REPORT FROM IOWA by George I. Butler

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 22, 1868

REPORT FROM IOWA.

By George I. Butler

We remain here at Brighton still, doing what we can to forward the work of present truth in the midst of much opposition and bitterness. Since our last report nothing very exciting has taken place in connection with our work. We have not held meetings as regularly during the week as we did for awhile; but when we have held them they are usually well attended, showing there is still an interest to hear in the mind of many.

We have been much perplexed upon some points, especially in regard to a meeting-house. As the fall approaches we are warned that the tent will soon have to be taken down, and then there will be no place in which to hold meetings. Therefore we have been busy in planning in reference to a house of worship. The work is not through here by any means yet, and it seems, therefore, very necessary that we have a house. Those interested have held several meetings already, and something like eleven hundred dollars in money, labor, and material, is signed. The prospect is quite fair that we shall have in this place a house of worship as large as any in the place, where present truth may be preached. But it is a very perplexing business for us, as there are many obstacles thrown in the way by our enemies, so that it is really hard to find a suitable lot upon which to place it, as those which are eligible cannot be obtained. But we expect to see our object accomplished. Bro. Cornell is laboring with his usual energy to bring it about, and the signs now look hopeful.

Without a house we fear we shall lose much of the fruit of our labor, as there will be no place in which to hold meetings. If we can build we shall try to press the work forward to a speedy completion, and then if we can have Bro. and Sr. White here at its dedication, after our convocation meeting, we shall hope to see as a result one of the strongest churches in this State.

There has been quite an excitement in the place over an occurrence which transpired nearly two weeks since. Bro. Cornell had fairly commenced his discourse when a man came running in for the doctor, and soon a little girl came for her mother, saying her father was shot. Of course in this quiet village this made quite an excitement, and our meeting that evening was pretty much broken up. It was soon ascertained that one of the prominent citizens of the place was dangerously wounded in the abdomen, and that the perpetrator had escaped in the darkness. He has not since been arrested, and a few days since the wounded man died.

A day or two before this, another man was murdered about ten miles from here. These things are only additional evidences that society is becoming worse and worse. They cause quite an excitement for the time being, but they are soon forgotten, and people will become more and more accustomed to them till the end of all things is upon them. The world, the world occupies every thought, and they will not look at the signs of the times.

We cannot tell how long we shall remain here. We study to know present duty, and act up to that. We desire the prayers of all of God's people.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Brighton, Iowa, Aug. 31, 1868.