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A Workers’ Council

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1905

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 82, No. 42.

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A Workers’ Council

By K. C. RUSSELL

WEDNESDAY, October 11, the evangelistic workers in the District of Columbia met, according to appointment, at the Memorial Seventh-day Adventist church in this city, for prayer and counsel concerning the various lines of gospel work at this important center. In addition to our regular District laborers, there were in attendance several of our General Conference brethren, among whom were Elders A. G. Daniells, G. A. Irwin, W. A. Spicer, G. B. Thompson, and Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, besides a goodly number of our brethren and sisters here. There were two sessions of the council—one in the forenoon and one in the afternoon.
The forenoon session consisted of stirring addresses and testimonies concerning the necessity of receiving the Holy Spirit as one of the greatest needs of our time. It was emphasized by all that this is a necessity in order that this message may be carried to the world in this generation. Elders Daniells and Irwin, and others spoke at length upon this glorious theme, emphasizing the importance of a Spirit-filled ministry and church, in order that the truth may be exemplified in their lives, and the message be given effectively to those who are in darkness. A strong impression was made, and all persons felt a deep sense of the importance of reaching that condition where they might receive the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. A most earnest season of prayer followed these Spirit-filled addresses, that we might receive this most precious endowment, in whose train follows every other blessing.
After a short recess for dinner, the afternoon session opened along the same spiritual trend that characterized the forenoon meeting. There were other testimonies borne, and then another earnest season of prayer was engaged in, after which the regular business of the council was taken up, which was chiefly receiving reports from our various District workers. These reports, in the main, were very encouraging as to results, and also as to the future of the work in the District of Columbia.
Three different tent-meetings have been held in the city of Washington during the past season, and upward of fifty persons have embraced the truth as the result of these meetings, and many others are deeply interested.
Elder J. S. Washburn’s tent waslocated in Southeast Washington, from ten to fifteen minutes’ walk from the Capitol and Congressional Library. The interest was so encouraging to the very close of his effort that it seems advisable to follow it with hall meetings, and, possibly, hold another tent effort in that section of the city again next season.
Elder L. C. Sheafe conducted two efforts in Northwest Washington. His attendance has been excellent from the beginning, and at the closing service the tent was filled to its utmost capacity, besides a large number standing on the outside. Hence the outlook for the future of the work in that section of the city is also very promising.
The tent-meetings which are being conducted in the Anacostia suburb of the city by Brethren A. J. Bristol and V. H. Lucas are encouraging, although the attendance has been small.
Our Bible workers gave very encouraging reports of their work, one reporting that seven had embraced the truth, and another four. There was an urgent appeal made to the District Committee to consider at once the question of treatment rooms for the colored people of Washington. There seems to be a very great demand for this kind of work among a number of influential citizens.
Following the presentation of these reports, Elder G. A. Irwin gave the workers some most excellent words of counsel, exhorting them to greater earnestness and diligence in the Lord’s service in view of the brevity of time, and the importance of the message that has been committed to us.
As a most fitting climax to this profitable and spiritual day’s service, Elder A. G. Daniells gave an interesting Bible reading on the theme of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the idea that the Holy Spirit is given to us for service. As Christ was sent forth with the message of salvation, even so are we.
May the workers not only in the District of Columbia receive the anointing of the Holy Ghost for service, but may this same anointing be received by every worker in this message, that greater power may attend their labors in the salvation of precious souls.
K. C. RUSSELL.