Report from Sigourney, Iowa by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 24, 1870

Report from Sigourney, Iowa.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

AFTER an absence of several months, I returned to this place April 21, and have spent three weeks here with encouraging results. I found the little church all firm in the truth, and in good working order. The first eight days I gave lectures in the Court House. The outside interest seems to be about as good as it ever was. I had a good attendance all the time. Our friends in this city are numerous, and are among the first class of society.

The churches of the city which opposed us so violently last year, have been losing ground ever since. The people, and very many of their own members, are not satisfied with their teachings. I was informed that some of them, while I was lecturing on Sunday, had to dismiss their meeting for lack of attendance, even of their own members. I never felt the blessing of God in my labors as I have this spring; such sweet communion with God, such peace of mind, such views of the truth, and such strong faith in the work of God, my heart has been filled with praise to the Lord. How easy it is to work for God when we are in such a place. It is rock bottom, and by the grace of God I am anchored here.

We had a large number of meetings for the special benefit of the church. Every one attended almost constantly, and the result was good. Five responsible persons decided to keep the Sabbath. This encourages us. We confidently hope for a number more soon. We cannot let them go. Our prayers follow them. Three of the youth made a start to serve the Lord. God bless these lambs of the flock. Five were baptized, and three were added to the church.

The Sabbath School and Bible Class, under the care of Bro. McCoy, is doing finely. We raised funds for a library. We were deeply interested in two men who left their work and walked 15 miles to hear my lectures. They had become interested by reading, and came to learn more of the work. This has opened a good field of labor for us when we can get time.

Bro. McCoy is taking hold of the work in the right manner. He has the ability and the means to be useful in this work. May the Lord bless his efforts to send out the light. I found a good home with this dear family. The Lord is bringing them all into his work. The last night of our meetings, we chose and ordained Bro. McCoy elder, and Bro. Moser deacon. Then we celebrated the ordinances. To me it was a solemn, sweet meeting. I now go to Richland.

Besides lecturing, visiting, &c., I spend half of each day in close study. I find that I can accomplish a good deal by steadily pursuing this course. It is a great pleasure to me, and I think God blesses me in it. Pray for me.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

May 12.