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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 24, 1903

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 80, No. 12.

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Indiana

By S. H. Lane

CONNERSVILLE.—A few years ago, through reading-matter and the efforts of the Indiana Conference, some accepted the truth at Connersville, Ind. About two years ago Brother R. H. Sparks began work in that city, which is a wealthy one in southeastern Indiana. About the same time Brother D. McDougal moved into the city, and established treatment rooms. The earnest, faithful labors of these brethren in behalf of the truth won the respect and confidence of the people, and in due time their efforts bore fruit. A lady by the name of Mrs. Anna M. Kessler fully accepted the faith, and has used her means quite liberally in sustaining the work. A few others have identified themselves with the truth, until at the present time there is a church membership in the city of twenty-five.
Feeling the necessity of a meeting place, they put forth efforts to erect a church of their own. Sister Kessler donated two hundred and fifty dollars and the lot on which the church stands. The church has cost nearly two thousand dollars. Citizens possessing means told our brethren that if they would build a church near the center of the city, which would be respectable and convenient to themselves, and an ornament to the town, they would aid; and they have contributed the greater part of the means which has built the church, and furnished the same. It stands nearly free from debt to-day. About two hundred dollars has been raised at and since the dedication, and the brethren feel sure that in a few weeks the last dollar will be paid, as the leading citizens have declared that they will aid in freeing it from debt.
THE CHURCH AT CONNERSVILLE, IND.
THE CHURCH AT CONNERSVILLE, IND.
The newspapers have been very friendly, giving our people column after column of space devoted to a history of our work.
On the day of the dedication, March 8, the weather was very unfavorable. We began meetings on Friday evening, March 6, and Brother Godsmark, of Louisville, Ky., and Brother R. H. Sparks and Brother A. L. Miller, of Indianapolis, Ind., were in attendance. The railroad company gave reduced fare from Indianapolis, and about a score of our friends from that city were in attendance, and aided much in the singing. The weather was certainly unfavorable, as it rained most of the time, yet the congregation was a large one. Had it been pleasant, it is probable the house could not have seated the people. The Connersville Courier of March 12, gave two columns to an account of the dedication and the history of our people, with pictures of Elder James White as the founder of the denomination, and of the church building, which appears in connection with this report. As we presented the truths to the people, they listened attentively, and seemingly with much interest. An interest is awakening throughout the city, in reference to the subjects of the soon coming of the Saviour and the health and temperance reform. Brethren Miller and Harris have continued the meetings since the dedication, and they are well attended by an intelligent class of people.
The large memorial window which is noticeable in the illustration, is a fine one, having beneath the large white figure an inscription reading thus: “In memory of Elder James White.” These windows were put in by a window manufacturing company in the city. The stone steps were put in by a Connersville company, and the stones composing the foundation of the church were drawn fifty miles, and one half the freight was rebated as a present to the church, by the company; and all who furnished material for the church seemed to compete with one another to see who could do the most.
We trust that the work which is being carried on there at the present time may be abundantly blessed of the Lord, and that such souls as shall be saved may be added to the church. All over Indiana, as everywhere in all the large cities, honest souls are waiting for truth. And honest souls will accept it, if only those who have already accepted it will become acquainted with the field and press the work forward, cheerfully rendering the assistance needed at this time.
We are glad to see these churches go up in the various large cities; for every one stands as a memorial to the truth that will save the people.
S. H. LANE.