ILLINOIS

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jul 24, 1879

Tremont.—We pitched our tent in this town last week. Have held four meetings, with increasing interest. Last evening our tent was full, and the congregation listened attentively to the word spoken. We are only eight miles from Mackinaw, where our tent was pitched two years ago. The brethren there take hold willingly to help us. Pray for the work here.

B. F. Merritt. July 14. C. H. Bliss.

Pittwood.—Over thirty persons embraced the truth under our labors in this place and vicinity last spring, and twenty-seven were baptized. But as several families moved away, and we feared duty might call us to another field, we advised all our French converts to unite with the St. Anne church, desiring to so bind the edges that our work might not unravel. This left only a few American converts in this place. As we found these doing well upon our return, we decided to pitch the tent a few miles away, and if possible so add to their numbers as to organize a new church. We commenced meetings three miles from Pittwood, July 4th, continuing nine days, and speaking fourteen times. Seven have decided for the truth.

Yesterday, Sabbath, was a memorable day to the cause here. An organization was effected as follows: After a preparatory discourse, seven Americans were organized into a church; fourteen of the French who had united with the St. Anne church were received by letter; six were received by baptism; and five of the new converts, who were Baptists, were received by vote. After the organization six persons were baptized; then we had a most interesting social meeting.

Some reported victories over tobacco, and others resolved to abandon its use.

We shall remain here another week, and shall see that the new church, for a while, have help every Sabbath. Bro. Geo. Hobbs of Serena is with us all the time, and Bro. Gros is with us as much as his mercantile business will permit. These dear brethren are of great service to us.

D. T. Bourdeau.