By 11 o’clock, at the ringing of the second bell, the chapel was crowded with natives, for the most part in native costume. Brother Snelson spoke to them through an interpreter, telling them the object of our coming together. The candidates for admission to the Church were then called forward. “A charge to keep I have” was sung by the congregation. Prayer was offered by Brother Snelson, after which the missionary hymn, “From Greenland’s icy mountains,” was sung; and as it was being sung, each missionary, as he looked upon the sable congregation, could but feel that the “harvest is plenteous, but the laborers are few.”
The roll was then called by Brother Jackson; after which the candidates were examined, and by vote of the Council eighteen were received into full membership. Some of the candidates were not received because of not being legally married. They were instructed to attend to this matter, and then they might be received into the church. They are to remain under watch-care until this obligation is met. After examination of candidates, Brother Snelson spoke to them about things peculiar to their country—slavery, polygamy, etc. The meeting was then dismissed to meet at 7 P. M. Brother Gomer, who has for years known our work, expressed his astonishment at seeing so large a congregation assembled in the house of God at this place, and at the good order kept throughout the exercises. Some of those received were old members, while others were new converts, among whom were three chiefs, Peah Carle, Carray Phemah, and Sei Lōtō. These men exercise a vast influence over their people, and their being reached makes the reaching of their people easier.
The people assembled at the ringing of the second bell. “Praise God from Whom all blessings flow” was sung. Brother Snelson then led the congregation in the Lord’s Prayer. A hymn was sung, after which the Rev. J. Gomer offered prayer. “Alas! and did my Saviour bleed?” was sung. Portions of Scripture were read by A. P. Miller. The services of organization and dedication were combined, owing to want of time. Brother Snelson spoke through the interpreter, and told the candidates what their step meant—turning from death unto life. The church, too, he said, we had come together to dedicate to God and His service. Brother Snelson preached, choosing Luke xii. 32, as his text—“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” A comparison was made between the people to whom these words were spoken and these our benighted brethren. The promises of God were dwelt upon. We must trust in Him for salvation. The dedicatory prayer was then offered by Rev. A. P. Miller. A hymn was sung. The right hand of fellowship was given by Bro. A. E. White. The address was delivered by Rev. J. Gomer. The Lord’s supper was then celebrated; Brothers Gomer and Jackson presided. It was a solemn scene. The Doxology was sung, and the benediction pronounced by A. P. Miller. The meeting was one long to be remembered. One more stronghold is now erected in this land of night to tear down the powers of darkness. We have all reason to thank God for His blessings thus far. A better day is dawning for these benighted, long-neglected sons of Africa.
Brother Gomer says that more laborers (colored) are wanted in his mission. We, too, in a work so vast, can but ask God to prepare such as are needed for a work so difficult.
We ask the prayers of all lovers of mankind that the work begun here may not only succeed, but that its influence may be far-reaching.
Rev. Floyd Snelson, Moderator.
Rev. A. P. Miller, Secretary.