• "Come to Crete Meeting" by E. D. Aller. The Church Advocate 38 (September 10, 1873): 5.
• "From Crete, Nebraska" by E. D. Aller. The Church Advocate 38 (November 26, 1873): 5.

      BRO. FORNEY.--I am happy to report good news from this field. I commenced a protracted meeting on the 23d of September, about six miles south-west of Seward, which closed October 16. The wickedness of this place was such, that it acquired the name of Sodom. But, thank God, the place was spared, and instead of a destructive fire, the Lord sent the Holy Spirit down upon the people. Fifteen souls were converted, including two backsliders; nine were immersed, and fifteen accepted the Bible for their guide, and constituted the Church of God in that place.

      Having promised to assist Bro. Aller at Crete, I was obliged to close before the work was finished, as several were yet seeking. We held meeting in the forenoon, October 16th, and at 1:15 P. M., aboard my pony, I set out for Crete, distance about twenty-five miles, where I arrived in good time to preach that night. I was happy to meet Bro. Aller, whose face I had never seen before. I am greatly enjoying my visit with this dear brother and family. The Lord has been doing a good work here, through the zealous labors of Bro. Aller, who is very highly esteemed and much beloved by the people of Crete. Sabbath, the 16th, being the anniversary of the dedication of the bethel, we had a very interesting meeting. At 9:30 A. M., the Bible school convened, which was conducted with much interest. At 11, I tried to present some of the doctrines of the Church of God, from Acts xx. 28, after which we went to the water, where Bro. Aller immersed two converts. At 3 P. M., Bro. Aller and myself went out to Highland, four miles east of town, where I preached again to a school-house full of attentive hearers. In the evening the bethel was crowded to overflowing, and after an effort of the writer to set forth the ordinances of the Church of God, we engaged in washing each other's feet and the celebration of the Lord's Supper. Surely the Lord was with us, making it a heavenly place. Three converts were also fellowshiped, making eight in all, during the meeting. Eight have professed conversion and five have been immersed. The church has many friends in this place, and her prospect for the future is bright. The meeting still continues.

      Last night, I preached in Fillmore county, where we have a very promising opening, served jointly by Bro. Aller and myself. One penitent soul came to the altar last night, and sought for mercy. I went home with him and tried to point him to the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world. I left him this morning in good earnest seeking the Lord. May the Lord bless his soul with peace. O, that we had preachers to enter all the doors I see open in this great field. I am praying that God may raise up a number this winter.

      I have received a letter from Bro. Vannasdale, of Indiana, stating that he is coming out here in the spring. Thank the Lord for this. Come on, brethren, there is plenty of room here to work for the Master.

      I expect to assist Bro. Aller till over next Lord's day, and then return to my mission. Over the first Lord's day in November, we have an ordinance meeting with the new church, at which time I expect to immerse and fellowship some more converts, and probably continue the meeting a few days for the benefit of any who may seek the Lord. I do earnestly ask the prayers of the whole brotherhood in my behalf, that God may give me health and strength to labor successfully for the salvation of souls.

[The Church Advocate 38 (November 5, 1873): 5.]

      Daniel S. Warner's "From Nebraska Mission" was first published in The Church Advocate, Vol. 38, No. 27 (November 5, 1873), p. 5. The electronic version has been transcribed from a copy of the article provided by Jean Leathers, Archivist of the Churches of God Historical Society.

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 15 April 1999.
Updated 15 July 2003.