IOWA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Mar 29, 1877

Lisbon, West Union, and Waukon.

My meetings continued at Lisbon about two weeks, when the weather became quite stormy, and the interest, which was moderately good, dropped off considerably. I gave a few sermons on the Sabbath question, which aroused some interest upon that subject; and several expressed themselves favorably impressed. But as I was greatly pressed for time, I could not stay longer, and feel justified without a greater interest. I hope several will keep the Sabbath after a little more reflection. Bro. Mitchell will visit, and hold some meetings, and follow up the interest.

I held meetings with the church at West Union for a week, but under very unfavorable circumstances. The weather was very stormy nearly all the time. We began to hold meetings in the court house for the benefit of outsiders; but the snow came so deep, and it was so stormy, that we could do nothing in public meetings. So we held meetings in the day and evening with the friends who came in from the country. A few came up from Fayette, ten miles away, and others from Fredericksburg, twenty miles away. Our meetings were encouraging to the few who could attend them. We reorganized S. B. for the ensuing Conference year, increasing it from the sum of $89.79 to $191.84; and the church voted to pay one-third additional for the T. and M. work. Other members not present we trust will increase this somewhat. This church is reduced in numbers by removals and apostasy; but those remaining feel determined to go forward in the work. May God bless them and add to their numbers.

March 16. Went to Waukon, and held meetings for three days. The appointment was very short, but I was very glad to find a good attendance, the house of worship being quite well filled with brethren and sisters from West Union, and from our Swedish brethren at Village Creek, and from scattering brethren in the country round about. I was happily surprised. Our meetings were profitable. This is the oldest church in the State of Iowa, and though never a large church, yet but few churches have sent out more laborers into the field. There are seven ministers now preaching the message, who have formerly lived here. There are five others who now hold official positions in other churches, either as deacons or elders. But with all these removals, of course the church is much reduced in numbers and strength. Its former membership are scattered in Iowa, Kansas, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. But scarcely one of them has given up the truth. The members now remaining are those who were most backward in former times. These have now the burdens of the cause resting upon them. A distressing trial in the church, which has been a source of great discouragement for months, I trust was amicably settled, and some who have absented themselves from the meetings for a long time promise to return and try again to do their duty. We hope God will strengthen the friends who remain in Waukon. Here was where I formerly lived, and where all my earliest Christian experience was passed. I would have been glad to remain longer, but could not, as the general quarterly meeting was so soon to be held. We thought best not to organize S. B. here just at present.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

State Centre.

After stating that the meeting throughout was excellent, the writer gives the following report of the T. and M. meeting held March 18:—

Over a hundred Sabbath-keepers were present. The meeting was called to order by the director. Prayer by Bro. Wing.

Report of previous meeting read and adopted.

Report of present quarter was as follows:—

No. of families visited, 157; letters written, 63; new subscribers for REVIEW, 19; REFORMER, 8; INSTRUCTOR, 24; SIGNS, 15; BATTLE CREEK COLLEGE, 38; SVENSK HAROLD, 1. Money received on membership, $6.00; donations, $41.90; book sales, $11.16; new subscribers, $25.95; total, $85.01. Distribution of reading matter, periodicals, 604; almanacs, 291; tracts, &c., 61,004 pp. No. of members, 92; reports, 64.

We all felt to rejoice that so much had been done, and separated with a strong determination still to work for the Master.

M. M. KENNEY, Sec.