Washington, D. C by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jun 2, 1904

Washington, D. C.

By J. S. Washburn

THE first baptism in the Memorial church, using the new baptistery, was administered Sabbath morning, May 28. Four men and two women were baptized. The church had originally been built by the Methodist Protestant people, and no provision had been made for a baptistery. We were at first doubtful whether it could be fitted in, but it seems now as if the church were originally intended for the work of Seventh-day Adventists. The original motto over the pulpit, “Thy kingdom come,” was most appropriate.

This first baptism was a most interesting occasion. There were cases of special interest. Two of the brethren had been believers in the truth for years, but had become discouraged, and felt that they had gone far out of the way. They had not as yet been connected with the Memorial church. Both of these brethren have had a remarkable experience. The refreshing, resurrection power of the Spirit of God had been at work upon their hearts, and a new life and hope had sprung up. These brethren with their families united with the church. There were others who had recently come to the truth.

This church, which started with thirty members in September, 1902, has quadrupled its membership. We are praying, and we believe that this church will be a truly representative church to all our people, and for all our work. The Lord seemed specially near to us on this occasion, and the sweetness and freshness of a new hope came into our hearts. We believe we are at the very beginning of infinitely greater things than have ever been experienced in our work before.

A further list of donations to the $100,000 fund will be found on page 21. The list is nearly double the usual length, although there are no large donations this week. But the number of donations is largely increasing, and many of the friends who have received the subscription lists are finding them too short to record all the names of givers. We will gladly furnish to these friends any number of subscription lists they can use.

One interesting feature in this week’s donations is the fact that a large number of the gifts are from people who are not Seventh-day Adventists. If all our people in every place will visit their friends with the leaflets and subscription papers, I am certain they will confer upon them a great blessing. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” He who is able to persuade a friend to make a gift to the cause of God is conferring upon him a much greater favor than he would were he himself to bestow that gift upon his friend. For this reason we may ask without fear or apology. But do not fail to lead in this work of giving. Nothing appeals to others so much as example.

J. S. WASHBURN.