p. 17 | The West Virginia Camp Meeting by B. G. WILKINSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 30, 1915

The West Virginia Camp Meeting

By B. G. WILKINSON

The West Virginia camp meeting this year was encouraging beyond expectation. It was, without question, the best camp meeting ever held in West Virginia. Brother Hirlinger, the newly elected president of the conference, had spent considerable time out in the hamlets of the churches trying to get a good attendance.

As we had heavy rains throughout the meeting, the attendance from the outside fluctuated, but was good when we had propitious weather. The conference was held in connection with the camp meeting, whose site this year was Weston, W. Va., August 26 to September 5.

From the very beginning, the Spirit of God was manifested in great power. During this meeting four great revivals took place, adjusting many old difficulties, bringing about some splendid reconciliations, and withal breathing a new life and spirit into the conference. Some perplexing problems which have troubled the conference for years were discussed, and under the blessing of God we think were practically solved.

The report of the conference president showed a splendid advance in all lines, and an increase of membership and of tithe and offerings. At this camp meeting seventeen persons were baptized the last Sabbath. For a conference as small as this to gain during one year about fifty-four members, indicates progress. The tithe for 1913 amounted to $3,816, while for 1914 it came to $3,924, making a gain of $108. The mission offerings for 1913 were $1,793.64, while the gifts to foreign missions for 1914 amounted to $2,168.45, a gain of $374.81.

Another feature of added interest at the camp meeting is the fact that there was converted to the truth and baptized at this meeting Norman W. Phillips and his wife. For years Brother Phillips has been a prominent minister of good standing in the Disciples Church. Two years ago he was asked by one member of his congregation to preach on the second coming of the Lord. He said he found enough in the Scriptures to preach not only one sermon, but each Sunday evening for eleven months he preached on this and kindred subjects, such as the time of the end, the judgment, the nature of man, the millennium, the arming of the nations. But he reasoned, “What good would it be for me to preach these subjects in the Disciples Church?” If he were to make converts and bring them out of Babylon, into what should he bring them? Therefore he accepted a call to become secretary of the Anti-Saloon League of West Virginia, at a good salary.

Going through Martinsburg, W. Va., one day, he saw in the papers the announcement of the subjects for the sermons for the following week, to be given at the tent where Elder G. A. Stevens was holding his tent effort. He was surprised to find that these subjects were exactly the ones on which he had been preaching. He therefore went immediately to the tent, sought out Brother Stevens, who continued earnest study with him until he was led to the acceptance of all the points of present truth. We hope and pray that under the leadership and keeping power of God, he will become a good worker in proclaiming the third angel’s message.

The financial calls at this meeting also received remarkable response. A Sabbath school donation of $320 was given the last Sabbath of the camp meeting, while on the following morning offerings in cash and pledges were taken to the amount of about $1,500.

The season being unfavorable, practically the only helper from outside the conference was Prof. J. L. Shaw, who attended the last few days of the meeting. We believe that this meeting marks a new era for the progress of the work in West Virginia.

B. G. WILKINSON.