Washington, D. C by T. E. Bowen

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 25, 1914

Washington, D. C.

By T. E. Bowen

INTERESTING reports of the progress of the message are coming to Washington from all parts of the world, and perhaps a report of what is being done here to give the people the truth may be of interest to REVIEW readers.

This is a strategic point. Questions of national and international importance are continually to the front here for careful consideration and decision. This city is one of those important situations properly styled as being located "upon the highway of the nations." At the beginning of his ministry the Lord selected such a one,—Capernaum,—from which, because of the mighty works performed there, his fame went out to the ends of the earth. In the highways of travel in different portions of the earth his work today should be strongly established.

About three years ago the District of Columbia, and certain counties adjacent in Virginia and Maryland, were organized into a local conference. Because of the establishing of our headquarters here (connected with which several important institutions were established,—the Review and Herald, the Sanitarium, the Foreign Mission Seminary) and through aggressive work, quite a company of believers has been brought together—eight hundred and twenty-five. Yet no large church has been formed, but, instead, five separate churches were established, three in the city of Washington and two at Takoma Park.

Last year no public effort was made aside from a strong tent effort conducted for the colored people by Brethren Sheafe and Campbell. Bible workers continued to labor faithfully, and some souls were reached. The brethren in charge of the District work felt deeply the need of a strong evangelistic effort here on such a scale as would attract the attention of the people. Accordingly, when Elder McElhany was called to Greater New York, the committee requested the release of Elder R. E. Harter, of Philadelphia, who had carried forward a series of strong city efforts there, with marked success. He was released to lead out in the work in Washington. During the winter, in connection with other work, plans were laid for a strong tent effort in the city. A large tent was ordered to be ready when needed. About two months ago, after much prayer for divine guidance, a site was chosen in one of the best sections of the city. Adjacent to this vacant lot was an unoccupied house suitable and needed for the company of workers. All felt clear that this was the very spot that the Lord had chosen. Then began the conflict in good earnest. It was clear that other forces were marshaled here to block the way. Literally true have been these words quoted from the adversary in giving instruction to his angels in "Early Writings:" "Battle every inch of ground."

Before a tent for public services can be pitched in the city of Washington, the consent of three fourths of the people residing in the block must be obtained in writing; that is, heads of families must sign a petition for granting this request. Then the four blocks surrounding this block where the tent is located must also be visited in like manner. These names are then turned in to the commissioners—three men who rule the city much as do mayors elsewhere. The commissioners then turn these lists over to the police department for verification. Not always are these men favorable to such efforts, especially when it is known by them that meetings are to be conducted by Seventh-day Adventists. Three times our lists seemed hopelessly turned down. When for any cause several names were thrown off, it became necessary to revisit the block and secure others—truly no small task. During the two months this process

of verification of names has been going on, the chief of the police in this precinct has been changed from a Roman Catholic to a Protestant, apparently a very providential circumstance.

A sick woman just across the street from the location has been used by the opposition as the chief reason why the tent should not be located there. She might lose her life. It is a case of rheumatism.

But by faith the lot was leased. By faith the vacant house was rented. By faith the workers moved in, not knowing certainly that the petition would be granted. Several times, more than the required three fourths of the residents in these blocks were secured, only each time to be informed later that on verification there were not enough. Just as it seemed very dark indeed as to the outcome, and the brethren thought possibly their way was hopelessly blocked, the little four-year-old son of Brother DeFluiter, who came from the West to join the effort by leading out in the music, ran out into the street to meet his father, just in front of a rapidly moving automobile. He was thrown down, and nearly the entire side of his scalp torn back. This occurred opposite the house from which the strongest opposition had come. The very man who did most to oppose caught up this little bleeding boy in his arms. From that moment the tide turned, and soon afterward the good word came that the petition was granted us for the use of the lot. The little boy is doing well under the skilled care attendants are giving him at the Sanitarium, and unless something unforeseen sets in, he will soon be well again.

The tent is here, and everything is expected to be in readiness for services to begin at an early date.

If a determined opposition means anything, surely evidence is not lacking that the Lord is about to do a good work in the city of Washington this summer. Brother Harter and his coworkers will need, and I am sure earnestly crave, an interest in your prayers.

T. E. BOWEN.