German Work in Southern Illinois
By E. A. Bristol
THE experience our workers have had in starting work among the German-speaking people in this conference has been of more than ordinary interest to us, owing to the extreme opposition they have met in their work.19Last May Brother Henry Hoefft and Prof. P. Hennig began a series of tent-meetings at Maeystown, the home of some of Brother Hoefft's relatives. The people at this place were stirred when he returned to them after accepting the truth. As the meetings progressed, many became interested, and a large congregation was present when the Sabbath truth was presented. Five began keeping the Sabbath, and Sunday, August 18, Elder C. J. Kunkel and I visited the company to baptize the new believers and organize the church. When we arrived at Maeystown, Professor Hennig met us at the train. As we rode through the village, a large crowd hooted and made jeering remarks. After holding a meeting with the brethren, we proceeded to the river for the baptism. A large crowd had assembled on the main street, and again greeted us with jeers and slurs, and followed us to the river. We found that notices against trespassing had been put up along the river, although Brother Hoefft had gained permission for us to baptize there. We went farther down the river to a cross-road, where we found a suitable place for the service. While Elder Kunkel was speaking in German, some of the ringleaders laid plans to fill up the stream with stones, but their plans failed. All through the service it seemed as if the angels of the Lord held the crowd in check whenever an attempt was made to disturb us. Many seemed affected by the service. Five adults were baptized, one of whom is a leading business man of the place. After the service, we learned that plans had been laid to interrupt the baptism and drive us out of the town; also that a threat had been made against the life of one of our brethren should he be baptized. The town marshal instructed his family not to go to the river, as he expected a riot. We are truly thankful for the work done at this place, and now that some have not feared to obey the truth, we look for a good, strong German church in Maeystown. E. A. BRISTOL.