The Louisiana Conference has erected an average of two church buildings a year for the past three years. For many years the First Seventh-day Adventist Church of New Orleans (white) met in rented quarters, and it was not until about three years ago that they had the privilege of worshiping in a building of their own. The building they secured had formerly been owned by the Disciple Church, and later by the Christian Science people. It was bought for $4,000. and is a credit to our work in New Orleans. It is located on the corner of Camp and Melpomene Streets, is easily accessible, and in a good locality, except for the noise consequent upon the traffic in the vicinity.
The Second Seventh-day Adventist Church (colored) had likewise occupied rented quarters in a private house since its organization, but last year the effort was begun in earnest to secure a permanent home. A lot, well located in a colored section of the city, near a car line, was secured, and a very creditable stucco building was erected, which provides an excellent meeting auditorium and a church-school room. The white church is free from debt, but there is still $1,000 to be paid on the colored church. The property is worth at least $3,500. Pictures of these buildings have appeared in the REVIEW.
A little over a year ago a church was organized and a church building erected near Arcadia. It was good to be able to organize this church in its own home, completed and free from debt. The dedication of the building followed the organization. This church has since conducted a school at this place.
CHURCH BUILDING AT WELSH, LA.
Ever since its organization our church at Welsh has met in its own building, about one mile in the country. On account of the distance and the frequently muddy roads, it was quite impossible to get the townspeople to attend services in this church. The building had depreciated considerably, and last fall it was sold and converted into a rice storehouse. Shortly afterwards an opportunity presented itself to buy the Congregational church building, in town, which was well located. This organization had so gone down that but few members remained. There seemed to be no prospect of its reviving, and our church secured the building and a lot and a half for only $500—$200 more than had been realized from the country church building. Since that time fully $200 has been expended in furnishings, installing electric lights, etc., and on the twenty-seventh and twenty-eighth of February it will be dedicated to God and his message for this time, free from debt. A picture of this building appears above.
We had a most profitable canvassers' institute in this church, from January 28 to February 6, and night services are still being kept up, with a good interest. At this writing (February 18) it is impossible to tell the results, but we are hoping for some substantial additions.
Some years ago we had a church organization and building in Mansfield. This church had been brought into existence by the untiring labor of some of our faithful sisters. Later the building was burned to the ground. Since that time the lot has been vacant, but in the latter part of last year some of these same sisters set out to raise again a memorial17for God on this spot. How well they have succeeded is illustrated by the accompanying picture. This building was formerly a Methodist church building; the membership having outgrown it, sold it to these sisters, who solicited donations from their friends to pay for it and move it onto their lot. It will be observed that the building needs repairs. These dear sisters have gone as far as they can. Though in feeble health themselves, they have worked most earnestly to secure means for this purpose. We plan to hold a tent meeting in Mansfield this summer, in the hope of reviving the work and of completing this building for a permanent church home. We are hoping that God will put it into the hearts of friends of his cause to give these sisters a helping hand in finishing this enterprise. They have everything paid for as far as they have gone, but the building is receiving damage now while it stands as it is. It should have a new roof and a coat of paint, and needs much in interior finishing and furnishing. Mansfield is a growing town, in the oil and gas belt, and the lot is well located, in the center of the city, so the church should be a strong factor in spreading the truth, if properly finished.
The Shreveport church had for about fifteen years met in their church building five miles in the country; but it had become evident that they were not reaching the 30,000 persons of the city, and so it was decided by vote to disband the country organization and reorganize in the city. This organization was accordingly effected last spring. Since that time the work has grown materially, and they are now struggling to secure a permanent church home. Their meetings at present are held in the council chamber of the city hall; but they have bought a lot, which is fully paid for, and are now straining every nerve to provide means with which to erect a suitable meetinghouse. They, too, need our sympathy, prayers, and financial help.
These buildings give stability to our work, which we believe will count for much in the advancement of the Lord's cause in this needy field.
