Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 9 (1894)

Lt 125, 1894

White, J. E.; White, Emma

Brighton, Victoria, Australia

January 12, 1894

Portions of this letter are published in 4Bio 116.

Dear Children:

We received your letters. Thank you for writing, and I wish I had time to write you a full history of our meetings. We have above one hundred clean, nice new tents upon the ground, and everything is in order. The large tent is well filled, even in early morning meetings. Emily has just come into the tent and reports 108 tents on the ground and several houses are hired just off the ground and occupied with roomers. Four hundred and forty-five persons camp on the ground. We listened to testimonies from responsible men that when the camp meeting was proposed they thought it impossible that it would be a success, but they were astonished; they would have said that such a thing could not be done. 9LtMs, Lt 125, 1894, par. 1

The community is stirred in Brighton—a beautiful town. Places thickly settled stand all about and surrounding the city of Melbourne. People of the finest and noblest of society are coming from all places. The tent is filled in the afternoons and evenings, so there is scarcely room for them to find a seat. A gentleman who keeps a large music store comes today with his family and his brother and his family, with three visitors. Two tents have been procured for them. Others have felt anxious to do the same and wished they could hire tents and remain on the ground to the close of the meeting. 9LtMs, Lt 125, 1894, par. 2

There is so much business to be done for Echo office, and our school and where to locate it. These cannot be preaching meetings. They are made as interesting as possible and the outsiders remain as interested listeners to the close. Many, many are deeply interested. Several have already decided to obey the truth, and how important that the work should go forward intelligently and in the power of the Holy Spirit! 9LtMs, Lt 125, 1894, par. 3

We have just raised six hundred thirty-five pounds for the school building. There were but few who had means, for nearly all are poor. We were hoping the sum would reach one thousand pounds, but we will be thankful we have a start in this matter. 9LtMs, Lt 125, 1894, par. 4

It may be the Lord will try our faith in this matter of building. Now the location is the question to be settled, and it is about settled, and then every preparation will be able to commence the work of clearing the land yet to be purchased. I will write you next mail more in regard to this subject of location and building. 9LtMs, Lt 125, 1894, par. 5

Mother.