Florida by R. W. Parmele

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 1, 1908

Florida

By R. W. Parmele

AMONG THE CHURCHES.— On the third day of July I started for a tour among our churches. Sabbath and Sunday, July 3, 4, were spent with the church at Lakeland. This church, being composed largely of members recently come to the faith, was without a full corps of officers. Some brethren of experience who had recently located there, made it possible to supply this lack. Brother P. Rothrock, formerly of West Salem, Ill., was chosen elder. By invitation of the Cumberland Presbyterian pastor, I spoke in the Presbyterian church Sunday morning and evening. At the close of the night service, the pastor very kindly invited me to occupy their pulpit at any time I could make it convenient.

Sabbath and Sunday, July 11, 12, I was with the Bartow church. A good interest was manifested, and on Sunday one sister was baptized.

The time from July 13-21 was spent at Orlando, looking after sanitarium business, quite full mention of which has already been made in the REVIEW. I am glad to be able to say that we have secured the services of some physicians and nurses of long experience in this cause. Among the latter is Miss Amelia Webster, well known to many of our people.

A few days were spent at Palatka, making further arrangements for our camp-meeting, after which I proceeded to Windsor. A company of colored brethren and sisters have stood faithfully for the truth here for a long time, but had never been organized. With the assistance of Elder C. B. Stephenson, and our colored preacher, Brother John Manns, a church of ten members was organized.

With the exception of one day, the time from July 24 to August 6 was spent at Gainesville. Elder C. B. Stephenson joined me at this place, and continued with me until my last appointment. The church building was finished, freed from debt, and dedicated, during our stay there. One was added to the church, and two others promised to keep the Sabbath.

Brooker was our next stopping place. The Lord blessed here also. The church building was cleared of debt and dedicated, and one member was added to their number.

The time from August 14-19 was spent with the Jennings Lake church. At our last meeting three came forward and united with the church. Two of these had not previously been Sabbath-keepers. One other promised to observe the Sabbath, but was not quite ready to make a complete surrender.

August 20-27 we were with the new company at Morriston. This company was brought to the truth as a result of tent-meetings held there last spring by Elders L. T. Crisler, C. B. Stephenson, and Brother Branson. This is the place from which our colored preacher was driven last spring because some had begun the observance of the Sabbath, thus interfering with the turpentine industry. We were happy to be able to organize a church here fully equipped with officers, and with eleven charter members. One brother deeded to our legal body a tract of land in the highest part of the little town, on which to build a church and school; and $134.50 was pledged by the brethren and citizens toward the erection of the church building. Truly, they “can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.” I was greatly encouraged by my visit to this company, and believe their hearts were also cheered.

From this point Elder Stephenson was called home on account of sickness in his family, and I proceeded to Plant City, to spend Sabbath and Sunday, August 29, 30. My wife joined me at this place, and during these two days assisted in the meetings. She gave a lecture on health Saturday night, which was well attended and much appreciated. I spoke to the white brethren three times, received two members into the church, and baptized one.

Sister Ella Sanks and her associates have been conducting a school here for children of their race (colored). The Lord has blessed, and they have built up a good school. But it has required sacrifice and consecration. To our brethren in the North who have contributed to help the schools for the colored people, I wish to say, Your liberality is much appreciated, and is bearing fruit. By appointment, the Tampa, Lakeland, and Bartow companies of colored people met at Sister Sanks’s school in Plant City, and were organized into a church of sixteen members.

Summing up this two months’ work, in addition to the matters of business attended to, two church buildings were freed from debt and dedicated; money and a suitable location were secured for still another building, and three churches were organized; forty persons were taken into church fellowship on profession of faith and four by letter, five were led to accept the Sabbath truth, and two were baptized. I have personally enjoyed excellent health during this time, and feel as fresh for service as when the effort began. To our loving Heavenly Father be all the praise.

R. W. PARMELE.