Report from Bro. Bates.
By Joseph Bates
BRO. WHITE: Our last reported meetings were at Lapeer. From thence we came to fill our appointments in Tuscola Co., where Brn. Van Horn, Canright, and Strong, labored so successfully with the Michigan tent the last season, in four different townships within the limits of twenty-two miles; first Tuscola village, from thence six miles to Vassar, from thence eight miles to Watrousville, thence about eight miles to Centerville. Here they raised up four churches, numbering about one hundred Sabbath-keepers. We have been laboring with this people some sixteen days. Commencing in Tuscola village, June 27, we held two interesting meetings with some thirty Sabbath-keepers, their children and friends, in a convenient meeting-house which they have recently purchased for their future place of worship. We met with them once afterward, to help arrange their systematic benevolence plan. Strong influences were working to draw and turn them away from the truth. They should be organized. From June 29 to July 5, we held eleven meetings in Vassar. Sabbath and first-day we occupied the court-room, which was well filled with members from the other churches herein named, and friends in the village. On first-day at noon, the banks of Cass river were lined on both sides with people, to witness the solemn rite of putting on Christ by baptism. Eight willing souls went forward in the ordinance. After our public meetings, the church repaired to their usual place of meeting, and celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house for the first time. The Lord added his blessing, and they began to praise his holy name for the strong ties of brotherly love which they felt drawing them close together. They then proposed celebrating the 4th of July by religious service, in a brother's barn, away from the noise and bustle of the village. In the morning we addressed the children, and in the afternoon the parents; between the services a long table was prepared, and furnished from the baskets which were brought, more than sufficient for the Sabbath-keepers and their neighbors. All seemed happy and joyful, and much pleased with their 4th of July celebration. July 5-9, held eight interesting meetings with the church in Watrousville. Here the church also attended the ordinances of the Lord's house for the first time, and many members from Vassar and Centerville were present to unite with them. This was a solemn, heavenly season. The good Spirit of the Lord was manifestly operating on our hearts, and his people were cheered and much comforted. This is much the largest church of the four, evidently well united. They have purchased a very eligible lot, and have already got together a large portion of the lumber to build them a convenient house in which to worship the God of their fathers. We pray the Lord to strengthen them in their good begun work. We spent July 9 and 10 with the church at Centerville. There was a crowded house, and good attention to hear. A large share of the brethren from Watrousville united with them. We held three interesting meetings here, and visited a large share of the members. They seem well organized, and firm. The subject of the Health Institution and Health Reform we set before them, as also, before the churches in V. and W. We hope they will continue to learn how to live, and not be behind any of the churches in discharging their whole duty. God continue to keep and bless them, is our prayer. They seem very desirous to hear from our brethren, and see them, especially Bro. and Sr. White. We are now at Bro. W. W. Lockwood's, to attend meetings in Tyrone.
JOSEPH BATES.
Holly, Mich., July 12, 1866.