p. 18 | O. O. FORTNER by O. O. FORTNER

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 14, 1904

O. O. FORTNER

By O. O. FORTNER

From Cape Town to Pietermaritzburg

On the nineteenth of October, Elder Hyatt and the writer left Cape Town for the eastern province of Cape Colony. As Brother Moko, who was working in the native location near East London, was needing help and counsel, Elder Hyatt went directly to East London, while the writer went on to Port Elizabeth, being joined by Brother Ingle a few days later. We met Elder Tarr and Brother Sates at Port Elizabeth, and greatly enjoyed the privilege of visiting the brethren and sisters there. Through removals the church-membership at that place has been reduced to a small number, but those who are left are alive to the truth, and are anxious to do everything possible to cause it to prosper. They have recently moved the church building to a lot owned by the church, as before it was located on ground that was loaned for the purpose. Brother Sates is anxious to start some medical missionary enterprise, and we hope the way may soon be open for him to do so.

We spent Sabbath, the twenty-fourth, at Uitenhage. On the previous Sabbath Elder Tarr had been there, and had baptized Brother Vermaak and a portion of his family. On this Sabbath, after an impressive sermon, Elder Tarr administered baptism to two of Brother Vermaak's daughters, who had been unable to attend the previous week. This family began keeping the Sabbath several months ago, after reading some books purchased from the gospel wagon company. They have gladly accepted all the points of our faith, and are rejoicing in the light. The removal of Elder Edmed and family was a great loss to the Uitenhage company, as there was no one left to take the eldership of the church, but the members there are not in the least discouraged. Sister Blodgett has done good service as pastor of the church as well as teacher of the school.

On the twenty-eighth Brother Ingle and the writer started for East London. In the meantime the long-continued drought had been broken by copious rains, and the veld was beginning to change its color from a parched brown to a living green. After a pleasant journey we joined Elder Hyatt and Elder Tarr at East London. We found quite an interest had been awakened among the natives at the location. But, as is nearly always the case, the enemy had not been asleep. It had been reported that Brother Moko was an agitator, and was causing discontent among the natives by advising them not to work on the Sabbath. He had just received notice from the town council to leave the location at once, or he would be prosecuted. We were sure there was a misunderstanding, so we obtained an audience with the mayor, and explained the matter fully to him. We think Brother Moko will now be allowed to proceed with his work unmolested. While we were there, open-air meetings were held in the evenings, at which Elders Hyatt and Tarr spoke through Brother Moko as interpreter, and then Brother Moko spoke in Kaffir. I have never heard a better interpreter in any language than Brother Moko. These meetings were attended by over three hundred people, who stood as close to us as possible, and listened with rapt attention.

While we were at East London, a meeting was held to discuss the advisability of opening a church school. If a teacher can be provided for them, we believe there will be a church school there next year.

After spending Sabbath and Sunday at East London, we took passage on the “Walmer Castle,” and reached Durban the following day. Durban is a beautiful place, and a modern city in every respect. We remained there only one afternoon, however, and the next morning found us at the home of Elder Edmed, in Maritzburg. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be here for a short time to enjoy with this family the rich blessings which the Lord has been pleased to grant them. As we attend the meetings in the gospel tent, and see the large number of new Sabbath-keepers, and their earnestness and devotion to the truth, our hearts are filled with praise to God. A baptismal service will soon be held, when about twenty-five of these new converts will be buried with their Lord in baptism. The meetings of the Union Conference Committee will begin Tuesday morning, a report of which will appear later.