Organization of a World Church of Historic Adventism
“1889 Historic Seventh Day Adventists” is a denomination based on the Bible and expressed in the Principles of Faith of Seventh Day Adventists of 1889. (These principles were actually published as early as 1872, but were slightly enlarged in 1889, and were valid until 1931.) Its organizational structure follows the plan of organization of the Seventh Day Adventists of the 1800s and early 1900s, as endorsed by Ellen White, with local churches and conferences in various countries.
On January 8 and January 22, historic meetings took place. For the first time since the early 1990s, when the movement for restoring the truth about God started getting an impetus in modern times, international organizational sessions for forming a world church organization (like a General Conference) were held. 1889 HSDA delegates were present from 12 countries--USA, Canada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Haiti, Ivory Coast, Democratic Republic of Congo, Togo, Gabon, French Guiana, France, and Philippines. Observers were also present from 5 additional countries. With so many from French-speaking countries, translation was provided to and from French and English. A charter and bylaws were adopted, and officers and a committee were chosen.
The committee and its officers:
- Chairman – Pastor David Sims (Philippines)
- Vice Chairman – Pastor Allen Stump (USA)
- Secretary – Olivier Dubois (Canada)
- Treasurer – Corisande Facorat (France)
- Auditor – Onycha Holt (USA)
- Committee Member – Samaritana Malinay (Philippines)
- Committee Member – Pastor Martin Barlow (USA)
- Committee Member – Pastor Jean-Christophe Bollote (France)
- Committee Member – Jean-Luc Longlade (Martinique)
Other business will be conducted by the incoming committee.
It was exciting to finally see God’s church pressing together in one body, united in one truth, on an international level, in response to God’s call to follow gospel order.
“Some have advanced the thought that as we near the close of time, every child of God will act independently of any religious organization. But I have been instructed by the Lord that in this work there is no such thing as every man’s being independent. The stars of heaven are all under law, each influencing the other to do the will of God, yielding their common obedience to the law that controls their action. And, in order that the Lord’s work may advance healthfully and solidly, His people must draw together” (Gospel Writers, p. 487.2).
If you are of kindred faith and live in a country where there is no 1889 HSDA organized and would like to find out how you can help to organize the church there, we would be happy to help you. Ω