Dowagiac, Mich by C. A. Russell; M. B. Miller

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 4, 1874

Dowagiac, Mich.

By C. A. Russell; M. B. Miller

We pitched our tent and commenced meetings in this place, Tuesday evening, June 30. The outlook was not at all encouraging. As harvesting was just commencing, we thought it doubtful about getting a hearing in a small country town during the hurrying season. This is a place of about twenty-five hundred inhabitants; has been called the worst town on the Mich. Central R. R. Drunkenness has prevailed here to an alarming extent. There are four churches represented here: the Methodist, Baptist, Congregationalist, and Universalist; the latter being much the largest, most wealthy, and influential. Spiritualism has also a large number of adherents.

At the time we commenced meetings the temperance movement was at its height. Arrests, prosecutions, mass-meetings, &c., occurred about every day, the excitement necessarily being great. But the courage of the crusaders has somewhat flagged, and the saloons are again in full blast.

A few years ago, Elds. Himes, Mansfield, and others, held meetings here, and the people seemed to anticipate, as they thought, what they would hear, and quite generally kept away from our meetings. A few, however, have attended, manifested a deep interest, and four or five commenced to keep the Sabbath, all heads of families and persons of moral worth. A few others are interested who we hope will take their stand for the truth. Much depends upon the course of those living in the vicinity who already profess the truth.

We take down our tent this week, but one of us will remain over next Sabbath. The Baptists have kindly granted us their house for that day. The few brethren living four or five miles out of town will hereafter meet here where regular Sabbath meetings will be held. C. A. RUSSELL, M. B. MILLER. Dowagiac, July 28, 1874.