ILLINOIS by G. W. COLCORD

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 3, 1879

ILLINOIS

By G. W. COLCORD

Chicago, Carbondale, and Du Quoin.—Late in May, Bro. Johnson and myself held a few meetings in Chicago, with both our Scandinavian and American friends. As I pass through this place from time to time, my interest in the cause here increases. I desire to see a permanent, growing church established here among the Americans. Our Scandinavian brethren have passed through great trials; but those who endure will come forth brighter and firmer in the faith. Bro. Johnson now resides among them, and when at home preaches to them. Our American brethren in Chicago have generally proved to be too transient to become useful as members of an abiding church. There are now several, however, who say they expect to remain.

Will the General Conference lend us (not simply a “helping,” but) a leading hand for an effort in 1869? I speak early, and hope that this great railroad center will be remembered.

Have been in Brn. Morrison and Foster’s field of labor nearly four weeks. We are glad to find that the Lord has given these brethren some fruit as the result of their labors. At Carbondale we organized a church of seven members. Between fifteen and twenty belonged to the company as it was first formed; but some of these were not present, and others were not ready to join the church. If this little band of believers are faithful, we trust that they may soon double their numbers. May God grant that the laity as well as the ministry may possess the spirit of labor.

Sunday, June 15, was a day of rejoicing for our friends at Du Quoin. We held a “grove-meeting” near town, at which several hundred people were present. After the second discourse, fourteen were baptized. These were united together in church relationship. We expect the company here will soon number twenty or more. Bro. Foster went to-day to Richview, a new field. G. W. COLCORD.