OLDEST SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH BUILDING IN NORTH CAROLINA, AND GROUP OF WORSHIPERS, AT VALLE CRUCES
On the night of Nov. 1, 1911, I began meetings in this historic portion of the “Old North State.” Elder C. O. Taylor first gave the third angel’s message here in 1879. Many of our prominent ministers labored here years ago, and built up several churches; but now like a farm long neglected, decay is seen on every side. Where formerly there were two prosperous churches, I found only one, and that in a weak condition.
The second Sabbath in November, nine persons followed their Lord in baptism, and two weeks later nine more took this important step. The good work has gone on until at this writing, Dec. 22, 1911, twenty-eight persons have been baptized and thirty-one have united with the Bethel church, usually known as Valle Cruces. The church has been reorganized; and many who had almost given up the truth, have taken a firm stand for the right, until the membership has increased from seventeen to fifty-five. Others are obeying the truth who have not united with the church.
The accompanying photograph shows the oldest Seventh-day Adventist church building in North Carolina. This old building is now crowded to seat the people who attend our meetings. I look for many laborers to be raised up in this field to help carry the message. Pray for our work in these mountains.
R. T. NASH.
