p. 16 | The Northern Illinois Camp Meeting by W. W. Eastman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 14, 1915

The Northern Illinois Camp Meeting

By W. W. Eastman

THE Northern Illinois annual camp meeting and conference were held at Joliet, Ill., August 26 to September 5. The camp was located in a residential section about a mile from the business center of the city and about a block from two street-car lines, making it easy of access to those who desired to attend. The evening meetings were quite well attended by the people of the city.

The arrangement of the camp was neat and orderly. There was plenty of shade, and a good supply of water. The ground was well carpeted with a heavy mat of grass, affording protection from dust and mud, which are so often an annoyance and inconvenience to life on a camp ground.

The business of the conference was practically finished during the first half of the meeting, and was characterized by a spirit of harmony throughout. Elder W. A. Westworth was elected president of the conference, and H. E. Moon, secretary and treasurer of the conference and tract society. Miss Edith Shepard was again chosen for educational and Missionary Volunteer secretary, and C. J. Tolf was elected field missionary agent.

The good spirit of the Lord was present from the very beginning of the meeting. On the first Sabbath, at the conclusion of a stirring sermon by the president of the conference, a large number came forward in response to a call for those who would dedicate their lives anew to God and make a full surrender for service. On the last Sabbath a revival service was also conducted, and was marked by the presence of the Holy Spirit.

When the cause of missions was presented, and an opportunity given for those who wished to give of their means to do so, $3,500 was received in cash and pledges. A good sum was also given during the meeting for the local work of the conference.

Those in attendance aside from the local conference workers were: Elder A. G. Daniels, of the General Conference; L. H. Christian, C. A. Russell, and J. B. Blosser, representing the Lake Union; J. W. Mace, of the Western Branch of the Review and Herald Office; O. J. Graf, president of Emmanuel Missionary College; Dr. David Paulson, of Hinsdale Sanitarium; Prof. C. C. Lewis, representing the Fireside Correspondence School; and the writer.

Daily meetings were conducted with the young people, also with the colporteurs. It was very encouraging to see that literature sales in the conference by the colporteurs had more than doubled those of last year. Tithes and offerings had also increased, and souls had been won to the third angel's message.

The attendance of our people at the meeting was said to be the largest since the conference was divided.

On the last day of the meeting thirty persons went forward in the ordinance of baptism.

W. W. EASTMAN.