MEETINGS IN MICHIGAN by Joseph Bates

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Nov 19, 1861

MEETINGS IN MICHIGAN.

By Joseph Bates

DEAR BRO. WHITE: Since my last (Oct. 30) I have held meetings in Jackson, Tompkins, and last evening I closed a series of meetings of two days in Monterey.

Meetings commenced in Tompkins Nov. 1, and closed the evening of the 3d. The prevailing stormy weather undoubtedly prevented some from attending. Our meetings were interesting, however, and our meeting-place well filled, especially the last evening. Some appeared anxious to hear, and manifested an unwillingness to leave the house for some time after the meeting closed. The Lord strengthened and gave us freedom to proclaim his precious truth, accompanied by his holy Spirit, and we trust some good impression was made. Nineteen brethren and sisters were present, all anxious to be organized into a church. At the close of our second session fifteen of the number associated themselves together as a church in Tompkins, Mich., taking the name, Seventh-day Adventists, covenanting to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. The straight way was a barrier for the others until a reconciliation. In accordance with the conference address respecting the election of officers, Bro. Isaac D. Van Horn was elected and ordained their elder.

The church in Jackson were organized Nov. 4, when Heman S. Gurney by unanimous vote was elected their elder. It was stated by some of the experienced members of this church that the work of organization had removed difficulties of long standing, which had failed to be removed by any other means.

Monterey, Nov. 9, 10. After faithfully acting upon the plan suggested in the conference address, fifty brethren and sisters solemnly covenanted together to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Christ, leaving the way open for several that were not present, or could not attend the meeting, to unite with us, provided they come in by unanimous consent of all the members. The church then selected by informal ballot the following brethren for their officers: Charles Jones, elder; George T. Lay, and Orrin P. Jones, deacons.

Since the church in Monterey began to keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus in 1855, they have been subjected to the painful necessity of disfellowshipping twenty of their members; a number of whom would most likely have been happily united in covenant with us to-day if the work of organization had been introduced here at an earlier period.

JOSEPH BATES.

Monterey, Mich.