what has come to us. Now if some of the brethren had not gotten vote in here quickly this morning to defer action on the report on the organization of the European Division Conference, I would have made a motion to go right ahead, so that we might have organized the European Division Conference on the jubilee day of the General Conference history. But it went over one day. I wish we had our work well enough along to organize the European Division today.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.7

E. R. Palmer: Mr. Chairman, the constitution drafted for the organization of this division is along the stereotyped line of the General Conference constitution, which has been studied for years. and is well known, there being only minor verbal changes to fit the details of that new organization. The changes in our constitution—well, it is not necessary to consider that, for that is not the point. They were only changes to fit the new situation. I believe it would be proper to adopt that constitution here, because of this being a jubilee day; to call up that constitution and resolution before the body again and pass it today, and I so move, if it is in order.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.8

Voice: I second the motion.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.9

The Chairman: It is open for remarks, though the speaker doubtless did not contemplate any such action as this in his reference to this matter.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.10

W. A. Spicer: Personally, I should feel just as Brother Palmer has stated, having a thorough understanding of the new plan, as some of us have been on committees, giving hours of study to it; but I remember that the vast majority of the delegates here have not had this privilege, and it seems to me in so important a matter as the organization of an entirely new division thorough consideration should be given it by the body of delegates who are to act with us in it. Somehow it seems to me better, regardless of the pleasant sentiment, to give the delegation the opportunity to study the matter thoroughly before taking action.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.11

E. E. Andross: I think I was the one who made the motion this morning to refer the constitution to tomorrow for adoption; and I feel myself as though the delegates ought to have the opportunity of reading this constitution over before we adopt it. Now some of us brethren have been on the committee, and we have studied it; but other brethren have not had this privilege. I believe it would be nice to have it adopted on the anniversary day; but I believe it would be more satisfactory in the end to wait until tomorrow.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.12

G. B. Thompson: Is it necessary that we study the constitution in order to vote on the formation of the division? It seems to me we could take action upon the resolution favoring the establishment of this new division, so it could be done today; the details of the constitution can be settled tomorrow. I do not see any necessity of waiting until tomorrow to say whether or not we believe the brethren on the other side, with twenty-five or thirty thousand believers, should have a division conference over there. It seems to me we could take action upon that part of the resolution, and the details of the constitution could be acted upon tomorrow.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.13

E. R. Palmer: I believe that in an action like this, it is not best to be too technical. I believe we might adopt the constitution, subject to such verbal changes as we might wish to adopt tomorrow. I believe that would be in harmony with the sentiment of the delegates here at this hour.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.14

E. E. Andross: The motion that I made this morning did not include the recommendation, and I do not see why we could not adopt the recommendation to organize the European Division, as was read this morning. That was not included.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.15

W. J. Fitzgerald: The chances are ten to one, perhaps ninety-nine to a hundred, that the constitution, both for the division and the amendments for the General Conference Constitution, as printed in the BULLETIN which will be placed here tomorrow, will go unchanged, so let us do the whole business.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.16

G. B. Starr: As our brethren who are familiar with the constitution very kindly moved that it be referred to tomorrow on our account [referring to the main body of delegates], we wish to have it understood that we are willing to trust to their good judgment.GCB May 22, 1913, page 100.17

C. H. Edwards: We have spent something like eight or ten years in organizing our work along certain lines. Now it appears to me from what I hear that this is a step radically tearing down the very organization that we have spent so many years in building up. I do not understand it. I know there are many who do not. We should like to have the time to have this printed report and study it and understand it. If it were brought up today I should have to vote against it.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.1

Two or three reports have been read hurriedly. We do not understand them. I think we ought to throw sentiment away and get down to practical business, and go at our work in a business-like way, and know what we are doing; and then after it is done we will not say we never would have voted it if we had understood it. I think we had better let it rest over till tomorrow.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.2

H. S. Shaw: I like this idea of the jubilee and all that, but this is too great a matter, it seems to me, to pass over without giving these delegates opportunity to see why this is done, and to express themselves intelligently. It seems to me a body of men like this would better take more time to consider, that afterwards we may have a more stable organization. The brethren will then all go home and see why the plan was adopted.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.3

W. T. Bartlett: The very fact that we are fifty years old today is a good reason why we should not be moved by sentiment.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.4

A. G. Daniells: It was not my intention at all, in referring to this, to press the organization, but I would like to have seen it accomplished practically, so that we would have been clear to have formed the organization today. If we had gone on and read it over together and explained it this morning, it would have been all plain to everybody, and we could have launched the enterprise. Of course it would suit me personally all right to act now, because I have had some part in studying the new constitution and the arrangement, but I do not know that it would be a wise thing under the circumstances to attempt to form the organization now. It can do no harm to take further time for deliberation.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.5

E. R. Palmer: I would not wish to have a division vote on a question of this kind on jubilee day. However, I would like to see this sentiment carried out to a certain extent. If it would be agreeable, I would like to withdraw my motion in so far as it pertains to the adoption of the constitution, and move only the passing of the recommendation pertaining to this form of organization. Perhaps that in itself would not be entirely acceptable, but it would enable us to launch the idea today.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.6

The second consented.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.7

W. H. Thurston: If the report as submitted was to be received with a motion to adopt, that would put it on record as being adopted today. Of course that does not pass it. It may not pass; but it would be put on record, and then it could be considered tomorrow. Certainly these brethren would consider that because the Conference Committee has passed upon this, that does not settle the question. The Conference Committee is not the ruling power in this meeting. It is to be brought to the delegates for consideration. I am not saying which side I would vote on, because I do not know. But if the resolution was adopted today, then laid over for consideration, which it will have to be before it can be considered, it would go on record as being adopted today.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.8

W. A. McCutchen: All of us in voting want to vote intelligently on every question, and no one can do that unless he has an understanding of the question. I do not believe there will be much division when we reach a vote, and yet we will not be able to know until we have had the matter before us. I appreciate very much the sentiment in this congregation. I think it very nice that we celebrate in some way this anniversary; but is it not singular that on this anniversary of the General Conference we find our work so enlarged that it has become necessary to change the constitution, to make provision for an enlarged condition of things; and at least it is quite a remarkable coincidence that it should come on this anniversary day. It seems to me we do have something to gratify this sentiment, as a beginning of a step in reorganization. We have already taken the preliminary steps, and let it go till tomorrow for final adoption.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.9

F. M. Wilcox: It strikes me that we have already had a little memorial service, and I move therefore that we adjourn.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.10

The motion was seconded.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.11

A. J. Breed: Why not let Brother Palmer’s motion prevail, and if you want to have a few remarks on it, do so and adjourn, pending this discussion, and let it come up tomorrow for action; that would let the matter rest, as many would like to have it, and it could be finished tomorrow.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.12

L. R. Conradi: All in favor of adjourning, hold up your hands.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.13

I think the adjournment has it.GCB May 22, 1913, page 101.14

L. R. CONRADI, Chairman,
W. A. SPICER, Secretary.

Conference Proceedings. ELEVENTH MEETING

Department Meetings