My first Sabbath, April 4, 1845, as “Exhorter in Charge,” gave me an opportunity to take the measure of my new field of labor.  The chapel, as before stated, was constructed of logs.  These were hewn on both sides, thus giving a smooth appearance both within and without.  The logs were halved together at the ends, and filled between with small pieces of wood laid in morter, and, on the whole, the chapel made a very respectable appearance.  It contained rude seats that would accommodate about one hundred and fifty persons, and furnished standing room in addition for one hundred more.

On the advent of the young “Elder,” for it was their custom to call all ministers by that name, the chapel was packed to its utmost capacity.  Opening the services with great perturbation of spirit in the presence of so vast a crowd, I proceeded with difficulty until the people arose to sing.  Instantly I was at ease.  I was not a stranger to good singing, for my surroundings had always been fortunate in this particular, but, I am free to say, that, up to that hour, my ears had never been so thrilled by Christian melody.  The tones were not as mellow as those of the African, but they were more deep and thrilling.  Inclined rather to a high key, and disposed to be sharp and piercing, yet the voices of the vast congregation swept through every note of the gamut with equal freedom.  I was thoroughly entranced.  And, on coming to myself, I found my perturbation had left me and my soul was on a plane with the responsibilities of the hour.

At the close of the public services, a class meeting was held under the charge of Father Abner, the leader.  This brother was a man of age and experience, well adapted to his position, and universally beloved.  The meeting was conducted in the usual manner, and was an occasion of spiritual refreshing.  The testimonies were direct and touchingly simple, usually accompanied with weeping, and sometimes with the shout of triumph.  The singing, however, was the principal feature, both in quantity and quality, for this highly susceptible people had given this part of the services, in all their meetings, a leading place.  Among the most noted leading voices were those of mine host, Alonzo D. Dick, Jeremiah Johnson, Orrin Johnson, and Thomas Cummock.  My labors were now fairly opened, and I soon found abundant opportunities for usefulness.  The regular meetings at the chapel were supplimented by others, principally prayer meetings, in the more remote parts of the town.  These meetings were held on the week-day evenings, and in a short time became occasions of great interest.  I attended them usually, and found every evening thus employed when not engaged at the chapel.  In these excursions through the settlement, I was almost always accompanied by one, or all of the above named brethren, to lead the singing, as I found myself, though belonging to a singing family for three generations, unable to lead in this branch of the service.  And in addition to these, I was also favored with the company of a young man of great worth and precious memory.  I refer to Lewis Fowler, an Exhorter of great promise, but who soon after fell under the withering touch of consumption, and passed on to the better land.