French Work in Worcester, Mass.
By G. G. Roth
LAST summer a tent was pitched in this city and a series of meetings conducted in behalf of the French people. Worcester has a population of one hundred forty-eight thousand. About twenty-eight thousand speak the French language and most of these are Canadians. They are located principally in the northern, central, and southern parts of the city, so it was impossible to reach them all in the first effort. Our tent was located on French Hill in North Worcester, a very quiet place, but the attendance was small. The French papers closed their columns to us, and we were unable to advertise our meetings, even though we offered to pay. However, we circulated thousands of bills. During November and December we made an effort to interest the lower class16in the south part of the city, but we found them totally indifferent to religious work. Since January we have rented a small hall in the central part of the city. There we are installed as Mission Française. Being centrally located, we believe this mission is just what is needed for the work in Worcester. Our Bible worker, Brother Arthur Jean, is a French Canadian and takes well with the Catholics. With help from on high his work should continue to bear much fruit. Work among this people calls for much prudence, great patience, and perseverance. As a direct result of our efforts four are keeping the Sabbath, another keeps it in part, and several families, which we are visiting regularly, are in the valley of decision. At one time it seemed that God would give us a harvest of about twelve precious souls. Several so appreciated the truth that it seemed they could not do otherwise than obey it, but most of them have postponed yielding to God because they can not find work that will permit them to observe the Sabbath. However, we feel encouraged at the prospects in Worcester. We plan to pitch the tent next summer in one of the French suburbs of the city. Let all our people unite their prayers with ours for the success of this work, that it may yield much fruit for the eternal kingdom. G. G. ROTH.