Virginia by W. J. STONE

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 12, 1914

Virginia

By W. J. STONE

PORTSMOUTH.—A number of years ago a church was organized at Portsmouth, but through reverses the number had been reduced to about ten or twelve, and these were all sisters, and somewhat scattered, without any place for meetings, except in private houses.

In February, 1913, we sent a company of workers there to hold a series of meetings, and for a time great hopes were entertained that a good work would be accomplished; but bitter opposition arose, and although services were continued in a hall and tent for weeks, only a few took their stand for the truth.

It was decided to hold our camp meetings at Portsmouth, for both white and colored people, and a tent effort was also held for the colored people. The camp meetings awakened quite an interest among both classes. Brethren L. O. Gordon and J. D. Reavis followed up the interest awakened by the camp meeting among the white people, and a number were added to the church.

Elders J. B. Mallory and W. H. Sebastian conducted the tent effort for the colored people, and as a result, a few weeks ago I had the pleasure of organizing a church there of seventeen members, who are fully instructed on all points of our faith, and are faithful tithe payers. Others have since been added, and the interest still continues.

After camp meeting it was decided to erect a small church building for the white people, and our brethren have done nobly, having completed a neat structure that will seat one hundred and fifty persons. One month ago Elder G. W. Walker, of Richmond, joined Brother Gordon in a series of meetings in the new church building, and a good interest has been manifested. When an opportunity was given a few nights ago for all who had decided to obey God and keep all his commandments to manifest it by standing, fully twenty-five responded, and yesterday eight persons followed their Lord in baptism. This makes about twenty-five who have united with the church since our effort began, bringing the membership up to nearly forty. The church is rejoicing greatly over what has been accomplished, and the outlook for the work is bright. A room was built in connection with the church for school purposes, and a church school has been started. The two churches now number about sixty, and courage fills the hearts of all, while one year ago there were only about a dozen believers, and the outlook was discouraging.

Perhaps I should say in closing that Sister Watkins, who fell asleep a few months ago, was, perhaps, more instrumental in holding this company together for years than any other person. She was a faithful, godly woman, and for years prayed for this revival of the work at Portsmouth. How her heart would rejoice could she witness what has been accomplished! She rests from her labors, but her works do follow her.

W. J. STONE.