Iowa Church Organized and Baptisms at Hook's Point
By R. M. Kilgore
Nov. 12-18, attended the meeting at Hook’s Point. At this meeting, we were favored with the labors of Bro. Butler, which were greatly appreciated by those who had but lately embraced the truth, and also by us, who had but recently united with him to minister in word and doctrine. Though the weather was stormy and cold during the whole time, there was a very general attendance, and the meeting was a profitable one. A church of twenty-three members was organized; also Systematic Benevolence. Monday, the 18th, eight willing souls were buried with their Lord in baptism, who, we trust, arose to walk in newness of life. Others desiring baptism were not prepared. From this place, I accompanied Bro. H. Nicola to fill appointments in Western Iowa and Nebraska. Nov. 21-25, met with the friends of the cause at Soldier Valley, Iowa. Found them in rather a discouraged state of mind. Held eleven meetings, endeavoring to raise the standard of practical godliness. The brethren were strengthened and encouraged, and God graciously sent us his rich blessing. We organized a church of nine members, and s. b., amounting to $73.00. Bro. D. M. McWilliams was elected and ordained elder. Nov. 26, 27, preached two discourses to the church at Onawa, Iowa. This is a small company, and for the lack of an efficient leader in spiritual things, and consecration on the part of the membership, they are not making that advancement in the divine life which it is their privilege to do. The testimony of Bro. Nicola was especially adapted and received, and we trust will prove a great gain to all. Nov. 30 and Dec. 1, met with the church at Decatur, Neb. We gave four discourses to good congregations. Bro. M. D. Clark was elected and ordained elder of the church, and seven more were received into the church, upon being baptized. Some of the membership here also have not come up to all the light they have received and, consequently, are on the background themselves, and a drawback to others. We hope they will arouse before it is too late, and walk in the light, lest gross darkness cover them. Monday, Dec. 2, Bro. Porter took us to Tekama. Met Mr. A. Briggs, who took us to his home near Mt. Pleasant, Neb. Being denied the use of their school-house, we held one meeting in Mr. Waterman’s house, and eight in the Elder Grove school-house, which was kindly granted us. This is the first visit they have received from any of our ministers since I left them last May; and, as a consequence, some had given up and gone back, and those still holding on were greatly discouraged. By our advice, five were received and added to the church at Decatur, by members who were present. We hope that these dear souls will prove faithful, let their light shine, and endure unto the end, and that those who have a heart to obey God will unite with them, and finally taste of the fruit of the tree of life inside the city of God. Dec. 14, 15, attended a general gathering of the friends of the cause with the church of Onawa, Iowa. Some were prevented from attending by a severe storm on Sabbath, yet the house was filled. Held five meetings, and organized a Tract and Missionary Society. At all these meetings, we acknowledge with gratitude the goodness and mercy of God in meeting with us by his Spirit, and for the benefit we received ourselves. Monday, 16, Bro. N. left me, to return home, and I to go north, to Hamilton Co. At the urgent request of some, I spoke to a full house in the Lake circle District. I am now at Bach Grove, and begin meetings to-night. I find the people just about as I left them. The epizootic is raging here, and, as a consequence, will greatly detract from the interest of our meetings, as the people cannot attend without teams. Three yoke of oxen does the hauling of wood and milling, principally, for the neighborhood. I am expecting Bro. C. A. Washburn to assist me here in the work, and I ask the prayers of God’s people, that He may aid us. My P. O. address, while I am in this county, will be Webster City, Iowa.