Development of the Work in Washington
By Arthur G. Daniells
In one of the communications that came from Sister White while we were looking for a location for our headquarters in the East, the statement was made that although there was opposition to moving from Battle Creek, yet confidence would be established as soon as the move was made. This assurance gave us much encouragement when it came, but at that time we were not able to form the faintest conception of its real meaning as it has been unfolded since. From the letters that have come to our office from nearly all our organized conferences and mission fields throughout the world, we have undoubted evidence that the Spirit of God spoke confidence to the hearts of our people everywhere when the move was made. Presidents of conferences, secretaries and treasurers of various organizations, superintendents of distant mission fields, and many humble believers among the rank and file of our people, have written to us, telling of the gladness that came to their hearts when they read the first announcement of our removal to Washington. Some say that they could scarcely refrain from tears, others say that they immediately knelt down and thanked the Lord, and asked that his special blessing might attend this change. As letters have come from all parts of the world, and from so many who have had no correspondence whatever with one another, all in the most perfect accord, we can see very plainly that the impression all have received has been from one source—the Spirit of God. We desire to assure our dear brethren and sisters everywhere, who have felt so deeply interested in this move, and who have written us so kindly, that we greatly appreciate this beautiful harmony that exists. It sustains us wonderfully in our efforts to make the changes indicated by the spirit of prophecy. It gives us blessed assurance of a new era in this cause. This has surely set in. The signal blessing of God has attended every step in our removal to Washington, and the efforts to develop the work here. The good hand of the Lord has been with Brethren Washburn and Sheafe since they came to this city, one year and a half ago. At that time there was but one church here; now there are three.6 It was my privilege to be with Elder Sheafe, Sabbath, December 6, when he organized the third church in this city. Up to that Sabbath, Brother Sheafe had been pastor of the church on Eighth Street, Northeast. Many excellent people have accepted the truth under his labors during the year and a half that he has been here. These had united with the Eighth Street church until the building was well filled. As many had to travel some distance at considerable cost to attend the meetings each week, it was thought best to organize another church. A very nice hall was secured at Twelfth and U Streets, Northwest. Fifty-one persons joined on the first Sabbath. Others are being added continually. The Sunday night services are attended by four or five hundred people. The M Street church, for which Brother Washburn has worked so earnestly, is entirely free from debt, and is now nicely fitted up for the services. The membership of this church is one hundred or more. This building is well filled, and in the near future it will be necessary to organize another church. It is not our plan to build up one large church in Washington. We propose to establish small churches, of about one hundred members, in different parts of the city and District. We have just begun a series of Sunday evening meetings in the Masonic Temple, in the heart of the city. At this writing two meetings have been held. Although we are just entering the holidays, when religious meetings are not the most popular, we have had an attendance of about four hundred at each meeting. Space will not permit of anything like a statement of the interesting and encouraging features of these meetings. We announce plainly and openly that they are conducted by the Seventh-day Adventists. Every week we distribute several thousand copies of the synopsis of the address. This opens the way for missionary efforts of various kinds. We are taking up the prophecies of Daniel, and intend to give an exposition of the fundamental truths of our message. The Lord has blessed Brother Prescott in the addresses he has given. Thousands of people in Washington are now having their attention called to this message, and a deep impression is being made upon many minds. One of the many striking experiences we have had is this: An aged and infirm lady was visited by our city evangelists. She made a very earnest and intelligent request for prayer for healing. She was a stranger to our workers, but her appeal was so earnest that they could do nothing but comply. They followed the instruction of James, and the Lord honored the faith of all by stretching forth his hand to heal. The following Sunday night this aged woman was out to the meeting at the Masonic Temple, with a heart overflowing with joy for what the Lord had done. Brethren, why should not such experiences attend the ministry? Does not our Lord tell us to preach the gospel and to heal the sick? And does he not tell us these signs shall follow? May the Lord save us from all fanaticism, but give us true faith to do all he has commanded. Space will not permit of a more extended report this week, but we shall tell our people from time to time of the Lord’s dealings with us. So far, we have not met with a discouraging feature in the work in this place. We are all pressed hard with much work and many perplexing problems, but our courage is good. We look for certain victory. A. G. DANIELLS.