p. 16 | West Pennsylvania by W. F. Schwartz

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 1, 1914

West Pennsylvania

By W. F. Schwartz

ERIE.—On the twelfth of July we held the opening service in our gospel tent at Erie. The reasons for pitching a tent at this time were to build up the work in the church, to give the church a standing in this city, and to break down some of the prejudice that stood in the way of saving souls. The meetings were attended by a good class of people, and interested ones came every night. Our largest gatherings were on Sunday evenings.

The newspapers published our sermons in full whenever we furnished them. The order about the tent could not have been better, and we were not molested in any way. There are 42,000 Catholics in this city. Many of the families living near the tent, including the one next to it, were Catholics. We found only a kind feeling toward us and our church.

On August 15 we held our first Sabbath meeting in the tent, and a goodly number were present. In the testimony meeting ten persons said they were going to keep the Sabbath. On the twenty-sixth we took the tent down, and transferred the meetings to the church. We have had a large attendance at the church. Twenty-six interested families are still being labored with. Last Sunday, September 6, I had the privilege of burying nine adults in baptism. Several are keeping the Sabbath, and expect to be baptized soon. The faith and courage of the church are good. We hope that many of those that are now interested will finally decide for the truth. Elder J. W. Watt and Sister Addie Bowen assisted in all these meetings, and Brother J. S. Glunt acted as tent master. We thank our brethren and sisters for their prayers in our behalf.

W. F. SCHWARTZ.