North Dakota by G. C. Tenney

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jan 1, 1885

North Dakota.

By G. C. Tenney

Our first general meeting was held in Fargo, Dec. 5-8, and though small in numbers, its success was assured by the blessing of God manifested, and the steps we were led to take for the permanent establishment of the work in this field. The ministers present were O. A. Olsen, M. M. Olsen, and the writer. But few came from a distance, and it is to be regretted that any should miss so good an opportunity, especially since this was the first one presented in this new field. But the low price of wheat has brought stringent times for money, so that most of our people could hardly afford the expense of the journey.

The organization of a church and tract society with headquarters at Fargo, was effected. Seventeen persons united with the church, and others will do so soon. A resolution was adopted inviting all Seventh-day Adventists in northern Dakota, in good standing, to unite with this church. All that is necessary in order to become a member is to send a letter of commendation from the church to which one now belongs, to the clerk of this church, Mrs. M. C. Wise, Fargo, D. T. Sister Wise is also treasurer, and tithes should be paid to her.

The T. and M. Society started with twenty members, each of whom paid the membership fee, one dollar. The secretary is Mrs. Elsie L. Tenney, Fargo, to whom correspondence should be addressed. Quite a full stock of our books and tracts is kept on hand, and orders are received for the different periodicals.

This branch of the work is specially commended to all who feel an interest in the cause of God. Here is a grand field for the distribution of our publications, and we shall be glad to welcome all into our society, and to receive the names of interested readers in any language. We will supply your friends with reading matter if you cannot yourself supply them.

We have labored in this field less than four months, and thus far the outlook is quite encouraging. There are about seventy-five Sabbath-keepers in this mission, over twenty of whom have embraced the faith since September. In many places there are openings for labor. Opportunities are not wanting; we only lack help and means; and as we go forward, God will supply these. The Scandinavian field is particularly favorable. It might not be too much to say that there is no more favorable field for labor in this language. Brother M. M. Olsen is laboring faithfully in this branch of the cause.

G. C. TENNEY.