MISSOURI by George I. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 4, 1878

MISSOURI

By George I. Butler

Sedalia, June 25.

We have our new tent pitched here, and are preaching to large congregations. Meetings commenced June 21. Have held six meetings. I spent the Sabbath following the Gallatin camp-meeting at Hamilton. This little church is circulating many copies of the SIGNS OF THE TIMES. There is little outside interest, though it increased as our meetings continued. Bro. N. W. Allee was ordained elder of the church, and Bro. Wm. Evans deacon.

Our meetings in Sedalia have opened more favorably than any course of lectures I have ever given. Bro. Hunter came from Nevada City, nearly one hundred miles, and stayed with us a week. As he had been a colonel in the southern service during the war, he was acquainted with quite a number of leading citizens of the city, among whom were several of the editors. By this means the papers opened their columns to us, and we have had a succession of articles in the papers every day for a week. They have offered us from one-third to half a column each day, in which to report our meetings. Of course we try to improve this opening. Some of these papers circulate almost to Texas. By means of advertising in the papers and by hand-bills, we commenced with good congregations; had nearly four hundred hearers the first evening, a hundred more the next, and the last two evenings probably not far from a thousand people have been present. Sunday night nearly as many as remained went away because they could not get seats, and last night (Monday) a great many stood around the tent. There were two or three hundred at each service during the day time Sunday.

I have already sold four or five dollars' worth of books. We confidently hope for good results. Bro. Hollenbeck helps us greatly in the music, in talking with the people, and in preaching occasionally. Brn. John McReynolds and D. W. Reavis are also with me. We have, through the kindness of Sr. Reavis, an excellent organ, which Bro. Hollenbeck uses to the best advantage. God has seemed to favor us every way. The weather for the past week has been delightful, and already many seem much interested.

Sedalia is one of the most important inland cities of Missouri. It is situated at the junction of the Missouri Pacific and Missouri Kansas and Texas railroads, and has about ten thousand inhabitants. We crave the prayers of our people that God will give us success. Bro. Hunter's coming here on purpose to help us was a great assistance. May the Lord reward him. Our courage is good, and we believe the Lord will bless our labors. GEO. I. BUTLER.