West Pennsylvania Conference by W. F. Schwartz

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Feb 19, 1914

West Pennsylvania Conference

By W. F. Schwartz

We now greet the readers of the REVIEW AND HERALD from the city of Erie. Leaving Hollidaysburg, we came to this place to follow up the good work of Elder West, and also to water the seed sown by Elders Lukens, Longacre, and Robbins.

We began the work November 15, and have already met a number who have learned to love these brethren, and in whose hearts the seeds of truth are still alive. We pray that we may be able to lead them on, and that they with others will soon take their stand for the truth of God.

We found the church membership to be forty-six, two brethren and the rest sisters, who have done nobly in carrying the spiritual and financial burdens of the church.

For the year 1912 their tithes and offerings amounted to $792.31. The year just closed shows the active spirit these women have had in the things of God. Their tithe has increased over three hundred dollars, their tithes and donations amounting to $1,023.65. They have also raised on the mortgage and other expenses to the amount of $219.99, making a total of $1,243.64 for the year 1913. This month shows the same good spirit, and we look for greater blessings the coming year.

There are seven classes in the Sabbath school, with an attendance of fifty. The Sunday evening services are well attended, with a goodly number present who are not of our faith. Each week we are receiving new names of those interested in the truth. We hope by faithful search and diligent labor to be able to add to this church such as shall be saved. Last week two new members were received into the church. We praise God for what has already been accomplished, and for the spirit of love and willingness to serve that we find among this people.

Before the last quarterly meeting we suggested that a new outfit of articles for use in the ordinances of the Lord's house would be very acceptable, and there followed a liberal donation of linen, granite ware, and an individual communion set. The quarterly occasion was one of special blessing to all. God came very near.

There are forty-two thousand Catholics in this field, and already some are beginning to study this truth. Pray for us that God will give us much of his Spirit, that faithful work may be done.

I have visited Albion, North East, and Meadville since coming here, and in each place we have those who are interested, and a field ready to work. The harvest is great. There is a cry for laborers on every side. May God raise up workers to harvest the souls that are waiting for the truth. W. F. SCHWARTZ.