South Dakota by E. T. RUSSELL

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 18, 1915

South Dakota

By E. T. RUSSELL

DURING the year 1914 the South Dakota Conference was able to raise twenty cents a week a member for missions. We hope to realize an equal amount at the close of 1915.

Twelve church schools were conducted in 1914, with an attendance of one hundred and fifty. This year we have nineteen schools in operation, with an enrollment of one hundred and eighty. We have twenty-three Missionary Volunteer Societies, with a membership of two hundred and thirty. The young people of the conference gave last year a little more than three hundred dollars toward supporting missionaries in China. This year they are supporting eight missionaries in India, which will mean a financial contribution of six hundred dollars. Thus far this year the Sabbath school offerings have been larger than for the corresponding months in the year 1914.

During the past winter Brethren Lair and Weatherly held a series of meetings in Mitchell, and as a result fifteen have been added to the church in that city. Mrs. E. M. Owen is now doing Bible work there, and through her efforts two or three have accepted the message. Last winter Brother M. E. Anderson labored in Clear Lake, where he raised up a church of about fifteen members. A series of meetings was conducted near Monroe, by Brother C. F. Cole, and as a result some decided to obey God and walk in the way of his precepts. With those who were already keeping the Sabbath at that place, a church of about fifteen members was organized.

Brother R. H. Wiper began labor in Sioux Falls about the first of the year, and has labored there until the present time. In his work he was assisted during the winter by Brother Lair, and during the summer efforts by Brother Cole. As a result of the work done, thirty-four have been baptized, and have united with the church, and eight or ten others are now keeping the Sabbath. The church building has been improved and somewhat remodeled, so it is a credit to our work in that city. Last winter Brother C. W. Rubendall held a short series of meetings near Ramona, which under the blessing of God were instrumental in reclaiming some who had become discouraged.

During the winter Elder Lovold labored near Breckenridge, where some accepted the truth. A church has been organized, and a church building erected, in which a church school is now being conducted. During the past summer Brethren M. E. Anderson and Alfred Youngberg held a series of meetings in Burke. God blessed their efforts, and more than thirty persons accepted the message. A church of forty-four members has been organized, and others expect to unite with the church soon. A good church building has been erected and dedicated free of debt.

Our annual conference and camp meeting were held at Watertown, a place of eleven thousand inhabitants, which has been practically unworked by our people. During the conference about $4,500 was raised in cash and pledges for the benefit of missions and home work. After camp meeting, Brethren Lair and Weatherly, assisted by Brother Ray Hill, conducted a series of meetings. Twenty accepted the truth, and a church of twenty-eight members has been organized. As a result of the meetings held in Oldham, conducted by Brethren Rubendall and Gus Youngberg, four or five gave their hearts to God and decided to walk in the way of his precepts. The work there will be followed up by Brother Rubendall, and we hope to be able soon to organize a church in that place.

Brethren Lovold and Granlund conducted meetings in Toronto in the Norwegian language, and five or six persons accepted the message there.

In different parts of the conference during the past year, persons have accepted the message of the soon-coming Saviour, as a result of missionary work done by our brethren. It is a conservative estimate to state that at least one hundred and fifty have been converted to the message in this conference since January 1.

We praise God for the success which has attended the work during the past year, and we are praying for the success of the work this fall and coming winter.

E. T. RUSSELL.