For a number of years the General Conference sessions had been held annually in the late fall months. At the session of 1889, also held in the fall, the decision was made to hold the sessions every other year, in the early spring. Thursday, March 5, 1891, was set as the opening date of the next session. It would be held in the Tabernacle in Battle Creek. 3BIO 476.1
The second ministerial institute preceded the session, and Ellen White was urged to meet with them when she could, in the early-morning meetings. She made it a practice to be present and speak each morning, and also gave a short address in the closing exercises of the school (The Review and Herald, March 3, 1891). Writing to workers on the Pacific Coast, she reported: 3BIO 476.2
The ministerial institute was a season of close searching of the Scriptures. The doors of hearts were not barred with iron, lest rays of light should penetrate the darkened chambers of the mind, and the sanctifying power should cleanse and refine the soul temple. Right in the midst of their study, during the past winter, there have been times where there was not a question with the class but that the Comforter, the Holy Spirit of God, was doing its work.—Letter 3, 1891. 3BIO 476.3