BRO. FORNEY.--I wish to inform the readers of THE ADVOCATE of our meeting in the village of New Washington, Crawford county, Ohio. This has been one of the desert places of earth. It is quite an old place, with about three thousand inhabitants, yet never witnessed a conversion previous to this winter. Superstition and wickedness prevailed to such an extent that few ministers had ever visited the place to preach the gospel. No protracted effort had ever been made here before. Several years ago a minister was sent here to open a mission. At his first appointment a number of boys amused themselves at what is commonly called anti-over, by tossing a ball over the school house while he was trying to preach to the few hearers within. He reported Washington hopeless, and never returned to preach again.

      There are two meeting houses in the place, but one is devoted to the worship of the "beast," and the other (old Lutheran) to the worship of "the image of the beast." The leaders of those societies are very clearly pointed out in Jer. xxiv: 21, 22: "I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. But if they had stood in my counsel, and had caused my people to hear my words then they should have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings." These are so far from turning people, that they virtually give them license to "drink in sin as the ox drinketh water."

      Having been partly raised near this place, and knowing its desolate condition, I felt a deep interest for the place from the time of my conversion. My first impression to preach was to go to New Washington and plainly tell the people what they must do to be saved. I waited patiently till in the providence of God I was sent to Seneca Circuit, of which this forms a central point. I came directly here and sought a place to hold a meeting. No meeting house was open, and the directors of the school house being professors of religion, of course were not willing to have the house used for meeting purposes. An empty room of pretty good dimensions, which had been used for a drug store and grocery, was engaged, and the word went out that a protracted meeting would be held in New Washington. This surprising news occasioned much talk for many miles around. Many indulged in coarse jest, while others of more sobriety of thought betrayed an uneasiness respecting their craft. Many faithful fathers and mothers throughout the country joined with me, during the winter, imploring the God of heaven in mercy to visit New Washington, and raise up a people for his name. We commenced the meeting on Friday evening, February 17. On Sabbath night six penitents came to the altar; two were made whole, and "when all the people" saw those happy souls "walking and leaping and praising God," they were filled with wonder and amazement at that which had happened unto them. Many stood upon the backs of the seats; some even got upon the stove. On Monday night seven more came out and four were converted. Tuesday night ten came out and six were converted. The interest continued with very little variation during the whole five weeks of the meeting. The order improved until it far exceeded the general expectation. The leaven produced great commotion in the place. Superstitious women ran over the country, with their catechisms in hand, exhorting their children to shun the meeting; reminding them of the oath they had taken to adhere to their Church. Every Sabbath the Lutheran preacher aimed his whole discourse against the meeting, pronouncing it the work of the devil. Notwithstanding all their opposition, a few of their members were converted. Some individuals who had not attended the meeting were deeply convicted in answer to prayer, and afterward came and gave their hearts to Jesus. Many who were my associates in sin, boldly enlisted in the army of Jesus. What a wonder-working God! In the same room where I have seen two and three men kept busy in dealing out beer and liquor many are now being filled with pentecostal wine. Where men once drank that which only increased the thirst, many now drink of the waters of which Christ said, "If a man drink he shall never thirst." Where many partook of deadly poison, now they "rush with eagerness to share the balm that makes them whole." Where many indulged in that which destroys the senses, now they find that which "makes wise the simple." Where many once wallowed in the pollutions of sin many now plunge into the cleansing stream.

      In the same house where many used to "spend their money for that which is not bread," many now "buy without money the bread that cometh from heaven."

      "In the habitation of dragons," where was cursing and swearing, behold now the voice of prayer and singing. For waters have broken out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. The parched ground hath become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. (Isa. xxxv. 6-7.)

      We administered the ordinance of baptism four times during the meeting, twice on Sabbath in the presence of a great crowd of people. The outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the candidates and all the people so shook the sandy foundations of rantists that many gave up their traditions and were buried with Christ in baptism. Forty-six in all were baptized. Of this number I have learned that fourteen had been sprinkled, and doubtless there are others. One had been immersed when a sinner by a Disciple preacher. Becoming a proper subject of baptism, by spiritual adoption, she obeyed the Lord and was greatly blessed. The number of conversions was fifty-six. A Church of God was organized of forty-six members. Dr. J. S. Hershiser and Brother John Hellim were chosen elders, and Brothers J. W. Delancy and John Guiss, deacons. We were highly favored with the assistance of Fathers A. Kline, A. Resh and J. Landis, also a few sermons from Brother Shull of the M. E. Church. God bless those good old veterans, whose zeal has not abated with the passing years. Father Kline has been wonderfully blessed with strength to wield the sword during the past winter. His labors have been blessed with many conversions; some of his children also gave their youthful hearts to Jesus. How cheering to the aged pilgrim.

      May the rich blessings of God ever rest upon Brother Pratt, who has thus become the instrument of much good by opening his house for the service of the Lord. The entire family have embraced religion. May they all be faithful until death, and obtain a crown of life. We expect ere long to have a good meeting house for the worship of God in New Washington. The Mansfield and Coalwater railroad is now being laid out through the place, and there is a bright future for the town and the Church of God.

[The Church Advocate 35 (April 19, 1871): 2.]

      Daniel S. Warner's "Revival News" was first published in The Church Advocate, Vol. 35, No. 51 (April 19, 1871), p. 2. 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 6 April 1999.
Updated 15 July 2003.