Monterey, Nov. 20, 1871
By Joseph Bates
SINCE my last report, Oct. 29, I have been visiting Sabbath-keepers in Oceana Co., where a church was recently organized in the township of Grant by Bro. Philip Strong, G. W. Newman elected Elder, from Nov. 4 to 15. Our Sabbath and first-day meetings were deeply interesting, especially the last. Some of the brethren have from ten to fifteen miles to travel, and strangers come also quite a distance to learn about the keeping of the Sabbath and the soon coming of our dear Lord and Saviour. Others beside Sabbath-keepers are anxious to hear a course of lectures. Many strangers are seeking employment on the railroads which are progressing northward up the western shore of the lake through villages and settlements which have been difficult to reach heretofore on account of bad roads. From what I learned, the way is opening daily for the spread of the good news of the coming kingdom of our Lord and Saviour. I was with the church in Monterey last Sabbath. The, whooping cough has prevailed here with the children to such an extent that our day schools and Sabbath-schools have been suspended for weeks. Thank the Lord the afflicted are getting better, and the schools are about commencing again.