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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 27, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 9.

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Illinois

By K. C. Russell

CHICAGO.—Sunday, January 5, we began a series of evangelistic meetings in a large Baptist church, Ashland Boulevard and Monroe Street, Chicago, Ill. We are, therefore, located only a short distance from the center of this great metropolis of the West, the second largest city of the United States.
We did not undertake this nightly series of meetings without first seriously considering what was involved in assuming such an undertaking in the midst of a Western winter, with all sorts of weather to cope with, besides the many attractions which are to be found in this, one of the most wicked cities of modern times.
Notwithstanding all of the hindrances which have arisen, we are glad to report that we have been able to secure a fairly good attendance of a substantial class of people at every service. Among those who have attended are a number of professional men and women and other influential people. One of the most encouraging features of the meetings thus far is that, to a considerable extent, the same ones are in attendance at nearly every service. Some of those attending the meetings have already signified very great interest and their intention to obey the truth, although we have not yet reached the Sabbath question in our series of lectures.
An interesting feature of this series of meetings is the combining of the medical work with the evangelical. Dr. D. H. Kress is conducting three public services each week, at which he delivers health talks. Some persons in the vicinity are manifesting a lively interest in these lectures.
On account of the high rent of the church and the expense it requires to heat and light so large a building, we entertained some fears as to the financial outcome of the proposition. We are glad to say, however, that our offerings have been in excess of the expense involved in meeting the rent and heat of the plant.
The idea has been proposed that the company who embraced the truth in Austin last summer as a result of our tent effort and those who may accept the truth from this series of meetings shall be consolidated with two small churches in this vicinity. Thus there would be a strong church in the very center of this great metropolis. It is also proposed that the church be named the Central Chicago Church of Seventh-day Adventists.
We expect that another instalment of the members of the Austin company, consisting of seven or more, will go forward in the ordinance of baptism before this report appears in print.
Sunday evening, February 2, we began a series of sermons on the Sabbath question. This series will be followed by a number of lectures on religious liberty, which will be continued during the month of February.
It has been decided to hold a religious liberty convention in connection with our meetings, February 14-17. A most interesting program has been prepared. The first meeting of the convention will be held Friday evening, February 14, consisting of a symposium by Elders Allen Moon, G. E. Langdon, S. B. Horton, and the writer, on the subject “Why the Necessity of a Religious Liberty Convention?” The theme will be divided under the following topics: (1)Because the enemies who seek to invade the rights of conscience are increasing; (2) because the people are asleep to the dangers that threaten our liberty; (3) because our time to sound the warning is limited; (4) because a woe is pronounced upon those who know the danger and do not give the trumpet a certain sound.
Sabbath, February 15, at 11 A. M., Elder S. B. Horton will deliver a sermon on the subject “Mordecai in the Gate;” at 3 P. M. the writer will speak on “Soul Liberty;” at 7:45 Elder G. E. Langdon will present a paper on “A True and False Theocracy;” and at 8 Elder Allen Moon will read a paper on the interesting topic “Forces in Training for the Final Conflict.”
Sunday, February 16, at 10:30 A. M. Elder C. T. Everson will give an address on “Clasping Hands With Rome, or the Healing of the Deadly Wound;” at 3 P. M. Elder S. B. Horton will present a paper entitled “What Means Should Be Employed to Most Effectually Warn the People of the Dangers That Threaten Their Civil and Religious Liberties?” at 7:45 the writer will conclude the convention with a lecture on the subject “Will Church and State Ever Be United in This Country? or, Shall Congress Prescribe Your Religion?”
Every day at 1 P. M. we hold a meeting with our workers, and each evening preceding the public service we have special prayer in the interest of the meeting that is to follow.
We most earnestly urge that those who read this will hasten to write their relatives and friends who may reside in the city of Chicago, requesting them to attend these meetings during the month of February, while we are discussing the Sabbath question and the subject of religious liberty. Do not delay this matter, but write at once.
K. C. RUSSELL.