p. 277 | Oakland by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Jul 8, 1875

Oakland

By John Norton Loughborough

Oakland.

It is agreed, so far as I can learn, on the part of all who attended, that the quarterly meeting just held in Oakland, is the best we have had in this State under the new constitution. The attendance from other districts was not as large as we had hoped. As will be seen in the report on another page, but three of our nine directors were present. Those of our brethren who did attend the meeting took hold “with a will” to do the business necessary to be done. The Lord blessed in a great measure, thus lifting us above any apparent cause of discouragement.

As there was not a full board of directors present, our business was all done in open session of the meeting. We observed one marked feature of these business meetings, that they were well attended, and that deep interest was manifested in them, by both brethren and sisters. This is as it should be, for they are all T. and M. members. We trust the spirit will prevail more and more among this people, that the business connected with the cause and work of advancing the truth in all its departments, is just as essential in its place as preaching the truth, or our social meetings.

During the meeting there were five discourses given by myself. We never enjoyed greater liberty than we do at the present, and we could say of a truth in our effort to instruct and encourage others, “The Lord is my helper.”

The quarterly meeting occasion was also one of interest and gain to the Oakland church, in that there was an addition of eight members to the church; two by letter, and six by vote of the church. One of these six was the wife of our Bro. Shaw. They have lately moved to this place from Missouri, and she has taken her stand with us during these meetings.

The district quarterly meeting for this district (No. 7), was held in connection with the State quarterly meeting, and was a decided success, as will be seen elsewhere in report of the same. A call was made for $100.00 to replenish the T. and M. funds of this district. Pledges were then made without much effort to the amount of $133.50, over half of which is paid already, the rest to be paid by the time of the camp-meeting.

The outlook of the cause becomes more and more encouraging upon this coast every week. Our trust is in God. He lives and reigns. He will give success to his truth in due time. By him shall the cause arise from its small beginning to greatness, strength, and power. Be of good courage, brethren and fellow-laborers, in the great missionary work. Victory will be ours.

I cannot close this report without saying that I am pleased with the progress that is being made in the mode of doing T. and M. work. Nearly all our districts enter upon the new quarter with their book accounts with the SIGNS and Review Offices all square. A good work is also being done in this State on the SIGNS list. Let not your efforts be slackened in obtaining subscribers to the paper, brethren.

It is proper that we should state that we would undoubtedly have had a more full board of directors had it not been that our meeting was in the hurry of harvest. Some wrote stating the facts in the case before hand, still saying that they would come if we said they “must.” God bless you, brethren and sisters, and fellow-workers. Toil on in your respective duties, and meet us at the camp-meeting, for our next quarterly meeting will be held at that time in connection with our regular yearly session of the T. and M. society. May God grant that the camp-meeting may be indeed the best we have ever yet seen upon this coast. Pray earnestly that it may be so, and begin now to prepare with hearts and hands for it.

J. N. L.