p. 17 | Southeastern California Camp Meeting

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

Southeastern California Camp Meeting

By E. E. Andross

The Southeastern California Conference camp meeting was held at Huntington Beach, August 26 to September 5. The grounds were very beautiful indeed. They belong to the Methodist denomination, and were arranged for the annual camp meetings of this society in Southern California.

Throughout the summer season various denominations hold their meetings on these grounds. Being located near the beach insures an equable climate. The tents were pitched beneath beautiful trees that cast a shade practically over the entire grounds, which are laid off in beautiful walks. Everything was very convenient and pleasant for the campers. The large wooden pavilion was used for the general gatherings during the encampment. From the beginning a splendid spirit prevailed. It seemed as if the people had come prepared for an outpouring of the Spirit of the Lord, and were anxious to place themselves in proper relation to God that they might individually share in this blessing. About two hundred and fifty tents were occupied during the meetings.

The conference business having been attended to last February, the entire time was left free for the consideration of spiritual interests, and all seemed to greatly appreciate this. Among those assisting in the meetings, in addition to local conference workers, were Brethren E. W. Farnsworth; J. E. Fulton, president of the Australasian Union Conference; Luther Warren; Francis Stafford, of China; Meade MacGuire; M. E. Cady; F. E. Painter; G. B. Starr; E. J. Hibbard; Sister Petra Tunheim, of Java; and the writer.

Deep interest was taken in the presentation of the needs of the foreign fields by Brethren Fulton and Stafford and Sister Tunheim. We were very much disappointed in not having Elder R. F. Cottrell, of China, with us. He was expecting to be in attendance the latter half of the meeting, but on account of serious illness and an operation at our Glendale Sanitarium, he was unable to be present. I am glad to say, however, that he has now almost wholly recovered from this condition. We took his case to the Great Physician, who heard our prayers, and sent relief to his servant.

At different times during the meetings revival services were conducted, and each time quite a number responded. The last Sabbath of the meeting was especially blessed of the Lord. A large number went forward; some gave their hearts to God for the first time, and many sought more perfect consecration and surrender to the service of the Master, preparatory for the baptism of the Holy Spirit in the latter rain.

About thirty-six were baptized near the close of the meeting. The last Sunday morning a beautiful baptismal service was conducted in a large swimming pool on the beach in the presence of a very large congregation. Twenty-nine were baptized at this time. Elder F. M. Burg, Bible teacher at the College of Medical Evangelists at Loma Linda, administered the ordinance.

We are confident that this camp meeting will prove to be a great blessing to the work in the Southeastern California Conference.

E. E. ANDROSS.