p. 19 | Meeting at Richmond by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 26, 1908

Meeting at Richmond

By G. B. Thompson

MARCH 5-8 I attended a meeting of church officers at Richmond, Va. Although the attendance was not large, the meeting, we believe, was one of much profit. As we studied concerning the responsible position which each officer occupies in the church, all were led to see more clearly than before the high trust given them of the Lord.

I believe that no more helpful thing could be done for the advancement of our work and the special uplifting of our churches than to gather the officers and instruct them more fully concerning the work which they can do in building up the cause in general. If officers in our churches would give the personal attention to the gathering in of the tithe which they should, laboring with delinquent members who are robbing the Lord, the tithe in our churches would be doubled. The same is true of our missionary offerings. If the officers in every church will faithfully call attention to the matter each Sabbath, and pass the envelopes provided for the purpose, there will be no difficulty in gathering in a sum equal to ten cents a week a member for the support of our work in the “regions beyond.”

I was glad to visit the historic city of Richmond. It is a fine city of over one hundred thousand inhabitants, and contains a large percentage of colored people. The truth has a substantial foothold in the city. A nice church for the congregation of white people has been recently built at a cost of about four thousand dollars, and is nearly free from debt. We were glad to meet a good congregation here on the Sabbath. The Lord blessed in the services, and some who had given up the truth took hold again. Two were baptized.

In the afternoon I spoke to the colored brethren on the opposite side of the city. The Lord blessed in this service also. Some excellent colored people have embraced the truth here.

I greatly enjoyed the warm-hearted hospitality extended during this meeting. Among the visiting brethren who assisted in the meeting were Elder H. W. Herrell, the president of the conference. Brother George Stevens and Brother B. L. House, of Washington, who expects soon to take up work in this conference. Virginia has an excellent class of people, and with the addition of some new workers, and with aggressive work put forth in new fields, I see no reason why this conference may not soon develop great strength. With a little help in different ways I believe this will be done. G. B. THOMPSON.