Washington, D. C by H. W. Cottrell

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 24, 1903

Washington, D. C.

By H. W. Cottrell

You will notice from the REVIEW of Jan. 13, 1903, that the General Conference Committee have thought it wise to make Washington, D. C., an exception to other cities in the United States. It is the capital of the nation. The National Reformers are making the capital city a stronghold for their work, which is to influence the minds of leading men of the nation to make laws which must necessarily, when enforced, bring oppression upon true Christians, thus upon the cause of Christ. It was deemed advisable to render Washington some financial assistance by way of general

donations, so that at as early a date as possible the work of the last message may be permanently established in the capital of this great nation. An effort was made by the General Conference several years ago to bestow the necessary help the work demanded in this city. Several thousand dollars of General Conference funds was invested, a church building was purchased by the local church, and two or three thousand dollars of general funds was invested in it.

The work of extending the message in a broader way to the different races in Washington has been very successfully carried on, especially in the last few years, which has resulted in creating a demand for two congregations. In forming another organization, with Elder J. S. Washburn at its head, under Christ, the church house was left in the charge of Elder L. C. Sheafe and his congregation. This congregation has increased its numbers very rapidly of late, but it was not able to render financial assistance to the new congregation in obtaining a house of worship, and still carry the obligation that rests upon the former building. In forming the new congregation, it became necessary for the members of the Second Church to contribute their investments in the building to the First Church. An appeal was made by the Washington brethren to the Union and General Conferences in the interests of their peculiar need of immediate help at this time. A donors' column is opened in the REVIEW AND HERALD for each one in the denomination to contribute to this interest. I am aware that the method herein adopted to secure money is not that usually followed, but the General Conference Committee thought the circumstances surrounding the work in Washington, D. C., demanded that this should be made an exception to the general plan. Will not each reader lay this needy situation before the Lord in prayer, and ask him from whom all wisdom comes, what the Lord will have him do in this matter? Contributions may be sent to H. M. Mitchell, Battle Creek, Mich. State clearly what the money is for.

H. W. COTTRELL.