NEW YORK | AdventAI

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 10, 1877

NEW YORK.

Olcott.

Began meeting at Olcott Friday evening, April 20. Nearly all were up from Ridgeway, and a few from Lancaster. Eld. Buel Whitney was present and Bro. D. C. Phillips also.

There was very little outside interest, though the house was well filled on Sunday. Years in the past this church was large and lively; but of late it has not been prosperous. Quite a number have died, others have moved away, and some have apostatized. The most of those who still remain here had largely lost their real interest in the truth, and had entirely lost the missionary spirit. As a church, they had backslidden from God, and had drank deeply of the spirit of the world. Knowing these things, we made no effort for outsiders, but labored from the beginning to revive their faith and zeal in the work; but it was very hard to move them. Yet all turned out to meeting promptly, and seemed willing to receive instruction and counsel.

There were seventy-five present on the Sabbath. All realized their backslidden condition, and said they were tired of living this way. Sunday afternoon we invited all to come forward, who wished to return to the Lord or seek him for the first time. To our surprise, every one of our people in the house, church members, backsliders, and unconverted, promptly came forward to seek God. Then, for the first time, there was much deep feeling manifested. Good confessions were made. Some who had taken no part for years bore their testimony again. This step encouraged us all very much; but our meetings were now closed.

Knowing that if the work was left here, everything would be lost, I decided to postpone all other appointments and remain another week, which we did. We held meetings from house to house evenings, and visited during the daytime. At every meeting from one to half a dozen started.

There were about a dozen intelligent young persons here, all of whom, with one exception, came out fully decided for the Lord. One evening we had a meeting with them alone. Nearly every one prayed, and all spoke.

The next Sabbath day we had an excellent meeting. Fifteen united with the church, ten of whom I had the pleasure of baptizing. Eight of these were young persons. It was a very lovely sight to see the sons and daughters of our brethren uniting with their parents in the service of God. Three embraced the Sabbath, and united with the church. A few more will unite by letter.

Sunday we spent the day in business matters. As in other places, the record here was in a very confused condition. We went through it, straightening it up the best we could. Every absent member of this church is requested to report himself immediately. All present but two joined the Tract Society, greatly enlarging their former list. I spoke on S. B., after which the brethren promptly pledged $475 per year, and then voted the one-third beside. Bro. Varney Gaskell and Harmon Lindsey were elected and ordained deacons of the church.

This large church has never had a meeting-house, but occupied the Universalist house. It is away out one side, and where there is no interest. We advised them to build a house of their own, and were glad to find that they were all in favor of it. There is a small village near by, which is central for the church, where the truth has never been preached. Here they decided to build. A building committee was elected, and steps will soon be taken to carry out the work.

We thank the Lord for the good work that has been accomplished here. There are talents and means and numbers enough here to make this a strong church, if they will walk with God.

D. M. CANRIGHT.

Parma.

Our second course of lectures is proving a success. Some have attended that did not attend before, and we are receiving new accessions, so that now nearly thirty persons have expressed their purpose to keep the Sabbath.

The Baptist evangelist did not leave last week as I supposed. A part of the church became alarmed for their cause, and persuaded him to remain a while longer. He has been very bitter in his denunciations of us, and in his desperation has attacked the pastor of the church, taking advantage of my allusion to him two weeks ago, and accusing him of being in sympathy with us, because he does not oppose us in the same unchristian manner in which he does himself. He has now left. The opposition is bitter; but all is working well.

S. B. WHITNEY.

Lancaster.

Had a good meeting with this church April 28 and 29. Bro. A. H. Hall was with me. The brethren here are talking of building a meeting-house. Sunday we reorganized S. B., commencing with January 1877. The figures were raised from $236 to $310, and absent members will raise this sum considerably. Then those present unanimously voted the one-third to the T. and M. Society.

B. L. WHITNEY.

Randolph and Clear Creek.

There is a very handsome church at East Randolph, owned by the first-day Adventists, which is free to all, in which I commenced meetings April 24. The attendance has increased, and now the interest is good. I entreat earnest prayers for God's blessing on this endeavor.

Sabbath morning, I met with the church at Clear Creek, where we had a most encouraging meeting. We organized a Bible-class. The people offer very liberally to help build a meeting-house. One gentleman has offered the free gift of a most valuable village lot, in the very center of the village. We are hopeful of success; it could not fail greatly to help the cause. They expect to put up a building to cost about $1500, and capable of seating two hundred people.

CHAS. B. REYNOLDS.

Sciota, Clinton Co.

I leave this place to-morrow, to go to another French settlement. I have baptized eleven here, and organized a church of fourteen members firm in the truth. My expenses here have been nothing. When I presented to them the duty to help the cause, they pledged for it, about $40.00. That is well. They have entirely put away tobacco, pork, and tea. I obtained two subscribers for LES SIGNES.

For one month my health has been very poor, and one week ago I had a severe sickness. I then saw my duty more clearly, and made a solemn covenant with God to consecrate myself fully to the work of the third angel's message. I ask the prayers of my brethren and sisters for my labor among the French in this State.

J. E. MORIN.