At the beginning of the new year, special attention was given to the finances in the several charges.  And during the first round the work was planned for the winter campaign.  Fixing on the localities where I could render special assistance to the Pastors, it was arranged to commence the services with the Quarterly Meetings, and if the work should require more than the following week, I could return after the succeeding Quarterly Meeting had been held.

The first meeting was held at Appleton, Rev. Elmore Yocum being the Pastor.  This noble man, one of the excellent of the earth, came to the Conference in 1849 by transfer from the North Ohio Conference, and was appointed Presiding Elder of the Platteville District.  At the close of his term, he was stationed at Appleton, where his family could enjoy special educational advantages.  At the end of two years he was made Presiding Elder of the Appleton District, and at the close of his term went to the West Wisconsin Conference, as he had become identified with the Educational Institution at Point Bluff.  Both as Pastor and Presiding Elder Brother Yocum was deservedly popular.

The meeting at Appleton awakened intense interest.  The good work grew upon our hands from day to day, until the business of the village was largely suspended during the hours of religious service.  All classes fell under the good influence, and both students and citizens shared in the result.  One hundred and thirty souls were converted.

The next meeting was held at Sheboygan Falls.  As I drove into the village, the severest storm of the winter was raging, and by Sabbath morning the snow was two feet in depth.  During the following night the winds piled it into drifts that made the roads nearly impassable.  What was to be done?  The prospect certainly looked dubious.  But it occurred to me that a little preparation for the meeting would be of service, and this could now be done before the crowd should rush in upon us.  We decided to go on.  Illustrating the saying, “Where there’s a will there’s a way,” the good people opened the streets in the village, and a small congregation was brought together.  The Spirit of God came down in sweet, melting influences, and, under the Divine inspiration, the faith of the Church grew strong.  Before the end of the week the place was filled, and souls were being converted.

The Pastor was Rev. R.W.  Barnes.  And as soon as the meeting was well established, the Pastors of the other Churches, Rev. Mr. Marsh, of the Congregational, and Rev. Mr. Lull, of the Baptist, came in with their people.  They were received cordially, and set at work as opportunity offered.  Besides these, several of our own Laymen gave themselves almost wholly to the work.  Among these, Rev. L. Cheeseman, a Local Preacher, and E.T.  Bond, Esq., a merchant, deserve special mention.  Too much cannot be said in praise of these lay workers and the Church generally.  With their Pastor, they were instant in season and