DISTRICT 5 by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 6, 1900

DISTRICT 5.

By R. M. Kilgore

PHOENIX AND FLAGSTAFF, ARIZ.—A little more than a year had passed since I last visited the church at Phoenix. I was comforted and encouraged to know that they were presenting a united front to the enemy, and were all working harmoniously. The week of prayer proved a great blessing to all of them. Darkness and discord gave place to light, love, and peace. It was a joy to labor among them, and the instruction given was heartily received and appreciated, which rendered the yoke easy, and the burden light. The work usually connected with the quarterly meeting was attended to, and new officers were added on account of the increase of the membership during the year. Elder J. E. Evans, who has the confidence of all the church, was elected pastor, for the present. He enjoys his work there, and the climate is remarkably adapted to his physical needs. His health is greatly improved.

The change from the tent we occupied last year, to the commodious brick meeting-house, though in an unfinished condition, was an additional source of comfort and pleasure to us all. The brethren there are doing all they can to clear away the small debt that remains on the building. This, with their efforts to keep the church school running, is a heavy tax upon their finances.

The school is prospering under the direction of Sister Neilson, supported by the parents and trustees. All are united in their efforts to make it a success. Without the full and hearty co-operation of all concerned, and the maintenance of the proper discipline, our church schools will fall far short of fulfilling their mission.

On examination of the records, and an inquiry into the spiritual condition of the members, present and absent, it was decided to withdraw the hand of Christian fellowship from several persons whom those present had never seen, and from whom no response had ever been received, though repeated efforts on the part of the officers of the church had been made to ascertain their standing and whereabouts. It also became the painful duty of the church to sever its connection with some who had yielded to the influence of the world, and after being faithfully labored with, still persisted in the evil course. No good can come to the church, the individual, or the world, by retaining in fellowship those who stubbornly continue in breaking the Sabbath, attending dances, and engaging in other questionable acts. They can not be saved by such toleration, but the standard that God has given is dragged in the dust when the proper Scriptural discipline is not maintained and enforced.

At Flagstaff I found the workers, Elder George O. States and Sister W. L. Iles, busy at their work. The new meeting-house was being completed, preparatory to its dedication; and the parsonage, on the same lot, was being finished. This affords comfortable living-rooms, without paying the high rents demanded in the Western towns and cities.

January 14 the dedicatory services were held. The house was filled with the citizens, many of whom had contributed liberally to the fund for its erection. The sermon was delivered by the writer; Elder States offered the prayer; Rev. W. W. Brunk, pastor of the M. E. church, read appropriate Scripture lessons; Rev. George Logie led in the opening prayer; and a quartet from the M. E. choir rendered appropriate songs.

It is worthy of notice that all the bills on both the houses are paid, thus leaving no debt hanging over them. The brethren have worked hard amid much opposition and discouragement.

The Lord has wrought through them, and has given them some good souls. Though few in number, it was thought necessary, under the circumstances, to organize, and my labors pertained mostly to the preparation for that. My efforts were not in vain. I found the brethren ready to receive the straight testimony. The standard of life for the followers of Christ was none too high for them. God will bless those who adhere closely to the requirements of his word, and insist on all coming up to the principles he has laid for us. We can not make any compromises, and meet the mind of the great Head of the church. Our work is to “present every man perfect in Christ Jesus.”

A church with twelve members was organized, four joining by letter. Four persons were baptized by Elder States in the baptistery of the church, the others considering their former baptism valid. Several others are deeply interested, and are in full sympathy with the Third Angel’s Message, but are not prepared to take the steps incumbent upon members in full fellowship. We trust they may soon be found standing upon the Rock, fully united, and walking with those who willingly “follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth.”

Brother States was elected elder for the present. A good brother from one of our large churches in the East, could fill a most needy field at Flagstaff. The climate is excellent for the lungs and throat, the altitude being high and dry. Those contemplating moving are requested to correspond with Elder George O. States, Flagstaff, Ariz.

R. M. KILGORE.