p. 19 | Tennessee by J. S. WASHBURN

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 17, 1908

Tennessee

By J. S. WASHBURN

MEMPHIS.—We were not able to move to this place from Nashville until July 22, 1908, and the tent-meetings did not open until August 7. We secured an ideal place in Lenox, a beautiful suburb of Memphis, for the tent. This ground, the use of which was freely given us until the close of the tent-meetings, November 1, was situated on the best car line in the city.

Memphis is a city of about two hundred twenty-five thousand inhabitants. It is a great cotton market, one of the most thriving and progressive cities of the South. There are several millionaires here, and the value of real estate is rapidly increasing.

For several years we have had a small church in this city. This church has passed through some trying experiences, but its members are loyal and faithful. I have never known a church more spiritual, more united, and more ready to help in the work in every way possible. Elder W. R. Burrows, the president of the Tennessee River Conference, lives near Memphis, and was an efficient helper in all the preparations for the meeting. Until October 8, Brother W. J. Keele acted as tent master, and he and his wife were excellent help in the music. Others helped to make up a good strong choir, which aided greatly in awakening and maintaining an interest. During the latter part of the meeting Brother Gentry Lowry and wife took care of the tent, and rendered efficient help in the music. With the exception of one sermon by Brother Lowry, all the preaching was done by the writer.

From the first, the attendance and interest were encouraging. On Sunday nights our large tent, fifty by seventy feet, and closely seated, was often filled to overflowing; and the attendance during the week was regular, and promised good results. An excellent class of people attended the meetings, and manifested a thoughtful and intelligent interest in the word spoken. I have no confidence in the idea, which I have heard advocated recently, that the day of tent-meetings is over. I believe that if we will present the solemn advent message clearly and simply, as we did twenty-five or thirty years ago, our meetings will attract wider attention, and accomplish greater results, than ever before.

One excellent means of bringing people to a decision was the signing of the covenant to “keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” I am certain that if our workers will revive the use of the covenant, it will be a great help in bringing the undecided and wavering to make the final decision, that, with the never-failing help of God, they will be among those who are mentioned in Rev. 14:12 as keeping “the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.” As the result of the meetings in Memphis thus far, thirty-five have signed the covenant, others are keeping the Sabbath, and still others are deeply interested. We have rejoiced to see the husbands of several sisters in the church take their stand for the truth.

I never saw a field more ripe for abundant harvest than is Memphis. Fierce opposition of a controversial nature is rising, as may be expected where the Lord is working. Our force of workers is entirely inadequate to reach those who are interested, and the Tennessee River Conference can not possibly increase the force. If our brethren and sisters desire to help the work in the South, now is the time to reap abundant harvest. We could do much more if we had more means. For years the Testimonies have appealed for the cities in the South, and Memphis has been mentioned again and again; and as soon as we begin to do what the Testimonies have called upon us to do in this city, we see that the Lord has not spoken in vain. No riper or more fruitful field can be found than the cities of the South. We are certain that no more loyal or earnest and consecrated advocates of the last message to the world can be found than the warm, true-hearted Southern people. Pray for the work in Memphis.

J. S. WASHBURN.