DEDICATION AT CARSON CITY, MICHIGAN.
By Uriah Smith
This meeting, held according to appointment, Dec. 16 and 17, was one of most excellent interest. A little over two years ago a tent was pitched in this place by Bro. A. O. Burrill, Bro. E. Van Deusen acting as tent master. By these the truth was faithfully set before the people in this region. A good beginning was then made, and the cause has been growing here ever since. At the present time there are some forty good, substantial people connected with the church, and others who have not yet entered into the organization doubtless will join soon. The church is fully organized with efficient officers, and has an S. B. pledge of $240 per year. They now have a house of worship 28x46, substantially built and nicely finished without and within. It is an ornament to the place and a credit to our cause. Bro. Burrill, who naturally feels a deep interest in his spiritual children here, they being also strongly attached to him, was present, and gave two discourses during the meetings, besides filling in with appropriate remarks and assistance on all other occasions. He beholds here the result of his first independent effort in this cause, and he has taken hold with unselfish and untiring devotion to secure it. The meeting house holds a good deal of the labor of his own hands. While his voice has been heard proclaiming the truth to the people, his hammer has been heard early and late upon the building, much as we may imagine it was with Noah while constructing the ark. He seemed resolved to make meeting house his meat and drink, till that people should have a suitable place in which to worship. And all the friends there, both brethren and sisters, have taken hold nobly in the enterprise, to second him in his work, lifting to the best of their ability to secure the house. The Lord will make it a continual store-house of blessings for them if they will be faithful in his service. Bro. Fargo, president of the Mich. T. and M. Society, was present and spoke once. An interesting and encouraging T. and M. meeting was held on Sunday. On the Sabbath, after an earnest exhortation from Bro. B., quite a number came forward for prayers including all in the house who made no profession. May the start they have made, be the beginning of continuous progress in the way of life. A few brethren and sisters were in from other places, and but for the excessive cold and storm that began the day before the meeting the house would probably have been crowded throughout with Sabbath-keepers. As it was the congregations were good, with quite a representation from the citizens of the place not of our faith. At the dedication services, Sunday forenoon, the house was well filled. Bro. B. gave a brief history of the work from its commencement in that place up to the time of the completion of the house. He was able to report the house all paid for, and no necessity for calling for anything from those present. This was in marked and pleasing contrast with the dedication services of the two other churches of the place, which took place only a short time ago, and which consisted principally in pressing the congregation for contributions to meet the debt incurred in building. We endeavored to set forth some of the causes which have operated to develop the class of religionists known as Seventh-day Adventists, and to present some of the reasons of our hope. Good attention was given. The brethren in Carson have formally dedicated their house to the cause of the third angel’s message. They have invited the Lord to make it his temple and there manifest his saving power. They have themselves covenanted anew to walk together, live in peace and love, and labor for the good of their fellow-men. By God’s eternal decree, his blessing is inseparably linked to such a course of action, and if they fulfill their vows, they will surely enjoy it. We formed an agreeable acquaintance with the brethren there, and shall ever look back with pleasure to our visit to Carson. U. S.