AMONG THE CHURCHES IN CALIFORNIA.
By WM. INGS.
AFTER attending the camp-meeting at Arroyo Grande, I visited the company of Sabbath-keepers at Santa Barbara. I remained with them from November 1 to 7; held nine meetings, and sold over 4,000 pages of books. They had been longing for someone to come and break to them the bread of life. Some had grown cold by not paying heed to the Saviour's admonition to watch and pray. All promised to be more watchful in the future. They have a church building free of debt. The building and lot were given them by a brother that loved the truth. They are not yet organized as a church, but desire to be in the near future. If they walk in the counsel of God they can be a light to the many inhabitants of Santa Barbara. November 7 to 25 I spent in Los Angeles and neighboring towns, namely, Santa Ana, Norwalk, Pasadena, El Monte, and Rivera. It had been about five years since I visited some of these places. I was glad to greet old friends and form new acquaintances. At Santa Ana I held three meetings and one Bible-reading. After a discourse on the Sabbath, on the necessity of doing just what the Lord commands, we had a social meeting. Confessions were made with brokenness of spirit, and about all of the church took part, and the Lord came very near to his people. They have a building of their own all done but plastering. They have a membership of about forty. I visited the Norwalk church, held two services, visited some of their members, took some subscriptions for our periodicals, sold some books, and left them much encouraged. The church at Pasadena is a growing church, and they have a good field for labor. Quite a number are interested in the views held by us. One came to Los Angeles to have the ordinance of baptism administered to him. I held one meeting and Bible-reading with them. They are very desirous to have the living preacher visit them often. They have a comfortable house of worship, a love of the truth in their hearts, and a mind to work. There are some scattered brethren in and around El Monte. They have a Sabbath-school, and are endeavoring to maintain a spiritual interest. I visited them at their homes, held some Bible-readings with them to strengthen their faith in the near coming of Christ, and what was necessary to be prepared for that event. I spoke to a few friends at Sierra Madre, at Dr. Gibbs' sanitarium. In company with Brethren Hunter and Owen I labored in the interest of our people at Los Angeles; pointed testimonies were greatly needed to correct some evils that had crept into this church. One was disfellowshipped, and others saw mistakes that had been made, which were repented of, and we feel hopeful for them. Los Angeles is a good missionary field, it779being a winter resort for Eastern people. The hotels and depots furnish excellent places for our periodicals, where they will be read by thousands. God has given us favor with those having charge of these public places, and now all the leading hotels and every depot are being supplied with reading matter by the local Tract and Missionary Society of that city. Distributers are used in the depots, and holders in the hotels. From Los Angeles I went to Bakersfield. I found a small company, most of whom embraced the truth in Minnesota, and are now in the faith, and eager to learn all their duty. I remained with them nine days and held seventeen meetings, quite a number of which were Bible-readings. I gave the readings during the day, and held public services evenings. The interest increased to the last. The last meeting held, many had to leave for the want of room. This seems to be a good field for tent labor. Two good souls took their stand and were baptized. A company was formed of eleven members, and a leader, treasurer, and secretary chosen. It is hoped that a church may soon be organized. We also organized a Tract and Missionary Society, with ten members. A club of twenty SIGNS was taken and also a club of twenty Sentinels. A good supply of tracts was ordered, and there was a willingness manifested to work. I sold some books, took one subscription for the SIGNS, and left them glad of my visit, and sorry that my stay could not be longer. My tour South has been an enjoyable one to me, and I trust it has been profitable.