Earlier text: CeylonNorth Carolina Conference Proceedings
By Jessie V. Bosworth
The fourth annual session of the Carolina Conference convened on the camp-ground at Statesville, N. C., July 29 to Aug. 7, 1904. The following resolutions will give some idea of the deliberations of the conference:— “Resolved, That we express our gratitude to God for the manifest tokens of his tender care for his workers, and that we consecrate our lives anew to the one great purpose of carrying the message to all the world in this generation. “Resolved, That we express our appreciation of the financial assistance rendered by Brother B. A. Rogers in saving the Hildebran school property for the cause of God, and,— “Whereas, This property has been offered upon generous terms to the North Carolina Conference, therefore,— “Resolved, That we indorse the action of the conference committee whereby arrangements have been made to purchase this property, with the object in view of making it a conference intermediate school. “Resolved, That we express our heartfelt thanks to the Southern Union Conference for the substantial and active interest manifested in the recent loss sustained in the burning of the Piedmont Sanitarium, located at Hildebran, N. C., and also for the encouraging words from Brother W. C. White, under date of July 26, as follows: ‘It seems to me that you are beginning right in first appealing to the people of North Carolina to do what they can to rebuild. Next I think your appeal for help should go to the people of the South; and later on, when the Washington matters are not so urgent, it could go to the North;’ and,— “Resolved, That we proceed at once to formulate plans to carry out the recommendations of the Southern Union Conference, which are in substance that an effort be made immediately to raise five thousand dollars for the rebuilding of the Piedmont Sanitarium; and that Dr. Albert17 Carey be a committee to prepare plans for the new sanitarium. These recommendations are made subject to any advice that may be received from Sister White. “Resolved, That we indorse the action of the conference committee in the publication of a State paper, which has been published in mimeograph form since March, 1904; and that we recommend that it be issued in printed form, and the subscription price be raised to twenty-five cents a year, and that our people be urged to assist in increasing the subscription list. “Resolved, That we urge upon our ministers and church elders and leaders the necessity of thorough instruction upon the duty and privilege of faithfulness in returning to the Lord a full tithe. “Resolved, That it be the sense of this conference that where circumstances are such that our brethren can not to advantage convert the tithe of their small produce into cash, they be recommended, where practicable, to give it directly to the minister. “Whereas, The canvassing work is one of the most important departments of the message,— “We recommend, (1) That our people everywhere be encouraged to engage in this work as resident canvassers; (2) that our ministers and workers carefully instruct our people in this work, and watch for suitable persons who can be encouraged to take it up. “Resolved, That we urge our people throughout the conference to engage in the circulation of our periodicals, and especially that an earnest effort be made to increase the subscription list of the Southern Watchman by taking clubs and soliciting single subscriptions. “Resolved, That we encourage our workers and lay members to make use of The Family Bible Teacher in their missionary efforts. “Whereas, Our medical work in this conference is in its infancy, and,— “Whereas, It is necessary that our sanitarium and medical work have a constituency before we can expect a liberal patronage, therefore,— “Resolved, That we urge our workers and people everywhere to make earnest efforts to circulate the new health magazine, Life and Health; and that they make themselves familiar with the excellent instruction which comes through its columns.” Other resolutions of a more local nature were presented. It was felt that the establishment of our sanitarium and intermediate school was a matter of the greatest importance at present; and considerable time was spent in considering the situation and in planning for the future. The Spirit of the Lord was manifestly present in all the meetings, to bring in unity and brotherly love. The following officers were elected to serve the coming year: President, T. H. Jeys; Vice-President, D. T. Shireman; Secretary and Treasurer, Jessie V. Bosworth; financial agent, J. O. Johnston; State canvassing agent, Ed. C. Rogers; Executive Committee, T. H. Jeys, D. T. Shireman, W. H. Armstrong, M. H. Johnston, M. G. Creasey, B. A. Rogers, Ed. C. Rogers; secretary Missionary Department, Jessie V. Bosworth; secretary Sabbath-school and Educational Department, Mrs. Emma B. Rogers; secretary Medical Department, M. H. Johnston. Since the camp-meeting, Brother Ed. C. Rogers, having been asked to connect with the office at Nashville, has offered his resignation, and Elder J. O. Johnston was chosen as a member of the executive committee. JESSIE V. BOSWORTH,
Secretary. The Work in Lovell, Idaho
By Clarence K. Redfield
DOUBTLESS many readers of the REVIEW who saw Brother Lovell's notice last winter may wonder what success has attended the effort to build up a school at this place. The work moved very slowly during the summer, but it now seems as if our efforts are to be crowned with success. The location is an ideal one. It is at an altitude of about 2,200 feet, several miles distant from any city or town. The climate is mild and healthful, the water is good, and not difficult to obtain. The land is remarkable for its fertility, and grains, vegetables, and fruits, such as apples, pears, plums, prunes, peaches, cherries, and the small fruits, grow in abundance. About thirty acres has been set aside for the use of the industrial school when it shall be established, and it is hoped to make the school self-supporting. There are now four families on the ground, besides Brother Lovell, and others intend to join us. It is not desired to build up a large settlement or a great institution here, but to provide a place where a few can bring up and educate their children according to the instruction the Lord has given us. It is expected to build a church and school building this fall, if the Lord is willing, the material, or at least part of it, having been promised. The sentiment of the community has not been very favorable toward Adventists, but of late some have expressed a desire to know more of the truth as it has been revealed to us. God grant that we may both tell it to them in wisdom and live it before them in sincerity. We ask the prayer of all readers of the REVIEW for the school at Lovell. Texas Conference Proceedings
By Ida A. Nelson
The twenty-seventh annual session of the Texas Conference convened on the camp-ground at Keene, July 28 to Aug. 7, 1904. One new church was admitted into the conference, while additions had been made, during the year, to nearly every company and church in the conference. The president’s address and the reports of the different secretaries and treasurers showed an encouraging advance in all departments of the work in the conference. The conference treasurer’s report showed that whereas last year there was not sufficient money in the treasury to settle with the laborers for their year’s work, this year, June 30, there was a balance on hand of $1,996.83. During the past two years the tract society paid off more than fifteen hundred dollars of its indebtedness. The sales for the past twelve months amounted to $9,920. Nearly 3,000 copies of the special Capital and Labor number of the Signs, about 1,000 copies of the Pacific Health Journal, and 2,000 of the special number of the Southern Watchman have been sent through the office. The pages of tracts sent through the office during the year amounted to a quarter of a million. The canvassing work, although not so prosperous as could be wished, is making steady advancement. The church-school superintendent reported eleven church-schools and three family schools, with an enrolment of three hundred and sixty-one pupils, and a growing interest in the principles of true education. The secretary of the Sabbath-school Department reported thirty-seven Sabbath-schools, with a membership of 1,086. The following are some of the resolutions that were passed:— “Recognizing the many blessings of our Heavenly Father and his care over us during the past year, we agree to put forth, by the help of God, more diligent effort for the advancement of the third angel’s message in our own State and in foreign lands. “Knowing that our publications are to be scattered as the leaves of autumn, and that canvassing and colporteur work are the best means by which this can be accomplished,— “We recommend, That this conference select and encourage at least two persons to engage in this work on a self-supporting basis, provided, however, that if their sales do not average a clear profit of six dollars a week, the conference make up the deficit to this amount; and we further recommend that those chosen for this work confine themselves to the thinly settled districts of western Texas. “In order that the sale of ‘Christ’s Object Lessons’ be closed out immediately,— “We recommend, That the conference committee employ a man to take charge of the sale of the ‘Object Lessons’ that are yet unsold throughout our conference. “We recommend, That the Texas Conference pay half of the wages of the Bible teacher of the Keene Academy. Since our Sabbath-schools are designed to educate our people in the truths for this time, that they may be prepared to give the light to others, therefore,— “Resolved, That we use every possible means to encourage thorough, systematic study of the same. “Since there are those so situated that they can not attend the Sabbath-school, and yet are greatly in need of a knowledge of the truths found in the lessons, therefore,— “Resolved, That each Sabbath-school take active measures to have all in its vicinity become members of its home department, supplying them with lesson pamphlets and report blanks, and by kindly Christian sympathy encouraging them to become workmen that need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. “Resolved, That we continue to acquaint our Sabbath-schools with the situation in other lands, and that we keep before them the need of liberal contributions, that as Sabbath-schools we may do our part in carrying the message to all the world. “We recommend, That Sabbath-school conventions be held throughout our conference where arrangements for such can be made, and that the State Sabbath-school secretary visit them in person when practicable. “The series of readings called The Family Bible Teacher presents a means by which any one can do thorough missionary work; therefore,— “We recommend, That our people make a liberal use of them in presenting the truth to their friends and neighbors, and that this be followed by an effort to sell pamphlets and small books. “Since success has attended the Young People’s Societies that have been organized and conducted in harmony with the testimonies, therefore,— “Resolved, That we encourage the organization of such societies in all our churches where there is a sufficient number to do so, and that we encourage our young people to engage only in those amusements and recreations which tend toward mental, physical, and spiritual development. “Resolved, That the conference assume the control and management of the Keene Sanitarium; that a board to manage its affairs, consisting of five members, be selected by this conference, three to serve for one year, and two for two years; and that the conference, until otherwise arranged at its annual sessions, elect members to fill the vacancies caused by the expiration of the terms of these members. “We recommend, That the leading physician become a regular conference employee. “We recommend, That the sanitarium board elected by this conference use the money received on pledges for the purpose of improvements, as rapidly as the money comes in, and that the proceeds of the sanitarium be used for the running expenses; that the conference in no wise be responsible for deficit. “Whereas, It seems desirable, and for18 the best interests of the work, that the whole Southern field be united in the circulation of our literature, and,— “Whereas, The General Conference Committee at its recent session held at Berrien Springs, Mich., recommended that the Southwestern Union Conference be united with the Southern Union Conference as part of the book territory of the Southern Publishing Association, and,— “Whereas, The Pacific Press Publishing Company has signified its willingness for such a change, therefore,— “Resolved, That we request the Southern Publishing Association to establish a branch house in the Southwestern Union Conference, and be prepared to supply the publications for this field, beginning with Jan. 1, 1905.” Credentials were granted to N. P. Nelson, W. A. McCutchen, T. W. Field, H. B. French, A. W. Jensen, C. W. Miller, W. W. Eastman, Andrew Nelson, E. B. Hopkins, N. J. Etheredge, J. P. Lorenz, D. U. Hale, C. P. Haskell; ordination and credentials to L. W. Felter; licenses to N. V. Willess, E. L. Neff, W. M. Cubley, W. L. Brandon; missionary licenses to Lottie White, Jessie Hunter, Ida A. Nelson, Robert French, Mrs. W. M. Cubley, Mrs. E. L. Neff, O. Glass, J. I. Taylor, and P. F. Haskell. The following-named officers were elected for the coming year: President, N. P. Nelson; Secretary, Ida A. Nelson; Treasurer, E. Harris; State agent, W. W. Eastman; secretary and treasurer of the tract society, E. Harris; superintendent of church-schools, Mrs. Ella E. Hughes; secretary and treasurer of the Sabbath-school Department, Ida A. Nelson; transportation agent, C. N. Woodward; Executive Committee, N. P. Nelson, T. W. Field, W. W. Eastman, C. W. Miller, L. W. Felter, D. U. Hale, and N. J. Etheredge; Directors of Districts, (Eastern), D. U. Hale, (Southern), L. W. Felter, (Central), T. W. Field, (Western), N. J. Etheredge; Trustees of the Texas Seventh-day Adventist Association, T. T. Stevenson, W. A. McCutchen, J. W. Kirkpatrick, C. N. Woodward, and J. D. Matthews. IDA A. NELSON, Secretary. Lake Union Conference Summer School
By M. Bessie DeGraw
THE seventh annual assembly of Christian teachers opened at Emmanuel Missionary College, June 22. Such an occasion always recalls the history of the movement. Summer schools are inseparably connected with the church-school movement; and in this the Lake Union Conference has had a leading part. Well do I remember when the first summer school for teachers was held. Six young people came together in Battle Creek, and the classes for teachers were combined with those for medical missionary students. There were over five hundred in the Medical Missionary Summer School, and only six teachers. But God does not despise small beginnings. His blessing has constantly attended the effort to train teachers for our children. And to-day there are nearly, if not fully, six hundred Christian teachers in the United States. This is the hundredfold which the Saviour promises. Have we not a right to expect this number to multiply until it can be said, All our children are taught of the Lord? Of the seven summer schools of Lake Union Conference, four have been conducted by Emmanuel Missionary College, three on the assembly grounds prepared and reserved especially for this purpose. Often have I heard students say that the surroundings here are most ideal. It is a place where students come close to nature, and the atmosphere is inspiring. There have been in attendance this year one hundred and twenty-five students. Most of these have lived in cottages in the grove. Morning by morning they gather for worship in Memorial Hall, and the songs they sing can be heard to the utmost limits of the farm. Class work has been regular and strong. There have been classes in Bible, physiology, simple treatments, history of education, psychology and methods, primary methods, grammar, advanced English, history, wood and cardboard sloyd, sewing and dressmaking, cooking and baking, agriculture and horticulture, vocal and instrumental music, printing, and considerable tutor work in the common branches. The course of study is arranged each year so that teachers who are deficient in the common branches can strengthen themselves in these, and there is also an opportunity to take advanced work. The purpose is always to make the work most practical and efficient in the training of teachers. And there is a power in the gospel as it is given to these teachers; for often they say, especially after their first attendance at a summer school, “The things I have received here have revolutionized my whole manner of thinking.” There is power in Christian education to convert hearts, and this is what is done at the summer school. We have been pleased to have with us during most of the summer term Sister Lottie Farrell, Wisconsin’s superintendent, and for the entire term Sister Laura Foster, the superintendent of Northern Illinois Conference. Both of these superintendents have acted as instructors, and we look forward to the time when each superintendent in the union conference will be free to do the same. One duty of a superintendent is to train his teachers. At the meeting of the Lake Union Conference in May, action was taken creating a board of examiners. This board is composed of the educational superintendents of the various conferences in Lake Union Conference, the principals of the intermediate schools, the principal of Mt. Vernon Academy, the president of Emmanuel Missionary College, and the educational secretary of Lake Union Conference. This board of examiners has prepared question lists; and a uniform examination of church-school teachers will be held throughout the union conference. Provision is made for teachers attending the summer school to take the examination here, and for teachers not attending to take the examination at the close of a conference institute, held in most cases in connection with the annual camp-meeting. Persons who are teaching for the first time are granted permits. Conferences also grant licenses and credentials, and the Lake Union Conference grants credentials. The credentials require grades in several higher subjects than licenses, and the Lake Union Conference credentials demand a higher standing than conference credentials. The things mentioned indicate growth in the whole movement. There have been held this year a number of summer schools, in place of only one in former years. Each union conference is coming to realize the importance of training teachers, and this in itself is most encouraging. The tuition for Christian teachers has been practically free. Lake Union Conference has helped bear the expense, and the various conferences share in this. It is money well invested. They are training hundreds to train thousands. As the farmer may look for a harvest proportionate to the seed sown, so may we. There is every reason for hope and courage. We have not reached the summit of the mountain, but we are climbing. What has been done prepares us for what is still to come. We should not be satisfied until we can say to the children of the world, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, Come ye, . . . and he that hath no money; come ye.” Christian education is the gospel for the children, and the commission is, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.” Our Mission Fields
By W. T. Bland
WE are again glad to call attention to our great mission fields, to the work that is being done for them, and to their present needs. Perhaps no other work lies closer to the hearts of our people than does that of our needy mission fields. Those who go to them to carry the gospel to those who know it not, must necessarily make great sacrifices. The expense incurred in sending these consecrated workers to their fields, and in supporting them while they are proclaiming the message, establishing churches, and conducting schools for the children and youth, is no small item. Before the end shall come, this gospel must go to every nation, kindred, tongue, and people, and it is certainly a high privilege to have a part in it, yet a privilege extended to every one who believes in the fulfilment of God’s word for this time. It is a work that must be continually before us. As quickly as one country is able to carry its work without assistance from the general fund, a new field is entered, and so the work is carried forward, and will be until it is finally finished. What is needed now is a systematic, determined effort on the part of all our people to push this work along to completion. The fields of the world are ready to be entered; earnest calls are coming from many directions for help; young men and women of consecration and ability who have fitted themselves to have a part in carrying this message to distant lands, are now ready and anxious to go. The Mission Board is just as anxious to have them go, and the delay is only because of the lack of sufficient funds. At the beginning of the year, estimates of the amount of help that would be needed from the General Conference by the various mission fields19 were sent in, and the appropriations voted by the General Conference were based upon these figures and a belief that our people at home would gladly make up the amount. Believing all will be interested to learn just what fields are receiving help, we are pleased to give, in connection with this, an itemized statement. The first column of figures represents the amounts voted to the missions in the various countries mentioned. The second column represents the amount sent to these different countries during the first half of the year. | Missions |
Appropriations |
Amt. paid |
|---|
| Brazil |
$ 1,302 00 |
$ 140 42 |
| Bermuda |
359 00 |
|
| Can. Un. Conf. |
4,448 00 |
2,779 37 |
| Central America |
1,155 00 |
912 13 |
| China |
5,654 00 |
4,934 35 |
| Cuba |
250 00 |
52 44 |
| European General |
19,368 00 |
11,315 33 |
| East Carib. Conf. |
5,435 00 |
500 00 |
| India |
7,582 00 |
4,092 34 |
| Jamaica |
1,820 00 |
976 31 |
| Japan |
4,088 00 |
2,371 65 |
| Mexico |
3,604 00 |
2,371 14 |
| Panama Mission |
1,068 00 |
866 03 |
| Porto Rico |
757 00 |
690 21 |
| Polynesia |
8,501 00 |
6,448 76 |
| River Plate Conf. |
3,800 00 |
1,090 80 |
| Southern Union |
7,500 00 |
3,770 00 |
| Southern Miss. Soc. |
2,400 00 |
1,400 00 |
| South Am. General |
894 00 |
1 87 |
| South African Union |
6,214 00 |
4,907 64 |
| Gold Coast of Africa |
578 00 |
563 96 |
| West Coast So. Amer. |
3,717 00 |
2,460 37 |
| Totals |
$90,494 00 |
$52,645 12 |
It will be noticed that the appropriation was a little more than half met. Bermuda, instead of drawing upon the appropriation made, has sent in some good donations to the general fund. The Canadian Union Conference is almost self-supporting. With a strong effort to assist the Southern field this year, it is believed it will soon be able to carry its work alone. Our brethren in the great European field write most encouragingly. South Africa is proving one of the most promising fields. The reports from China, Japan, and India are full of courage, and speak of the possibilities now before them. We most earnestly invite all our people to carefully consider the needs of these countries, to examine the figures shown, and to remember that while our work is being established by our brethren who are giving their lives to it, there is great need of funds. Every contribution will be greatly appreciated. Missionary Progress in China
WHEN it is stated that after thirty years of Protestant missionary effort in China there were three native converts, what idea is given of the toil of the heroic pioneers of the gospel in that empire! Brave men and women poured out their lives, and, down out of the sight of men, laid the foundations of that spiritual temple which is now beginning to show some of its majestic proportions, and which is destined to fill the whole land with its grace and glory. At the end of the second thirty years, about ten thousand converts were reported, and after the third period of similar duration, about one hundred thousand. But even these larger figures still leave most of the story untold.—Selected.