Battle Creek, July 31, 1872
By George Ide Butler
DURING the interval between the western and eastern camp-meetings, I spent two weeks in Iowa, mostly at my home in Mt. Pleasant. I found a few days' rest very agreeable, to say the least. I had an opportunity also to do some considerable writing. I am happy to say the church in Mt. Pleasant is prospering. Since the organization last winter, we have a united church of some twenty-five or thirty members, and although our nominal membership is not as large as formerly, yet we believe the strength of the church is greater. We had an interesting communion season while with them, and we see no reason why the church may not prosper in the Lord if they make proper efforts to live humbly before him. Could a proper effort now be made in Mt. Pleasant with the tent, we believe much good might be done, and members added to the church. We hope this may be done in the future. I made a visit to Decatur City, also, while in Iowa. This church has had but one visit from a minister since last tent season, and it seemed very desirable that labor should be given there, and things set in order. We had a profitable meeting. Nine were baptized. Bro. A. Caldwell was elected and ordained elder of the church. Bro. I. A. Fletcher was elected treasurer. He held the office of clerk before. We were very much pleased with their neat little house of worship which has been erected since the tent-meetings there. The brethren, though in moderate circumstances, have finished it all but putting in permanent seats, and are not in debt for it. The truth was preached in this place among the very first in Iowa, and for years there was a church here. But from certain causes unnecessary to mention, it was left for years, a few holding on in discouragement, till the tent came there last season, and now there is a united church of twenty-five or thirty. Evidently the Lord determined to give them another chance for life. The brethren and sisters seemed greatly to appreciate my visit and the words spoken to them. Tearful eyes showed that hearts were touched. May God's blessing be with them, and may all walk in the light. I am now in this place, on my way to attend the eastern camp-meetings. Brethren and sisters, pray for the success of these most important meetings. GEO. I. BUTLER. Battle Creek, July 31, 1872