ILLINOIS by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Feb 10, 1876

ILLINOIS

By G. W. Colcord

During the past five months I have attended many seasons of public worship, some features of which have been very interesting. I will note several.

Oct. 24, Bro. Andrews preached the dedicatory sermon of our new house of worship at Serena. This is a commodious, neat, and well-finished building. Oct. 30, celebrated the ordinances at Serena. This was one of the best meetings in my experience. One was immersed. Dec. 19, Bro. A. Nettlingham was ordained elder of the church at Serena; Bro. Alfred Hobbs was elected deacon, and Bro. Geo. Foreman, clerk and treasurer. Will our friends at S. “endure to the end”?

Nov. 9-21, was with Bro. Andrews in Iroquois Co., at Wateska and Beaverville. I hope the well-begun work here will grow till it shall be a power in this part of our Conference. At W., our brethren greatly need a house of worship.

Nov. 22-28, held meetings with our friends at St. Anne and Kankakee. As we spoke to our French brethren and sisters, and as they took part with us in social meetings, Bro. Bezon acted as interpreter. Bro. Andrews intends to see that organization is perfected at some of the above-named points. I speak of the American branch of the work.

Dec. 22, commenced a series of meetings near Gridley. This is one of our old churches. By removals, deaths, and apostasies, this church has been somewhat reduced. Untempered zeal in the past has been recently followed by reaction. Discouragement has been the result. Systematic Benevolence has been neglected, and Sabbath meetings had been nearly discontinued! Held over twenty meetings. New resolutions were formed, and Sabbath services are to be revived, and s. s. to be paid. The pledge for 1876 is $129.00; and $67.00 were paid at our last meeting. Brethren and sisters at G., Don't grow cold. Let your watchword be, Faithfulness!

Jan. 15, 16, held quarterly services at Lovington. Several were present from Cerro Gordo. Three were immersed; and five were received into fellowship.

Visited Dalton and Cerro Gordo, and found some of our acquaintances growing stronger in the truth. Several need aid. Some desire baptism soon. Hope Bro. Bliss will visit them in February or March. Friends in Illinois, arouse and labor. God is willing to command his blessing upon us.

G. W. COLCORD.

Martinsville, Ill., Jan. 28, 1876.