Armada, Mich by D. H. Lamson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1873

Armada, Mich.

By D. H. Lamson

The tent meeting continued at this place from June 20, nine weeks and four days, when we were compelled to close in order to get the tent to the camp-ground, near Battle Creek. It can be safely said that the interest increased to the last. Our congregations numbered at times, it is thought, seven hundred, and they were seldom small. We labored six weeks with scarcely any signs of success aside from a general interest to hear; but the last weeks of the meeting told well for the cause. Several opposition discourses were preached about this time, two of which were replied to by Bro. Lane with marked effect, and people began more rapidly to decide, yielding daily to the claims of the truth until the close, and some, since. The influence of this effort has been widespread and some who were but transiently in the place have carried the truth to their homes many miles away. There are about sixty in the immediate vicinity who are trying to live out the message, keeping God’s commandments and the faith of Jesus. Since the close of the meeting, there have been obtained seventy-four subscribers for our papers, most of them for the REVIEW. This number can yet be increased by many more.

A friend of the cause has furnished us with a building, formerly a cabinet shop, which we have improvised as a chapel for the worship of God. The friends have fitted it up well, a stove is being put in, and we shall be comfortable for the winter with the blessing of God. The necessity of a suitable house of worship is greatly felt, the friends responding nobly to a call for this object. Subscriptions have been made amounting to nearly $1,200.00. We hope to increase it to $2,000.00. A meeting has been held, and a society formed for the purpose of holding church property, and we meet again Oct. 18, evening, to elect trustees, appoint a building committee, &c. It seems to be a necessity that some one remain here for a time. There is still an interest to hear, and it is now designed to give several courses of lectures during the winter at points not far distant from here.

We have an interesting Bible-class, in which all unite. There is still a great work before us, and it is to be hoped that each of us will be willing to put away every sin and every evil habit, so shall the Spirit of Christ find in our hearts a constant abiding place. The opposition is still strong, though not as open as before. May God forgive the blind bigotry of some and the untempered zeal of others who are so determined to oppose themselves. God grant that we, through faith and patience, may inherit the promises.

D. H. LAMSON.