Woodburn and Knoxville, Iowa.
By George I. Butler
Upon my arrival home from the North, after an absence of nearly four months, I found urgent invitations to visit several places. So I remained at home one day only, and visited Woodburn, Iowa, where I organized a church last fall. There seemed to be quite an interest to hear among the people. I continued holding meetings for a week, twelve in all. There have been several taking hold of the Lord's Sabbath here, of late. Some of them have never made a profession of religion before, and are of that class of people who give promise of being permanent. I have not seen a greater readiness on the part of the people for a long time to attend meeting while business was driving. There seems to be a zeal in the work that is truly refreshing on the part of many. Tuesday morning, I baptized ten, and thirteen were admitted into the church. The church now numbers thirty-six members. I could but contrast the present state of things with what I found there about two years since, when I first visited the neighborhood. There had formerly been a small company there, but they had mostly become discouraged and given up the truth. We thought the place had been burned over, as the saying is, and that there would be little use in trying to do anything there. But the few friends hung on so hard for lectures, that to gratify them, as much as anything, Bro. Morrison went there. One man said that this was the fourth time he had heard these things; and now as the result, we have a live church of thirty-six members, and others interested. I feel that I need more faith. From Woodburn I went to Knoxville, partly to assist in selecting a site for the Southern Iowa camp-meeting, and partly to labor for souls. After hunting part of three days, we found a pretty fair place two miles north of Knoxville, on the farm of Mr. Garretson. Sabbath morning, we found quite a good congregation assembled in the house of prayer, though the notice of the meeting had been short. Our meetings were good. Monday, I baptized seven; the same number were received into the church. Most of these were persons in the active period of life, and some of them I have felt a deep interest in for a long time. Some had been hesitating for two years. They now took their stand. I felt much encouraged. This church has been coming up within the last two years. I hope yet to see further advancement. The people in this section are anxious for the Southern Iowa camp-meeting to be held in their vicinity. We trust good will be accomplished by it. Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, April 5, 1871.