PENNSYLVANIA by C. F. McVagh; W. F. Schwartz

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 13, 1901

PENNSYLVANIA

By C. F. McVagh; W. F. Schwartz

Grass Flat.—This place is located in the northeastern corner of Clearfield County. It is a mining town, of more than two thousand Swedish people, who live within a radius of four miles. Nearly all the men work in the coal mines. In a religious sense, the Swedes here are represented by five Lutheran congregations, one Baptist, and one Free church. We decided to locate our tent here, believing it to be the place where God had called us to labor for Him. We held our first meeting, July 19, with about one hundred quiet and attentive hearers, including one Lutheran minister. The attendance has been good at each meeting, and God has given us freedom and power in the preaching of the word. This is a new field and a large territory for missionary work. If any one has tracts or papers in English, Swedish, or Slavonian languages, we would be glad to have them, as we can use a large number here.

CHARLES MELEEN, AUGUST ANDERSON.

Those engaged in the tent effort at Erie report as follows: “For one week we have spoken on the Sabbath question to attentive audiences. Last Sunday we had a large attendance. During the week the number is not so large, but the same ones come. There is a deep interest manifested, and some have already stated their determination to obey God’s commandments. Thursday evening, after listening to a stirring talk on the change of the Sabbath, those who would take their places under the banner of Jesus in the keeping of all of His commandments, were asked to rise. Fully two thirds of those present arose. Pray that wisdom may be given us to lead these to the fold of God.”

Scranton.—We had a good location given us at the corner of Taylor Avenue and Myrtle Street, in that part of the city known as Petersburg. The meetings have now been in progress nearly two weeks, and the interest is steadily increasing. At first our congregation was composed almost entirely of children; but the Lord gave us favor in their eyes, and by and by the parents began to come with them, until now we have a comparatively steady attendance of from one hundred to one hundred and fifty, of whom fully one half are adults. At the beginning we did not think it necessary to advertise our meetings, as the children did it for us. Now the parents are taking an interest, and are helping us to maintain order. Not all the people know our denominational name yet, but they are becoming interested in the truths they hear at the tent. One man told us he had been praying for some one to pitch a tent here and teach the Bible. Since the attendance became regular, we have had a small announcement and program printed and distributed. We expect by the close of another week to have more than we can attend to. The people are already asking us to call at their homes and study with them. Although the order has been fair for a tent-meeting, one lady went home last night and telephoned to police headquarters that boys were disturbing the meetings; that it was not the ministers who were being annoyed, but the people. She was assured that proper protection would be given in the future, so we feel that we need not concern ourselves about that any further. Sister Jessie Weiss was called away from the tent-company by the illness of her sister. Our prayer is for, grace and wisdom.

C. F. McVAGH, W. F. SCHWARTZ.