Michigan Church Visits and Meetings, June 1866
By John Byington
The long, cold winter was a heavy tax on my health, and prevented my being from home some of the time. May 11, 12, by request, I held a meeting with the brethren in Walton near Olivet. Eleven gave in their names for church organization. I ventured to this place June 8, 9, when further steps were taken for church organization. Bro. Murray was chosen leader. These brethren have most of them moved from other churches to this place, and have now no other place for meeting. May they prove united and faithful. One received baptism. June 1, 2, I was with the church in Alaiedon. They had not been visited by any of our preaching brethren for several months. The late death of my son, Dr. J. F. Byington, prevented my staying longer with them. June 22, 23, I was with the church in Wright. Four were baptized. The quarterly meeting of the tract society was held on first-day, Bro. Root being present. Our meetings were interesting. June 29, I was with the church in Allegan. Six were baptized and the ordinances were administered. A good interest through the day. Three of the youth united with the church. The loss of my dear son has brought deep sorrow and affliction upon me, but I sorrow not as those that have no hope. “Them that sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” He very earnestly requested his parents to live near him, that he might care for them in their old age; but now he has left a widow and five small children, to be cared for. “The Lord’s ways are not as our ways.” J. BYINGTON.