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REPORT OF MEETINGS AT KNOXVILLE, IOWA

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The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 26, 1861

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 18, No. 26.

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REPORT OF MEETINGS AT KNOXVILLE, IOWA.

By J. H. Sparks; R. S. Patterson

BRO. WHITE: We have just closed a meeting which was protracted over four days, held by Bro. Shortridge. He preached seven discourses to an attentive congregation. They were well chosen, and we trust have made a good impression, reviving the brethren very much. At the close of the meeting on first-day, four came forward and asked to walk with us in the observance of the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, and immediately obeyed by observing the ordinance of baptism.
The brethren again assembled for the transaction of local business, Bro. J. H. Sparks was chosen moderator, and R. S. Patterson secretary. Bro. Shortridge addressed the meeting at some length, in which he suggested the importance of a more thorough church organization, and called on us to prayerfully consider the matter. On motion this matter was referred to a committee composed of Brn. Shortridge, Patterson, and Wilber, who, after deliberation, reported as follows:
Inasmuch as we wish in all things to move in harmony with the more experienced and tried veterans in this cause, which we believe to be the Lord's cause, therefore,
Resolved, That we accept the report of the committee chosen at Battle Creek and published in Review and Herald No. 20, Vol. xviii, as our basis, and agree to carry it out as near as practicable, believing it to be the Bible plan of church organization.
Resolved, That we adopt the following as our church covenant. We the undersigned associate ourselves together as a church, taking the name of Seventh-day Adventists of Knoxville, Iowa, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. Unanimously adopted.
The committee then asked to report the following, which was adopted:
Resolved, That we call upon the several churches in Iowa to consider the propriety of, and do recommend the formation of a State Conference, to be composed of ministers and delegates from churches.
Resolved, That the first session of the Iowa State Conference of Seventh-day Adventists be held at ——— on the ——— day of ——— 1862, and that Brn. E. W. Shortridge, B. F. Snook, and W. H. Brinkenhoof, be requested to confer with the different churches in this State, and if this proposition is accepted, to fill the above blanks, and make such suggestions as may seem necessary, and give timely notice through the Review.
Resolved, That said first conference be composed of two delegates from each church, and that it be the duty of this conference to adopt a uniform system of representation.
Resolved, That we recommend to the several churches in Iowa to co-operate with us in entering immediately, yet cautiously and prayerfully, into a thorough church organization, as suggested by Bro. White in Review, Vol. xviii, No. 25, and may God bless us in the undertaking.
J. H. SPARKS, Chairman.
R. S. PATTERSON, Secretary.