South Carolina Camp-Meeting by Chas. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 6, 1910

South Carolina Camp-Meeting

By Chas. Thompson

THIS meeting was held in Columbia, September 6-11, and was the first camp-meeting ever held for the colored people of this State. Elder Sydney Scott, with a corps of helpers, has been carrying forward an aggressive campaign in this city for several months. The Negro department of the State planned to make the camp-meeting a general gathering of the colored believers from the various churches and companies in the conference, and then bind off the effort of the summer. But instead, it was found that the camp-meeting was the beginning of a great interest, as hundreds came out each evening from the city, and gave marked attention to the message presented.

There were eleven family tents pitched on the ground, and occupied by about thirty-five campers, representing the churches at Spartanburg, Sumter, Florence, Greenville, Johnston, Charleston, and the believers at Batesburg, Wedgefield, Mullin, Ridgeway, and Summerville. In addition to the workers who were conducting the city effort, there were present Elder T. H. Jeys, president

of the conference, Elder M. C. Strachan, field secretary of the Southeastern Union Negro Mission, Brother A. L. Manous, the State missionary agent, and the writer.

The early morning hour was occupied in general instruction and praise meetings; and the nine-o'clock hour was spent in discussing plans for future work. The following resolutions were unanimously adopted:—

“1. We, the Negro believers of the third angel's message in the South Carolina Mission, in camp-meeting assembled, do hereby express our thanks to our Heavenly Father for his tender watch-care over us.

“2. Resolved, That we indorse the recent action of the General Conference, union conference, and local conference; in the establishment of the Negro Mission Department; and we pledge our loyal support to our local conference and mission department in the carrying forward of the great work of the gospel among the colored people.

“3. That we recognize the importance of careful and thorough organization among us; that we give our support to our regularly organized work; that we discountenance irregular and independent efforts; and that we encourage our people everywhere to pull in regular lines.

“4. That we recognize the voice of God in the call for homes for our missionaries; and that we indorse the plan for the raising of the $300,000 Fund.

“5. That we recognize the ten-cent-a-week plan, and endeavor to carry into effect its provisions.

“6. That we pledge ourselves to renewed diligence and faithfulness in paying tithes.

“7. That we encourage our young people everywhere to speedily prepare themselves for active service in this cause, and that we direct them to our denominational training-school at Huntsville, Ala.”

The five-o'clock hour was occupied by Brother Manous in presenting the book work, the needs of the field in this particular, and the blessings received by those who engage in scattering the printed page. At 11 A. M., also at 3 and at 8:15 P. M., preaching services were held. Elder T. H. Jeys carried a daily study on organization and church authority. On Friday evening the plan and purpose for raising the $300,000 Fund were presented, and in response $285 was pledged in a few minutes.

The Sabbath-school was one of interest. Seventy-six were enrolled, and it being the first camp-meeting Sabbath-school for the colored people ever held in the conference, all endeavored to set the pace for contributions. The collection amounted to $7.60, thus indicating that these believers wished to pass the copper and nickel age, and live in the silver time of the message.

Several gave their hearts to God for the first time, and all earnestly sought him for a deeper consecration and preparation for the work before them. Sunday evening twenty persons were baptized by Elder M. C. Strachan. The Lord blessed in this service.

On Sunday at eleven o'clock Elder Jeys, Elder Strachan, and the writer filled the three leading pulpits of the city churches (colored), and spoke the truth to several hundred people. The camp-meeting closed Sunday night with a strong and stirring sermon by Elder Sydney Scott on the Sabbath truth. Standing room at the big forty-by-sixty-foot tent was at a premium. It was estimated that between five hundred and six hundred persons gathered that night to hear the discussion of the Sabbath question.

The effort will continue indefinitely, and we confidently expect to see as a result a strong church organized in the capital city of South Carolina. May God give wisdom and help to the faithful workers in this department of our work.

CHAS. THOMPSON.