Camp Meetings of the Colored People in the South by C. B. STEPHENSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 7, 1915

Camp Meetings of the Colored People in the South

By C. B. STEPHENSON

The annual camp meeting of the Negro mission was held in Jackson, Miss., the capital of the State, August 20-30. This was perhaps the largest gathering of our colored people in the history of the mission work. The camp was centrally located, and very nicely arranged. The large pavilion tent would not accommodate all who attended the night meetings, some nights above eight hundred, among whom were the best class of people, including professors, doctors, and other professional men.

Two days were devoted to practical missionary work. The entire camp was organized into missionary bands, and went out into the city, to distribute literature and visit as far as consistent, inviting the people to attend the meetings. This was a very interesting feature of the meeting. Upon return, the bands reported on regular report blanks. About twelve hundred calls and visits were made.

The statistical report showed quite a substantial growth in the mission. The camp meeting Sabbath school offerings were a little in excess of fifteen cents per capita for each Sabbath during the meeting. The brethren are all of good courage, and hope to reach the financial standard this year. Besides the conference laborers, Elders Sydney Scott and T. H. Jeys and the writer assisted in these meetings.

I next attended the latter part of the camp meeting in Sumter, S. C., which was held at the same time. I understand this was the largest meeting ever held in that mission. Three new churches were added to the conference. The work in South Carolina for the colored people is developing very satisfactorily. Their Sabbath school donations were a little in advance of fifteen cents a member. Quite a number were baptized. Elder G. E. Peters was also present at this meeting.

The Georgia mission camp meeting was held in Atlanta, September 3-10. A choice location was secured near the educational center. This meeting was well attended, both by our people and by outsiders. The congregation in the evening was much larger than could be seated in the tent, making it necessary to place temporary seats on the outside. The outlook is very encouraging for many additions to the Atlanta church as a result of this meeting. The financial report showed improvement in the finances. The brethren are working hard to reach the standard for missions. Valuable service was rendered by Elders Corliss, Haynes, and Branson, who divided their time between the white and the colored meetings. There were no visiting colored ministers.

From Atlanta I went to Birmingham, Ala., and was there during the last two days of the meeting, which was held September 3-10, in Bessemer, a suburb of Birmingham. There were over one hundred in attendance at the Sabbath school. The donations for the day amounted to about sixteen cents a member. The services were well attended by outside people. A number came forward in the consecration meeting and gave themselves to God for the first time; others reconsecrated themselves for service. Altogether, this was a good meeting.

In all of the camp meetings the blessing of God rested upon his people in a very marked manner. The spirit of earnestness and seeking God characterized every service. Truly, the Lord's hand is extended to help this people. Harmony and brotherly love prevailed throughout.

C. B. STEPHENSON.