The Southern New England Camp-Meeting by W. B. White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 11, 1910

The Southern New England Camp-Meeting

By W. B. White

This camp-meeting was held in Pawtucket, R. I., June 16-26. The location was in the extreme eastern part of the conference, yet about two hundred fifty of our people in Connecticut and Rhode Island gathered at this time for their yearly feast. About fifty family tents were pitched, and a number lived in rooms near the camp. The weather was very favorable, and contributed much to the success of the meeting.

The treasurer's report showed an encouraging gain in nearly all lines of work. In 1908 the tithe of the conference was $7,994.94; in 1909, $8,604.83—a gain of $609.89. This is a per-capita tithe of $15.82 for 1909, which is excellent for this little conference. There was also a gain in all the offerings. The report on the book work showed a small decline over the previous year; but as the conference now has an experienced State agent, there is a good prospect that more advancement will be seen in the future in this department.

At this meeting the Southern New England Conference held its annual session. Resolutions were passed indorsing the $300,000 Fund and the “Ministry of Healing” campaign; urging the building up of the home missionary work in all the churches, and the faithful reading of the second Sabbath missionary readings; encouraging the training of our young people at South Lancaster Academy; and others touching different lines of work.

The devotional services were marked by the power of God, and many gained substantial victories. The morning sermons of Elder Geo. I. Butler, relating to his early experiences in connection with this people, and the place the spirit of prophecy has held in this work, were greatly appreciated, and helped to strengthen the faith of many. The outside attendance was not large, and only a few regular attendants were seen from the city each evening.

When the matter of buying back the farm that South Lancaster Academy sold a few years ago, came before the conference, about three hundred dollars was subscribed to a fund for this purpose. In response to an appeal to assist the medical missionary work in the union conference, about sixty copies of “Ministry of Healing” were taken by those present to sell for this work. Elder C. H. Edwards was re-elected president of the conference, with about the same committee as served last year.

We feel that the Southern New England camp-meeting was a success, and that its influence for good will long be felt in this field. With so many large cities, and its large foreign population, this small conference has a great task before it; and we trust that all its workers may be filled with the spirit of service for the Master. W. B. WHITE.