The Congregational church of this city has been blessed with a visible outpouring of God’s Spirit. Many of our old members have been quickened in their religious feelings and have reconsecrated themselves to their Lord and Saviour. Many who have been lingering and shivering on the brink of doubt, and many, too, who were waiting a plainer manifestation of their acceptance with God by “dreams and travels,” suddenly, as the truth struck them, yielded their ways to His ways, and are now, we trust, walking in accordance not with their own, but with God’s plans.
We had an extra series of meetings for over two weeks, which were well attended by Christians of all denominations. These meetings closed last week. On Sunday morning, September 7th, one was baptized by immersion, and at night five others were by sprinkling. Still another was received who was a fallen member of some other church. Five children were at the same time baptized, after which all those who loved the Lord Jesus, and who wished, met around His sacramental board and feasted with Him. The church was so crowded that many were compelled to stand outside. It was a high day in Israel. Many hearts were gladdened.
Most of those we received were young people. Some of them teachers of our Sabbath-school, and nearly all of them at some time had been under the influence of some good Northern lady teacher. Perhaps those teachers were disheartened and feared that their good seed had fallen upon stony ground, but in this they were deceived. We are too anxious often to see results. God’s logic extends through years, but His conclusions are nevertheless sure and true.
Rev. Floyd Snelson officiated at the sacraments of baptism and the eucharist. Bro. Clarke was directly instrumental in bringing about this revival.
ALABAMA.
Our New Church Building.
REV. WM. H. ASH, FLORENCE
Our new church is getting on nicely. The outside is nearly finished, with the exception of the belfry, which I hope will be done this week. The work has been carried on strictly with reference to economy as well as to the finish, and yet it is so well done that it is simply beautiful. Almost everybody has something to say about the church. One says, “You are going to have a nice church, and your church will be well attended when it is done.” Another says, “This is the greatest thing the colored people ever accomplished in Florence.” I am constantly greeted by my white fellow-citizens with, “You are going to have the only modern church in town;” and they visit the scene of the building to watch the progress of the work and speak friendly of it. A gentleman who lives in Fryar’s Point, Miss., and belongs to one of the first families here, has just asked me to let him look at the plan. He said, “This is going to be a credit to the town.” I have put on a large portion of the first coat of paint myself.
The people have made great sacrifices to build their house of worship. I don’t believe that the same number of members in any church North could have done better with all the discouraging circumstances. They have struggled hard to help themselves, giving when really they needed it at home.