Otranto and Richland, Iowa by Dudley Marvin Canright

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 28, 1873

Otranto and Richland, Iowa.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

Jan. 1, I came to Otranto. A severe snow-storm prevented having any evening meetings or public meetings at all; so I enjoyed a good, long, and much-needed rest, at the quiet, hospitable home of Bro. Sutherland. Only had meetings Sabbath and Sunday.

Sabbath, we organized a church of ten members. These are all intelligent persons, strong in the truth, and are about of one age, being in the prime of life. I see no reason why they will not be a strong little church.

Sunday, we re-organized S. B. amounting to $90, which they immediately raised by special donations to $107. Sold some books and obtained a number of subscribers on our periodicals. Had no opportunity of ascertaining outside interest.

Tuesday, Jan. 7, arrived at home in Monroe after an absence of just eight months. Stayed only one day. Had a pleasant meeting at evening. Bro. and Sr. Landes made my stay so comfortable and pleasant that it seemed hard to leave.

Jan. 9 to 16, at Richland. Brn. Nicola, McCoy, and others came in from surrounding churches. The people turned out and crowded our new house full. The Methodists tried to hold meetings, but no one went. God gave me good freedom in preaching the truth. Sabbath, we had a melting time, and eight came forward for prayers. The doctrinal sermons on Sunday seemed to tell forcibly on many. I think the cause never stood in as good a condition in this community as now. For this we feel to thank God and take courage. They began here three years ago with ten or a dozen; now there are about thirty-five keeping the Sabbath and they have a good, new meeting-house 28x40, which cost them over $2000. Most of this they raised within themselves, Bro. John Stroup giving $800. I sold some books, and obtained quite a list of subscribers for the REVIEW.

As reported by Bro. Butler, Eld. Goodenough of the Marion party, recently spent about a month here, trying to divide and break up the church with objections to the visions and a few other points. A few had been affected by him and were having opposition meetings, though they were not at all satisfied with his doctrines. These had embraced the truth under our labors, and were very near and dear to us. They again attended our meetings, and saw that the good Spirit and blessing of God were there. I visited and talked with them, and answered their objections as far as I could learn them. Finally we all came together and spent all day hearing and answering objections, giving the history of that party, the men who have engaged in it, &c. Then we called on these brethren to know how they felt. One after another arose and confessed themselves fully satisfied or greatly relieved. As they began to confess their way back, the good, melting Spirit of God was felt, tears flowed freely, the brethren broke down and made a full surrender. We all wept together and embraced each other, and praised God for joy. Every one returned who had been with us before. Five were added to the church. To God be all the glory.

D. M. CANRIGHT.