p. 19 | Tent Season in Louisiana by R. W. PARMELE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 9, 1915

Tent Season in Louisiana

By R. W. PARMELE

DURING the past summer seven tent efforts have been held in Louisiana, one of which lasted from May to late in September. Elder O. F. Frank had charge of five of these meetings. The first of these five was held in a rural district near Tioga, where Brother S. F. Reeder, a veteran in the book work, resides. As a result of this meeting, several promised to obey the truth, and Brother Reeder is faithfully laboring to fully establish them.

Assisted part of the time by Brother R. W. Paul, Elder Frank held four series of meetings with the tent near the Hope Villa church. At this writing, the report of the last of these meetings has not been received, but the last we heard twenty-five in all had promised to obey the truth, more than half of whom have joined the Hope Villa church.

Near the first of June, Elders Sydney Scott and T. B. Buckner began a series of meetings for the colored people in the city of Shreveport. The tent was left up until sometime in October. As a result of this meeting, about twenty-four were fully established in the truth, and a church of twenty-eight members was organized.

For some time past Elder W. P. McLennan has been engaged in the work in Shreveport, which has greatly strengthened our work for the white people there. A lot for a church building has been purchased, and money for a building is now being raised.

For a little over six weeks Elder McLennan, Brother and Sister Paul, and the writer engaged in a tent effort in Mansfield. One of our first churches in Louisiana was located in Mansfield. This church owned a neat little house of worship, well located; but a number of years ago this building was burned. For sixteen years no effort has been put forth in Mansfield, and only four members of the old church remain. A few others in South Mansfield have since taken their stand for the truth.

I think I never encountered a more determined prejudice. It was exceedingly difficult to obtain a good-sized audience. But as a result of the meetings, five began the observance of the Sabbath, and many friends were made, some of whom we hope will yet decide in favor of the truth. On the last day of the meeting two were baptized, and a company of seventeen was organized. Brother and Sister Paul remain to follow up the work, and will visit every home in the place with the Family Bible Teacher. A church building has been purchased, and moved onto the lot on which the former building stood. It is now fitted up to accommodate the company. We hope for still greater results to follow the faithful labors of Brother and Sister Paul. R. W. PARMELE.