Argentina by Arturo Fulton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 15, 1909

Argentina

By Arturo Fulton

It was my privilege, in company with Elder V. E. Thomann, of Chile, to visit the small company of Danish believers in Tandil, a town with a population of about ten thousand, situated nearly two hundred miles south of Buenos Aires, at the foot of the mountains that bear the same name. While there, we had the privilege of visiting the celebrated balanced rock of Tandil. This huge monolith is situated at the summit of one of the mountains, about three miles from the city. How it maintains its balance on the rocky slope is a wonder to all. Although it weighs many tons, we were able to set it slowly to rocking. From the mountain top one has a good view of the surrounding country. To the north, east, and west extend the plains, dotted with towns, farmhouses, or grazing lands, the people all waiting for some one to take them the message. To the south is the range of mountains, while in the immediate vicinity are the small huts of the two thousand or more workmen employed in the rock quarries. The rock formations are of solid granite, and are in great demand for paving the streets of the cities, for the grades of the railways, etc.

While there, Elder Thomann held three meetings for the townspeople. The brethren had secured the use of the Cosmopolitan Hall, one of the best in the city, and near the plaza. We took with us about fifteen hundred announcements. The brethren had cards of invitation printed also, which they sent out to their friends. The audience was interested and attentive. The society refused to take pay for the use of the hall, and the newspapers for the announcements or the printing of the cards, showing that they appreciated the meetings.

I was especially attracted by the expression of attentive interest on the face of a young man who sat on the front seat. After the last service, I was able to appoint a meeting with him at his home. He came from Spain, and has been only three months in this country. Seven years ago he accepted the gospel, and for some time canvassed with tracts and Bibles. He had made a study of the books of Daniel and The Revelation, but had not understood them. After I had studied with him for some time, he asked if he might not come in the

evening and study further. On arriving, he asked for a reading on the Sabbath question. The following Sabbath he met with the brethren, and has been keeping the seventh day ever since. If he remains faithful, he will become a worker. He asked at once for literature to send to his friends in Spain.

There are several thousand Danes settled in and about Tandil. The brethren there make a strong plea that a minister of their language be sent to follow up the openings. It is desired that a young man come who can soon learn the Spanish language. We hope some one may be found. He could begin labor at once in the Danish, and as soon as he learns the Spanish, would have a vast field of unentered territory in which to work.

Arturo Fulton.