p. 16 | The Italian Work in Chicago by R. CALDERONE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 30, 1914

The Italian Work in Chicago

By R. CALDERONE

SABBATH, July 4, was a good day for the little Italian flock in Chicago. Two dear believers, a sister and a young brother, were baptized and united with God's people. A large number were present at the ceremony and took part in the songs of praise.

Sunday evening, May 31, a temperance program was carried out in our church, at 1244 West Erie St. Although the evening was rainy and many stayed at home, yet about one hundred Italians were present. Elder G. E. Langdon, president of the Northern Illinois Conference, was with us, and gave a splendid talk. The children, who had been instructed by our faithful Bible worker, Miss Vesta Cash, sang and recited in both English and Italian. Adults also took part in the program.

We have no tent to which to invite the people, so at present we are conducting three street meetings every week. The interest is encouraging. One evening more than twelve Catholics followed us into the church from the outside meeting. In these street meetings we cannot present successfully the entire message, yet they help to break down prejudice, and bring some persons to the inside meetings.

In order to carry on such street meetings successfully, many things are essential. We have to be careful about what we preach. From my little experience I have found it best to speak upon such subjects as, The Bible as the Inspired Word of God, The Only Christian Guide, Love and Sufferings of Christ, Salvation Through Christ, Signs of the Times, and The Second Coming of Christ. These are subjects that people gladly hear, especially when the present commercial, religious, financial, and political conditions are presented as signs of the coming of the Lord. Since we began these meetings, we have distributed one hundred Gospels and seven hundred four-page tracts. We are looking for many blessings. Pray for the Italian work.

We are glad to report that though our church is but ten months old, it has paid faithfully its quota of the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund, and on July 1 stands $2.48 ahead. This is certainly a very encouraging omen.

At present we are repairing and putting in order the basement of our church building on Erie Street, as the time is approaching to begin our church school. We have not as yet taken definite steps toward the establishment of this school. We have no teacher in sight, nor school desks, and we have no money. However, we have the children, very bright boys and girls, and we must have the church school. We feel a little embarrassed, but we are confident that the Lord in due time will help us in our needs, for we are sure that he does not wish our children

in the public schools when it is possible to have a church school. What do you think, brethren, shall we have an Italian church school here in Chicago?

R. CALDERONE.