Monthly Meeting at Portland, Me by Dudley Marvin Canright

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 12, 1867

Monthly Meeting at Portland, Me.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

According to appointment, we assembled Jan. 25. Friends were present from Topsham, Woodstock,

North Berwick, Falmouth, and Portland. As there are but few Sabbath-keepers in any of these places, and these some distance apart, of course we did not expect a large gathering. Sabbath evening, about thirty met in the hall and enjoyed a very good prayer-meeting. Bro. Howard was present. Sabbath morning, we had a free social meeting, nearly all taking part. Neither of us had much freedom in speaking to-day. In the evening we enjoyed an excellent social meeting. All were free and lively, and seemed to feel good courage to go forward. The church in Portland is making considerable progress. Much better unity prevails here now than when I was here last fall. Indeed they are all united, with the exception of one member. We all feel greatly encouraged about the cause here. That they have their hearts in the cause and mean to work, was made very manifest on Sunday evening when we came to re-organize Systematic Benevolence. They were doing very well before; but when we laid before them the wants of the cause in Maine, they came forward promptly, and nearly every one doubled their figures of last year. This raised their s. B. from $125.32 to $268.84. Some who paid here last year, pay in other places this year; but some of the brethren from North Berwick took their places here in the s. B., making the number about the same. Some here, who work with their hands and have little or no property, pay from fifty to ninety-six cents per week. When brethren take hold so, God will bless them.

Bro. Howard's visit here did much good. He is now fully decided on the whole truth of the third message, and, as he expresses it, “All there is of me is going this way and with this people.” We all feel to thank God for that.

On Sunday, we had a goodly company out. In the afternoon the hall was full. Bro. H. gave them an interesting discourse on the atonement. We felt as though there was a chance for doing good here, and for bringing in others. Two decided to keep the Sabbath. We all felt glad for this. This young couple have our prayers and our confidence. May God bless them. One was added to the church.

Thus closed our first Monthly Meeting in this section. We all enjoyed it much and felt that it had been a profitable season. Now let every one ask God to bless these Monthly Meetings, and then do all they can to sustain them.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Portland, Me., Jan. 28, 1867.