p. 166 | GEO. I. BUTLER by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 17, 1874

GEO. I. BUTLER

By George I. Butler

California.

Meetings in San Francisco continue in the large tent, with a steady interest. Soon after my last report was written, the weather became quite stormy for that country, and for this season of the year. Nearly every day it threatened rain, and the next Sabbath and Sunday after my report there was a severe storm, which tore one of the large tents badly, so that it had to be taken down for repairs. No such storm for many years had been known at this season of the year. This injured the interest somewhat, as the evenings were cool, and everything damp. But it began to come up again as soon as settled weather returned. The weather has since been delightful, and the congregations have numbered from 200, up to 1,000, evenings. They gave the best of attention. I shall be disappointed if there is not an ingathering of souls as the result of the meetings.

At this writing, I am returning East on the Union Pacific R. R. My acquaintance with the brethren of California has been most pleasant, and I trust some good has been accomplished by my visit there. I can see no good reason why there may not be prosperity on the Pacific coast. Thus far the truth seems to have a favorable impression there; and if I can judge, it has the ears of the people. There is no lack of financial strength in that Conference, and the brethren seem to be willing to do what is necessary to set this work on a proper basis.

But I judge they have an experience to gain there which some of our older brethren have learned in the East. I found things there in full as good condition as I expected, and shall ever feel a deep interest in the prosperity of the cause there. The work has increased most encouragingly in California since our brethren went there a few years since. Now it is one of our strong Conferences.

The establishment of the paper there is an important era. We expect it will prove a blessing to the cause. Bro. Cornell is returning with me to labor in the East. Brn. Loughborough and Canright have more than enough to do. We hope they will husband their strength. I have feared Bro. L. would break down under his earnest labors. The care of the paper will add to his burdens. May God work upon the hearts of the people there and raise up true helpers in the work. This seems the greatest lack. Men and women are wanted more than means.

GEO. I. BUTLER

U. P. R. R., Nov. 4, 1874.