“THE GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN.”

L. T. NICOLA

VOLUME I of the GENERAL CONFERENCE BULLETIN closes with the issue containing the readings for the special season of prayer. When the subscriptions were obtained for the paper, it was the intention simply to issue it as an extra of the Review and Herald, giving the reports of the General Conference assembled, as had been the custom during several previous sessions. But on the eve of the opening of the Conference, it was decided to publish a regular periodical, under the direct auspices of the General Conference, making it, as first proposed, a daily through the session of the Conference, and having it continue as a quarterly throughout the entire Conference biennial period. The BULLETIN has been thus furnished, and this has, of course, involved the issuing of nearly double the amount of matter that had been promised when the subscriptions for the paper were taken. The time of the subscriptions was extended so as to include the regular quarterly issues of the paper and the extras for the term of two years, the period now expiring. There have been eight regular issues, and twenty-one extras, each containing from thirty-two to sixty pages, the total number for the volume aggregating over eight hundred pages.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.1

The character of the matter has been in the line of original articles from the pens of those closely connected with the general work, important denominational reports, proceedings of the different general organizations, valuable statistics, official directories, etc. The BULLETIN contained an accurate report of the important sermons and addresses delivered at the last General Conference, and a full account of the proceedings of the business meetings of all the general organizations. It has also contained all the readings for the special seasons of prayer held during the past two years; and it has been made a faithful record of the rapid growth of the work during this time. Its publication superseded the denominational Year Book, and much more than this, for its appearance quarterly has made possible the frequent revision of our denominational directories, and has placed in permanent and convenient form many matters of general interest and value to our people.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.2

The BULLETIN has thus occupied a field peculiarly its own, and filled a want that could not well be met by any other periodical issued by the denomination. A distinctive feature of the paper has been its official directories. Thanks are due to the secretaries in the different Conferences for assistance rendered in making our directories practical and reliable. It will be appreciated that such matter must be made as nearly correct as possible, to insure its satisfactory use. Those not familiar with such work will not be able to appreciate the amount of labor connected with the issuing of reliable directory matter, applying to so large a field as is comprehended in our entire work.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.3

So much for the first volume of the BULLETIN. The first number of the second volume will be issued in connection with the thirty-second session of the General Conference. The paper will appear triweekly during the institute preceding the Conference, daily during the regular session of the Conference, and quarterly during the remainder of the biennial period.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.4

It is the general expectation that the institute and General Conference to be held at Lincoln, Nebr., Feb. 9 to March 8, 1897, will be the most profitable of any gathering of the kind ever held by the denomination. Delegates will be present from nearly all parts of the world. This gathering will include the biennial meetings of the General Conference and its connected organizations, the International Tract Society, the International Religious Liberty Association, the International Sabbath-school Association, etc., and the paper will contain accurate reports of the business proceedings of these different organizations.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.5

The Bible institute will be an occasion of unusual interest. Full reports of the instruction will be given. Stenographic reports of all the important sermons and addresses during the institute and Conference, will appear in the paper. Thus the BULLETIN will be made a faithful exponent of the varied and important interests of the meeting. Only a small number of our people, comparatively, can be present to enjoy the privileges of the occasion. It will be the aim of the BULLETIN to carry the benefits of the meeting to the homes of all our brethren and sisters. It is expected that the richest of blessings will be received at that time, and it is of the greatest importance that these should be communicated to, and shared by, all our people throughout the world.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.6

We believe that all who have taken the paper during the last two years will want to have it continued during the two years to come. No effort will be spared to make the paper more valuable in every way than it was during its first volume.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.7

We would here call special attention to the necessity of there being no delay in sending in subscriptions. It is important that these should be received soon, in order that due arrangements for mailing the paper may be made before the rush attending the General Conference.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.8

The price of the BULLETIN for the biennial period of the General Conference is fifty cents. Send your subscriptions to the International Tract Society, Battle Creek, Mich., or to your State tract society.GCB July 1, 1896, page 714.9