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Mattie A. Bowles and Bell H. Smoot

These two women were led of the Spirit to open an afternoon cottage meeting among colored people of Cleveland, Ohio, for prayer and teaching full salvation.

This article was first published as “Twenty-seven Years of Progressive Plodding” in The Alliance Weekly February 22, 1919.

by W. H. McCutcheon

In 1892 two women, Mrs. Bowles and Mrs. Smoot, were led of the Spirit to open an afternoon cottage meeting among African Americans of Cleveland, Ohio, for prayer and teaching full salvation. The attendance was very small, but they soon ventured to speak on the streets.

Faith was rewarded, for they were compelled to rent a hall to accommodate the people who began to follow them. Then they began to pray for a brass band. Presently God gave them one young man, a musician; then another; and so they grew until today they have an orchestra and band of some 17 pieces. In the course of time, the work was organized into an Alliance Branch.

One Recourse Left

Despite every “contrary wind that blew,” the work has advanced steadily, the past year being the crowning year of all. The building where they have assembled for the past five years has become too small. Crowds were turned away weekly. The war was on, and it was impossible to get material or even men to build. There was only one recourse left and that was to pray.

So God heard and pointed out a Jewish tabernacle which could be purchased. By faith they took an option on the building, and in a few days paid $1,500 down and took possession. They at once began necessary alterations. Then was announced a great Feast of Dedication and Feast of Tabernacles, which took place on January 9, 1919.

At this service, 11 elders, 10 women, and 1 man, who had been in this fellowship nearly a quarter of a century, gave reminiscent talks. The brass band played, the quartet sang, and Sister Smoot, our superintendent, beamed her sweetest. And no wonder, for she has been in the forefront all these 27 years.

A Burning Message

Then followed the two days of prayer in preparation for the 25th Annual Midwinter Convention, or Feast of Trumpets, January 12–26. And truly it was a Feast of Trumpets.

Dr. Morris of Norfolk, Virginia; Rev. Burgess of Pittsburgh; and David Mason of Congo each had a voice like a trumpet and a burning message that carried conviction to every comer of the tabernacle. The building was too small for the convention crowds. The last great day of the feast was one of holy triumph. Souls were saved, backsliders reclaimed, believers were sanctified, and the sick were healed.

The offerings were free and liberal. Missionary pledges almost doubled over last year, and the heart of our dear missionary, Miss Carrie Merriweather, who was with us in acceptable ministry, was made doubly glad.

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