p. 165 | Report from Bro. Loughborough

The Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Apr 21, 1863

Report from Bro. Loughborough.

By John Norton Loughborough

Since my last report I have filled the appointments at Lapeer, Avon, Milford, and Monterey. At Lapeer had a good time. Our meeting continued five days during which time I preached ten times. Several enlisted to serve the Lord during this meeting. Nine were baptized and united to the church on the last day of the meeting. The going was so bad that but few from other churches could come in, yet those who came seemed much encouraged. Found the brethren actively engaged here in the subject of building a good-sized brick meeting-house, which they contemplate completing this summer.

Our meeting commenced in the new meeting-house at Avon, with Oakland and Shelby churches, Friday evening March 27, and continued till Tuesday the 31st. I preached in all nine times at this meeting. Three were baptized during the meeting and ten names added to the church record. The meetings were well attended, although roads were very muddy and bad. Found the Brn. had succeeded in getting up the house much better than we anticipated. The house was about complete except plastering and painting, seats, pulpit, and all. People thought the Brn. were going at a castle in the air when they began, and were astonished to find a house of that size made ready for use in 14 weeks in mid-winter. We could but use this zeal as an illustration. If our brethren can have all the zeal in spiritual things which was manifested in erecting this house of worship, they will gain the promise of eternal life.

Tuesday and Wednesday were spent with Shelby, and Oakland churches in communion seasons, and considering systematic benevolence which had never yet been organized according to plan in Good Samaritan No. 5. Reorganized it in these two churches increasing their figures to four times what they were before.

At Milford, found a few holding on to the truth who had heard little or no preaching since the tent left that place. I felt that this place had been neglected too long. Several who came out at the tent meeting had given up who perhaps would still have held on had the truth been kept before them. Held five meetings mostly with the church and those who came in from Tyrone to meet with us. The people still seemed to have an ear to hear the truth. One disadvantage of the meetings was, they were so scattered, being held on the two days in three different neighborhoods. I think it advisable when we make special efforts of this kind not to move the meetings about. My time was also limited in this place, as I felt somewhat hurried to get home, having been absent about three months and not having heard from home for over a month. Found my companion recovering from a violent attack of fever. After spending three days at home I came on to Monterey with Bro. Byington. We have had six meetings with the church here. The cause seems to be onward, and the brethren are still willing to make sacrifices to advance the cause. Last evening we enjoyed a precious season in attending to the ordinances of the Lord's house. This evening I expect to go to Allegan to spend a day or two there. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH. Monterey, Apr. 13, 1863.