Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1902-01-09
REPORT FOR PAST YEAR.
Gaeat Strides Made by the Am
erican ). 5. Union in
this Vicinity

10 those who are Interested in our
American Sunday School work in
Southwest Wisconsin, [ am glad TO
submit the following report of the
years work:
Since January /, 1901, twenty-one
Sunday Schools have been organized
necessitating a force 12S officers and
teachers, and enrolling at least $50
scholars. When one stops to reflect
that many Of these had not been in
Sabbath School for years-sOme, and
not the smallest, for the first time in
their life enrolling as Sabbath
school scholar; superintendent and
other officers serving for the first
time as a worker in the Masters
cause.-the work begins to grow upon
US and assume greater Importance in
our estimation.
AS to minor details, in accomplish
ing the above work I have Travelled
1852 miles, and visited 954 homes in
the interest of our work. During the
past year Al Sabbath schools have
been revisited; have force of 81 Of
fcers and teachers, and 1854 schOl-
ars. While SO Sabbath schools, hav-
ing 4S4 officers and teachers and 1856
scholars, were visited the first time.
$500 worth of literature was sold
to the various schools, while $1,000
worth of literature was given in places
where it would do much good. Since
January l, 1901, 125 sermons and adj
dresses have been delivered in the in
terest of the Union and the Masters
work. Only about % bibles and
testaments were given away this year,
as [ was careful not to give to those
homes which were already supplied,
and few homes in Southwest Wiscon-
sin are TO be found without some form
Of the sacred scriptures, either in
part or in whole.
Last summer Mr.. Laurie Naurse, of
Bayfield,, Wis, served as a student
y
ties. He succeeded in finding needy
communities in both counties, and
convinced the county associations tn at
the summer student work should go
on next year. His work closed with
the annual convention of the Iowa
County Association, and was voted to
be among the very best meetings that
associations had held in years.
The new Clifton and Liberty church.
dedicated Dec. 8, by the Congrega-
tional Home Missionary, Rev. F. N.
Dexter, of New London, Wis, may
very properly be claimed as an out
growth of our American Sunday
School Union work. During the past
ten years more than twelve Sabbath
schools have been organized or re-
organized within a radius of five
miles of the new church, in six differ
ent school houses. Miss Lizzie Bur-
ton, the one most instrumental in
starting the movement for a church
building at the Hake graveyard, was
at the time superintendent of a Union
Sabbath school. On Dec. l, [ had the
pleasure of organizing the Harper
Memorial Sabbath school, which has
already doubled in attendance. Dec.
20 | presented the new school with a
fine new library, the gift of Mrs.
Harper.
At several points this year regular
preaching has been taken up by some
nearby pastor, and at two of the ap-
pointments we trust within one year
to report new church buildings.
All the appointments opened up
last year and the year before still
have regular service. In some cases
decided Improvement has been made
in the comfort and looks of the build
ing.
In one instance, much against my
desire, a superintendent was chosen
who confessed doubt as to some bible
teachings. But [ am pleased to say
God has touched that mans heart
through the children and now he is an
earnest believer in all of Gods won
derful truth. During the past year it
has been through the blessing of the
Holy Spirit the means of salvation to
over thirty-three souls, who now put
their trust in the precious blood of
the Lamb of God.
Pray that the American Sunday
School Union may through Gods in
finite blessing report even better
January l. 1903.