North Pacific Mission by I. D. Van Horn

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 31, 1877

North Pacific Mission.

By I. D. Van Horn

SABBATH and Sunday, May 12th and 13th, were days of encouragement for the cause of truth in Salem, Oregon. The blessing of the Lord was present in all the meetings in a rich measure. On the Sabbath day six were baptized and the same number united with the church, making the present number twenty-seven.

A business meeting was held on Sunday morning to perfect the organization of the church which was a complete success in every particular. Bro. Thomas H. Starbuck was elected and ordained elder of the church. The Lord gave us evidence that the right choice had been made.

The plan of Systematic Benevolence was cheerfully and unanimously adopted by the church. They pledged to the amount of $235 per year. Considering their circumstances, they all came up nobly to the work in this respect.

The church hold their meetings in a meeting-house near the center of the city, owned by the South Methodist church. They pay $5 per month rent, which is reasonable, and the house affords them a neat and comfortable place for meetings.

I see no reason now why the cause in Salem may not prosper. There are a few more keeping the Sabbath, and who are firm advocates of the whole truth, that may unite with the church before long. Had we left Salem last fall I don't think we should have seen anywhere near so good a result.

We are now in the town of Dallas, Polk Co., Oregon, fifteen miles west of Salem. We have our tent pitched on a beautiful spot, and seated in an improved style with backs to the seats. We have held three meetings and we can already see some interest. We hope for good results.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Dallas, O., May 20, 1877.