PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS TO THE STOCKHOLDERS OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST PUBLISHING ASSOCIATION

Pursuant to notice, we are here assembled in the Forty-first annual session (or tenth under the new charter) of the stockholders of the Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association. We are glad to be able to report that the protecting care and prospering hand of our Heavenly Father have been over the Review and Herald institution and those connected with it as laborers. No special accident nor loss other than such as is incident to the operation of so large a plant, has been experienced during the past year. The volume of business done by the association has been the largest of any single year in its history. Thirteen thousand seven hundred and ninety-five dollars and thirteen cents has been paid out during the year for improvements, repairs, and the purchase of type. The net earnings of the institution for the year, over and above all expenses, are $16,688.90. Deducting from this amount $6,831.12 donations, we have a net gain of $9,857.78 to add to the surplus and the present worth.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.3

There has been an increase over last year in the sale of our denominational books amounting to $16,353.12. The Atlanta branch reports the most successful year since the establishment of the office, excepting the year 1892, when there was a very large force of canvassers in the field. Their report shows a net gain of $2,059.72. Besides this, they have reduced their actual liabilities about $1,850.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.4

The Toronto office reports a net gain of $62.51. While this is small, it is encouraging, for it is the first time in several years that there has been any gain. The field in which this branch operates is a good one, and needs only the addition of a number of recruits to their present corps of canvassers to make its work a success.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.5

By comparing the present statement with that of last year, you will observe that the interest-bearing debt has been reduced $22,799.59. It is certainly gratifying to know that, notwithstanding the large amount of money that it seems to be necessary to pay out each year for repairs and to purchase new machinery to take the place of that which is out of date and worn out, in order to keep the plant up with the times, the debt at the same time is being diminished.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.6

When the plan of paying the debts on our schools through the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons” is carried to successful completion, a large proportion of the amount accruing to the Battle Creek College will come to the Review and Herald. Then by the blessing of God and careful management upon the part of the directors, the debt can soon be brought to a minimum or entirely wiped out.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.7

On five of the six papers published by the association, there has been a loss in the aggregate amounting to $4,314.29. The Review and Herald, however, has made a gain of $3,852.55, which brings down the deficit on the papers as a whole to $461.74.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.8

The Youth’s Instructor is rapidly nearing the self-sustaining point. From a deficit of $4,854.47 in 1898, it has run down to $860.73. At the same ratio it will be more than self-sustaining by the close of another year. It is but just to say, in behalf of the other papers, that the Review and Herald and the Youth’s Instructor have a large advantage in that their constituency includes the larger part of the denomination. While there is quite a large deficit at present upon what we denominate foreign papers, I trust no one will get the impression that the fault lies with the editors or others having to do with them. Neither do we wish the impression to go to the editors or patrons that the Review and Herald is becoming weary of carrying this burden; for this is a part of its legitimate work. But for the sake of the many thousands of persons who should know the truths these papers contain, and for the encouragement of the editors who have worked so faithfully to make them instructive and edifying, I bespeak the interest and cooperation of all our people and agencies in increasing their circulation.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.9

In the spiritual interest of the institution we believe that progress has also been made, although it has not reached that point of general interest we should be pleased to see. At the organization of the board of directors last spring, Brother G. W. Amadon was requested to devote a large share of his time to the spiritual interest and welfare of the young people in the institution. In addition to the usual Sunday morning chapel service, department meetings have been established and maintained. Before beginning work, the employees in each department (ten in all) assemble together and spend ten minutes in reading the Scriptures, and seeking the Lord for his blessing upon them and their work during the day. These morning meetings have been very helpful, and have exerted a good influence throughout the institution. Five minutes more time could be consumed in this exercise, with profit to all concerned. Several prayer-meetings composed of the foremen and directors were held during the year, which resulted in a better acquaintance with, and understanding of, the relation of each to the other and to the work of the institution.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.10

A well-kept and regulated dormitory or home for the young people of both sexes employed in the Office whose parents do not reside in the city, would add materially to the discipline and spiritual condition of the Office. This question is deserving of careful consideration at the hands of the stockholders, and should it meet your approval the board of directors should be instructed to carry it into effect at the earliest possible date.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.11

Sixty-seven regular legal meetings of the Board of Directors have been held during the year, thus giving opportunity for the careful consideration, by at least a majority of the board, of all business matters that in any way affected the standing and prosperity of the institution.GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.12

While we feel grateful for the measure of success that has attended the work in a general way, we are sorry not to be able to report a much larger increase in the sale of our denominational literature. The following resolution was unanimously passed at our last meeting:—GCB April 17, 1901, page 292.13

“Resolved, That we request the General Conference Committee to put the best man available in the office, to take charge of and push the sale of our books.”GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.1

A strong effort was made by both the General Conference Committee and the Review and Herald Board to carry out this request. Several different persons were mentioned for the position, and one at a time approached upon the subject; but in each and every case some reason was assigned at the time why they could not take up this work. Thus month by month has gone by, and we stand to-day in this particular just where we did one year ago.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.2

In the face of the past few years of our experience, I am convinced that before our publishing houses will again fully meet the primary object for which they were brought into existence, we must have:—GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.3

First, a general revival upon the part of both the ministry and laity of the denomination, of the true missionary spirit,—a spirit that will constrain men and women to deny self, and forego the pleasures of home and friends, and devote their lives to the Master’s service in carrying light and truth to the perishing souls around them.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.4

Second, a number of experienced, wide-awake, consecrated men to act as general agents, to take the lead, not only in laying plans for the work, but to take the lead in the field where the work is being done, and by their personal presence and aid inspire hope and courage in those under their charge.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.5

Third, more of the spirit of the message upon the part of the directors and employees in the offices themselves. In short, a return all along the line to the old-time spirit of the message, which is a spirit of consecration and sacrifice for the truth’s sake. We feel hopeful that this meeting will mark the beginning of a revival and return to that prosperity in our distinctive work, that will not slack nor lag until the warning message shall have been fully given.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.6

In closing I would bespeak for the directors your earnest prayers, with words of brotherly counsel in a spirit to encourage and build up, that the enemy may be defeated, and the work of the Lord prosper in the institution.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.7

The Chair: The Secretary has called my attention to the fact that we have not had the minutes of previous meetings read. We have adjourned from time to time without anything being done. We will now listen to the minutes of the first three meetings.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.8

The Secretary here read the minutes of the three meetings held in connection with the Forty-first annual session, which were approved.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.9

The Chair: The next thing in order will be the Treasurer’s report.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.10

The Treasurer [C. D. Rodes]: I will read the items in the report, copies of which have been placed in your hands, and at the close if there are any questions you have to ask, I shall be glad to answer them.GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.11

The report was then read, as follows:—GCB April 17, 1901, page 293.12