We commenced our summer series of meetings on the fourth Wednesday night in July. On the Sabbath we had a great gathering. In the afternoon prayer meeting, every body seemed to be deeply impressed with the spirit of the Lord, and at night many came forward for prayers. The house was full all day and at night. About two o’clock I was awakened by the alarm of fire, and one of my members rapped at the door and said, “Our church is on fire!” I rose to my feet and reached the church just as it was falling in.
We came down to the Baptist church and continued our meetings. Many took a stand for the Lord and joined our church. After my meetings were over, I helped others. At Shelby Iron Works twelve or fifteen gave their hearts to the Lord, and at Talladega the meetings were very interesting and profitable.
NASHVILLE, TENN.
On the first Sabbath of the month a revival began and continued for two weeks. Our meetings were large and spirited, and all of us have been benefited by them, some of us in a special manner.
The little flock is greatly strengthened and revived, and is in a better working condition. All little jealousies and acrimonies have been buried (I trust never to rise again), and a kindly feeling pervades the entire atmosphere of our church circle. As a result of the revival, five persons have been added to our church, and these five are live and not dead Christians.
PARIS, TEXAS.
Our protracted meetings began here the fourth Sunday in June and continued two weeks. We had no conversions, but the church was revived. During these meetings many persons came forward to be prayed for. Two weeks later the fire of the Holy Ghost which was kindled here broke out at Pattonville. We joined our brethren out there in a week and a half meeting. Before the meetings broke up we had thirteen to come out on the Lord’s side; six joined our church, and the rest went into other churches. Bro. Jordan Carter, a worthy young member of my church, keeps up this work here and at New Hope. The spiritual condition of these churches in the country is good. Pattonville church has 30 or more members, and New Hope and Paradise 43. These churches meet with us in a quarterly conference regularly.
Our white brethren of the various denominations invited us colored brethren to organize with them in a minister’s meeting which meets every Monday at 3 P.M. We are discussing some very vital questions in these meetings.