Western Washington by W. F. Martin

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Nov 16, 1905

Western Washington

By W. F. Martin

ABOUT the middle of June Brother John Reith and I pitched a thirty-by-fifty-foot tent in what is known as Sixth Addition, Tacoma. We kept our tent in this place the remainder of the season, taking it down in time for the Seattle camp-meeting. The tent was pleasantly located. The city furnished us a large arc light for only a small sum. The attendance was good most of the time. The interest was excellent. I have now been about one year and a half in Tacoma, and during this time the Lord has added between forty-five and fifty members to the church. Some of these have gone to other places, but last Sabbath our church was filled almost to its capacity.

July 27 to August 7 I attended the Coos County, Ore., camp-meeting. Here I had the privilege of meeting Elder Nettleton, whom I had not seen for fifteen years. At that time I was just beginning the work in Arkansas. The attendance was not large at this meeting, yet the Lord was present. We felt his blessing to a great degree. The laborers were Elder Nettleton, Elder Bunch, president of the conference, and myself. The Lord has some good people in Coos County who are holding up the light. On my return to Tacoma, I baptized a young lady who had accepted the truth under severe trial. Her family have turned her away from home because she keeps the Sabbath.

From Tacoma I went to Seattle to attend the camp-meeting. It was my privilege to assist in the preaching, and to have charge of the young people's meeting. It was a pleasant sight to see a large company of devoted young men and women gather each morning and afternoon, and to listen to their earnest prayers and testimonies. Western Washington is greatly blessed with talented young men and women, whom we hope to see engaged in carrying the message to those who know it not. At the close of the meeting, quite a number of young people were baptized.

After the camp-meeting, I spent a

short time at College Place, then returned to Tacoma. There is a good interest in the city, and many are inquiring for the truth. One week ago I was asked by the ministerial alliance of the city to read a paper before them on “Christian Stewardship.” The Lord blessed in setting before them the principle of tithing. The paper was well received, and indorsed by nearly all present. It was suggested that the matter be printed and distributed among the churches of the city. I am thankful for a great message in which there is not a single weak point. My courage is good, and with God's help I intend to press on in this great work.

W. F. MARTIN.