A Practical Gathering in South-western New York
By T. E. Bowen
THE brethren in southwestern New York decided that a gathering near Quaker Bridge, on a piece of ground intended as a school site, would be of profit. Brother Hicks sent out from Salamanca a very cordial invitation to the brethren and sisters in surrounding churches to meet on this unimproved land, to seek the Lord together. The time appointed was August 19-21, and the attendance was good, considering the circumstances. Two tents were pitched in the woods, and there was an old shanty on the place which had been used by the lumbermen when getting off the timber. These were the only means of shelter provided, but, generally speaking, the weather was good. About seventy-five brethren and sisters attended the meeting sometime during its progress, and about twenty-five not of our faith were present, among whom were some Indians from the reservation along the Alleghany River. The meeting was good, and the Lord blessed. Hearts were touched as at stated times the brethren gathered under the shade of the trees to study the Word of the Lord and seek him together. Sabbath was a day of victories. Some who had been indifferent renewed their consecration to the Lord, others made a start for the first time. Four were baptized on Sunday. Elder K. C. Russell, of Boston, Mass., met with the brethren and sisters, Sunday afternoon, and his presence was appreciated by all. Brethren Hicks and Carr, Dr. A. R. Satterlee, and the writer were present. As a result of the industry of those present, one hundred and eighteen quarts of blackberries were picked, looked over, and canned during the meeting. Some one presented a little more canned fruit, so one hundred and twenty quarts of canned berries were taken away at the close of the meeting, for use in some sanitarium. This fruit grew on the ground on which the meeting was held, and would have gone to18waste had it not been gathered at this time. There are communities where large quantities of fruit might be preserved and sent to needy places in the South, could two or three churches unite in the effort. Certainly this gathering demonstrated that the Lord blessed in seeking to preserve this fruit for places where it was much needed. All felt that the occasion had been a profitable one in every way, and rejoiced that the Lord had met with his people and blessed this effort.