Dedication at Ferndale, Cal.
JANUARY 30 we left San Francisco on the City of Chester, for Eureka, Humboldt County. The trip was every way a pleasant one; though the weather was somewhat cold, and showery, the sea was calm for the season, and the steamer made her time in good style. She reached the Eureka wharf Thursday morning, the 31st, where Bro. Ballou met us, to take us to Ferndale by his own conveyance. About twenty miles, roads mostly muddy, brought us to his home. Friday we spent writing for the SIGNS. From that evening to Sunday evening we preached five times, and every time to attentive, interested congregations. Considering that it rained every day, and that the soil is a rich loam, well suited to muddy roads, the attendance was good. Some of the brethren and sisters live a considerable distance from the place of meeting, and their efforts to attend showed a deep interest in the meetings and in the cause of truth. The dedicatory services were held Sunday, Feb. 3, at 11 A. M., and providentially the first part of this day was fair. The house was filled, all the surrounding country being well represented. The house was dedicated free from debt, which was a matter of surprise to some, and of rejoicing to all. It is well built, and very easy to speak in. Beside the building of the house, about $170 has been raised toward procuring a bell. The spirit and energy displayed by the newly-formed company of believers in building such a house, and freeing it from debt before it was dedicated, are truly commendable. Some help was afforded by those outside of our faith, as the general feeling seems to be very favorable in Ferndale and vicinity toward the church and the cause which it represents. The church was organized on Sunday, after the dedication. We have not room for all the particulars this week. But the work is not done at Ferndale. Several candidates are yet awaiting baptism, and others are deeply interested, and we may reasonably expect still further additions to the church there. Considering that this is the place where it was reported that Mr. Woodward had checked Adventism, we must say the outlook is very gratifying. And thus is furnished another illustration of the truth stated by the apostle: "For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth." 2 Cor. 13:8. Humboldt is a prosperous county, rich in its resources, and presents an excellent field for proclaiming the truth. Several favorable openings are awaiting labor, but they can hardly be entered to advantage in the rainy season. But the county is large, and there is plenty of colporter and missionary work to do, which can be done at all times. Our return trip was made on the Humboldt, a smaller vessel, but a good sailor also. The weather was stormy and cold, but there was compensation for this in the opportunity of seeing "the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep." Ps. 107:24. We never weary of beholding the grandeur of the ocean, especially when it is moved by "the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof." We shall always remember with pleasure our visit to Ferndale, and the opportunity of becoming acquainted with the friends there. We shall watch their prosperity with increased interest. Two young men came with us to go to the Healdsburg College, and others are intending to go from that county. There is talk of raising a fund in Humboldt to assist those who ought to go to the College, but are not able. If this should be done before our State fund is raised, it will be a credit to Humboldt County. And from what we saw of the people there we believe it will be done.