The Movement Takes Shape

Unflagging labor on the part of Joseph Bates, James and Ellen White, and a few others who were described as “the travelling brethren” because of their constant journeying to meet with different companies, slowly added numbers and strength to the movement. In the 1850’s, and for some time afterward, the Review and Herald office of publication was the rallying point and was generally referred to as “the office.” The movement early gained strength in Michigan and surrounding territory, which was then known as the West. In 1855 the publishing office was moved from Rochester, New York, to Battle Greek, Michigan, which was to be the center of all denominational activity for about fifty years, or until the publishing house and the General Conference headquarters were moved to Washington, D.C., soon after the opening of the twentieth century. In 1860 the name Seventh-day Adventist was formally adopted. The incorporation of the publishing business and the organization of Michigan and other local conferences followed. The next step was to effect some kind of stable organization that would coordinate the endeavors of all who named the name of Seventh-day Adventist.EGWC 198.5

On May 21, 1863, in Battle Greek, Michigan, a formal denominational organization was created.EGWC 199.1

With this event we may say that the early days of Seventh-day Adventism ended. Onward from 1863, when the membership was 3,500, we witness a steady growth and expansion.EGWC 199.2