TEXAS by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 18, 1878

TEXAS

By R. M. Kilgore

Peoria, Hill Co.—March 31 and April 1, we organized a church of twenty-six members at this place. The s. s. pledge amounts to $277.00 for the year. Quite a number of others who are in union with us in the truth will unite with us soon.

When we came to this county last fall, there was not a Sabbath-keeper in it. A large majority of these brethren we found smoking and chewing tobacco, and the sisters dipping snuff. One family consisting of the parents and four children, the youngest of whom is a little girl three or four years of age, were all using it profusely. The mother learned the art of dipping snuff while being dandled upon her father’s knee. The husband tells me that $100 would no more than cover the family expenses for tobacco annually. With tobacco, this dear family have laid aside tea, coffee, and pork. In our little company of about forty who meet together every Sabbath, thanks and praises ascend to the God of all grace for freedom and deliverance from bondage to bad habits, for the light and liberty they have found in believing the present glorious truth, and for their experience in receiving Christ anew.

On Tuesday P. M. ten were baptized in the presence of a large concourse of people. We also organized a legal society and adopted articles of Association, in order to legally hold the church property.

Cleburne, Johnson Co.—I met with the church here in their quarterly meeting, April 6 and 7. All were in their place at an early hour Sabbath morning. Their meeting-house not being fully inclosed, we met for worship in Bro. Dillen’s house. It was literally packed. It was truly encouraging to see the zeal manifested by these dear brethren and sisters, their earnestness and willingness to perform their duty. The Lord blessed greatly in preaching and in the social meetings. Our communion season was indeed a refreshing one. Two were received into the church, and two were baptized.

Here we also organized a legal society. Although the friends are poor, they have nearly inclosed a very neat little house of worship.

The meeting of the T. and M. society showed activity on the part of its members, nearly every one reporting. The reports under “my donation” and “one-third” clearly showed that there was a readiness to sacrifice.

We are now on our way to labor with the tent. Bro. L. Caldwell goes with us. We crave the prayers of God’s people.

R. M. Kilgore.