Tennessee by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 19, 1906

Tennessee

By J. S. Washburn

NASHVILLE.—We left Washington for Nashville on Wednesday, May 9. Our journey through the mountains of North Carolina and Tennessee was most pleasant. The mountain scenery of North Carolina is truly beautiful, not so awe inspiring nor so grand as the Rocky Mountain scenery, but really much pleasanter.

Since our arrival in Nashville we have seen much to encourage us to believe that the Lord is here, and that he will help us in our work in the South.

The purchase of the sanitarium property is a great advance step. This is a country place, within easy touch of Nashville. The situation is high; the view is wide, and we believe it is as pleasant and healthful a situation as can be found in the vicinity of this important Southern city. The owner died only last January. He was a professor in the Vanderbilt University, a man of culture and refinement, as everything about his place indicates—beautiful trees and grounds, and a really elegant home.

Through the great kindness of the brethren, the money has been secured; and by a direct providence, the Rinallis property, which had been purchased for a sanitarium, was transferred on this bargain, at an advance in its value of one thousand dollars.

Property is advancing in this city. Nashville is building up rapidly. We found great difficulty in renting a house as a home, but finally, by that which seems to us a great providence, we secured a very pleasant situation, just across the street from our tent.

This is an excellent climate. I have suffered more from the heat in Iowa, or in Washington, D. C., than in Nashville. A sunstroke is almost unknown here. The nights are nearly always cool.

Our tent, which was donated by the California brethren, is sixty by eighty feet, as it is pitched at present, and is really a fine tent in appearance. It is comfortably seated, and the platform is more tastefully decorated and fitted up than I have known in any previous tent-meeting. It is beautifully lighted also, with electricity. We are situated on the street-car line, in an enclosed lot with an abundance of shade, in an excellent neighborhood, not in the most aristocratic part of the city, and yet in a part where nearly every one owns a comfortable home. We have never found people more friendly and more pleasant.

Our first meeting was well attended, and the average attendance has been above that of any tent-meeting in my experience. The smallest congregation we have ever had, I think, is seventy-five. Our average week-night attendance has been about one hundred and fifty, and sometimes more. Sunday nights the tent has been filled. We have twice quite largely increased the seating capacity of the tent, and last Sunday night every seat was taken, and a large number were standing; and a more attentive, interested congregation we have never seen. At the close of the meeting a large number acknowledged that they believed the ten commandments should be kept.

The ex-mayor of the city, who is also president of one of the city banks, attends quite regularly. A thinking, intelligent class are greatly interested in the meetings. We pray, not only that their intellects may be convinced, but that their hearts may be converted, and that a large number will accept the truth as a result of this effort.

One interesting feature is that the papers give us daily reports. These are quite brief, but if we should take a hundred copies or more, they would give us a column. The editor of one of the leading papers has promised to publish a photograph of the tent, with quite a lengthy report. We are hoping to get in a brief history of the advent movement. The Lord has given us favor with the people.

Will not all the readers of the REVIEW pray that the work may be established here, and that through the sunny Southland, once stormed by war and still suffering from its terrible effects, the glorious message of truth may run and be glorified?

We have just received from Sister White thirty dollars to help on tent expenses. As we have had to buy a number of extra seats, this is very welcome. The expenses have been quite heavy, and if any reader of the REVIEW desires to follow this good example, such aid would be most thankfully received. Send any donations of this kind to Elder Geo. I. Butler, Twenty-fourth Ave. N., or to the writer at 610 Meridian St., Nashville, Tenn.

J. S. WASHBURN.