Frederick Wheeler’s Big Decision

By Anna Galeniece

Frederick Wheeler was both a farmer and a preacher. He loved working in the fields, but he also loved preaching about Jesus. In 1842 he read some writings by William Miller about Jesus’ soon return. Excited and full of hope, Frederick started sharing this wonderful news with his church in Washington, New Hampshire. The whole church joyfully joined him in believing that Jesus would come back soon. Thus, Frederick Wheeler continued farming, preaching, and waiting for Christ!

One Sunday near the end of 1844 or the beginning of 1845, Frederick Wheeler led a Communion service. And that day changed his life forever.

While preaching, he passionately said, “Anyone who wants to take part in this Communion must follow Christ fully by obeying God and all of His commandments.” Frederick truly believed he was doing just that by worshipping on Sunday. His heart was open to God, and the Holy Spirit was powerfully working on him.

That same day, Rachel Oaks sat quietly in the church. In the early 1840s she had moved to Washington, New Hampshire, with her daughter, Delight, who had taken a teaching job there. They attended the local church, which believed in Christ’s soon return. 

Rachel, a faithful Seventh Day Baptist, had bravely shared small Sabbath booklets and tried to talk with others in town about keeping the seventh day holy. But most people didn’t seem very interested. Still, she didn’t give up. 

Rachel and Delight came to the church that Sunday morning. They listened carefully. When Rachel heard Frederick talk about obeying God’s commandments, her heart burned within her. She had to speak up and tell the preacher about the Sabbath!

After the service she came to the preacher and gently yet boldly said, “You should put the cloth back over that Communion table until you begin keeping all of God’s commandments.”

Those words hit Frederick Wheeler like a bolt of lightning. He was shocked, but he didn’t argue. Instead he humbly said, “Let me pray and think it over.”

Back at home, Frederick prayed and carefully studied the Bible. Soon he noticed that Rachel was right. Saturday was the true Sabbath! From then on, Frederick Wheeler began faithfully keeping the seventh-day Sabbath. He became the first Adventist preacher to do so.

Frederick Wheeler continued to do his favorite things—preaching and farming—in New Hampshire State until 1851. Then he and his family moved to New York State. His heart was full of joy, and he spread the good news about Christ’s soon return and the Sabbath truth until he died in 1910, at almost 100 years old!

When the Lord speaks to you, are you willing to listen, pray, and follow His truth all the way, just as Frederick Wheeler did?