DEDICATION AT BURLINGTON, MICH.
By Uriah Smith
It was a sincere pleasure to us to meet the brethren of Burlington and vicinity, on the occasion of the dedication of their new house of worship, Dec. 30 and 31, 1876. We return just about as the paper is to go to press, and hence can say but a few words concerning it. The truth was planted in Burlington about nineteen years ago, and a church has there maintained its organization ever since. They have at times severely felt the want of a house of worship, and at different periods have agitated somewhat the question of building. These efforts are at length crowned with success, and they have a neat and commodious house of worship 28 by 45 feet, with a hall 8 by 12. The room is capable of seating comfortably about 260 persons. Enough has been pledged, really or prospectively, to cover all expenses incurred thus far. But this has not been accomplished without a spirit of willingness on the part of all to do liberally in the work, and a spirit of especial sacrifice and devotion on the part of a few faithful friends of this enterprise. We trust the Lord will reward them abundantly for their efforts, and that the erection of this house will mark an era in the history of this church of great prosperity and spiritual advancement. Brethren and sisters were in from other places, so that on the Sabbath the house was well filled. On Sunday forenoon, at the dedicatory services, the house was crowded, and the best of attention was given. Good audiences were present at the other services of the day. There was not so much promptness and zeal in some portions of the social meetings as we would have been glad to see. This is not heeding Paul's injunction to exhort one another, and so much the more as ye see the day approaching. Remember this, brethren. But the preaching was generally pointed, earnest, and free. Seven discourses in all were given, Bro. E. R. Jones speaking twice, and Bros. M. B. Miller and H. M. Kenyon, once each. It was well received and appreciated by those present. The brethren in Burlington may well feel gratified to find themselves in possession of so nice a house of worship. They have done nobly in this, and the brethren and sisters from other places felt to rejoice with them in it. Taken as a whole, we consider the meetings excellent; and the occasion was one we enjoyed very much.