Michigan by G. E. LANGDON.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 10, 1916

Michigan

By G. E. LANGDON.

BATTLE CREEK.—Another year's work in missionary lines, home and foreign, has closed in this historic church, where the first nucleus was started in 1852 by our venerable Captain Bates. When he arrived in town, a stranger, he went to the post office and asked Mr. Nobel to direct him to “the most honest man in town.” Reflecting a moment, the postmaster replied, “David Hewett, of the ‘West End.’” Elder Bates called on him, stayed with him that night, held a Bible reading with him and his wife till after midnight, and both accepted the faith that night.

Meetings were begun in Brother Hewett's home, and several others joined them. Elder M. E. Cornell was called to follow up the work. He and his company of First-day Adventists at Jackson had just embraced the Sabbath under the teachings of Elder Bates. Elder Cornell was absent from Jackson when Captain Bates began meetings there, and hearing of it, he and his wife drove over from Albion “to set matters right.” He arrived in the morning while Elder Bates was preaching, and gave attentive ear to gather points of error. He said later, “Elder Bates preached all day and nearly all night, and the Lord converted us before I had a chance to reply.” Immediately on the arrival of Elder Cornell to follow up the work in Battle Creek, Elder J. B. Frisbie, a Baptist minister of ability and earnestness, embraced the faith and joined Brother Cornell in his work. They soon had a large company of believers.

The following summer they held tent meetings on the corner of Van Buren and Tomkins Streets, and believers multiplied. The growing interests which soon located in the city—publishing work, sanitarium, and college—outgrew three church buildings, and in 1878 the “Dime Tabernacle” was erected.

Thousands have become members of this church (which is still the largest congregation of Seventh-day Adventists in the world). Many of these have gone to the “blessed sleep” and many to the far ends of the earth, as doctors, teachers, publishers, colporteurs, and missionaries.

Our Father is still at the helm, and souls are being garnered for him. During the past year, $3,250 worth of gospel literature has been distributed; Sunday night meetings have continued, excepting through August and September; Bible studies have been held each Tuesday night during eight months, and eighty-three persons have been baptized—forty-two in the first part of the year before Elder Westworth left, and forty-one since.

A good interest was manifested in the Harvest Ingathering campaign, which resulted in gathering $625 for missions. The Annual Offering amounted to $650; Sabbath school offerings, $2,013; offerings of young people's society for missions, $250. Total mission offerings by the church, $5,099. Offerings for home missions: Tithe, $14,413; academy fund, $3,091; church expense fund, $1,551; religious liberty fund, $40; Dorcas Society, $117. Total contributions for all purposes during the year, $28,310.

A good spirit prevails in the church, and we are praying that more may be accomplished the present year. The church has greatly appreciated the help of visiting ministers who have stopped with us from time to time, and trust that our general men may continue in the future to favor us with their counsel and help.

The church school and academy are making favorable progress. The enrolment for the year is over 180, the largest in many years. Full ten grades of work are carried, five teachers being employed.

The spiritual interests of the school receive careful attention, and it is an encouragement to patrons and teachers to know that the great majority of the boys and girls are seeking something better than worldly pleasure. Interesting and profitable meetings were held in the school during the week of prayer. We confidently expect that many will be saved in the kingdom as the result of the efforts put forth by the church in sustaining this large school.

The work of the young people and youth is receiving careful attention. From 200 to 250 young people gather each Sabbath for their regular meeting, and a deep interest is manifest. The department lessons are now used, and a general interest is being awakened in these. A Standard of Attainment class is conducted each week, several members of which are giving Bible studies in the city. Earnest efforts were put forth by all to reach the 1915 goal, and the members are looking forward to the new goal of 1916. A large Junior Society is also conducted. Special meetings during the week of prayer were held for the children, with the result that a real consecration of their young minds and bodies took place among them. They are now doing active work for Christ.

G. E. LANGDON.