MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 22, 1879

Pierson.—May 3, in connection with Brn. Gilbert and Wellman, we met with the friends at this place. We found nearly all in the love of the truth, and trying to overcome. Sabbath at 3 P. M., we repaired to White-fish Lake, where we baptized six. This makes twenty-two that have been baptized since last August. From this place I went to Morley, Mecosta Co. On Sabbath, May 10, with Bro. Gilbert, we met with the friends at this place. In the afternoon we met at the house of Bro. John Waters. After a discourse on the subject of baptism, we repaired to a stream near by, where seven were buried with their Lord, by baptism. Quite a number of interested neighbors were present to witness this solemn ceremony. The next day, we presented church order and organization; after which all heartily united in church fellowship. This company is the result of the tent effort here last summer, and a few meetings last winter by Brn. Wellman and Gilbert. A most encouraging feature is, others have decided to keep next Sabbath with them. If these friends are faithful and true to their calling, they will soon have others with them, rejoicing in and living the present truth. E. VAN DEUSEN.

Section Six.—Have held meetings at Rochester, Pontiac, and Armada. The brethren at these places are of good courage. Eld. Lawrence, being detained at home, assisted in the meetings at Rochester, and Eld. Lamson at Armada.

I have held one meeting at Pontiac. Here are twelve persons keeping the Sabbath, and several we have reason to believe will unite with them soon. They report encouraging meetings, though they have had no ministerial labor since February last. I shall visit them as often as possible, and hope to be able to organize a church there soon. These are the result of the tent meetings held by Brn. Corliss and Burnham about one year since.

In company with Bro. R. T. Payne, I visited the few Sabbath-keepers at Romeo. Here are six sisters, no brethren. Bro. Payne, living seven miles away, has helped them what he could. They were feeling somewhat discouraged, their number being so few, yet they seem firm in the truth. They are holding no meetings at present, but an effort will be made to revive them again. H. M. KENYON. Memphis, May 16.

Convis and Parkville.—We felt that the blessing of the Lord was with us at our meeting in Convis, May 3. There is some good timber in this church which I think will work into the heavenly building. I promised I would meet with them again in four weeks from the time of our meeting.

The 10th, I was with the church at Parkville. Here brethren J. N. Andrews and J. N. Loughborough, some twenty years since, spent most of the summer with a tent, and raised up a church of a goodly number and fair prospects. They built a meeting-house and were doing well; but soon the moving spirit came over them, and several families left, and, as far as I can learn, none of them have been prospered in their move. They might have done good where they were.

Of late a certain brother, capable of doing good, but full of the spirit of speculation, and who does not remain long in any place, has had his name with them. Concluding it to be a hard place, and having no hopes of success, he has left, and others have followed. Only a few are left, and these are in a discouraged condition. They would gladly receive advice from the Conference Committee whether to repair their house and try to live, or give up the ground. When will our brethren learn the folly of deserting their house of worship, thus giving the outside world much reason to say we are a floating people without foundation? J. BYINGTON.