p. 123 | Report of Labor by John Norton Loughborough

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Feb 19, 1885

Report of Labor.

By John Norton Loughborough

My last published report was of labor in Humboldt County, Cal. Dec. 20-25 I was with my family at the Rural Health Retreat, St. Helena. After eight months of almost constant travel and holding meetings, it was good to have a few days for rest and meditation. When it comes to talking of rest, it seems to me that the Retreat is one of the best places on this whole coast to secure that end. Here you have pure water, and wholesome mountain air without ascending lofty summits. The Retreat is almost five hundred feet above Napa Valley. Then the views of nature obtained, in mountain, hill, and valley, with farms and orchards, are indeed refreshing to all the senses. I think our people have done well in selecting so desirable a place for the Health Retreat, and I trust, with the opening of the early spring, we shall see many flocking to this institution to enjoy the privileges it affords. When people ask me for the best climate on this coast for regaining health, I have no hesitation in saying, "The climate at Crystal Springs Rural Health Retreat."

Rest with me does not mean entire inactivity. While resting from the wear of traveling labor, I gave a portion of the time to some important writings which have been neglected during the pressure of other duties. This, with the privilege of a reunion of our family, and a pleasant Christmas gathering with the friends on the "hill-side," was really recuperating to me.

Dec. 26-29 we had an important gathering of our ministers and people in Oakland. At this meeting six discourses were given, and nine persons were baptized by Brother Israel, in Lake Merritt. Several important business meetings were held by our Conference officers and laborers in California. Those enjoying the benefit of this mid-winter council seemed to go from the meeting with good courage to push on in the work.

Sabbath and first day, Jan. 3 and 4, I was with the church in Healdsburg during the church quarterly meeting. The week following, I was engaged in settling my family in Healdsburg for the winter, so that both my son and daughter could have the benefit of the Biblical instructions at the College. At the same time I was enabled to do some important writing in reference to our institutions. While at Healdsburg I had opportunity to notice, more than ever before, the practical working of our College. The professors, teachers, and sisters in charge of North College Hall, who are devoting their energies to the success of this educational enterprise, should have the moral and financial support of all who love the truth. Each student, also, should strive to be the most loyal and true to all the wise and judicious rules and regulations imposed for their observance. It would also be a special source of encouragement if all outstanding pledges to the College could be speedily redeemed. I trust that the Healdsburg church, especially, will consider it an important trust to have such an institution as the College in their midst, and that every member will esteem it a pleasure to promote the welfare of those managing the school. By so doing they will receive the blessing of God upon a labor of love.

Jan. 9-14 I was with the church at Santa Rosa, where I gave two discourses, held one business meeting, and visited eighteen families. I also spoke once in Forestville. It was in Santa Rosa, fifteen years ago, that the first Seventh-day Adventist meeting-house on the Pacific Coast was erected. Many changes have taken place since that time. Some members have apostatized from the faith, some have died, and many have removed from the place. Some of the old members remain, other additions have been made to the church, and there is still a company to meet from Sabbath to Sabbath in Santa Rosa.

Sabbath, Jan. 17, I spoke again to the church in Healdsburg, and on Tuesday, the 20th, I attended the funeral of George Hewitt, whose parents were among the early members of Santa Rosa church. Although George was not a professor of religion, he did not forget the lessons he learned while a Sabbath-school scholar. We trust his afflicted, sorrowing mother will see the importance of being prepared for the coming of the Master, who will soon end all our sorrows and woes.

Since the above meetings, I have prepared for my two months' labor in the Northern Conferences, and have made the sea voyage to Portland, Oregon. I am to-day, Jan. 28, consulting with Brother Boyd relative to the work. After spending a week here, I expect to go to the Upper Columbia Conference.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.