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KANSAS

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 13, 1876

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 48, No. 3.

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KANSAS

By Chas. F. Stevens

On account of recent rains, I was unable to reach my appointment at Peace, Rice Co., till Sabbath morning, the 17th. Quite a number of Sabbath-keepers have recently settled in this new country, mostly from Indiana and Iowa. While some who nominally keep the seventh day do not make a profession of Christianity, others, I am glad to say, appear to love the truth, and are trying to keep pace with the message. Here we were glad to meet Bro. Wm. Dawson and wife, who came from Rush Co., a distance of eighty miles, to attend this meeting. Meetings continued till Monday night. Seven were baptized, who, with four others who held letters of commendation, were united in church fellowship. Bro. E. H. Seward was elected elder; and sister M. E. Smith, clerk and treasurer. We celebrated the ordinances, after which they pledged over fifty dollars Systematic Benevolence for the remainder of the current year.
Bro. Seward and wife took me to my appointment at Solomon Rapids, a distance of ninety miles. Here we met about fifty Sabbath-keepers from six different counties, the most of whom camped on the ground till the close of the meetings.
Our meetings commenced with the Sabbath. There appeared to be a willingness on the part of nearly all to work for the Lord. Some discouragements existed among those who had signed the covenant here, and as no permanent organization had ever been effected, it was thought best to organize a church of those who are in hearty union and sympathy with the cause. Accordingly, fifteen associated themselves together in church fellowship. Others will probably join soon. Bro. J. W. Andrews was elected and ordained elder, and sister Nancy Hiddleson was chosen clerk and treasurer. Although the members are considerably scattered, and cannot always meet on the Sabbath, yet if they are faithful in doing their duty, they can be sure of the blessing of God, and can report progress when they do meet.
I am now in Osborn Co., to remain over two Sabbaths. From this place, I expect to go to Salem, Jewell Co., to commence meetings, and continue as long as the interest may demand.
CHAS. F. STEVENS.
Bell City, Osborn Co., June 28, 1876.