DAKOTA TERRITORY by John F. Hanson

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jan 2, 1879

DAKOTA TERRITORY.

By John F. Hanson

SWAN LAKE, DEC. 9.—We came to Swan Lake Nov. 28, and remained eleven days. Several matters of importance were taken up, especially that of s. B., and pledges were renewed for the coming year, amounting to about $150.

On the day after our arrival, we attended a funeral. Our meetings were quite well attended, and some of the blessing of the Lord was felt. One was added to the church. We are very anxious that the cause in this territory should move forward, and we are fully persuaded that, by the help of the Lord, it will, if the friends of the truth will sacrifice both of their time and means.

We visited a Russian who had been keeping the Sabbath for six months. He can neither read nor speak English; but there is, undoubtedly, a good field opened for some one who can speak German.

SUNNY SIDE, DEC. 17.—We were at Sunny Side Dec. 10 to 17. The church is prospering. The meetings were well attended, and a good interest was shown by those not of our faith. On the 16th we met to elect new officers for the Sabbath-school and T. and M. society, and to renew the s. B. pledges. They cheerfully raised their s. B. for 1879 to $100, $20 more than for the year 1878. Two united with the church, and others are on the point of deciding.

Our last meeting was one long to be remembered. Bro. M. M. Olsen, who is now to labor in this territory and is to make this place his home when not in new fields, was chosen and elected elder, and set apart for that office.

Before separating, we celebrated the ordinances of the Lord’s house. May the Lord continue to bless his people here, that others may be gathered in.

SIOUX VALLEY, DEC. 23.—I held meetings here six days, commencing with the 17th. Some were kept from the meetings by the stormy weather. The outside interest at this place has not been very good. There is a Swedish church here of eleven members, with an s. B. pledge for 1879 amounting to $50. The three Scandinavian churches in Dakota pledged $300 for the coming year.

As I have labored in this territory more or less during the past four years, and as it is probable that I shall not return, I have been very anxious to leave the cause in such a condition that it may prosper. Bro. Olsen remains to labor especially among the Scandinavians, and I hope that the Lord may be with and prosper him.

There is an American church at Elkpoint, which needs help very much. They expect Bro. Whitney. JOHN F. HANSON.