ORGANIZATION AND DEDICATION.
By S. H. Lane
At the request of the president of the Michigan Conference, the writer attended a dedicatory service at Rapson, Huron County, Mich., Sabbath and Sunday, June 8 and 9. The church has been raised up in the country, eight miles from the county seat, Bad Axe. About two years ago, Elder C. W. Weber began labor in Huron County, in a schoolhouse, in the neighborhood of Rapson. The attendance was excellent. After a time prejudice began to arise, and he was denied the use of the schoolhouse, by a few who saw that the word spoken was taking effect. Under those circumstances he did not become discouraged, but labored from house to house. Other laborers assisted, and a good company was brought out, mostly of people who range in ages from twenty to fifty, a good substantial class of farmers. These brethren and sisters have adopted the tithing system, and seem well posted in the faith. Feeling the necessity of a place of worship, they secured half an acre of land, and erected a meeting-house, twenty-four by thirty-six feet. The later converts to the faith have also taken hold zealously, and at the time of the dedication the church was only two hundred dollars in debt, one hundred of which was raised in money and pledges at that time. Brother Weber and those who labored with him have used good judgment in planning the house, and raising means to erect it. It is well situated. An anteroom is attached to the main building, the windows are of stained glass, and the church presents a neat appearance, especially from the inside. Brother Weber and Elder Eugene Leland were present at the dedication. After Sabbath-school and a sermon, Sabbath forenoon, we had an intermission; and in the afternoon Elder Leland gave a discourse on the subject of Church Organization, which was followed by most appropriate remarks by Elder Weber, after which we proceeded to organize a church of thirty members. Several others, who were not able to be at that meeting, will soon unite with the church. All those who united on this occasion were twenty years old, or more. Sunday morning the writer gave the dedicatory discourse, Elder Leland leading in the singing and opening exercises. Brother Chauncey Wood offered the opening prayer. After the discourse, Brother Weber offered the dedicatory prayer, praying most earnestly for the church-members, and for those who had listened to the presentation of the truth, but had not obeyed. Many in the congregation were moved to tears. The best of attention was given to the sermon, and we believe that a deep and lasting impression for good was made. The services closed Sunday night, with a stirring discourse by Elder Leland, which was much appreciated. Brother Weber has been requested to labor in connection with the German Conference in Europe. Many regret to see him leave his field of labor in eastern Michigan, yet they give him up cheerfully, feeling sure that he will do effective work in the German field across the briny deep.414 We trust that more labor may be bestowed in Huron County, as the field is an excellent one. A good impression has been made, and some who had been bitterly prejudiced were present at the dedication of the meeting-house, and manifested a real interest in the success of our work. Every effort made by an earnest, consecrated laborer shows that people will yet listen to the truth, and many will accept it if they have the privilege of listening to it. Let us all pray earnestly that God may raise up many laborers to enter the field, which is ready for the gospel sickle. S. H. LANE.