TULARE CITY AND FRESNO.
By A. W. Bartlett
I AM glad to report that God has brought two more precious souls to the knowledge and acceptance of the “commandments of God and the faith of Jesus” since our last report. We have taken down our tent, and transferred our meetings to a commodious hall which we have secured free of rent. We are encouraged in our work here, and look faithfully for the blessing of God to rest upon it. Having learned that no one was appointed to report the Fresno church dedicatory services of the 27th of October, even at this late date I will briefly report that very interesting and important occasion. The church is a substantial brick edifice, with bell and clock tower, about 58x106. The details I do not now recall; suffice to say that it is a magnificent building, throughout. The spacious auditorium and gallery, seated with opera-house chairs, in circular order, will accommodate from one thousand to twelve hundred persons. Back of the pulpit, in letters of gold, is the law of God. Just below the pulpit is a movable baptismal font, and below this is the platform for the organ and choir. The platform is so arranged that the organ can be depressed during baptism, so as not to obstruct the view of the audience. The full house, the light softened by the stained plate-glass windows, the tone and color of all the surroundings, made an impressive picture. Back of the auditorium the building is divided into two stories, each of which is composed of two rooms, connected by folding doors, by which the two rooms can be made one. These rooms are very convenient for Sabbath-school, and also for day-school; this I believe was the design of the builders. The day appointed for dedication was one of California's finest, and at half past two o'clock the great auditorium was filled, some being turned away from the house, not being able to find seats because of the press. The services were conducted by Dr. W. H. Maxon, Elder M. C. Wilcox, Elder E. R. Jones, Elder J. H. Cook, and the writer, who preached the dedicatory sermon. The Lord blessed, and the large congregation was favorably impressed. Fresno is undoubtedly a good field in which to labor for Christ, and if the Fresno church abide in the Vine they will bear rich fruitage unto him. A. W. BARTLETT. December 10, 1889.