Fresno, Cal by W. M. Healey

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 11, 1876

Fresno, Cal.

By W. M. Healey

For one month Bro. Wood and myself have been in Fresno, Co., and given some fifty discourses—thirty-five in the tent and fifteen in a school-house twelve miles east of the village of Fresno where the tent is. The following from the Editor of the Fresno Expositor of April 26, will show what the people think of the meeting:—

“The meeting which has been going on in the big tent on the Court-house square under the pastorage of the Second-Adventist missionaries, has created quite an interest among the citizens of this village. The meetings are largely attended. The sermons of the ministers are said to be able and eloquent, showing that deep study and great research has been bestowed on them.”

The people in Fresno village seem generally convinced and many of them admit that we have the “Truth,” yet they seem to be too indifferent to sacred things to come out from the world and take up the cross. We can not say whether we will be able to effect an organization in the village or not, we stay a few days longer and then think of moving the tent a few miles south of here where we can still hold on to some of the present interest.

We expect to establish a good church in the neighborhood east of here where six families, also their school teacher, a young man of ability, have commenced keeping the Sabbath, and where others are interested. In this neighborhood I sold six $3.00 Bibles in one evening, and more were wanted. Bro. Wood commenced preaching there and was challenged by a Disciple minister for discussion, and six hours were spent last Sunday in trying to decide whether man is conscious between death and the resurrection or not. Nothing new was given and of course the old arguments were readily met.

Bro. Wood returned home yesterday. He has helped me much, and I shall miss him, as I am now alone, with plenty of work on hand for three or four. Brn. Church are helping greatly by paying expenses of board, furnishing lumber, team, etc. Pray for us and the cause here.

W. M. HEALEY.

May 4, 1876.