MISSOURI by George J. Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 21, 1879

MISSOURI

By George J. Butler

Salisbury and Sedalia.—I have recently visited these places to finish up the work in a more permanent form than heretofore, so that the believers might be ready to become connected with the Conference at its session this coming fall. At Salisbury we organized a church of fourteen members. An elder was elected and ordained, and a clerk chosen. We had a good meeting with these dear souls. Perfect union and Christian love prevails. One was baptized. They have an interesting Sabbath-school, and keep up regular prayer and Sabbath meetings. Some others keep the Sabbath, who we hope will soon join us. Still others come out to hear the truth, that are fully satisfied we are right; and for these we have hopes. There is a good spirit in this little church. They mean to work for God, and we believe they will grow spiritually.

We pitched the tent again in Sedalia, June 21, in a different locality from that occupied last year. I had no one with me for a week, then Elder Wood joined me. I remained just two weeks, leaving him to continue longer. We had a fair interest, and quite a number attend regularly. The effect of our meetings upon the believers has been excellent. Last year it was all new to them; and hearing so many new things, it was impossible to retain it all or have clear and connected views of all points. This time it seems much plainer to those who were somewhat weak. I lectured every evening on theoretical subjects; and Sabbaths and Sundays spoke three times each on practical themes, to prepare for organization. August 12, I organized a church of sixteen members. An elder was elected and ordained. Several more will join in a few days, and Eld. Wood will baptize some. With the few at Green Ridge who will probably join here, I think there will soon be thirty members, and we hope for more. They are talking strongly about building a meeting-house. One man has signed $100. We hope they will succeed in this. They have a good Sabbath-school, and are becoming intelligent in the faith. GEO. J. BUTLER.

Ottumwa, Iowa, Aug. 14, 1879.