NOTES FROM WASHINGTON, D. C.
By J. S. Washburn
ONE man in this city, who had once kept the Sabbath while in the army and had been a member of the Church in Denver, Colo., had become discouraged, drifted into utter infidelity, burned up “Great Controversy” and all our books in 1896, has now heard the call of God again, has given up infidelity entirely and is preparing to keep the Sabbath, accepting the whole truth and loving it as never before. This is wholly and directly the work of the Lord. Never have we seen so directly as here, in many ways, the direct working of the Spirit of the living God. I have begun meetings at the Home of the Soldiers of the regular army, which is located in Washington and is probably the finest soldiers’ home in the world. About 1,000 veterans of three wars and many years service, are there. At the first meeting there was an excellent and intelligent interest, as I spoke on our own country in prophecy, and the dangers that confronted the nation. What may develop from this I can not say. SINCE January 20, with the exception of Sunday, when there is no mail delivered in Washington, we have received money for the Memorial Church every day without fail up to the present date (April 1). This is generally in small sums, but enough has been sent to pay $6,200 in all on the church, which cost $12,900, leaving a balance of $6,700 yet to be paid; but, as I have $1,300 in hand toward another payment, which will be made in a few days, the debt actually stands at $5,400 with interest at 5½%, or 81 cents per day. When we consider that since Nov. 1, 1902, in five months, over $7,500 has been paid, we thank God and take courage, hoping that in a few weeks the building of this “Memorial for God” will be completely finished. We have received the mites of many widows and deeply appreciate these gifts, and especially the prayers that have followed them. Verily none who have given shall lose their reward. Yet are there not several of our people, who will come forward with a gift of $1,000 each, as one sister in St. Louis has done, or at least $500, so that the work may be quickly finished, and we have time to attend to the many calls that are pressing us? May the Lord’s call be heard and answered quickly. In the appeal by Mrs. E. G. White, which all have seen, are these words, which show how easily the church could be paid for if all will give as they are able “and the amount given by each scarcely be missed.” “If all will give what they can, the indebtedness will soon be liquidated. We pray that those who can help in this enterprise may be constrained to do so by their love for Christ. We regard the purchase of this church property as a wise step, and your co-operation in assisting the brethren there to pay for it will bring you into harmony with the beneficent purposes of the Gospel.” Below are given the names of a few donations sent directly to me and not before reported in the SIGNS. |
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| Previously Reported |
$2,189.46 |
Friend in Helena, Mont. |
$10.00 |
| D. E. Scoles |
30.00 |
“A Friend” |
.50 |
| Mrs. Almina Hicks |
1.00 |
A Friend |
2.50 |
| Thos. T. Heald |
5.00 |
Sullivan Wareham |
20.00 |
| Mrs. R. H. Morton |
1.00 |
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| G. R. Angove |
2.00 |
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Total |
$2,261.46 |