MICHIGAN by C. A. Watkins

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 5, 1901

MICHIGAN

By C. A. Watkins

MENOMINEE.—At the close of the Ionia camp meeting in September, it was recommended that we begin work in Menominee. This is a city of twenty thousand inhabitants, and is situated at the extreme southern point of the Northern Peninsula, on the shore of Green Bay, just opposite Marinette, Wis., a city of about the same size. Their close situation to each other has secured for them the name of twin cities. Lumbering is the chief industry, but there are manufactories of different kinds now starting, and business is undergoing some changes because of the failing supply of timber. All in all, it can but be said that Menominee is a lively business city, and its people an interesting community; but only a small percentage of the population is American. French, German, and Scandinavian are in the majority, with a few Polish, Finns, and Italians. Most of these are able to understand the English language sufficiently to do business, but are timid in attending religious services where the English language is used. The children are educated in the American schools, and are more easily approached.

Early in the fall we secured a building in a central and popular place, which seemed at the time a providential opening.

The owner was a Catholic, Catholicism being the prevailing religion; yet the rent was reduced for our purpose from fifteen dollars to ten. The Electric Light Company also reduced the rates on lights thirty per cent, as a gift to our mission enterprise. The hearing at the public meetings has always been small, but there are many who seem ready to talk with us at their homes. The reason of this, as stated before, is timidity on account of language, and the Catholic control of the conscience.

Our courage is good, and we believe the truth will yet prevail. Brother F. O. Robinson has been with us, and has had excellent success in the sale of literature, and his services in other ways have been much appreciated. One thing we greatly need, and that is literature in the foreign languages. Perhaps some who read this feel like helping by sending us tracts or papers in French, German, or Swedish. Some could be used in Bohemian and Polish, and some in English. We do not like to leave a house without placing some seed there. Pray for the work in the Northern Peninsula.

C. A. WATKINS.

1015 Main St., Menominee, Mich.