Work for the Colored People in Newbern, N. C.
By Page Shepard
Our gospel campaign began June 4, and continued till the close of September, with the exception of sixteen days in August. Our large khaki duck tent, the finest and largest ever used in the work for the colored people of the South, was crowded to its utmost capacity, and on Sunday nights hundreds stood on the outside, sometimes swelling our congregation beyond the thousand mark. The climax was reached when the Sabbath truth was proclaimed to one of the largest audiences that ever attended our services. The town was stirred; Bibles were read as never before; and the Sabbath question became the topic of conversation among the people. Two tracts against the Bible Sabbath were circulated. This furnished us an opportunity to expose the fallacies of their unscriptural and illogical positions, and thus bring the Sabbath prominently before the public the second time, thereby causing many to hear the truth who had not heard it before. Sunday evenings have been and are made especially interesting to men and youth, enabling us to reach those who could not have been reached otherwise; these services lifted our work above the ordinary gospel efforts, and were largely instrumental in furnishing us the make-up of the large crowds which attended the night services. Our Chautauqua Bible class was held daily from 10 to 11 A. M., and at 3 P. M. Sabbaths. The use of our Sabbath-school Quarterly was introduced at the proper time, and our Sabbath-school class increased from nine to one hundred. Our hold upon the grown people was strengthened by starting a day-school for their children. Sisters Scott and Bessie Hodnett did faithful and effective work, and the parents were greatly pleased with the instruction given the children and with their ability to answer hard questions. The news of our meeting has been carried abroad, and neighboring towns are calling for light and help. The writer, answering one of these calls, returned17after a ten days' stay at Merritt, N. C., leaving nine rejoicing in the truth; two of these accepted the light in Newbern, and had written repeatedly for help. These nine, with the adult believers in Newbern, make seventy-five souls walking in the light and preparing for church-membership. Collections were taken up three times a week, and in all amounted to nearly two hundred dollars. At the close of the effort quite a little sum will be turned over to the Negro Mission treasury, the rest being used to meet the expenses of the effort. Our hearts are cheered as we realize what great things God has wrought for us collectively and individually, and we praise him who is so worthy to receive glory, honor, and power, world without end.