p. 198 | INDIANA by S. H. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 22, 1876

INDIANA

By S. H. Lane

Since my last report, have labored in different parts of the State. The last of March organized a church of thirteen members among the Swedes in Porter Co.

Soon after the SVENSK ADVENT HAROLD began to be published, Bro. Pambley, of Laporte, sent it to some Swedes in Porter Co., who became so interested in its teachings that a few embraced the truth. Through the influence of Bro. Pambley, a few discourses were delivered in the neighborhood where these Swedes reside, the result of which was that several more took a decided stand to obey the truth. We found them fully converted. They adopted the plan of Systematic Benevolence and pledged quite liberally for its support. They wish to be admitted into the Indiana Conference.

From April 6 to May 15, visited eight different churches. Found the members united and rejoicing in the love of the truth. The meetings were well attended at each place by those not of our faith. Some made a start in the service of the Lord for the first time. Celebrated the ordinances of the Lord's house with each church, with one exception. At Mechanicsburg, Henry Co., two were baptized and admitted into the church.

Introduced the subject of S. B., and the pledge for the churches was advanced considerably. Examined the church and S. B. books, and made a decided improvement in the manner of keeping them.

Some of the churches seem to be awakening to the importance of building meeting-houses. The church at Alto have just completed a house of worship. At their last quarterly meeting, April 21-23, we were made to rejoice by meeting in their new house fully one hundred Sabbath-keepers from Howard and Tipton Counties. The church at Rochester are also building a commodious house of worship. It will soon be completed. Other churches are taking steps to build. This we consider a move in the right direction.

There are two tents running in this State the present season. Bro. Covert and Sharp have pitched one at West Liberty, Howard Co. We have located the other at Valparaiso, Porter Co. The Northern Indiana Normal School is located here. There are in attendance twelve hundred students. They are here from all parts of this State and some from other States. The attendance at our meetings thus far has been quite good, yet not large, our congregations ranging from seventy-five to three hundred. Quite a number of the students attend. Books sell freely, and by the students who come will be taken to all parts of the State.

We hope through the blessing of the Lord a good work will be accomplished in the State during the season.

S. H. LANE.