The sixth annual session of the California State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was held at the Christian camp-ground, near Yountville, Napa county, Sept. 13–19, 1877.
FIRST SESSION, SEPTEMBER 13, 5 P. M.
The session was opened with prayer by Elder J. N. Loughborough, president of the Conference, who, after some appropriate introductory remarks, called for the credentials of delegates, when the following names were read by the secretary as having presented duly accredited credentials from the different churches composing the Conference:—
San Francisco—M. C. Israel, Chas. Chittenden, Olof Wilson.
Oakland—J. E. White, E. R. Gillett, W. N. Glenn.
Sacramento—W. M. Healey.
Woodland—Alfred Mason, G. C. Martin, H. C. Yerby.
Healdsburg—John Cook, Wm. Harmon, R. S. Rieckett.
Santa Rosa—John Morrison.
Fairview—M. J. Church, Wm. Hutching and C. C. Burnett.
Middletown—R. D. Hicks.
Napa—C. H. Clark.
St. Helena—A. B. Atwood, W. A. Pratt.
Petaluma—W. C. Gunning.
Dixon—J. W. Bond.
Green Valley—Richard Rickett.
Pacheco—J. D. Rice.
Lafayette—Henry Brown.
Christine—Abraham La Rue.
San Jose—J. M. Santa Ana.
Gilroy—J. N. Loughborough. Voted into Conference.
Bloomfield—Frank Lamb, acting as alternate for Brother Bartlett.
All members of churches within the Conference were invited by vote of the Conference to take part in all the deliberations, except in voting.
The minutes of the last Conference were then read by the secretary and were unanimously approved.
The president of the Conference was, on motion of Elder Healey, empowered by vote to appoint all necessary committees.
SECOND SESSION, SEPTEMBER 17, 8:30 A. M.
Conference opened with prayer by Elder Healey. After reading of minutes of previous session by the secretary, Elder J. N. Loughborough read an address to the Conference. The signs of the times were recounted, admonishing the people of God that we are living in the end of time, and reminding them of the importance of a deeper, more earnest consecration to the work of preparation for what is before us. About a dozen deaths have occurred during the year out of our membership, and here again we are reminded that death is upon our track, and some of us here present will no doubt be called away before another camp-meeting.
The president of the Conference announced committees as follows:—
Committee on Nominations—M. G. Kellogg, chairman; Alfred Mason, M. C. Israel.
Committee on Resolutions—Wm. M. Healey, chairman; W. N. Glenn, W. C. Granger.
Committee on Credentials and Licenses—A. B. Atwood, chairman; T. M. Chapman, John Cook.
Committee on Auditing—E. R. Gillett, chairman; R. Stickney, H. C. Yerby, M. J. Church, W. T. Ross, W. A. Pratt.
Moved, That the Conference address of the president be published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and that two thousand extra copies be printed for distribution by members. Carried, and sustained by a rising vote of the whole congregation.
The Auditing Committee reported having examined the accounts of ministers, etc., and made satisfactory adjustment of everything brought before them.
After a session of one hour the Conference adjourned to the call of the chair.
THIRD SESSION, SEPTEMBER 17, 6:30 P. M.
After an opening prayer by the president, the secretary read the minutes of the previous session. The Committee on Nominations handed in their report as follows:—
For president of the Conference, Elder J. N. Loughborough, Oakland; secretary, Elder Wm. Saunders, Woodland; treasurer, Geo. S. Manuel, Oakland; for the two remaining members of Conference Committee, John Morrison, of Santa Rosa, and Wm. N. Glenn, of Oakland.
M. G. Kellogg,
Alfred Mason, Committee.
M. C. Israel,
The report was accepted and the Conference acted upon the recommendations of the committee for officers separately, adopting the entire report with the exception of Wm. Saunders for secretary, who declined to act longer in that capacity and gave satisfactory reasons for that determination, suggesting the name of Brother J. E. White, of Oakland, as his successor. Brother White, having been nominated, was duly elected secretary of the Conference.
The hour for preaching having arrived, an adjournment was had till after that service, when the Conference business was resumed.
The president called for reports of other committees, when Elder W. M. Healey, chairman of the Committee on Resolutions, presented the following for consideration, which were unanimously adopted:—
Whereas, In the providence of God the cause of present truth has greatly prospered in the past year, and we have ever increasing evidence that the cause we advocate is the cause of God, and that his spirit accompanies the work, abundantly blessing those who heartily engage in it; therefore,
Resolved, That our thanksgiving and praise are due to Him for his great blessings upon us as a people; for the additional numbers that have been added to our ranks; for the pecuniary means that has helped us to increased facilities for spreading the truth, and for the number of young men who have volunteered to take the field in the work of the ministry.
Resolved, That we appreciate the valuable services and sacrifices of Elder James White and Sister White in this State during a portion of the year past, and the deep interest they still manifest in our publishing house and the cause in general.
Resolved, That we acknowledge our obligation to the General Conference Committee for their liberal action, and to Elders White and Smith for their faithful labors, in conducting a Biblical Institute in Oakland last spring, whereby several of our young men were well started in preparing for the ministry and other important duties, at no expense for instruction.
Resolved, That we tender our thanks to Elder J. N. Loughborough, whose services, under God's providence, has been given to this coast for the past nine years, and especially for his untiring zeal and wise counsel in so successfully conducting the affairs pertaining to this yearly camp-meeting.
Resolved, That we express our gratitude to Brother Wm. Saunders, who has for four consecutive years served us faithfully as secretary, and we regret that a pressure of other duties prevents him from longer occupying the position.
Resolved, That we are ever grateful to our brethren in the various Eastern Conferences for their liberal support of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, thereby enabling us to maintain a publishing house in California; that we will use our utmost endeavor to make the publishing interest upon the Pacific coast self-sustaining, so that those who have so liberally helped us may be enabled to forward such other enterprises as the interest of the cause may demand.
Resolved, That our thanks are due to Brethren G. D. Hager, Wm. Harmon and Joseph Dimmick, Camp-meeting Committee, and all those who have assisted them, for their commendable exertions in preparing the camp-ground for occupancy, and kind attention to the wants of those in attendance.
Resolved, That we hold in grateful remembrance the kind action of Mr. George Linn, who, although not a professed believer in our views, has given us the privilege of occupying this beautiful spot for a camp-meeting, besides showing us many favors indispensable to our comfort and convenience. We deem his noble example as worthy of imitation by those who profess to have consecrated their all to the service of the Lord.
Resolved, That we receive with gratitude the favors bestowed by Mr. L. A. Moore, station and express agent at Yountville, in the matter of supplying lumber for our camp improvement, upon the most liberal terms.
Resolved, That we tender sincere thanks to Mr. A. M. Goodnough of Vallejo, music dealer, for the free use of one of his excellent Smith organs, which has added much to the melody and fervency of our songs of praise.
Resolved, That we tender thanks to the people of Napa, Yountville, St. Helena, and the intervening community, for their attendance and good behavior during our meetings, and we believe that much good has been done in their midst through the agency of this convocation.
Resolved, That we clearly recognize the hand of God in the establishment and prosperity of the cause of present truth in Europe; that we hail its advancement with unfeigned delight; and that we pledge ourselves to sustain our faithful missionaries by our earnest prayers, and their work by our means.
Resolved, That we approve the recommendation of the General Conference Committee in relation to regular quarterly meetings in all the churches on the first Sabbath and Sunday of January, April, July and October, of each year, as presented in the Review of June 7; and that we recommend the adoption of the plan by all of our churches; that we believe that if the tithing system could be universally adopted by the churches, our treasuries would be constantly supplied with ample means to carry forward the work of the Lord in all its branches.
Resolved, That we heartily concur in the plan suggested by the General Conference Committee, to pledge to the support of the Tract and Missionary Society an amount equal to one-third of our S. B. pledge, and earnestly recommend the adoption of this plan by all our brethren.
Resolved, That we regard the T. and M. work as one of the most efficient means by which we may reach the masses of the people. Thankful for what has been done in the past year by those who have taken hold in earnest, we solemnly appeal to all our brethren to continue the good work with new and united efforts.
Resolved, That, realizing the importance of greater uniformity in the Sabbath-school system in California, as set forth in the Sabbath-school address, we request the next State quarterly meeting to perfect a State organization in accordance with the system to be adopted by the National Sabbath-school Convention, to be held in connection with the General Conference at Lansing, Michigan, September 18–21. We also recommend that the churches, as far as they are able, procure the Progressive Bible Lessons, by Professor G. H. Bell, for sale at the SIGNS OF THE TIMES Office, and use them in the Sabbath-schools.
Resolved, That these resolutions be published in the SIGNS OF THE TIMES, and copies forwarded to each of the persons named herein.
W. M. Healey,
W. N. Glenn, Committee.
W. C. Granger,
The Committee on Credentials and Licenses reported as follows:—
We recommend that the credentials of Brethren J. N. Loughborough, W. M. Healey, J. L. Wood, John Judson, and M. G. Kellogg be renewed. We also recommend that licenses be granted Brethren R. A. Morton, Andrew Brorsen, J. E. White, B. A. Stephens, J. D. Rice, Wm. M. Smith, R. D. Hicks, C. C. Burnett, Augustus Garey, and J. Dimmick. We would also recommend the Conference to authorize W. C. Granger, C. Chittenden and M. C. Israel to improve their gift. There are other cases we refer to Conference Committee.
A. B. Atwood,
T. M. Chapman, Committee.
John Cook.
The recommendations of the committee were adopted and credentials and licenses granted in accordance with their recommendations.
Licenses were afterwards issued to Brethren W. F. Price, A. B. Atwood, T. M. Chapman and John Cook.
Adjourned to call of chair.
FOURTH SESSION, SEPTEMBER 18, 6:30 P. M.
Session opened with singing and prayer. After the reading of the minutes of the last session petitions were read from both the San Francisco and Oakland churches for tent labor.
Elder Healey, chairman of the committee on resolutions, offered a resolution in substance, that if there should be any deficiency in settling the camp-meeting expenses, it be apportioned to the different churches for liquidation. Carried by a rising vote.
A vote of thanks was passed for Dr. M. G. Kellogg’s services.
The treasurer, Brother Geo. Manuel, made his report of the financial condition of the Conference as follows:—
TREASURER’S REPORT.
Balance on hand October 1, 1876........................$ 294 59
Received from churches from October 1, 1876, to September 19, 1877........................2,967 04
Received on donations from October 1, 1876, to September 19, 1877........................233 20
Returned from San Francisco Church on the $1,000 borrowed from Conference................932 00
Total................................$4,426 83
Paid ministers, from October 1, 1876, to September 19, 1877........................$2,953 05
Paid for expressage, printing, etc., from Oct. 1, 1876, to Sept. 19, 1877........................90 68
Total................................$3,043 73
Balance on hand Sept. 19, 1877........................$1,383 10
GEORGE MANUEL, Treasurer.
The report was unanimously adopted.
Adjourned to call of the chair.
FIFTH SESSION, SEPTEMBER 18, 9 P. M.
A meeting of the Conference followed the evening preaching service.
On call of the president for further reports of committees, Brother A. B. Atwood, chairman of the Committee on Credentials, reported in favor of granting license to Brother W. T. Price, of Christine, Mendocino county.
Moved, That the appointment of camp-meetings and camp-meeting committees be left to the Conference Committee. Carried.
Applications were made for colporteurs’ licenses. Referred to Conference Committee.
The matter of distribution of ministerial labor was brought up and considered, Oakland, San Francisco, Sacramento, Solano county, Los Angeles, Fresno county, Tehama county, and other points being desirous of having preaching immediately, but no action was taken.
The Conference having completed its labors, at 11 P. M. adjourned sine die.
J. N. Loughborough, President.
Wm. Saunders, Secretary.
BUSINESS DEPARTMENT.
“Cursed be he that doeth the work of the Lord deceitfully,” (margin, negligently). Jer. 48:10.
Received for the Signs.
$2.00 EACH. E D Hurlburt 4-27, Eva A E Surdam 4-37, Maggie J Arnold 4-37, Wm Clark 4-37, Dr W Hill 4-25, J W McReynolds (5 copies) 3-84, Benjamine Pool 5-6.
$1.50 EACH. O L B Laurner 4-37, W E Lowry 4-37, Mrs Mary A Harris 4-37, John Blair 4-37, Marion Jones 4-37, Chas M Cleveland 4-37, Miss Cornelia Bezemer 4-37, E J Allen 4-19, Mrs C Udell 4-37, Thomas Hughes 4-37, John Heiserman 4-37, F Blackett 4-37, Mrs P Hovey 4-37, Mrs O M Shepard 4-43, J W Swartz 4-37, Robert Robinson 4-24, Thomas Reef 4-37, G R Reed 4-37, Peter Scazghini 4-37, F Wyrick 4-37, Mrs L Woods 4-37, Sylvester Patterson 4-37.
$1.00 EACH. G W Goff 4-20, H C Booker 4-7, Wm Fenney 4-15, Mrs M Sanford 4-12, J L Hill 3-40, Mrs Susan Holcomb 4-21.
.75 CTS EACH. Jane E Eagle 4-12, Rev Hatch 4-1, O J Copeland 4-24, H H Brookins 4-13, Sarah A Gilchrist 4-13, Carl Sasse 4-13, William Specht 4-13, John Smith 4-13, Elizabeth Embleock 4-13, Mrs D B Donnell 4-13, Mrs E A Dale 4-13.
MISCELLANEOUS.
Hannah Warren $5.00 4-39, Michael J Losey 50c 4-1, H P Ribton (5 copies) 4.50 4-37, Marion Anderson 50c 4-1, Peter Brand 50c 4-38, F R Richmond (4 copies) 3.00 4-7, Jas S Houseman (12 copies) 9.00 4-13, James O'Brien 25c 4-1, Mrs Wood 2.40 5-12, Amos L Burdick 4.00 5-37, R D Hicks 50c 4-1.
California Publishing Fund.
J Ferguson $200.00, John Santa Ana 10.00, D P Whitney 5.00, Mrs E High 10.00, W A Pratt 200.00.
Received on Account.
J D Rice $48.46, Lucius Church 7.50, J L Wood 123.-65, Wm Mealy 396.30, A La Rue 42.50, Cal T and M Society 366.85, B A Stephens 20.00, A B Rust 9.00.
California Conference Fund.
Petaluma church $147.50, Woodland church 79.90, Bloomfield church 11.45, St Helena church 48.05, Santa Rosa church 152.97, Christine church 95.75, Healdsburg church 112.85, Middletown church 4.30, Napa church 47.25, Dixon church 27.85, Gilroy church 5.20, M C Israel 7.00, J D Rice 13.30, B A Stephens 5.00, Green Valley church 36.75, San Jose church 4.00.
California Tent Fund.
St Helena church $1.45.
Donations to the Signs.
Mrs W P Hammond $5.00, J B E Young 10.00.
Convalescent.
In our last issue is a report of the Massachusetts camp-meeting taken from a letter from Sister White, in which is given an account of Brother White’s ill health. She stated that at the close of the meeting they accepted an invitation from Elder Haskell to return with him to his home in South Lancaster; which visit he reports in Review of September 13, under the head of “A Rich Experience.” He states that Brother and Sister White came upon the camp-ground in a worn and feeble condition. Sister W. gained strength as she addressed the thousands assembled at the camp-meeting, and she was especially raised above infirmities at Danvers, where Elder Canright has been successfully laboring.
Wednesday, the day following their arrival at Elder Haskell’s, at evening, while the brethren and sisters were assembled at the chapel making the cases of God’s worn servants a specialty in prayer, a few bowed at the side of Brother White, praying over him and anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. Sister W. was led out in an unusual manner to pray for the healing power of God. Angels seemed to fill the room. Brother White arose and declared himself blessed and strengthened by the power of God; and all felt the assurance that One higher than man had rebuked the disease that was upon him. Elder H. writes that Brother W. is still weak, but is coming up in the name of the Lord, and God is giving him strength daily.
Illinois Camp-Meeting.
By Elder Waggoner
ELDER WAGGONER reports this meeting, which was held at Clinton, August 22-28, a success in every respect. The number in attendance was not nearly as large as in Indiana and Ohio, but some came a long distance, and the churches in the State were well represented. There was a blending of the doctrinal and practical in all the preaching, and the prayer and social meetings were characterized from first to last by a deep devotional feeling.
The ground was rather small, and was thickly set with young timber. It looked like an impossibility to pitch so many tents there, but when all was arranged, neat and clean, the trees added much to the beautiful effect.
In response to a call for the unconverted and backsliders a goodly number came forward, about twenty of whom desired baptism. At the early meeting on Monday morning some remarks were made on baptism, mostly in answer to questions which had been proposed, and the result was that twenty-six were baptized, about half of whom made their first start in the Christian life at this meeting, and most of them new in the faith. A number of credentials and licenses were issued at this camp-meeting.
The people of Clinton and the surrounding country freely expressed their hopes that next year's camp-meeting would be held with them, and that our views might be preached there more fully. All parties can look back to this meeting with satisfaction and gratitude.
College Opening.
THE College at Battle Creek, Mich., has opened favorably, promising a successful term’s work. The number of students enrolled, September 10, was 250, apportioned as follows: Michigan sends 116; Iowa, 23; Wisconsin and Ohio, 19 each; Illinois, 11; Indiana, 8; New York, Massachusetts, Kansas, Missouri, 6 each; Vermont, 5; California, 4; Texas, 3; Nebraska, 2; Minnesota, 5; while Connecticut, Georgia, Virginia, Maine, Oregon, Rhode Island, Ontario, Canada and Denmark, have each one representative.
Advertisements.
By Editor
A LIMITED number of appropriate advertisements will be received for our new almanac, on reasonable terms. As we contemplate issuing 15,000 copies, to be circulated in California, Nevada, Oregon and Washington Territory, advertisers will find this a most valuable medium for making known their business. The time is getting short, and those desiring space should apply at once. For terms, or copies of current issue, address, PACIFIC PRESS, Oakland, Cal.
God’s Greater Good
God denies the Christian nothing but with the design to give him some greater good.
The Maine Camp-Meeting.
By Uriah Smith
This meeting was held, for the third season, on the old camp-ground in Richmond, Maine, August 29-September 4. The ground was in a better condition than at any previous meeting. The preachers' stand, which had become brown and weather-beaten, was covered with white cloth or paper, and over this covering were gracefully arranged festoons of evergreens and flowers, and appropriate mottoes. Many of the tents in the vicinity of the stand were also ornamented very beautifully with wreaths and bouquets of flowers, which gave to the place almost the appearance of a fairy grove. This made it more pleasant for the dwellers in camp, and made a good impression on those who came in from without. The good condition of the ground and the order and neatness of the tents were the frequent subjects of favorable remark.
There were some thirty tents on the ground, occupied by nearly two hundred believers. Quite a number of these were those who have received the truth the past year, showing that the word is still not without effect in Maine. Here, as in all other parts of the field, there is a great desire awakening in the public mind to hear and read more respecting the present truth. Twenty-six, in one locality in this State, have become firmly established in the truth without hearing a sermon. The brethren feel encouraged to push forward the work more earnestly than ever.
The social meetings were uniformly most excellent, sometimes as many as sixty good testimonies being borne in twenty minutes. At a social meeting on the Sabbath at 5 P. M., twenty came forward for prayers. There was deep feeling; and it was a scene to be long remembered on account of the great blessing of the Lord.
On Sunday the congregation was not large, there being only about 1500 or 2000 present in the afternoon. But it was thought that there was really more interest felt in our work than at any previous time. The great majority of those who came, came to listen; and quite a number were heard to remark one to another that they had no doubt that the Seventh-day Adventists were right in their teaching. One lady who had been hindered from attending the previous S. D. A. camp-meetings in this State, said that her experience had been such at this meeting, that she would never be absent again, wherever they were held, if she could get to them. The preaching was well received. Two were baptized. There are now some nine companies of Sabbath-keepers in this State, about ready to be organized and unite with the Conference. Some here commenced for the first time the observance of the Sabbath.
On Monday forenoon, Brother S. J. Hersum was, in accordance with the vote of the Conference, ordained to the work of the gospel ministry by prayer and the laying on of hands. This was a very interesting occasion.
The general expression was that this was the best camp-meeting yet held in the State. The people were much disappointed in not having the presence and labors of Brother and Sister White. But learning that they could not be present, they made up their minds to submit cheerfully and put their own shoulders to the work more earnestly. Brother R. S. Webber was also prevented by sickness from attending the meeting.
Over seventy testimonies were borne in quick succession in the parting meeting Tuesday morning. All declared themselves greatly benefited and strengthened by the meeting, and determined to carry its good effects home with them. So may it be. U. S.
The Sanctuary.
By Editor
ELDER U. SMITH has just issued an excellent standard work on the important subject of The Sanctuary. His books, Thoughts on Daniel, Thoughts on Revelation, and Nature and Destiny of Man have become household necessities with Seventh-day Adventists. The new work on the Sanctuary is fully as important as any of the others and we predict for it an extensive circulation. Price, $1.00. Condensed edition in paper, 25 cents.
Life of Bates.
By Editor
The revised edition of this deeply interesting book is just out. We have received 100 copies from the East and expect more soon. This book has been out of print for a number of months and many have been anxiously awaiting the appearance of this edition. Send in your orders early and they will receive prompt attention. Price, $1.00.
Counting-Room Jottings.
By J. E. W.
In a card from Elder Andrews, in Switzerland he speaks very encouragingly of the work there. He mentions one lady in Naples, Italy, who has been receiving the SIGNS for some time. She sends $2.40 to renew her subscription, and says she is deeply interested in reading the paper and is convinced of the truthfulness of the doctrines advocated.
We can never foretell the results which may be realized from a little personal effort. As the result of a traveling acquaintance, one of our ministers sent the SIGNS and Health Reformer to a gentleman living in Nebraska. This person has become deeply interested and has loaned his papers until many others are also interested. He now orders the SIGNS sent to a friend in Ogden.
A sample copy of the SIGNS has been sent by some one to a gentleman in Alabama. He says: “Your valuable paper of July 19, just received. I regard it as a faithful observer of coming events, and think that it should be found upon the table of every true Protestant in the land.”
The secretary of Maine T. and M. Society for the present year is R. B. Goodrich, Hartland, Somerset county, Maine.
J. L. Hill, Washougal, Washington Territory would be pleased to receive calls from any Seventh-day Adventists who may pass that way. He lives on Bear Prairie, nine miles from the postoffice. He reports some interested in the present truth. J. E. W.
North Pacific Conference.
By I. D. Van Horn.
There will be a general meeting of all the Seventh-day Adventists of Oregon and Washington Territory, at Walla Walla, October 25-29, 1877, for the purpose of organizing a Conference, and transacting other business necessary for the promotion of the cause of present truth. Elder J. N. Loughborough will preside over this meeting.
Each company of Sabbath-keepers are requested to select delegates to represent them in person if possible. If not, be sure to send letters to the place of meeting. Each company of twenty members or less, should select one delegate, and one additional delegate for every fifteen members over the first twenty.
I. D. VAN HORN.
Western Oregon.
By I. D. Van Horn
There will be a general meeting of all the Seventh-day Adventists in Western Oregon held at Salem, October 13, 14, 1877. All scattered friends of the cause of truth living west of the Cascade mountains are earnestly invited to be at the meeting. Elder J. N. Loughborough, President of the California Conference will be present.
Elder Loughborough will preach in Portland, Oregon, Sabbath and Sunday, October 20, 21.