Osceola, Iowa by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 26, 1871

Osceola, Iowa.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

The Lord favored us with the finest of weather, and good roads for this meeting. We had a large gathering of our leading brethren and sisters from all parts of southern Iowa—Woodburn, Mt. Pleasant, Sigourney, Monroe, Knoxville, Sandyville, Adel, Peru, Afton, Leon, Decatur, &c., &c. Our only disappointment was the absence of Bro. Butler on account of his sickness.

Our new house was entirely done and ready for use. Aug. 30, we preached the first sermon in the tent in Osceola, with only one Sabbath-keeper in the place, but plenty of enemies. Sept. 22, the first hour's work was done on the house. Dec. 5, it was all finished, complete to the turn of the key. In money, work, and material, it has cost us $1825.00, every dollar of which is paid, and we have some in the treasury besides. Considering all the circumstances, and how very scarce money now is, it seems to us almost a miracle. It is a hard argument for our enemies here to get over.

All say that we have the neatest house in the city, though not the largest. We spared no pains nor means to make it just what we wanted, and all feel well pleased with it. It gratified us much to be able to say to the congregation, at the dedication sermon, that we had no begging to do, no collections to take up. To the Lord be the praise.

Brn. Morrison, Hare, and McCoy, assisted in speaking to the people. There were present about one hundred and twenty-five Sabbath-keepers, most of whom have embraced the truth within the last eighteen months. Seldom have I enjoyed a sweeter and more encouraging meeting than this. Our hearts were united in love more closely than ever. It has done much to encourage and strengthen the friends, and the cause here. The outside interest and attendance seem as good as ever. While new ones are coming out on the Sabbath, not a single soul of all those who embraced the Sabbath in the tent, has given it up. I remain another week, and then go to Peru for two weeks.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Dec. 12.