The General Meeting at Minneapolis, 1st Month 1873
Joel Bean
[From Friends Review, Vol. 26 No. 25 (Second Month Eighth, 1873) pages 396-397.]
This Document is on The Quaker Writings Home Page.
[P 396] It may interest some of the readers of the Review to learn that the General Meeting held
at Minneapolis commencing the 10th instant, proved an interesting and favored time. The time
appointed occurring just at the close of the terrible storm which extended so generally over the
West, when all the railroads were blocked with snow, rendering it impossible for strangers to get
here from abroad, some Friends who had looked forward to the time with much solicitude, under
a sense of responsibility, were inclined to postpone the meeting until such time as the Committee
and others who might desire to attend could be present; but as the appointment had been
announced, it was decided to meet at the time proposed, and continue the meeting or not, as
should seem best. Accordingly on the morning of the 10th instant, Friends convened in about our
usual number. Under a sense of our own weakness and dependence, and the importance of the
occasion, it was evident that the subject had been one of earnest prayer, and that many had come
directly from their closets to the meeting. As a result, the meeting, which continued nearly three
hours, proved to be one of unusual interest and favor. Although the strangers who had been
looked for were not there, the Great Master was felt to be present, blessing and feeding the
hungry multitude. Several expressed it had been good for them to be there, and with entire
unanimity it was decided to meet again in the evening.
The evening meeting was larger and even more interesting than in the morning. A number of those
present, nearly all of them our own members, were heard in testimony and prayer, some for the
first time. Thee meeting continued day and evening for three days, increasing in numbers, many of
other Societies coming in and joining in the exercises.
[P 397] Although in some of the sessions the labor seemed to fall more upon these, perhaps, it
was profitable for our won members, as interest continued throughout.
J.B.
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1st mo. 16th, 1873.