THE IOWA CONFERENCE by George I. Butler

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 30, 1868

THE IOWA CONFERENCE.

By George I. Butler

‘OUR annual gathering at Pilot Grove, June 12, was not as generally attended this year, as upon some occasions in the past. Our Convocation Meetings in the fall are receiving more attention from year to year, for the reason that they are especially devoted to meetings of worship, continue longer, and our people can get away from the cares of home better in that season of the year; besides, many think they cannot leave home and take so much pains more than once a year. So our Conferences are growing less and less in number every year. The transaction of business does not generally interest the people. So, with the exception of delegates sent by the churches, there was not that general attendance that we sometimes have. However, in our meetings for devotion, and instruction, there seemed to be a lively interest. We were highly favored by the presence of Brn. Andrews and Cornell, and we hope and expect that their solemn, searching discourses will not soon be forgotten.

Many, no doubt, received new ideas of the straitness of the way, and of the nature of the Christian life. In this time of preparation, when every thing that can be shaken will be shaken, how important that we should have a good foundation. We believe our brethren in this State begin to realize, as never before, the importance of these things.

Many here saw Bro. Andrews for the first time; and while they had been so much interested and instructed by his writings, were glad of the privilege of hearing the word from his mouth; of listening to his solemn, searching testimony. And while he has, for the present, gone to Minnesota to fill his appointments, there is a general desire among the friends of the cause in the State, that he may return and labor through our churches. We should all rejoice much, if it were in the order of God for him to labor with us.

Many of the old friends of Bro. Cornell were thankful for the privilege of seeing him after an absence of years. Many of our Sabbath-keepers owe their conversion to his labors, and were rejoiced to hear his voice again, and above all that he is going to labor with us the coming season. On the whole, we had an excellent Conference. It was remarked by some that it was as good as they ever attended. Our business meetings all passed off in perfect harmony. The financial state of the Conference is satisfactory, and all of us separated, ardently desiring to labor on in the good cause of present truth. We all hope to have a larger attendance at our Convocation Meeting this fall, and expect the presence of Bro. and Sr. White.

The Iowa tent is now pitched at Brighton, Washington Co., a village of about 800 inhabitants. We have already held seven meetings, with a continually increasing interest. From three to five hundred were constantly in attendance. The whole village seems moved by the new things introduced to the notice of the people. There are six churches in the place, but as yet no one has come out in opposition, and the tide seems settling strongly toward the tent. What speaks well for the community is the fact that there is not a single drinking saloon in the place. The people seem kind and hospitable. We think there is a prospect of much good being done.

The P. O. address of Bro. Cornell and myself, for the present, is Brighton, Washington Co., Iowa. GEO. I. BUTLER.