Alberta Camp-Meeting by Frank L. Hommel

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 22, 1910

_Alberta Camp-Meeting_

By Frank L. Hommel

THE largest and best camp-meeting ever held in the Alberta Conference closed July 24. About three hundred were present, or a little more than one half the constituency of the conference. Several agencies contributed to the success of the meeting, among which might be mentioned the special blessing of God; the efficient help rendered by Elders K. C. Russell, G. F. Haffner, L. H. Christian, R. S. Owen, F. L. Perry, and H. S. Shaw; and a well-defined and arranged program.

The morning hours were devoted to conference interests, papers being read upon all phases of the work. Part of each afternoon was devoted to institute work. Such subjects as the distribution of our literature, practical demonstrations of simple treatments, and healthful cookery were considered and freely discussed. Of special interest were the stirring addresses delivered by Elder Russell on the subject of religious liberty. As Canada already has a most stringent Sunday law, it was with more than passing interest that we learned that the General Conference is preparing literature suitable for distribution in this vast dominion.

The rehearsal by Elder Owen of the wonderful providences of God in the establishment of the work at Loma Linda did much toward creating within our hearts a feeling of confidence in this work, and caused us to determine to rely more fully on the promises of God.

The report of the field secretary revealed the fact that the literature sales for the year amounted to $5,108.80, an increase of $1,492.20 over those for the previous year. The average sales for each hour amounted to $1.68. The magazine work, though but recently started, showed a healthy condition. In three months about twelve thousand copies were scattered in the various cities and towns, or an average of twenty-two magazines for every believer in the province.

The Alberta Academy had a prosperous year. Though it worked under numerous difficulties, its balance-sheet revealed a net gain of over two hundred dollars in operating expense. The academy had an enrollment of eighty students during the year, and carried an English and a German department. Last year the boys roomed in the barn, which had been temporarily fitted up for the purpose. On the day set apart for the educational work, a call was made for means to erect a boys' dormitory, and in a short time $2,500 in cash and pledges was secured for this purpose; $1,000 had been pledged earlier in the year to this fund.

The response to the call for the $300,000 Fund was also gratifying. Elder Shaw, after outlining the purpose of the fund, brought upon the platform a blackboard marked off in squares; one half of the squares were represented as having a value of ten dollars each, the remainder of five dollars each; the total amounting to $1,450, or Alberta's portion. Opportunity was then given to subscribe for these squares. In a short time all were taken by those present, $250 being given in cash. The eagerness with which the believers took hold of this work was one of the most inspiring features of the meeting. The hearts of all seemed to be alive with missionary zeal, and with love for those who have given up home and friends to carry the gospel into the dark places of the earth. It is hoped that most of the money pledged will be paid the first year.

Both Sabbaths of the meeting were seasons of special blessing, and will long be remembered by those present. The chains of sin were broken in many instances, and a spirit of praise pervaded the camp. One beautiful morning most of the campers repaired to a lovely spot on Barnett Lake, to witness the baptism of eighteen precious souls. As the baptism took place at a very early hour, there was nothing to mar the beauty of the occasion.

The German and Scandinavian meetings were well attended, and the brethren testified to having received special help and encouragement.

The report of the treasurer revealed progress in every line. The tithe for the year was $8,424.42, or $19.18 per capita. The General Conference has contributed about $1,900 toward the support of the field during the year; but the report showed that the believers had given to the foreign work in return more than $2,400. The average per capita on the ten-cent-a-week plan was fourteen cents. Aside from the tithe and gifts to the foreign work, over $7,000 was received in response to calls made for the upbuilding of the educational and medical work in the province.

Elder C. A. Burman was re-elected president of the conference, and Elder Henry Block vice-president. Owing to failing health, Sister Stella B. Lowry, who for seven years has faithfully carried the burdens in connection with the office, was compelled to resign, and take a complete rest; and the writer was chosen to take the place made vacant by her resignation. Plans were laid to prosecute the work in all its branches; and it is hoped that, with the addition to our laboring force and the special blessing of God, the work may rise to still greater success the coming year.

FRANK L. HOMMEL.