New York Camp Meeting by J. L. McELHANY.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Jul 16, 1914

New York Camp Meeting

By J. L. McELHANY.

THE annual camp meeting and conference session of the New York Conference were held at Utica, June 18-28. Over sixty tents were pitched to accommodate those in attendance. At the beginning, and also at the close, the weather was somewhat inclement, but on the whole, conditions were very favorable for the meetings.

On the first Sabbath morning a strong spiritual work began, which continued to the very close with increasing power. The Holy Spirit witnessed to the preaching of the word, and a spirit of genuine revival was manifested. Emphasis was laid on the need of repenting of every sin and of putting away the works of the flesh. To every such appeal there was a hearty response. A most encouraging feature in the messages borne by those leading out in the spiritual work was that of a definite victory over sin to every one who, by faith, accepts Jesus Christ as a personal reality in his life. Pentecostal power means a victorious life. Much was said about how to maintain a life of victory amid the fierce trials and temptations of everyday life.

On the last Sabbath there was a splendid forward movement by almost the entire assembly in seeking for a higher plane of Christian experience.

There was a splendid company of young people on the grounds. It was a real inspiration to those in charge of that branch of the work to see the earnestness with which they entered into the spirit of the meetings. Some of the greatest triumphs of grace at this camp meeting were among the young people. We greatly rejoiced to see fifteen of them follow Christ in baptism on the last Sunday of the camp.

Elder W. H. Holden, who has won the love and confidence of the brethren and sisters of this conference, laid down the burdens of office. Elder K. C. Russell was elected president for the ensuing term. But few other changes were made in the officers of the conference.

Elder G. B. Thompson assisted the local and union workers in the spiritual work during a portion of the meetings. Prof. J. L. Shaw and M. E. Kern also rendered valued assistance. Elder F. W. Paap spent several days there in the interests of the home missionary campaign. In addition to these, several other workers were present to aid in the work of their departments.

Brother W. L. Burgan's work with the newspapers was attended with gratifying results. The papers received and published full reports of the meetings. The truth was thus brought prominently before thousands of people.

We join in praying that the blessing of God may rest in great power and measure on the New York Conference, its officers and people.

J. L. McELHANY.