New South Wales, Australia
By W. Woodford
WALLSEND.—We have been holding forth the word of life at this place since the latter part of last November. Other workers had preceded us, and a small company of believers were holding fast the precious truth. We realized the need of a place in which to worship, and when we placed the matter before them, all were ready to respond. Although poor, yet each family pledged twenty-five dollars, and also promised to collect from their friends: so we have now a neat little church, seventeen by twenty-six feet, with a very steep roof. It sets on a hill overlooking the lower parts of the city, yet it is quite central. A church school has been in session the past three years, and very soon a schoolroom must be added to the church. We have sufficient land, nicely fenced in. Building we find is somewhat more expensive here than in the United States. On Sabbath, March 14, we organized a church of twenty-one members. The next day seven persons were baptized, and will also become members of the church. We praise the Lord for his goodness and mercy in thus working for his children in such times of drought and distress. Our brethren are of good courage in the Lord, and are pressing17on in the work of the Lord. At Hamilton, seven miles distant, the church has taken hold of the book work. One sister has sold fifty copies of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” and others have sold ten or more. All are anxious to see the work make progress. Attention also has been given to our debt on the church; weekly sacrifices are being made, and we are glad to see the interest that is being taken in this matter. We expect soon to leave this part of the vineyard, for aggressive warfare in new fields in other parts of the State.