The Quadrennial Ministerial Convention—since 1941 a regular feature preceding the General Conference session—is now history. It was a good meeting, rich in spiritual overtones and forthright counsel. It was the largest and best-attended convention we have yet held.
The convention convened in the First Congregational church, San Francisco. The minister, Dr. Janes, and his staff proved gracious hosts indeed as our ministers from the earth's far ends packed this commodious building. Their church paper reflects the spirit of Christian understanding we enjoyed. We quote a few lines from it:
This is the second time that our Church has served as host to our Adventist friends. Those of us who had an opportunity to meet some of the guests were impressed with their religious devotion and Christian character. The Adventists believe in the observation of a Saturday Sabbath, and that the second coming of Christ is imminent.
Dedicated Tithers
The devotion of the Adventists is reflected in their financial support of the church. In addition to offerings for missions and local church projects, each Adventist is a tither, i.e., he gives 10 per cent of his income to the church. Most of the Adventists tithe their income before taxes are deducted.
A $243.00 Average
During 1961 the Adventists of the North American Division, which is composed of the United States and Canada, gave a total of $83,713,309.00.
This represents an average of more than $243.00 apiece for the 343,664 members in the two countries. If members of all Christian churches emulated the giving standards of the Adventists, it is apparent the work of the church would move forward with great rapidity. Their visit to San Francisco has been an inspiration to all of us.
(Signed) HAROLD T. JANES
We appreciate these kind expressions, and the whole-hearted manner in which a vote of thanks was accorded to the pastor and his staff was evidence of the rich blessing all had received.
The fact that this church, with accommodation for about 1,500, was filled for every meeting is glowing testimony of the place such a convention holds in the hearts of our ministers and administrators. An example of the confidence many of our leaders have in this convention that has now come to be a tradition among us is reflected in the fact that a president of one of our largest conferences in the East sent more than forty of his ministers right across the United States. These were his own words to us: "I would not want any of my men to miss this. They will probably get more out of these few days than from the session itself, so we are permitting all of them to attend." Little wonder the church was crowded.
More important than the large crowds, however, was the spirit of the meetings. The Lord certainly met with us, and we were made particularly aware of His presence on a number of occasions. Among the many vivid memories we take with us from this city by the Golden Gate are those that cluster around this convention. How wonderful it will be when with our work finished, we are ushered in through, not the Golden Gate, but the pearly gates that lead to the golden streets of the eternal city of light!
R. A. A.