Indiana Church Organizations and Meetings Report
By S. H. Lane
Although there has been no report of labor from this State for some time, the good work has been progressing. In October, returned to my home in Michigan and remained until after the Biblical Institute, then commenced labor in this State again. Jan. 12-17, held meetings with the church at North Liberty. Those living near came in and we enjoyed some good meetings. Jan. 18-21, labored with the friends who embraced the truth at Rochester while the tent was in their midst last summer. While with them organized a church of seventeen members. Enjoyed some precious meetings with them. At the last meeting attended to the ordination of the church officers. The blessing of the Lord rested upon us, and as one after another testified of their love for the truth nearly all in the house were moved to tears and some wept aloud. Jan. 22-28, met with those who embraced the truth at Bunker Hill, where we finished tent labor in the fall. Found the friends still faithful, and had made quite rapid progress in living out the truth. Through the kindness of friends we procured a fine new church to hold meetings in. Each evening we held meetings which were well attended, and some seemed deeply interested. In the afternoon of four days held meetings and introduced the subject of organization. We organized a church of fourteen members. The social meetings were excellent. They all gave in their testimonies in quick succession, and as they were stating their love for the truth, and their gratitude to God for the privilege of having heard it, and we witnessed the tearful eye and realized that a few months since some were making no profession, and quite a number using tobacco, and hurtful articles of diet, and that now these things are discontinued and they are praying in their families and engaging earnestly in the social meetings, we could but thank the Lord for the power of present truth. Jan. 29 to Feb. 2, spent with the church of Ervin in Howard Co. The brethren and sisters from the Alto church came in and we enjoyed some good meetings. Sunday, Jan. 31, preached the funeral sermon of sister Geo. White, who fell asleep in Jesus last August. She was an active member of the church, and her loss is deeply felt. Held a business meeting and introduced the subject of building a meeting-house for the use of our people in the county. The idea was received with favor, and a committee of five were appointed to take the matter into consideration. Feb. 3-13, labored with the friends at Bourbon. Through the kindness of the trustees of the United Brethren church we obtained their house of worship to hold meetings in. The people turned out well, considering the very cold weather. Spoke each evening, and during the daytime introduced the subject of organization, and organized a church of eight members. Several more will soon unite. Quite an interest was awakened and some took a decided stand to live out the truth. We labored at this place with the tent last summer. These three newly organized churches pledged s. b. to the amount of $215 per year. Feb. 14, commenced a course of lectures at Leesburg, Kosciusko Co. Have the use of the Christian church. It is a fine, large house. The congregations thus far have ranged from seventy-five to two hundred. Hope through the blessing of the Lord a good work will be accomplished.