IOWA

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, April 28, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 17

HARTLEY, APRIL 21.—After visiting the churches of Algona and Trimello, I came to this place, where I have held meetings for one week, with a good interest. Have the use of the M. E. church, the only church in town. The minister and his followers are coming to hear. Some are already expressing a desire to learn our views on the Sabbath question. IRA J. HANKINS.

WINTERSET, APRIL 20.—Closed a series of meetings at this place last evening. As a result seventeen signed the covenant to keep the Sabbath, and others have said they will do so soon. Fourteen were added to the church, and more will join as soon as they can overcome the tobacco habit. A precious season was enjoyed at the quarterly meeting. Ten joined the tract society, and some sixty dollars was raised, leaving the district out of debt. There is quite an outside interest manifested, as shown by a number of families' sending their children to the Sabbath-school. Eld. Dungan of Des Moines preached against us a few times; but our house was full all the time, although we took no notice of his discourses. However, there is quite a demand for a public debate. J. D. PEGG.

DISTRICT No. 8.—During the last quarter I have labored exclusively in this district. The first part of the quarter, I had the privilege of laboring in company with Elds. Olsen and Tenney.

Feb. 7-23, was with Bro. M. Larsen, who had a good interest in the vicinity of Grant, Montgomery Co. Several there took a stand for the truth. Feb. 24 to March 8, was at Weston and Council Bluffs. At the latter place a tract society of six members was organized. At Weston I had some good meetings with the children. I next went to Bowman's Grove. Good attendance and interest were shown among those not of our faith. One was baptized who united with the church and tract society. It was decided to build a meeting-house, of which they stand in much need. $500 was immediately subscribed, and an acre of land for a building site, in an eligible locality, donated.

March 17-23 I labored for the Elkhorn church. About one-half of their number live eight or ten miles distant; consequently a separate tract society of twelve members was formed. Three were added to the tract society at Elkhorn. The Lutheran minister, in charge of the Danish high school at Elkhorn, paid us a visit during our services on the Sabbath. By invitation he spoke in our church Sunday evening, and noticed the similarities between Noah's time and ours. Bro. Larsen assisted in the meetings at this place, and together we came to Grant on the 23d. Found those who had commenced when we were there last, to move forward. One more decided to keep Sabbath, making ten Sabbath-keepers in that vicinity. We went to Riverton on the 31st, and labored in the interests of the missionary work. One decided to canvass for “Sunshine.” April 4 I spent at Coin, where tent-meetings were held last summer. Found one sister observing Sabbath. On the 6th and 7th, held meetings at Council Bluffs. On the 8th and 9th I visited Dunlap. Baptists kindly granted us the use of their church. From fifty to sixty not of our faith attended our meetings. April 10-13, held meetings at Logan, though the attendance was small, the time was profitably spent, with good results, reading Eld. B.'s pamphlet on tithing, and giving instruction in missionary work. I accompanied the elder of Logan church to his home some ten miles in the country, and held a meeting in his neighborhood April 13. Although notice of the meeting was circulated until the same day, a large and attentive audience assembled. April 14, held meetings at Weston. On the 15th and 16th, was at Council Bluffs. It was decided to rent for one year a house that could be had for a reasonable figure, in the central part of the city. Nearly all of the year's rent had been subscribed. Council Bluffs is a city of 30,000 inhabitants, of whom 2,000 or 3,000 are Scandinavians. April 18, 19, the district meeting was held at Weston. Good reports were read from all the tract societies in the district. JOHN WEIS.