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Adventist Pioneer Library

Adventist Pioneer Narrator

Sketches and Memories of James and Ellen G. White

Introduction

01 - The man who couldn’t wait

02 - The young woman who was homesick

03 - A messenger of heaven

04 - Meeting fanaticism

05 - Laying a sure foundation

06 - Publishing the message

07 - The least of all seeds

08 - The home in Oswego, New York

09 - Publishing the Advent Review

10 - Days of affliction

11 - The publishing at Paris, Maine

12 - Removal to Saratoga Springs

13 - A forward move

14 - Beginnings in Rochester

15 - The Master printer

16 - A visit to Michigan

17 - Meeting the rising tide of spiritualism

18 - Bereavement and distress

19 - Healing, encouragement, and deliverance

20 - In the valley of despair

21 - The shadows lifting

22 - A lesson of faith in God

23 - East or West

24 - Settling in Battle Creek

25 - Confidence and united action

26 - The conference of 1856

27 - The Laodicean message

28 - A perilous venture across the Mississippi

29 - Securing a power press and building a new meetinghouse

30 - Early memories of our first home

31 - A view of the age-long conflict

32 - Jottings from Ellen G. White’s diary of 1859

33 - Evidences of divine guidance

34 - Steps toward the establishment of church order

35 - The issue over organization

36 - The movement for organization consummated

Chapter 36 The Movement for Organization Consummated Printed in the Review and Herald, March 26, 1936 In an address on organization published in the summer of 1861, James White urged the formation of state or district conferences to be composed of delegates of churches and whose actions should be made a matter of record. The conferences, or general conferences as they were called, held up to this time at regular intervals, had been what we would call conventions or convocations, gatherings at which all present had equal privileges in speaking and voting. The term conference had also been used to designate the company of believers in a given state even though they were unorganized. The state conference now called for by Elder White was a new feature in the work of the cause. Rapid progress was now being made in the movement toward satisfactory organization. In connection with the first annual meeting of the Publishing Association, a general meeting was held at which further steps were taken. The principal matter discussed in this meeting was the organization of local churches, but they looked forward to the next logical step by taking definite and specific action recommending the churches in the state of Michigan to unite in one conference with the name of the Michigan Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. October 5-8 of the following year was set for the time of the first session of the new conference. The initial steps in the organization of the Michigan State Conference were taken by the appointment of a conference committee of three to hold office for the ensuing year. To provide instruction for the believers, a committee was appointed to prepare an address for the review, setting forth the scriptural authorization for the organization of a local church, and outlining the proper method of procedure. In the meantime, even before the organization of state conferences had been effected, occasion arose to make manifest the need of a general interstate organization to arrange for a wise and harmonious locating of preachers and for the distribution of funds for their support. In June 1862, J. H. Wagner wrote a letter to Elder White, setting forth a specific instance of great confusion and delay in the work caused by a conflict of invitations to two ministers from three different conferences. He stated that he had received urgent calls for labor from both Ohio and Iowa, while M. E. Cornell had received similar calls from Ohio and New York. Weeks elapsed before these brethren were able to make a decision as to where they should labor during the summer. As a remedy for such conflicting plans, and to secure concerted action in such matters, Elder Wagner proposed the following plan. That a general conference be appointed to convene at or near the time of the annual meeting of the publishing association, that every conference of Seventh-day Adventists send a delegate or delegates to the general conference, and that a general conference committee be appointed, with whom the state conferences may correspond, and through whom they shall present their requests for laborers. The following week's review carried a statement from Elder White, showing his recognition of the need for interstate cooperation, as suggested by Elder Wagner. He pointed out that the confusion and delays in the summer's work in Iowa, Ohio, and New York might have been prevented by a general conference of preachers and delegates in April. And he added this plea for a general conference where every state or local conference can be represented by preachers, delegates, or at least by letter, and where the wants of the cause in the wide field can be considered. By this time the consensus of opinion among the leading ministers and laymen was in favor of the organization of state conferences and of a general conference. The month of October, 1862, witnessed not only the completion of the organization of the Michigan conference, but organizations were effected also in Minnesota, Vermont, and New York. Ohio followed four months later. At the Michigan conference held at Monterey in October, plans were laid for the ministers to report their time and expenses and to receive a set wage. James White, J. N. Loughborough, and John Byington were elected as an executive committee for the succeeding year. Looking toward similar action in different states, it was resolved that this conference recommend Brother and Sister White to labor in different states and assist in organizing conferences and churches as the way may open before them. And further, after setting the date of October 2 through 5, 1863, for the next session of the conference, it was resolved that we invite the several state conferences to meet with us by delegate in general conference at our next annual conference. As the next tent season approached, the Brethren saw the advantages of holding the general conference session in time to lay united plans for the summer's campaign, and Elder White stated through the review, �If it is necessary to hold a general conference at all to encourage united and vigorous action east and west, the sooner the first session is held the better. Therefore, the commencement of summer operations is a time preferable to the close.� Also in the same issue of the review, he appealed as follows to a portion of the field that had been backward in the movement toward church organization, �Brethren in the east, shall we have order or shall we have confusion? Shall we have a general conference this spring to which you can appeal and state your choice and set forth your wants? Let us hear from preachers and people.� Four weeks later, word went out as follows, �There will be a general conference of Seventh-day Adventists at Battle Creek, Michigan, to commence Wednesday, May 20, at 6 o'clock p.m. All delegates and letters must be sanctioned by some state conference or conference committee, or where there are no state conferences, some church or meeting of scattered brethren.� A few weeks before the time for this appointment, Elder White, in an editorial, had set forth the aims and purposes of the proposed general conference organization, and gave reasons why it should rank higher in authority than the state conferences. Among the matters in which the assembled delegates ought to plan unitedly for the general work, he mentioned particularly the appropriation of means and the distribution of workers. Regarding the need for the latter, he said, �In our unorganized condition, our preachers have not been properly distributed. Vermont and Michigan have more than their proportion, and five still have their headquarters at Battle Creek, while Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota, the Canadas, and Western Territories are almost destitute. All reflecting persons will conclude that there is a wrong in this somewhere. Shall general conference correct the wrong by making a judicious distribution of preachers? We plead for system, and while ministers call for systematic benevolence, let the people loudly call for systematic labor.� He further stated, �Every such organization should be as simple as possible, and accomplish its design. Useless machinery of this kind is badly in the way, but that which is worth doing at all should be done correctly and well. If general conference is not higher in authority than state conferences, we see but little use for it. Think of these things, brethren, and be ready to act when assembled in general conference.� Early in the week in which the general conference was to be organized, the brethren chosen as delegates began to arrive. From New York came J. N. Andrews, C. O. Taylor, N. Fuller, and J. M. Aldrich. From Ohio, I. N. Van Gorder and H. F. Baker. From Wisconsin, Isaac Sanborn. From Minnesota, Washington Morse. From Iowa, B. F. Snook and W. H. Brinkerhoff. The representatives from Michigan were eleven in number, Elders Bates, White, Byington, Loughborough, Wagner, Cornell, Hall, and Lawrence, together with Uriah Smith, James Harvey, and William S. Higley as lay members. At the appointed time, Wednesday evening at six o'clock, these twenty-one men assembled in the commodious meeting-house on Van Buren Street, accompanied by a goodly number of the Michigan Brethren, and proceeded with the work of organizing. J. M. Aldrich was chosen chairman, and Uriah Smith secretary. The first evening was occupied by the presentation of credentials and cheering remarks from the delegates. In the morning meeting the next day, May 21, a constitution of nine articles was adopted, establishing and defining the authority of the general conference of Seventh-day Adventists. Meetings were to be held annually, and the various state conferences were to be represented by delegates. The officers of the conference were to be a president, a secretary, and a treasurer, and there was to be an executive committee of three, of whom the president was to be one. Officers were elected in the afternoon meeting. By unanimous vote, Elder White was chosen president, but he declined the position. Clear-spirited arguments were presented as to why he should serve, and clear statements from him as to why he should not. His resignation was accepted, and John Byington was elected in his stead. J. N. Andrews and George W. Amidon were elected to serve with Elder Byington as the executive committee. Uriah Smith was elected secretary, and E. S. Walker treasurer. Among the reasons offered by Elder White for refusing the office of president were the uncertainty of his health and the heavy burdens he was carrying as editor of the Review and president of the Publishing Association. Having stood in the forefront of the long and bitterly opposed battle for complete organization, which had now been effected, he recognized that if he were now to accept the presidency, the opponents of order and discipline would regard this as justifying their charges against him of selfishness and ambitious designs. Therefore he insisted that it was better for the cause and for him that he should occupy a humble position. Of the spirit of fellowship, unity, and good cheer attending this meeting, Uriah Smith wrote, Perhaps no previous meeting that we have ever enjoyed was characterized by such unity of feeling and harmony of sentiment. In all the important steps taken at this conference, in the organization of a general conference, and the further perfecting of state conferences, defining the authority of each, and the important duties belonging to their various officers, there was not a dissenting voice, and we may reasonably doubt if there was even a dissenting thought. Such union, on such points, affords the strongest grounds of hope for the immediate advancement of the cause and its future glorious prosperity and triumph. Immediately after the election of officers, the Executive Committee began its work. After consulting with the preachers present, equitable distribution of the few available laborers for the ensuing season was made. The front line was very thin, with only one or two workers for one or two entire states. The report was as follows. Brother Sanborn goes as missionary to Minnesota, also to labor somewhat in conjunction with Brother Snook in Iowa. Brethren Ingram and Steward with the Illinois and Wisconsin tent. Brethren Cornell and Lawrence with the Michigan tent. Brethren Wagner and Brinkerhoff with the Ohio tent. Brethren Andrews, Fuller, and Taylor with the New York tent. Brethren Loughborough and Hall to labor with the southern Iowa tent in New England. With the general conference, the state conferences, and the local churches cooperating harmoniously, the system of organization among Seventh-day Adventists was consummated. The foundation upon which this plan was built has stood the test of time. With the rapid growth of a worldwide work, it has been necessary to divide the responsibilities of the general conference by the formation of union and division conferences. These advanced moves, as verily as the initial steps toward organization, were made in response to counsel given through the spirit of prophecy. Retrospective Writing some forty years after complete organization was effected, Mrs. White, as one of the number who had an experience in establishing it from the first, reviewed the struggle for its attainment and spoke feelingly of the wonderful development of the work that followed its successful establishment. With the background of history before us, we can better appreciate the following statement made by her. As our numbers increased, it was evident that without some form of organization there would be great confusion and the work would not be carried forward successfully. To provide for the support of the ministry, for carrying the work in new fields, for protecting both the churches and the ministry from unworthy members, for holding church property, for the publication of the truth through the press, and for many other objects, organization was indispensable. Yet there was strong feeling against it among our people. The first-day Adventists were opposed to organization, and most of the seventh-day Adventists entertained the same ideas. We sought the Lord with earnest prayer that we might understand His will, and light was given by His Spirit that there must be order and thorough discipline in the church, that organization was essential. System and order are manifest in all the works of God throughout the universe. Order is the law of heaven, and it should be the law of God's people on the earth. We had a hard struggle in establishing organization. Notwithstanding that the Lord gave testimony after testimony upon this point, the opposition was strong, and it had to be met again and again. But we knew that the Lord God of Israel was leading us and guiding by His providence. We engaged in the work of organization and marked prosperity attended this advance movement. Viewing the difficulties encountered in the effort to establish organization, we need not be surprised that the enemy, who was then defeated in his efforts to bring the work of God to naught, should continue his efforts to thwart the benefits of complete church by working deceptively on the minds of some to criticize the organization or its leadership. Many are the counsels and cautions sent from heaven through God's chosen messenger against yielding to these opposing influences. The admonition is given, Let none entertain the thought that we can dispense with organization. It has cost us much study and many prayers for wisdom that we know God has answered to erect this structure. It has been built up by His direction through much sacrifice and conflict. Let none of our brethren be so deceived as to attempt to tear it down, for you will thus bring in a condition of things that you do not dream of. Let everyone be exceedingly careful not to unsettle minds in regard to those things that God has ordained for our prosperity and success in advancing His cause. Another caution was given by Mrs. White in 1907, pointing out the danger of a spirit of individual independence and disunion in the following words, Oh, how Satan would rejoice if he could succeed in his efforts to get in among this people and disorganize the work at a time when thorough organization is essential and will be the greatest power to keep out spurious uprisings and to refute claims not endorsed by the Word of God. We want to hold the lines evenly, that there shall be no breaking down of the system of organization and order that has been built up by wise, careful labor. License must not be given to disorderly elements that desire to control the work at this time. Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religious organization, but I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man's being independent. The stars of heaven are all under law, each influencing the other to do the will of God, yielding their common obedience to the law that controls their action. And in order that the Lord's work may advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together. That more efficient rather than less organization is needed as we near the end was taught by Mrs. White. This is plainly stated in a letter written in 1892 to one of our ministers. As we near the final crisis, instead of feeling that there is less need of order and harmony of action, we should be more systematic than heretofore. All our work should be conducted according to well-defined plans. The beginning of a new era of growth and prosperity for the cause may be marked by the Conference of 1863. With organic unity established in the Church, the way was now open for undertaking large enterprises and carrying them forward to success.

William C. White

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Sketches and Memories of James and Ellen G. White

36 - The movement for organization consummated

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Other Teachings in Series

Introduction

01 - The man who couldn’t wait

02 - The young woman who was homesick

03 - A messenger of heaven

04 - Meeting fanaticism

05 - Laying a sure foundation

06 - Publishing the message

07 - The least of all seeds

08 - The home in Oswego, New York

09 - Publishing the Advent Review

10 - Days of affliction

11 - The publishing at Paris, Maine

12 - Removal to Saratoga Springs

13 - A forward move

14 - Beginnings in Rochester

15 - The Master printer

16 - A visit to Michigan

17 - Meeting the rising tide of spiritualism

18 - Bereavement and distress

19 - Healing, encouragement, and deliverance

20 - In the valley of despair

21 - The shadows lifting

22 - A lesson of faith in God

23 - East or West

24 - Settling in Battle Creek

25 - Confidence and united action

26 - The conference of 1856

27 - The Laodicean message

28 - A perilous venture across the Mississippi

29 - Securing a power press and building a new meetinghouse

30 - Early memories of our first home

31 - A view of the age-long conflict

32 - Jottings from Ellen G. White’s diary of 1859

33 - Evidences of divine guidance

34 - Steps toward the establishment of church order

35 - The issue over organization

36 - The movement for organization consummated

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