p. 135 | Gratiot Co., Mich by I. D. Van Horn

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 9, 1872

Gratiot Co., Mich.

By I. D. Van Horn

I began meetings at Ithaca, on Friday evening, Feb. 16, and remained with them eighteen days, holding, during this time, twenty-seven meetings. I found the church in quite a low condition, spiritually, and in much need of help. Some difficulties existed, which brought discouragement upon all. Satan always deals out his heaviest blows at the head, and so we found it in this place.

But our meetings resulted in a great change for the better. Difficulties were settled, and many hearty confessions were made. The brethren and sisters did nobly in getting out to the meetings. They seemed hungry for the truth, and I trust they were benefited by what they heard.

Quite a good many outside of the church attended, though the Methodists commenced a protracted meeting soon after we began ours, and continued it for a few days after we closed. Some became interested in the truth, and three or four took a determined stand to keep the Sabbath and identify themselves with us.

Commenced meetings with the Alma church March 6, continued two weeks, holding twenty-two meetings. Difficulties existed here also, but as far as I know, they were all happily adjusted, and a good feeling of friendship and brotherly love prevailed among the members when our meetings closed.

The attendance throughout, on the part of the members, and of those without, was good here also. Some that had become backslidden took hold anew, and three or four made a start for the first time to keep all the commandments and go with us. I hope there are many brighter days for this church than formerly.

A Tract Society was organized here, and all seemed to take hold of it with becoming zeal. I left them cheerful and happy. Bro. Corliss and Bro. Fisher were with me, and lent a helping hand in the work.

After leaving Alma, by the request of Bro. Corliss I went with him to Vernon in the north part of Isabella County, where a few had come out in the truth under his labors last fall, or the fore part of the winter. We held eight meetings, and were much cheered at the good result. There was a good interest outside and some became favorable to the truth.

On Sunday, the 24th, we went three miles to the river, cut away the ice, and six were buried in baptism. It was a pleasant day and a happy season to us all. The Lord blessed us and gave assurance of his approbation. The next day we organized a church of ten members. Bro. James A. Converse was elected and ordained their elder. By the direction of Bro. Wm. Nelson, Director of Dist. No. 9, we organized a Tract Society here, and they all heartily took hold of the work. They had arranged their Systematic Benevolence some time before our meeting, to the amount of $50.00 per year. We were much pleased to see them all with such harmony of feeling in all the work of the present truth.

May the Lord bless them, and may they keep the light of truth burning there till the Saviour comes.

I. D. VAN HORN.

Battle Creek, April 1, 1872.