Organization of the California Conference

The California State meeting was held February 14-18, in Bloomfield, and of course the Whites were there. In his report for the Review, Loughborough stated:2BIO 370.6

Everything moved off with perfect harmony and good feeling, and it was the source of deepest gratitude to us all that we were favored in our deliberations and meetings with the presence of Brother and Sister White.2BIO 371.1

The preaching at this conference was solemn, searching, cheering, and impressive.... During the conference there were searching testimonies given, reproving wrongs existing in some present, which brought forth in the social meetings feeling confessions and vows to do better in the future.—Ibid., March 4, 18732BIO 371.2

During this formal meeting, with delegates present from the six churches in California, the California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was formed, with a membership of 238. J. N. Loughborough was elected as president; S. B. Bresee, also of Santa Rosa, secretary; and T. M. Chapman, of Petaluma, treasurer (Ibid., March 11, 1873).2BIO 371.3

Ellen White stayed on at the Judson home in Bloomfield to do some writing. In her letter to Edson and Emma, she reported that “everything has passed off well at this State conference. Things look more encouraging.”—Letter 7, 1873.2BIO 371.4

Word had just been received that the General Conference session would be held in Battle Creek, opening on March 11. James, of course, would attend, but Ellen wanted to get on with her writing. She told her children:2BIO 371.5

I am anxious to get out important matter which God has shown me. I cannot feel free till I do this. If I remain behind, I can write and complete my book, I think, before summer.—Ibid.2BIO 371.6

The book was The Spirit of Prophecy, volume 2, on the life of Christ. The next issue of the Review that came to them carried this note at the close of the notice of the session:2BIO 371.7

A Special Request: We deem it of the utmost importance that Brother and Sister White attend this meeting; and we therefore invite and urge, in the strongest terms, their attendance at this session of the General Conference, if their health will permit them to do so.—The Review and Herald, February 11, 1873.2BIO 371.8

Ellen White would go east with her husband.2BIO 371.9