El Reno Church

(1894-96?)

The Gospel Messenger Feb. 13, 1894 page 109 Vol. 32 No. 7

Mission Work in Oklahoma

  By request of the Mission Board of Texas and Oklahoma, I went to a point five miles southwest of Yukon (the home of brethren and sister J. H. and E. B. Grove), and held an eight days’ series of meetings with increasing interest.  One precious soul felt the need of a Savior, and was baptized.  Several others said they intended to come soon.  We have many warm friends at this place, and this friendship was obtained by visiting from house to house.  In our humble judgment this is one of the best methods of doing mission work. Here, brethren, is a good opening for a resident minister, and the brethren who are seeking homes, with a little means.  Land is cheap and good, and there is a fine prospect for a church.  Come with the “Sword of the Spirit.” and help to fight the battles of “King Jesus.”  There are many precious souls starving for the Bread of Life.

  Returning home we stated again to Dover (Bro. A. W. Austin joining us here). Two who were at one time in fellowship with us had taken shelter in a strange fold.  Not receiving the proper food, they asked for admission back into the church. Three young lambs expressed a willingness to go with us, and will receive baptism in the near future.

  From here we went to the Cotton Wood Creek church.  Jan. 20 we met in council.  We had preaching at night, and on Sunday at eleven.  The members seemed to be much revived, and resolved to be more faithful in the future.

  We then returned home to attend our organization on Jan. 24.  Bro. A. W. Austin officiated.  The weather being very cold, the members did not all get out.  Twelve letters were read, and the little band was organized with Bro. A. W. Austin as our elder.  There are seven more members yet to had in their letter, making nineteen in the church, which will be known as the El Reno church.  On the same evening we had a love-feast.  The same number had assembled that was in the “upper room” in Jerusalem.  We had preaching the following evening.  Bro. Austin heartily the following evening.  Bro. Austin heartily admonished us to steadfastness “ready to depart on the morrow. 

M. M. Ennis.

El Reno, Oklahoma, Jan. 26.