p. 14 | LEON, WISCONSIN by H. W. Decker

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 11, 1877

LEON, WISCONSIN.

By H. W. Decker

Our general meeting at this place closed Sunday evening, Dec. 24. The weather was favorable, and the attendance from abroad was quite large. The brethren were very punctual to attend all of the meetings, and were careful to be on time. The meetings continued about a week. We tried to hold up before them the glorious prize and our nearness to the time when it will be given, also our duties in view of these things. Sabbath was a good day. Five made a public profession for the first time. The most of these commenced keeping the Sabbath as the result of the labors of Brn. Young and Snow at Fish Creek, six miles from Leon.

Some who had been under discouragements in the past renewed their vows, and stated their determination to start out with more energy than ever for the kingdom. One of these was a sister who embraced the truth when the tent was at Leon. She and her husband want a preacher sent into their vicinity. Their address is, B. F. Link, Marshall, Lyon Co., Minn.

Sunday, the time was given to business. The T. and M. work was talked up to quite an extent, especially in reference to increasing the circulation of the SIGNS and REFORMER. Several subscribed for the SIGNS, REFORMER, REVIEW, and INSTRUCTOR. The church and all of the district who were present voted to raise a sum for the T. and M. work, equal to one-third of their S. B. pledge.

This district will send out three or four canvassers for the SIGNS and REFORMER. They will also distribute 700 almanacs. Notwithstanding this is a new district, there are live workers in it, who are taking hold of the missionary work well. Systematic Benevolence was re-organized, and increased $57.36; $45.40 were pledged for the tent and camp meeting fund.

We have been holding meetings similar to these each week since the last session of the General Conference. We have usually commenced on Tuesday evening, and continued till Sunday evening. All of the churches where we have been, have adopted the plan of pledging a sum equal to one-third of their S. B. pledge for the use of the T. and M. Society. All of the districts are sending out canvassers for our periodicals, and although there is a general complaint of hard times throughout the State on account of the failure of the crops the past season, yet our people generally manifest a determination to push forward the good work.

In most places where we have been, there is an excellent outside interest. Especially was this the case at Waterloo. Their large house of worship was well filled each evening with attentive listeners. The brethren say the outside interest is the best it has been since they were organized. I shall visit them again as soon as possible. Bro. Atkinson has been with me. We now separate. Brethren of Wisconsin, we have a great work on our hands. Let us take hold of it in earnest. H. W. DECKER. Mackford, Dec. 26.