WORK IN THE SOUTH by I. E. Kimball

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 23, 1901

WORK IN THE SOUTH

By I. E. Kimball

GEORGETOWN, S. C., AND WILMINGTON, N. C.—Since I last reported, we have enjoyed much of God's blessing in health of body, and strength of heart, for the work here. I was necessarily detained from field work at Charleston, S. C., for three months.

I left there about ten weeks ago, going by steamer to Georgetown, S. C., where I remained for three weeks, preaching in the principal colored churches of that city. The word was well received; indeed, it made deep impressions upon many hearts. I disposed of many books, and took large orders to be filled later. I also found a few spiritually minded young men of excellent capabilities, with whom I freely conversed, and am now in correspondence. These young men are hoping for school privileges soon, to enable them to carry the truth to the world.

From Georgetown I came to Wilmington, rented rooms, and about a week later was joined by my wife and boy. The work here has been attended with excellent results. Already about forty are keeping the Sabbath, and the agitation is going on in various churches of the city. My first impressions of Wilmington were that it was one of the hardest fields, and this is indeed true; for both white and colored are in a sadly debauched condition. But what makes it peculiarly hard for us, is the fact that since the riot of two years ago, when numbers of the colored people were shot down in the streets, the race prejudice makes it difficult for a white man to get into a colored church to preach. Indeed, if it is advertised that a white man is to preach, many will stay at home. The preachers are scarcely willing to have such an one enter their pulpits. But I have succeeded in preaching in half the churches, and am, indeed, breaking down some of the prejudice. I expect to get into every church before I leave.

I found a righteous remnant here, to whom the truth is as honey to the taste. Holiness has been preached for years; but through thinking to follow the Spirit although inattentive to the letter, they have run into wild extravagances and fanaticism. This church has been sifted three times, so there are now three churches. A tent has lately been pitched here, where I was privileged to speak many times. The tent preachers, Fulford and Sikes, seem to be men of sterling veracity. Indeed, Fulford preaches the Word with great precision and power; and a large percentage of white people invariably attended the services—something I have never before seen in the South. I preached for this man several times, and explained to him many things, including the obligations of the Sabbath. He is now selling our books in all his tent work, and preaching the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, with truly gratifying results. Sikes is also advocating the Sabbath. Both these men left the place a few weeks ago, and I have continued preaching to their congregation, among whom are several preachers and other men of veracity. The congregation numbers fifty or more, and they are now building a house of worship. Practically, the whole company has accepted the Sabbath, and banished snuff, tea, coffee, tobacco, pork, corsets, etc.

To-night I speak upon the Sabbath question to a still larger company, in a church where I have spoken many times. This congregation has much confidence in the testimony; but has made the mistake of rejecting baptism and the Lord's Supper. My wife and I have carefully instructed the preacher at his home. He seems to love truth sincerely, but is much led by his congregation. I hope the effort to-night will not be in vain; for some of his congregation are already keeping the Sabbath, and he himself believes.

My wife finds her strength insufficient for all there is to be done in teaching the women how to cook and dress healthfully. With perhaps one exception, she enjoys a greater blessing in her labors than she ever experienced before. Even my little John, of eight summers, is making himself useful in selling books; and he now takes his Primer each morning and goes to distant parts of the city to teach at least three women to read.

There is yet another company where two or three have begun to keep the Sabbath. I have preached there but once, but the members have come to the other meetings, and have heard the truth. There is also a white congregation of several hundred First-day Adventists where I have preached three times. I am now giving them a full share of my efforts.

We are now planning to have a school as soon as the new meeting-house is finished. We shall remain for several months, until the foundations are thoroughly laid. We are seeking to exclude all decaying timber, and to put in many nails of truth—to lay the foundations firmly, in a way that shall stand forever. I shall be particularly careful to lay a foundation upon which others may safely build. Somewhere I have heard of a man who is willing to put money into a Seventh-day Adventist church building in Wilmington. Where, and who, is that man?

I. E. KIMBALL.