Minnesota Camp-Meeting by K. C. Russell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 7, 1910

Minnesota Camp-Meeting

By K. C. Russell

The Minnesota annual conference and camp-meeting were held at Hutchinson, Minn., June 9-10. The camp was only two blocks from the center of the town, in a beautiful park containing many large trees. The abundant shade was greatly appreciated, as the weather was very hot. About six hundred fifty persons were encamped upon the grounds, and the attendance of the citizens of Hutchinson and vicinity was good, especially in the evenings during the latter part of the meeting.

Besides services in the English language, regular meetings were held for the Scandinavian and German brethren. A number of doctrinal themes were presented during the evening services. At the meetings designed especially for our people, subjects adapted to their needs were presented. Both Sabbaths of the meeting, revival services were held, with excellent results. The needs of the various departments of our work were considered, and plans were laid for more aggressive effort along all lines of missionary endeavor. Five workers were released for other fields, and a number of recruits were added to the home force.

It will be remembered that Hutchinson is the town where the Danish-Norwegian seminary is to be established. We had the pleasure of visiting the fine building which, through the providence of God, our brethren have been able to secure. A liberal response was made to a call for funds for this school, and to help raise the $300,000 Fund. Some

three thousand dollars was taken up in cash and pledges. The book sales amounted to about five hundred dollars.

On the first Sunday of the meeting an interesting and profitable temperance rally was conducted. The mayor of Hutchinson, who is a strong temperance man, participated with our brethren in the program. For two years no liquor has been sold in Hutchinson, and the jail has been empty. On the last Sunday afternoon of the meeting twenty-six persons were baptized, a large company witnessing the rite.

There was one feature connected with this meeting that perhaps contributed more than any other to its success, and that was the district meeting, or family worship. The occupants of three family tents were grouped together in district meetings, and during the hour set apart for these meetings, it was planned that none should wander about the grounds, but every one be in attendance at one of them.

Elder S. E. Jackson, with a strong associate committee, was chosen to superintend the work for another year.

Besides the regular laborers of the conference there were present Elders R. A. Underwood, O. A. Olsen, C. Santee, M. N. Campbell, A. J. Haysmer, L. H. Christian, G. F. Haffner, S. Mortenson, L. A. Hansen, W. L. Manful, Prof. P. T. Magan, Dr. G. H. Heald, and the writer.

K. C. RUSSELL.