Report from Bro. Andrews.
By John Nevins Andrews
Bro. White: In the good providence of God we have been brought thus far on our journey and have endeavored to discharge with faithfulness the duties of this mission. We have found enough to do, to tax the strength of each, yet from the brief sojourn we are able to make in the places visited, our business seems to be rather to learn the state of our brethren and their wants, than to adequately supply those wants. I am glad to be permitted to make this tour with Bro. Byington and to form acquaintance with many brethren whom I have never seen before. Our first meetings held at Monterey, May 27 and 28, were designed to benefit the church and were well attended, and we trust profitable meetings. May 29, dedication services in Allegan. Our brethren at this place have erected a very tasty and commodious yet plain and modest house of worship. The dedication services were a little disturbed by the owners of a church which stands within a few feet of ours. For soon after the services in our house were fairly commenced the bell of this church began to ring—though at an hour unusual with them—and was kept up till near the close of the discourse. Our windows being open and the houses immediately adjoining each other we had the full benefit of what was doubtless a preconcerted annoyance. In the evening we had a good season in worship at this house of prayer and also the following evening. From this place we came to Caledonia, and endeavored to give our brethren there some much-needed counsel and exhortation. From Caledonia, we came to this place. Have had ten meetings. They have been meetings of labor but we think that good is accomplished. Wright, Mich. June 8, 1864. Since the above was in type, we have received the following note from Bro. Byington, who is with Bro. Andrews on his present tour:— After a hard day's ride of nearly forty miles much of the way in a cloud of dust we arrived at Bro. Maynard's near the Fair Plains meeting-house, June 10, just before the Sabbath. Several churches of this vicinity came together at the meeting-house in this place and listened with deep interest to the word preached. Quite a number of those without the church attended on first-day and listened to two discourses from Bro. Andrews, one on the signs of the times, the other on the Sabbath a memorial of our great Creator. Whether obeyed or not, truth was heard that never will be forgotten. We have had here in all six meetings. The church is encouraged. We leave for Orleans to-day and for Oakland to-morrow. Fair Plains, June 13, 1864.