Minnesota by Stemple White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1916

Minnesota

By Stemple White

DULUTH.—In 1909, under the efficient labors of Elder C. M. Babcock, the English-speaking brethren built a very neat house of worship to which they could invite their friends. The building was dedicated to God by Elder R. A. Underwood, president of the Northern Union Conference, assisted by Elder S. E. Jackson, the Union Conference president. Marked progress was also made later under the faithful labors of Elders A. V. Olson and B. C. Haak.

In 1913 I went to Duluth to succeed Elder B. C. Haak, who was called to the South American field. We began Bible Chautauqua tent work at once in the very heart of the city. These meetings continued for thirteen weeks, during which time the seed was sown and watered by the church members and tent workers, including our only experienced Bible worker, Miss May Jenson. The Lord blessed our efforts with a doubling of membership the first year, and with an increase in tithes and offerings of over $1,100. It was God who gave the increase.

We are in the third year of service here, and not only has every Sunday evening's discourse been reported for the press on Monday, but much of our Bible Chautauqua weekly lectures were kept before the reading public. By using this greatest of all mediums to reach the masses, we are continually learning that people of various faiths, especially in northern Minnesota and Wisconsin, are eagerly following these articles. Some who are members of the church here and in Superior, Wis., first learned of our work through the daily press.

Last December fire greatly damaged the rear end of our church building. The third day after the unexpected calamity, the insurance having been adjusted, the church decided at a special business meeting to build again in the early spring. It was also voted to enlarge the building in order to meet the demands of a growing membership.

All had a mind to work, and God blessed us as certainly as he did his people in Ezra's day. Business men opened up their purses, and at a cost of about $2,600 the enlarged building was finished and dedicated to God September 10. Elder Charles Thompson preached the sermon, and Elder G. W. Wells offered the prayer.

In a few minutes that day, $200 was subscribed in pledges. Two and three columns of reading matter, with cuts of the church, appeared in the Saturday Herald and Sunday News Tribune. Elder Charles Thompson delivered another powerful sermon on Sunday evening, not only to a large audience in the church but his talk was read by thousands the following day, for it was published in an abridged form in the Herald.

We are holding a series of meetings in the church, and several interested persons are coming to the Sabbath services. The Sabbath attendance is beginning to tax the capacity of the building. We hope to follow up this deep interest by visiting the homes of the people, and we expect to see a number take their stand for the truth.

STEMPLE WHITE.