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MEETINGS IN IOWA

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Tuesday, February 24, 1885

FromThe Review and Herald, Vol. 62, No. 8

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MEETINGS IN IOWA.

By Ole Andres Olsen; George C. Tenney

We attended the State meeting at Eagle Lake, Minn., Jan. 17-19, and the next Sabbath met with the church at Elkhorn, Iowa. The church is about equally divided into two sections, which are eight or ten miles apart. At Elkhorn is located the meeting-house, and the elder lives in the other place. It was thought best by some that a division should be made, and another church formed, as it is difficult for them all to meet together. In fact, preliminary steps had been taken for such a division. But upon more mature deliberation it was thought best to continue the organization as it is, arranging, however, that the ordinances shall be celebrated in both places. This seemed to meet with general approval. This people are located in a country that seems to be very favorable for making money, and they are generally improving it for that purpose, some of them, it is sad to say, to the detriment of their spiritual interests. Worldly prosperity often proves fatal to eternal interests. We divided the time equally between the two localities mentioned, holding meetings two days in each.
From here we went to meet with the Weston church, located about fifteen miles east of Council Bluffs. They have just finished a neat meeting-house, which was dedicated on first-day, Feb. 1. This church is very much scattered, the members living isolated, and none of them nearer than three miles from the meeting-house. It is a little over a year since we visited them, and during this time they have built their house. In this they have done well. But the best of counsel has not prevailed with all, and the enemy has been present to sow discord and discouragement. Some have fallen out by the way. We earnestly sought the blessing of God as we labored for them, and felt that we had some of his help. Although we could not do all that we wished to see done, yet we were glad to see hope and courage come in, and a better state of things introduced. Eld. John Wilson was unanimously chosen elder of the church.
The Weston and Elkhorn churches are almost entirely composed of Scandinavians, so our services were mostly in that language. Bro. Tenney usually held one service in English each day. Our meetings here continued over Monday. The business meeting on that day was characterized by harmony and the blessing of God. Bro. Olsen held a meeting at Council Bluffs on Tuesday evening with those who reside there. One person for the first time took a stand for the truth. We met with the Logan church Tuesday evening and continued over Wednesday. These brethren are also much scattered. This circumstance, with unfavorable weather and lack of interest, rendered our meetings there quite small. They, too, have a neat but small house of worship nearly finished. But they have made a mistake in locating it so far out of town that but few of the citizens can attend the meetings. Only one family lives in the village; the rest are at a distance of several miles. The distance is a cause of discouragement, and it is often difficult for them to attend meetings. They are in need of help; but just how to bring it about seems a difficult question, unless each member of the church shall make a special effort to seek the blessing of God for himself and upon the church. This they may do, and the Lord will build them up. Up to this time we enjoyed the company of Eld. John Wilson, who has the oversight of the work in that part of the State. From this point he left us, returning to Council Bluffs.
Our next appointment was at Battle Creek, Iowa, Feb. 7, 8. On our way there we passed through Odebolt, where we stopped and held one meeting with quite a good congregation. Here we met Eld. A. G. Daniells, who had been laboring here for a time. He does not report much interest at Odebolt, but a few worthy people are seeking for the light. Bro. D. accompanied us to Battle Creek, where we found a new house of worship, which was dedicated to the cause of God. The company here is small, and have done well to build and pay for a pleasant house 24x36. Our meetings here were quite small. The company has been reduced by removals, and a severe storm prevailed during almost the entire time of our meetings. The friends seemed to be deeply impressed by the solemn truths, and desire to become united heart and hand in the work of God. May his blessing attend them.
On account of the storm no trains ran from Sunday to Wednesday. So we were unable to meet our appointment at Smithland, which we regretted very much. We trust they will be visited soon. A telegram from Adel informed us that the meetings at that point were postponed on account of the small-pox prevailing there; so we have turned our course to Knoxville, by way of State Center.
We meet with some discouragements while we look at the indifference manifested by many of our people in reference to our solemn work and position; and we have also realized some of the blessing of God in trying to call their attention to these things. We have no time to spend in interminable church trials and investigations. We feel to call on those who are interested in these things to become converted, and get the love and forbearance of Christ in their hearts. Time is short. “Behold the Judge standeth at the door.”
O. A. OLSEN.
G. C. TENNEY.