A Tent Series in San Jose, Cal by J. W. McCord; A. S. Marchus

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

A Tent Series in San Jose, Cal.

By J. W. McCord; A. S. Marchus

No doubt the readers of the REVIEW will be glad to hear of the triumphs of the message in San Jose during the past few months. Five weeks before the San Jose camp-meeting, Evangelists A. S. Marchus and A. Nelson, Prof. G. W. Rine, and Brother L. K. Dickson began a short series of meetings in order to prepare for the camp-meeting. These meetings created considerable interest, and not only produced fruit, but also contributed to the success of the camp-meeting and the series of meetings that followed. At the close of the camp-meeting, the writers, assisted by Sisters Morrison, Green, Clark, and LaFrance, with Brother Munson in charge of the music and Bible work, began a series of meetings in a large tent in the center of San Jose, about a mile and a half from the camp-ground.

The manner in which we secured the tent site proved beyond a doubt that the Lord had gone before us. This fine lot was in fire-district No. 1; and when we applied for it, the owners were willing enough to rent it, but the city officials would not permit us to use it. At the close of the camp-meeting Elders Andross and McCord had an interview with the mayor with reference to securing this lot, but to no avail. To make matters worse, the papers reported the fact that the mayor had refused his permission for us to erect a tent there. The third time, however, we enlisted the help of influential friends, and through their advocacy we at last prevailed.

Before the camp-meeting the workers felt impressed with the possibilities of the tent site, and the results have more than justified our expectations.

This series has lasted twelve weeks and has been the longest and the most successful in the ministry of the workers. Up to date, sixty-five have taken their stand for the Lord and his Sabbath, and the harvest is not yet finished. Each week new Sabbath-keepers are being added to our number, and the prospect is still bright that others will be added as a result of this series of meetings. We have had two baptismal services thus far, and expect to hold another this week.

While our Sunday night attendance varied from five hundred to six hundred, the general average for the eighty-five meetings of the series amounted to above three hundred a night. The offerings were good, and although our expenses were heavy, the nightly donations more than covered them. The expenses for the twelve weeks amounted to $541.28, and the donations for the same period totaled $578.97, leaving a balance of $37.69.

Last, but surely not least, we wish to speak of the perfect unity that has prevailed among the workers. This blessed unity; the hard work and the faithful attendance of the local church and its pastor, Elder A. E. Place; the help of the papers so readily given in publishing a daily synopsis of the sermons; and the all-sufficient grace of the Holy Spirit have made this success possible. Truly the Lord is good to his people in these last days.

Sin abounds on every hand, but his grace more abundantly abounds. Sickness and death are ever near, but the Lord graciously protects his children. Most gladly and reverently the workers in San Jose lay these summer sheaves at his feet; and while thanking him for the privilege of service, with grateful hearts we acknowledge the Lord as the source of all power, and for whatever good that may have been accomplished by these meetings in San Jose we joyfully return to the Chief Shepherd of the sheep all the glory.

J. W. McCORD, A. S. MARCHUS.