MICHIGAN

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 21, 1882

Sand Lake, March 5.—Commenced meetings with the church here Feb. 17, and closed last evening. We had some good seasons together, and all the brethren are of good courage. Seven made a start in the Christian life, and were baptized. Eight united with the church. All the members pledged the tithe for the present year. There have never been any trials or divisions in this church. The members have walked together in love, and as a consequence their influence in the community is good. May they continue to enjoy the blessing of God. D. A. WELLMAN.

Hazelton, March 8.—We came to this place one week ago, and found the brethren busily at work completing preparations for the dedication of their house of worship. They have erected a neat, commodious edifice, that would do credit to any community. It is 28x40, with 16-foot walls. There is no violation of the principles of acoustics in these proportions, hence we found the house easy and pleasant for the voice. It has a plain but tasty inside finish of ash and black walnut; a double-deck rostrum, with an elevation of about sixteen inches above the main floor, spans the rear of the auditorium, and is crowned with a pulpit that for design and finish is a credit to the builder.

According to appointment, the dedication of this house took place Sunday, March 5. As the roads were almost impassable, the seats were but comfortably filled. Bro. U. Smith delivered the dedicatory address, which will not be soon forgotten by those who enjoyed the privilege of hearing it. By provisions made at the time of the dedication, the house is free from debt, and enough was subscribed to complete it in all its outer appointments.

Bro. I. D. Van Horn and S. H. Lane laid the foundation for this church by tent labor bestowed about nine years ago. There are now forty-nine members; and the church has grown to its present size mostly by its own inherent vitality. I find this people willing and obedient, and I see no lack of a disposition to do their part in supporting the ministry and the cause of missions. The least that can be said of them is, that they are a noble, generous, Christian assembly; men and women who will take their personal grievances to the hill of Golgotha, and leave them in the cleft of the rock. This is a promising field for spiritual labor. E. P. DANIELS.

Among the Churches.—Since my last report, I have labored with the Jackson, Napoleon, and Hanover churches. At Hanover some differences had crept in which did not tend to the preservation of a spirit of love and harmony,—a spirit which should ever characterize those professing to be the disciples of Christ. Our testimony was well received, as was witnessed by the confessions made and resolutions expressed. This is a young church, and with the spirit of unity, zeal, and devotion which now prevails, will certainly prosper.

Feb. 27, came to Fairfield, Lenawee county. This is the only remaining church in this section. Found them all holding on faithfully, and working together in perfect harmony. As the roads were almost impassable, I remained here but one week, holding meetings in the Christian church Sabbath and Sunday, and each evening through the week, and spending the rest of the time in earnest labor from house to house. Our Sabbath meeting was one to be remembered. The outside attendance was large, filling the house most of the time. Our efforts in this direction were mainly directed to the removal of prejudice.

These meetings have been a source of strength and encouragement to me as well as to the church. Some not taking the REVIEW have decided to subscribe for it; and as with the other churches I have visited in the district, so with this,—nearly all take the REVIEW, and with few exceptions all pay tithes. That this church may have the blessing of God, be led by his Spirit, and be gathered in the final day of triumph, is my sincere prayer. A. W. BATHIER.