The Colored Work in the Atlantic, Columbia, Southeastern, and Lake Union Conferences
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The Colored Work in the Atlantic, Columbia, Southeastern, and Lake Union Conferences
By C. B. Stephenson
Since my last report I have visited Atlanta, Macon, and Savannah, Ga., and Jacksonville, Fla., all in the Southeastern Union Conference. The work in these churches is making progress. Additional members are being added constantly, and the missionary societies are doing a good work in distributing our truth-filled literature. Sister Anna Knight has been chosen missionary secretary of the Southeastern Union Mission, and has entered upon her work enthusiastically. She will visit all the churches, organizing them for more thorough and systematic work. Sabbath, July 10, was spent with the churches in Washington, D. C. I spoke at eleven o'clock at the People's Church. The house was crowded with attentive listeners. The Lord came near and added his blessing. At two o'clock I attended the funeral of one of the members of the Eighth Street church. Tent meetings are being conducted in the city, with very encouraging interest. Sixty members have been added to the church the past year. These have been gathered largely by house-to-house work. A working church is a growing church. I left Washington on Sunday afternoon, and spent several days in Baltimore. Elder Rodgers is conducting a tent effort there. The tent is filled every night. The outlook is promising for a large number of souls at this place. One hundred is the goal set by the brethren. The church building is being enlarged, in order to accommodate the congregation. I next visited Philadelphia, spending several days. Although the membership of the church is small, the brethren are of good courage. We hope that a strong tent effort can be conducted there next spring, which will strengthen the church. I reached New York for Sabbath, July 17. Elder Humphrey called a union meeting of the churches in the city, in the large tent on Sabbath morning. The Lord gave freedom in the presentation of his word. A meeting for the young people was held in the afternoon, when Elder Jayne, president of the conference, gave a very interesting talk. The tent meeting is being conducted in Manhattan. The outlook is encouraging for a large number of conversions this summer. Several days were spent with the Pittsburgh church. The Lord blessed the message at this place. The work is somewhat retarded because the believers here have no suitable place in which to conduct public services. The land has been secured, however, and money is being contributed to erect a church building. This will greatly strengthen the work. It is quite difficult to build up a church without an appropriate building for service. I next visited Detroit, Mich. The little company at this place is of good courage, although much in need of a church building. Efforts are being made to secure suitable quarters soon. Sabbath, the twenty-fourth, was spent in Battle Creek, where I attended the funeral of Sister White. Fourteen years ago, during the General Conference of 1907, held in this place, I had the privilege of hearing the Lord's servant speak for the first time. If I remember correctly, she spoke at the eleven o'clock hour, Sabbath morning, from the text, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” The impression made on my mind at that time has followed me ever since. Now she rests from her labors, and her works follow her. According to appointment, I reached Chicago on Sunday. The work in this large city is making some progress. Additions to the church are being made. Elder Forde is conducting tent meetings.15 Sunday night his large tent was filled with earnest listeners. Some have begun to keep the Sabbath, though his effort has but fairly begun. I spoke Sunday night to the church on Dearborn Street, encouraging missionary activity, showing that service for Christ is fundamental to everlasting life, that only those who have been faithful in service are promised a place in his kingdom, and that service for Christ constitutes a training without which we cannot participate in the joys of heaven. The man with one talent, selfishly hiding it in the earth, was rejected by his Master and cast into outer darkness. He had the ability to serve, but did not do so. This lesson was given for our warning. “To every man his work.” When the Lord comes to earth again, he will reward every one according to his work. No work, therefore, no reward. The spirit of consecration and seeking God, with a desire to be more active in the service of Christ, is being manifested in all our churches. The Lord's people will be willing in the day of his power.