REPORT FROM NAPA by M. C. Israel

Seventh-day Adventist Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 15, 1881

REPORT FROM NAPA.

By M. C. Israel

ELDER VAN HORN commenced here on Wednesday evening, August 24, and continued till September 1. Eleven discourses were given besides holding a social and a business meeting. On Thursday, September 1, two were baptized, and the ordinances were celebrated. This church has had no ministerial help for some time. Every sermon was appreciated. The Spirit of the Lord came specially near on Sabbath, and at the baptism and administration of the ordinances. The meetings were well attended and increased in interest till the last, especially with those not of our faith. An old citizen who had not attended church for years came in, thinking he had known Elder Van Horn in Alaska, and would have a chance to speak to him. He became deeply interested in the harmony of Bible truth as it was presented; and with his wife attended all the meetings. At the close he stated that it was the only time he had ever been paid for listening to preaching. He also volunteered a donation to help defray expenses. No doubt a tent-meeting would be well attended if one could be held at this place.

Elder Van Horn was called to Oakland on account of sickness in his family on Thursday morning, but returned to St. Helena in time to fill the appointment on Friday evening. Two discourses were given on Sabbath, after which a spirited social meeting was held.

In the evening a discourse was given on Bible temperance. At the close several signed the teetotal pledge. Our meetings closed on Sunday night with a good interest.

This is a strong church and quite free from disturbing elements. A club of seventy nine Signs is used in the missionary work, besides the large number used by Bro. George Drew.

Each of these churches has a flourishing Sabbath-school. They intend to charter a car for the camp-meeting. Nearly all will attend.

M. C. ISRAEL.