Greater New York by C. H. Edwards

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Apr 25, 1907

Greater New York

By C. H. Edwards

The work in Greater New York is going steadily forward, and we are daily seeing evidences of the leadings of our Heavenly Father. The work is developing so fast among the different nationalities that a separate report might be given of each one with profit.

The German Work

At the present time we have two German churches. One is located in New York City, and one in Brooklyn. Connected with the German work are the following-named workers: Elders O. E. Reinke and C. F. Knott; Brethren Bernard Voth, Henry Pankoke, and Henry Tonjes; and Sisters Eliza Kehrein and Alice Myers. While the work among the German people is difficult, yet the Lord has signally blessed in that work.

Danish-Norwegian Work

The interest in the Danish-Norwegian work continues, and quite a number have recently accepted the truths presented. Elder M. L. Andreason, and Brother P. E. Brotherson, and Sister Borchgrevink are laboring among this people. The portable tabernacle on Hamilton Avenue, South Brooklyn, is filled at nearly every service.

The Swedish Work

Brother G. E. Nord is greatly encouraged in his work among this people. Several have recently been baptized into the message, and the New York Swedish church is one of the most prosperous we have in the city.

The Italian Work

Connected with this work are Brethren Louis Zecchetto, Caldarona, and Scattaregia. The Lord has gone out before these brethren in a remarkable manner, and several new ones have been added to the Italian church. That church at the present time numbers about twenty. There are about six or eight others who will soon be baptized. We have two missions for them now where services are being conducted every night. The interest is good.

The Spanish Work

Brother Horace Geraldi is laboring among the Spanish people with varied success. Several promising openings have appeared, and he is entering them as rapidly as possible. Brother Geraldi was formerly the pastor of one of the leading Spanish churches of the city, but left his position to become a teacher of present truth. At the present time we have another excellent Spanish brother who ought to enter that work, but our finances will not warrant our setting him at work.

The Chinese Work

Brother Henry Thomson, a Chinese brother who has been in the truth for several years, has begun a work among the Chinese. A Sunday-school has been started at the tabernacle on 110th Street. The first session opened with about twelve men, and the school continued with about the same number of pupils. He expects to start another school in Brooklyn in the near future. This is, perhaps, the most perplexing and important question we have to solve. The Lord is leading out in this work, and we are trying to follow his leadings.

The Bible Training-School

The Bible training-school has been a source of much encouragement to us all. Not only have the students been trained in the study of the message, but their personal experiences have been excellent, and it is our honest conviction that the personal, house-to-work work is the most satisfactory of any work we have. A detailed report of the school and its work will appear later.

The Work Among the English People

The work among the English people has been blessed with good results. While we would be pleased to see hundreds embracing the message, yet we are exceedingly thankful that some are weekly coming to a knowledge of the truth.

Elder H. C. Giles has been conducting a series of lectures at the tabernacle. The interest is good, and several have started in the message. Brother J. J. Kennedy has been laboring in the Bronx, where several have embraced the truth. Elder L. H. Proctor and Brother Amos Mitchell have each held lectures in Brooklyn. Both have fruit of their labors, and there is a bright prospect for the future.

Work Among the Colored People

Elder J. K. Humphrey and Sisters Alice Williams and E. S. Snyder have been doing a good work among the colored people of New York, Brooklyn, and Corona. Several have been baptized, and others are waiting. The writer and Sister M. A. Scribner have been connected with the work at Mount Vernon. The interest has not, at any time, been large, yet we have kept steadily at it, and yesterday, Sabbath, April 6, we organized a church of fifteen members, and there are about ten others who will join in the near future.

The Immigrant Work

Brother P. L. Hoen is spending his entire time among the immigrants who arrive and leave the city. He is scattering thousands of pages of literature, and we hope to see the fruits in the kingdom. This work will soon be enlarged by the help of Capt. J. L. Johnson, and his missionary yacht, “Sentinel,” which is to connect with the work here.

Taking all things together, we feel that we have great reason to be thankful to our Heavenly Father. Since our last conference, which was held about the first of last October, one hundred and eighteen souls have been baptized, and there are at least twenty more who are awaiting baptism, besides quite a number who have been admitted into the church on profession of faith, having previously been baptized.

We greatly desire the prayers of our brethren that the work of the Lord here may be speedily accomplished before the great calamities which have befallen other cities shall reach New York City.

C. H. EDWARDS.