p. 17 | North Carolina by J. O. Johnston

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · May 5, 1904

North Carolina

By J. O. Johnston

NORWOOD.—April 15, in company with Elder R. T. Nash, I came to Norwood to hold a meeting in the neat little chapel which was built here last year as a result of the earnest efforts of Brother Nash. He had begun a series of meetings here last fall, and was having a good interest when the building in which the services were held was closed against him. There was no other house that could be secured, and a number of the friends of the truth said they would help build a house of worship. An acre of land in a beautiful and central location was purchased for seventy-five dollars. Then logs were donated, and these were cut and hauled to the mill, and the lumber secured for the building, while Brother Nash rived and shaved with his own hands the shingles which cover the roof. The windows are of stained glass. The building is well seated, and although it is not large, it is the neatest house of worship in the place. Brother Nash has put in considerable of his own meager salary into this property, and it has been deeded to the Southern Educational Company (our own corporation). From present indications the property will double in value in the near future.

Brother and Sister Allen came to this

place last fall to teach the school, and now they intend to locate their home here. Last Sabbath he was ordained elder of the little flock, and they are planning to open the school again. There has been much prejudice manifested at Norwood on the part of some, but since they see we have come to stay, this feeling is rapidly dying out. Our meetings have been well attended, the chapel being filled to its utmost capacity on many occasions.

I firmly believe that it is this kind of work that will give stability to our cause here in the South as nothing else can. O why is it that our brethren and sisters in the North who have means do not come to this needy southland and dot it all over with little school buildings and houses of worship, and then give themselves to the Lord to be used as leaders among the little companies of Sabbath-keepers that are as sheep without a shepherd? "It is this kind of work that makes a good impression on the minds of unbelievers," and for years the spirit of prophecy has been calling our people to come South and do this thing, but it has not been done. Our ministers can not do this work. They have neither the time nor the means. They should be preaching the gospel and sounding the warning of the third angel; and it is because of the neglect of our brethren in coming up to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty; that some of the ministers have felt impelled to stand in the breach, and lay hold of this neglected work with their own hands, and the signal blessing of the Lord has followed every effort of this kind.

The time has come for our people to leave the cities, and find homes in the country, and here is a country which is needing their help, and where God is calling them to come. Men who have means and business ability are needed,—men who can teach others how to plow and sow, as well as to build churches and schoolhouses. Those of our brethren wishing to correspond with reference to these things may address me at Eufola, N. C.

J. O. JOHNSTON, Pres. N. C. Conf.