Nova Scotia by Wm. Guthrie

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Jan 28, 1904

Nova Scotia

By Wm. Guthrie

HALIFAX.—After long and earnest effort, with much prayer and supplication, the little company of believers in this city rejoice in the possession of a house of worship. The building was finished by December 12, but the dedicatory service was not held till January 10. All plans had been made to have Elder W. H. Thurston preach the dedicatory sermon, January 3, but a severe storm on that date caused us to defer the service till January 10, when only Brother F. R. Tracy and the writer could be present. With the burden resting thus heavily upon us, we sought the Lord earnestly for his blessing and presence.

January 10 dawned mild, with now and then a flurry of snow, but He who holds the winds in his hands heard our prayer, and a blessed day was given us. At five minutes past three o’clock the house was filled, and all those acting on the program were in their places as the organ sounded the first notes of hymn 238, and the service, which was to dedicate the new building and its furniture, together with the hearts of the faithful, to the service of the living God, had begun. For one hour and a half the people sat in rapt attention, as one part after another of the program was carried out.

The dedicatory sermon consisted of three parts, setting forth, first, the fact that a house of worship is built that God’s children may have a special and sacred place where they may meet with God, and learn his plans for the salvation of men; second, that they may be able to meet in the presence of God for counsel, and to provoke one another to love and good works; and, third, that those who have been made partakers of God’s love and promises may have a place where sinners may be invited to come to hear God’s message of love, and receive the pardon of their sins.

A collection of thirteen dollars was received when the plates were passed, and the service closed with hymn 310.

My soul greatly rejoices that the standard of truth is being reared in this place. Interested souls are already attending the special meetings that are in progress.

Please bear with me while I tell you of my great burden for this church, which is composed mostly of sisters. These dear souls have all been very faithful, but in spite of their best efforts a debt of $487.82 still remains on the church. This is a heavy burden for them, and the Lord has impressed me to call your attention to the “Testimonies,” Vol. VI, page 101, first and second paragraphs in the center of the page, and ask you to help us raise at least one half of this debt. I am sure that this is God’s will, and could you be here and understand the situation,

you would say, We will raise not only one half, but all, and leave them free to put forth their best effort for the advancement of the message, and to enjoy the bliss of sending their donations to help in the regions beyond.

Send all money to the General Conference, 222 North Capitol St., Washington, D. C., or to Elder Wm. Guthrie, 282 Maynard St., Halifax, Nova Scotia. Send by express or postal order. May the Lord greatly bless you for all your sacrifice to help the dear, struggling souls in this field. Wm. GUTHRIE.