IN the year 1905, a Bible worker began teaching the truths of the message in the home of a colored family in this city. At the first reading two were in attendance. The next week three were present. As time passed by, the attendance grew to the number of eighteen or twenty. From this first class, three earnest, truth-loving women became fully established in the third angel's message. Their hearts were burdened for their people who had not heard this message, and soon many cottage meetings were being held in the afternoons and evenings. This work was carried on almost wholly through the efforts of these colored sisters. Two would go into a neighborhood and visit from house to house and work up a Bible class. Then the Bible worker would go with them to the appointed place of meeting, and a systematic course of study would be started. As new believers were added to the company, they would work up a new interest for other classes.15
As the work was thus growing, it became evident that we needed a church building, where these new believers could carry on regular church and Sabbath-school work. Request for such a building was placed before the conference committee, and also before the conference in session at the camp-meeting of 1906. It was voted that the conference secure a lot and put up a building, using as much of the lumber on the camp-ground as would be serviceable. A neat, plain room twenty-four by thirty-six feet, was ready for use in December, 1906, and was dedicated to the cause of the third angel's message by Elders G. W. Reaser and R. S. Owen. Regular Sabbath services and a mid-week prayer-meeting were established, and neither difficulties nor storms prevented these meetings at the appointed hour. The Sabbath services were always uplifting because of the presence of the Lord. The whole day was spent at the church, and the last service was a prayer-meeting. Those who attended these prayer-meetings know that victory after victory came to the work as a result of those prayers.
The number attending the Sabbath services grew, and by Aug. 1, 1908, a church of twenty-eight members was organized and fully officered. From that time, the church increased in numbers, in service, in experience, and in the knowledge and grace of Christ.
Since 1908, the children's divisions of the Sabbath-school have had their class exercises in the yard. At the close of 1911 the church decided to enlarge the building by adding a Sabbath-school room, sixteen by twenty feet, on the west side; and an addition, ten by twenty-four feet, on the rear, to make room for a pool, rostrum, and dressing-rooms.
The brethren of the church gave their time to the work Sundays for three months, and other days when out of regular work. They built the pool and chimney, assisted with the carpenter work, and did all the outside painting. The inside staining and varnishing were all done by the brethren and sisters.
Just as soon as the lumber for this work was unloaded on the church grounds, a new interest in what we were doing seemed awakened in many hearts that heretofore had been indifferent. Every Sabbath our seating capacity would be taxed to the limit. Others who were interested waited almost impatiently for the dedication service.
While the building was putting on the finishing touches, the church officers held weekly meetings for the purpose of getting everything in perfect order. These meetings were at first devoted to the study of the duties devolving upon the various officers. Study of the Word, heart-searching, and confessions cleared the way for the incoming of the Spirit of God.
Sabbath, May 25, Elder E. E. Andross came to the church to conduct the dedicatory service. About one hundred fifty were present to hear the solemn truths of this judgment hour. Following the prayer dedicating the work of our hands in the building to the Lord's cause, Elder Andross buried eleven persons in baptism in the new pool.
After an hour's intermission for lunch, services were continued. Two deacons were ordained to serve with the two already in service. Then followed the ordinances of the Lord's house. As many present had never seen the ordinance of humility, it was explained fully before the congregation separated to participate in it. There was present for the first time a Catholic sister. She engaged in this ordinance with us. An Episcopalian brother and his wife, and sisters from the Baptist and Methodist Churches, all felt that this ordinance was a part of the service required in the Lord's house, and gladly took part in it.
The meaning of the bread and wine was made plain, and an invitation extended to all who felt free in the Lord to partake with us. The Spirit of the blessed Master was present in a marked manner. When the ordinances were finished, Elder Andross said that if any one present desired to express words of praise, there was now opportunity. No time was lost in waiting for some one to speak. When the leader arose to close the meeting, six others arose with him, so the meeting continued until after six o'clock. Our hearts were full of joy and praise and gratitude for the way God had led in this work.
CHURCH FOR THE COLORED PEOPLE AT LOS ANGELES
To-day, our membership numbers sixty-eight. Of those present at the dedicatory service, five have taken their stand to keep the Sabbath, and others are studying to know the truth. The accompanying picture of the church was taken Sunday, May 26. Only a part of the membership was present. The attendance at Sabbath services is between ninety and one hundred. Truly this message is seeking out those who are hungering for truth, and rapidly preparing them for the soon-returning King of glory. JENNIE L. IRELAND.
