Long Branch Church

(1874-09?)

The Weekly Pilgrim Oct. 20, 1874 p 335 Vol. 5 no. 42

Martinsville, Mo., Oct. 6’74.

Dear Brethren: -

  As church news seem to be interesting, I will try to write a little in relation to our new organization in this part of God’s moral vineyard.  We moved here last spring and in my weakness tried to preach the Gospel which is apparently received with gladness.  There has been two received by baptism. On the 23rd and 24th of September we had a Lovesfeast and Communion meeting, which I learn since gave good satisfaction.  There was quite a large congregation there at night and much interest manifested.  We had excellent order.  Many remarks were made in relation to our quiet and interesting meeting.  On the morning of the 24th we were formed into an organization by Eld. S. A. Garber, of Iowa.  This organization of brethren will be known as the Long Branch congregation.  We number 17 in all, and scattered over considerable territory.  I visited these parts over two years before I moved here, and found some 6 members who desired very much that I should move here among them.  I have done so now and am trying to labor for the good and welfare of Zion, and as I have a large territory I do hope some other brethren will move among us. I learn that I have about fifty miles to my nearest ministerial aid. Brethren why is it that these large openings are so much neglected, where much good night be done in the name of Jesus.  It is true that when we go into these new places we have many hardships to undergo, often to travel through cold and heat, and that on foot – especially when we are poor – and when we want to obey the Lord in celebrating the ordinance, we must gather forks, poles, and boards to erect a shell for the purpose, as our houses are mostly small.  All this is accompanied with considerable labor, especially where there are only about four brethren to do the labor. Yet when the kind Lord blesses us with good weather, we enjoy the meetings very well.  I do which that some of our ministering brethren would visit this part and locate here and help in this good work, and perhaps ere long we can build a bethel to worship in which is still more convenient. I see in correspondence by Eld. Correll of Holt. Co., Mo., that they have not sufficient to undergo the building of a house of worship.  I see that the calls for aid to build houses of worship are not heeded like those for schools.  Which will tend to do the most good?  Brethren I have written more than I thought I would when I first commenced.  May the love of God the Father, and the graced of our Lord and Savior, and the communion of the Holy Ghost be with us all and enable us us to so live that when we have once answered the design of our being here on earth, we may all be gathered to praise Him eternally in the heavens.  Wm. B. Sell