| The Life of Dr. J.R. Miller |
Chapter 2 |
Page 8 |
On January 18, Mr. Gaston left for home, his tern of service having expired, and Mr. Miller was alone for a week.
“I felt discouraged. Day after day closed with a heavy heart and an unsatisfied spirit. On Sabbath morning my heart was gladdened by the reception of a telegram from London, stating that stores and two delegates would reach Knoxville by the evening train. Never was news more welcome. My heart was rejoiced and my hopes brightened. The train came and brought two ministerial delegates…
“Early in the month I made application for a church which I found unoccupied, intending to have it fitted up as a soldier’s chapel. It was a Methodist church, formerly, and was occupied by the congregation till the time of the siege. Then it was taken in some irregular way as barracks, and when again left vacant after the siege, was in a terribly filthy condition. On the 26th I obtained permission to fit it up as a chapel, and incidentally got a squad of prisoners and went to work at cleaning it. By Sabbath I had it in tolerably good condition, and on Sabbath morning (31st) it was opened for divine service and rededicated to God. The attendance was respectful and encouraging… A daily prayer meeting was appointed at 1:30 P.M. each day.”
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