Dedication at Birmingham, Mich.
By E. R. Jones
As appointed in Review, this meeting was held April 26, 27, services beginning on Friday evening. On the Sabbath we were much disappointed in not seeing a goodly number of our friends from surrounding churches, only one or two being present from other places. The church at B. numbers only fourteen or fifteen members, but they have zeal, and are devoted to the work. A little less than one year ago, Eld. J. O. Corliss pitched his tent in Birmingham, and for the first time the people of that place heard the stirring truths of the third angel's message. Many scoffed, while a few honest souls received the faith, and were obedient. The ministers of the place have spared no pains to fill the minds of the people with prejudice, and they have been partially successful; but still there are some who hear candidly. The brethren soon began to feel the necessity of a house of worship, and earnestly went to work to build one. They trembled as they worked, fearing the whole matter would prove a failure; while the enemies of the truth, like some of old when the walls of Jerusalem were being built, looked on with derision, hoping, as every outward demonstration gave evidence, that the work would come to naught. They were prospered far beyond their expectations, and soon, to their own surprise almost, they had a house 30x40 feet, all finished, plain and neat, and an honor to the young cause there, ready for dedication. When this fact was announced, and the opposers saw the cause which they had confidently hoped a few months would effectually erase, settled on a permanent foundation, their hopes were turned into dismay, and the feelings of some bordered hard upon bitterness. But for all this, when they considered how short a time had elapsed since the truth was first preached there, the few who received it, and their financial condition, they could but say that the zeal of the brethren was commendable, and their work wonderful. On Sunday afternoon the house was filled to repletion, and some went away, being unable to get in. The congregation gave very excellent attention for more than an hour, while from 1 Pet. 3:15 were set before them the two great features of our faith. After this the brethren and sisters, by a rising expression before the people, solemnly dedicated themselves anew to the service of God; then we all bowed down, and besought him to accept this offering at our hands, and let his blessing rest upon it. The occasion will not soon be forgotten by the friends at Birmingham, and if they will remember their vow, and walk in peace and love, and let their lives correspond with their building, we believe the time will come when their good house will be well filled from Sabbath to Sabbath with those who love God, and keep his commandments. E. R. Jones.