Report from Iowa by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 22, 1870

Report from Iowa.

By George I. Butler

My last report closed with the meeting at Monroe. I left Bro. Canright to follow up the interest, while I went to Sandyville and held meetings with the church. Our meetings were solemn and interesting. Two persons declared their determination to keep the Sabbath and go with us. From Sandyville I took a trip to Oceola, Decatur City, and Afton, spending a couple of weeks. These places were where Moses Hull first began to preach the present truth in this State. Elders Snook and Brinkerhoff also labored here years ago. Formerly there were churches in these places, but from a variety of causes they have gone down so that there are but a few scattering Sabbath-keepers left, and some of these hardly knew what they believed or where they stood.

At Decatur City, we found eight who were still keeping the Sabbath. There had formerly been a church of thirty or more at this place. Some had moved away, some had given up. These few were still holding on. All had been much discouraged years ago by the arbitrary course pursued in their midst by some who labored with them. I was not aware till within the last year or so that there were Sabbath-keepers there. And I went into that section to see if there were any of the lost sheep. They have had a discouraging time indeed, many of them not having heard a sermon for six or seven years. I was most happy to make the acquaintance of Bro. Caldwell at Decatur City. He was formerly a pillar in the cause in this part of the State, and is still a firm believer in all the present truth, but from discouragement and other causes had lost something of the Spirit of the truth and become entangled in the world and was nearly overcome, but lately has been getting into the work more. I held six meetings there, most of which were in the Methodist meeting-house. Bro. C. seemed much encouraged, and I have strong expectations that he will move out and again take the place the Lord has for him to fill.

At Afton, there are a few scattering Sabbath-keepers, some of whom I visited. But the circumstances were such I held only one meeting with them. In Bro. Neal's neighborhood, near Oceola, I held a few meetings. Bro. Morrison had been holding lectures there over a week, and still continued them. Sunday I baptized five who had been keeping the Sabbath over a year. Although outward circumstances were not favorable, the water being very cold, and the streams small, yet it was one of the most pleasant baptisms I ever attended. I left Bro. M., still laboring, and having some interest. The following Sabbath I was with the church at Mt. Pleasant, and we had a good attendance of the members. I think there are some encouraging omens in Mt. P. I judge a spirit of union is springing up to some extent. God grant it may increase.

Tuesday evening, Feb. 1, commenced meetings in Brighton, and continued till Sunday evening. We had beautiful weather, and a most profitable meeting. Held some eleven meetings in all. This church, like all new churches, is learning what trials are, and I hope will profit by them as God designs. It is yet to be decided whether this church shall be as a beacon light in that community, or pass away as others have. This is never decided in one year, yet the first year is a very important one in the history of every church. This church has been learning some important lessons, I trust, and I have good hopes of their future prosperity, yet they may prove delusive. When I went there to commence meetings, things were in a ferment, apparently; when I left, things appeared much more favorable. Whether they will continue thus, remains to be seen. Sabbath and Sunday we had quite a gathering, as many as forty were present from other places. Sabbath was a day I shall long remember on account of the outpouring of the Spirit. Our souls were filled, and we could but praise the Lord with a loud voice. Our brethren came in with a determination to work. Sunday we had an important business meeting in which the cases of four were examined, two were disfellowshipped, and two censured. The individuals themselves were present, and yet all passed off pleasantly. I look back upon these meetings as being very profitable. If this church will but “walk in the light,” others who are looking on will join them. May God grant it.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Pilot Grove., Feb. 8, 1870.