Brethren and Sisters
“Elmshaven,” St. Helena, California
December 20, 1902
Previously unpublished.
Dear Brethren and Sisters,—
I was much pleased to receive a letter from Brother J. S. Washburn a few days ago, telling me that a church building in Washington, D.C., formerly known as the Central Methodist Protestant church, has been purchased by the Second Seventh-day Adventist church of this city. A house of worship was greatly needed by our people in the section of the city where this property is situated. The purchase of this church will provide a suitable place in which witness can be borne to the truths we advocate. The building will stand as a memorial for God. 17LtMs, Lt 205, 1902, par. 1
This property must now be paid for. One payment has already been made, but a large sum must be raised to meet the other payments. We therefore ask those who have means to act as the Lord’s helping hand by doing something to help to pay for this church. Every penny given will help. If all will give what they can, the indebtedness will soon be liquidated. We believe that those who can help in this enterprise will be constrained to do so by their love for Christ. We regard the purchase of this church property as a wise step, and your co-operation in assisting the brethren there to pay for it will bring you into harmony with the beneficent purposes of the gospel. 17LtMs, Lt 205, 1902, par. 2
Let those who have means use it wisely. It is a talent lent them by the Lord to be used when called for to advance His cause. In the place of spending money for selfish pleasure, let every one deny self and lift the cross. God’s blessing will follow. 17LtMs, Lt 205, 1902, par. 3
Do you not desire to share in the privilege of paying for the house of worship in Washington, D.C.? If every one of the many believers in this country would give something, the amount given by each would scarcely be missed. Let us help our brethren in this city; for they are too poor and too few in number to bear the burden alone. Those who share in this missionary enterprise by making gifts large or small, according to their ability, will ever after feel a deeper interest in the progress of the Lord’s cause at the nation’s capital. I am sure that our people will respond to this call. And in making a gift to the Lord at the beginning of the new year, by helping to pay for this church property, they will receive rich blessing. 17LtMs, Lt 205, 1902, par. 4
Note: All gifts should be sent to Elder J. S. Washburn, 1728 Fourteenth St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 17LtMs, Lt 205, 1902, par. 5