NEW SWEDEN, MAINE by James Sawyer

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · May 24, 1877

NEW SWEDEN, MAINE.

By James Sawyer

The first of April, the Swedish brethren met to organize a church. It was thought best to set aside the old organization. The result of the meeting was the choice of A. G. Olson, elder; John I. Gelotte and Frederick Anderson, deacons; A. G. Petersen, clerk; and John I. Gelotte as treasurer. The elder and deacons were then set apart by prayer and the laying on of hands. The Spirit of the Lord was present on the occasion. Thirty-two signed the covenant, and about ten more are ready to join at the earliest opportunity.

The ordinances of the Lord's house were celebrated for the first time. As baptism was administered, an unusual manifestation of God's Spirit was present. The Baptist friends manifested much respect toward us on this occasion.

Systematic benevolence to the amount of more than $50 was subscribed by those present, and others have increased this to $81.29. We collected subscriptions for the SWEDISH HERALD to the amount of $16.00, and the church donated $5.50 of funds on hand toward the Swedish Mission.

Our friends in New Sweden express a desire to send the truth to their kinsmen in old Sweden. The Swedish Colony in Maine has representatives from every province in Sweden. We hope this will be the beginning of a good work in that land.

On our return to Battle Creek, we stopped among the Swedes in Bangor. We were welcomed by them; and they said a hall was ready if we would give lectures on the prophecies in their language. At Allen's Corner we met our dear Bro. Goodrich and other American brethren, and had the pleasure of becoming acquainted with several Swedish brethren from Portland. Three of them had lately embraced the truth.

We thank God for his blessing upon the Swedish mission in Maine, and for the interest which the American brethren manifest for the Scandinavians in that State.

JAMES SAWYER.

Battle Creek, May 20.