R. M. KILGORE by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 4, 1875

R. M. KILGORE

By R. M. Kilgore

Iowa.

I RETURNED to Iowa Jan. 5, after an absence of seven months. Remained with the friends at home one Sabbath. On the 15th began meetings with the church at Victor. They have just finished a very neat and commodious house of worship 26x38, with 16-feet posts, and seated with patent reversible seats. This enterprise was undertaken last May when the church was organized, and within themselves, without any experience, by faithful, persevering, united effort, this building stands free from encumbrance, a monument of the power of the truth upon the hearts of those who received it in the love of it. About fifteen months ago, these brethren were virtually strangers to each other, and some of them strangers to God, and without hope in the world; filled with prejudice against the truth and the name of “Adventist,” reveling in their pork, tea, coffee, and tobacco; and some of them enjoying the pleasures of the dance, the wine cup, and the billiard table.

Since receiving the truth, these friends have shown a zeal according to knowledge, which is truly commendable. Though they have had but one visit by a minister since the church was organized, they have kept up regular prayer and Sabbath meetings weekly. Their former beverages are dispensed with, and the unwholesome diet no longer burdens their tables, and their interest in the truth and reforms is as great as ever.

The meetings continued every evening and over two Sabbaths and Sundays, during which time we tried to raise the standard upon more practical duties. We felt that God was indeed near to us, and gave us a refreshing from his presence. Sunday, Jan. 24, the dedication services took place, when we all felt to give ourselves, as well as the house, anew to the service of God who had wrought so wonderfully for us. During these meetings six were received into the church.

Brn. F. A. Barlow and J. W. Allen were set apart, by laying on of hands, to fill the sacred offices of elder and deacon. The meeting closed with the celebration of the ordinances of the Lord’s house in which all took an active part, with a ready mind, though many had never engaged in them before. This was a precious season to us, for the sweet Spirit of God was manifestly with us. As usual, I was alone to labor in this meeting, and felt disappointed that others, of more experience, could not have been with us. But God was with us, and to his name be all the praise. I am now on my way to meet with the friends at Adel.