Walla Walla, Washington Territory.
By I. D. VAN HORN
As the time is near when we shall move our tent from this place to commence labor at another point in this valley, I will give a brief report of the work as it now appears here. 1st. Our long stay in this place with the tent may seem unnecessary to some, but it has proved the very thing essential to the starting of the work right in this valley. Walla Walla is the largest town in Washington Territory, and is the center of business east of the Cascade Range. A firm foothold here will give us influence with the people throughout the valley. 2nd. August 8, was a good Sabbath day with us here. In the morning at 9 : 30 we were happy to see the good interest taken in our Sabbath school and Bible class. At 11 o'clock we gave a short discourse on the "Purity of the Remnant Church," Rev. 14 : 5 ; after which we went to the water where we enjoyed the happy privilege of administering the ordinance of Baptism to six willing souls who had turned from the world to keep the commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus. At 3 : 30 P. M. we all assembled at the private dwelling of Bro. Wood, where, for the first time in this place, a church of Seventh-day Adventists engaged in celebrating the humiliation, sufferings and death of Christ by participating in the Ordinances. The blessing of the Lord rested in our midst. 3rd. The interest on the part of those who embrace the truth to advance the work is good. Our cause is held by many outside with a good deal of favor, and only a few manifest any opposition. Our work has moved steadily on from the beginning so that we number up to the present writing fifty-eight members. About thirty of these have embraced the truth since the tent was pitched here. 4th. Efforts are being put forth to build a house of worship. Over $1,300 have already been subscribed. Articles of incorporation to hold church property have already been made out and are in the Auditors hands for record. Work will be begun on the house in a week or two. The prospect therefore looks favorable in this direction. 5th. The influence of this meeting has extended all over the valley, which will help us much when we move our tent to another place. We are of good courage, and feel thankful that our efforts to carry on the work are owned and blessed of the Lord.