LABOR IN IOWA, NEBRASKA, AND MISSOURI.
By George I. Butler
My last report extended to last December. The past winter and spring have, I think, been the worst for holding meetings that I have ever known in Iowa. Freezing, thawing, and rain, have made the roads much of the time next to impassable, and such mud as we have had in Eastern Iowa no one can imagine who has not seen it. January 5, I commenced a course of lectures a few miles west of Iowa City in Bro. Green's neighborhood. At first we were encouraged to believe that good results would be seen, but for the reason above stated the congregations became quite small. Prejudice was strong, so the interest was not sufficient to warrant a longer stay. Gave in all about twenty discourses. January 25, I commenced a course of lectures near River Junction, Johnson Co., Iowa, in sister McReynold's neighborhood. Gave in this place over twenty discourses. At times the interest seemed very encouraging, and the large school-house would be crowded for several meetings in succession. Then would come a rain or thaw, the ground would break up, and perhaps for a week only a mere handful could well come out. The main benefit of the meetings, so far as seen, was the instruction and encouragement afforded to the few Sabbath-keepers living in the vicinity. March 16, I commenced a course of lectures at Nebraska City, Neb., and gave in all about forty discourses. These meetings commenced with an encouraging interest, from one hundred to three hundred being often in attendance; but the weather was very stormy and the going very muddy, so there could not be a large attendance from the country. After giving about a dozen discourses, our friends thought it would be best to close the meetings till the going became better. During this delay, I went to Rolla, Mo., where I labored last summer, to organize a church. I found that some had given up, but most were firm in the truth. But from the first there has been a very bitter and persistent opposition in Rolla. I think I never saw one more so. We finally organized a church of twelve members, Bro. R. S. Donnell, elder, and Sr. Nellie Slawson, clerk. Three were baptized. Their Systematic Benevolence is about $50. The friends there are poor, and have had a hard time to get along. Some living in the country could not be present. I hope the number belonging to the church will be doubled ere long. After returning to Nebraska City and resuming the lectures, the going for a time continued bad, the hurry of spring work came on, and the interest continued to decrease and became quite small; still a few were interested, and I continued the meetings on their account. Seven or eight good souls took their stand for the truth. We had some excellent meetings—good, spiritual meetings—in which our hearts were greatly encouraged. There were several keeping the Sabbath before the lectures commenced, and with those who came out, a church of fourteen was organized; S. B. $140.00. Nine were baptized. Eleven joined the T. & M. Society. We feel greatly attached to these dear friends, and hope that God will greatly bless them. I visited the friends at Blue Valley, Neb., where I lectured last fall. Found nearly all holding fast to the truth. They have kept up their Sabbath meetings through the winter, and have prospered in the Lord. Organized a church of twenty-one members, baptized eight, and organized S. B. to the amount of $217.00. I think five or six more will soon join. I think this will be one of the most reliable churches in Nebraska. I enjoyed meetings with these friends very much. Sabbath and Sunday, May 20 and 21, I was with Bro. Kilgore at Victor, Iowa. All thought we had a very profitable meeting indeed. Some trials which had threatened almost the extinction of the church seemed in a fair way of being removed, and the good spirit of confession came in before our meeting closed up. Our souls were encouraged. Last Sabbath and Sunday, May 27, 28, I met with the church in Mt. Pleasant, and had a profitable meeting. Had been absent from home nearly three months. Sabbath day held communion services, and Sunday reorganized S. B. The amount pledged for the year is upwards of $450.00, which is quite an increase over previous years. Three joined the church, making our whole number forty-three. Though our members are much scattered, which makes it difficult for all to meet for Sabbath and prayer-meetings, yet we have great reason for gratitude to God that we are as well off as we are. Our membership is increasing, and we have a good degree of union among ourselves. For one, I feel to thank God and take courage, for all his dealings with us, and hope he will continue to bless us more and more. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, May 30, 1876.