Report from Bro. Waggoner.
By J. H. Waggoner
MAY 26 I left home for the Ohio Conference, of which I need not speak particularly, as it has already been reported. It was a good and profitable meeting. Eight were baptized. My only regret was a want of time, by which our business was rather hurried. At such meetings I think the main business sessions should be before the Sabbath. Early on Monday morning, in company with Bro. Hutchinson, I started eastward, and arrived in Bloomfield, Trumbull Co., Tuesday noon. I was very anxious to pitch the tent that week, and used all diligence and labored hard to accomplish it. There was a strong desire expressed by some to have a tent meeting at Mesopotamia, Trumbull Co.; and I thought if one could be commenced June 3d, it could be carried nearly through before Bro. Ingraham could come here, and then we should have time to more fully carry out the intention of the General Conference Committee. But on Thursday, June 2, I learned that the ground could not be obtained. The little village is so situated that no suitable ground could be found except the "common," on the south side of which stood the Presbyterian, Methodist, and Universalist meeting houses. The Town Trustees were members of those three churches, and they told me that the churches would not like to have somebody pitch a tent right before their doors to preach other doctrines in! This was about the amount of their reason for a refusal. Fully expecting to get the ground, I had made considerable preparation; and feeling that I had discharged my duty, I rested the matter in the hands of the Lord, confident that he will vindicate his down-trodden truth in his own appointed time. June 3d I spent visiting different places, but no suitable opening presented. Sabbath and first-day I held meetings at Orwell center. This was a good time for that church. The interest was increased by Bro. Hutchinson's giving an account of his journey to the Conference in Michigan, and his impressions formed by intercourse with the brethren both in public and private. By this visit these new brethren and sisters seem more thoroughly united with the churches in other places. On coming to Wayne Center the way seemed to open before me. Every encouragement was given that could be expected, and we have accordingly pitched the tent, and intend to commence meetings this evening. I have not yet heard from Bro. Ingraham, but hope to soon. I pray the Lord may open the way before him and direct him hither. Our post office is Lindenville, Ashtabula Co. Ohio. This is ten miles directly east of Orwell. Wayne Center, O., June 9, 1864.