Shelby Co., Iowa by John Matteson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 31, 1872

Shelby Co., Iowa.

By John Matteson

I AM still holding meetings in this county, eight miles north of Fairview, where I first commenced. Here is a large grove, called Bowman's Grove, thickly settled. We have a comfortable school-house for meetings. This used to be a great place for meetings, but during the last two years the interest in religion has died out. There is a small Methodist class left. The weather is quite fair, roads good, no snow. Attendance at our meetings from forty to ninety. The people listen with good attention. I have been here a little more than two weeks. Some have decided to keep the Sabbath. Still it is uncertain how large a company of believers can be raised up here. By the help of God, I will continue to labor on in hope.

There is also a little Danish settlement here—ten or twelve families. I have commenced meetings with them, and they seem to be willing to hear. Thus I have eight or nine meetings a week. This, and writing for the Danish paper besides, gives me enough to do. There are still other places in this county, settled by Americans and Danes together, where the people are desiring to hear. It seems, therefore, to me, to be duty to remain here for some time. Praying for the blessing of God to rest upon his servants and cause in all its departments, I remain,

Yours truly,

JOHN MATTESON.

Harland, Iowa, Dec. 15, 1872.