Virginia by B. L. HOUSE.

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

Virginia

By B. L. HOUSE.

RICHMOND.—I began my labors here the middle of May, and later moved my family here from Washington, D. C., about the middle of June. The message of present truth was first preached here many years ago, and much labor has been put forth in the east end of the city since the middle of that time. Through the blessing of God a faithful band of worshipers was organized, which has continued to grow from the first. Later a neat, commodious house of worship was erected. This church now has fifty members, and several others are expecting to unite with it soon.

Through the kind gift of the General Conference we had a new forty-foot circular tent to use here this summer. This tent was purchased from Kansas City, Mo., but on account of heavy floods there, we were unable to get it until early in July. As soon as it arrived, we pitched it in an excellent location on West Main Street at the opposite end of the city from the church, and began our meetings on July 9.

The West Michigan Conference generously sent Brother O. L. Denslow, a graduate from Cedar Lake Academy, to help us in the work. The Lord has richly blessed us together in his service, but Brother Denslow will soon leave me to attend the Foreign Mission Seminary at Washington.

We were both glad for the counsel and help of Elder H. W. Herrell, our conference president, from time to time during these meetings. We have had a very regular attendance of as friendly and hospitable people as we ever met. On Sunday nights our seats were filled, and through the rest of the week we had an average attendance of about fifty. Eleven of these have begun to keep the Sabbath, and understand most of our faith, and we hope will soon unite with our people. Others are deeply interested, but are yet undecided. For these we are praying and laboring.

We have distributed ten thousand pages of literature during this effort, taken a few subscriptions for the Signs of the Times, and sold some books. We have taken seven weeks for this series of meetings, and carefully presented a full message.

We are thankful to our merciful Lord, who has borne so patiently with us in our failures, and given us of his pardoning grace, and given health and peace and blessings more than we could ask. My wife and children are well, and we all like our new home, and desire an interest in the prayers of God's people for the work at this place.

B. L. HOUSE.