More than fifty years ago Elder and Mrs. James White and other pioneers labored in the Saginaw Valley, and raised up a number of substantial churches that remain until the present. The influence of these early laborers and of the work that they did has been salutary, and this region is still a fruitful field.
For nearly two and one-half years I have been working in Saginaw, a city of about 75,000 inhabitants. Two series of tent meetings have been held, and much other labor performed, and many hundreds have heard the truth for this time. Valuable assistance has been rendered by those who have been associated with me, and God has graciously blessed the work. The Saginaw church has doubled in membership, a thriving young people's society has been organized, and a church school is in successful operation. As the Spirit of the Lord came in and precious souls were converted, a spirit of liberality was manifested by the believers and by friends in the city. Nearly $30,000 has been contributed to various branches of the cause during the past two years.
It was decided early last spring to erect a new church building, as the old building, located in an out-of-the-way place, proved to be inadequate for the work. A lot was secured in a central part of the city. It is in a fine residence district, and on two main car lines. A large portion of the past summer has been spent in the erection of the church, and we have been assisted part of the time by Elder I. J. Woodman and other brethren. The building is thirty-two feet wide and seventy-six feet long. The front vestibule incloses the steps that lead into the entrance hall, and to the right is a ladies' restroom. The main auditorium is thirty feet by forty-eight feet, with a balcony in the rear. It has a seating capacity of 275. The acoustic properties are especially good. In the rear is a room, well lighted and modern, which will be used for the church school. The entire building is faced with field stone, and trimmed with Bedford stone. All the stone and iron in the building and the interior decoration were donated by business men in the city. Many other substantial favors were shown by the citizens of Saginaw. The church members have been liberal, and their united efforts have made the work a success. The property is valued at $10,000. This substantial monument to the truth is within easy reach of many thousands of people, and can be used to splendid advantage for evangelistic purposes.
CHURCH BUILDING AT SAGINAW, MICH.
The opening services and dedication were held October 28 and 29, and were largely attended. Elder C. S. Longacre conducted a revival meeting Sabbath morning, in which a number gave their hearts to God, and backsliders were reclaimed. At the dedicatory service the sermon was delivered by Elder L. H. Christian, and the prayer was offered by Elder A. J. Clark. On Sunday evening the writer delivered a farewell address, having been asked to labor among the churches of Indiana during the coming year. I am now located with my family in Indianapolis. Elder Woodman is to be stationed in Saginaw, and is about to begin an active campaign in gospel work. We ask the prayers of God's people that the work both in Saginaw and in Indiana may be blessed to the salvation of souls. M. C. GUILD.
