The Cumberland Camp-Meeting by Chas. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 13, 1910

The Cumberland Camp-Meeting

By Chas. Thompson

THIS meeting was held in Chattanooga, Tenn., August 25 to September 4. The camp was beautifully located in an oak grove, and the weather was ideal. Fifty or more tents were pitched, and about two hundred of our brethren and sisters were encamped on the grounds during the meeting.

The annual session of the Cumberland Conference was held at this time. The reports of the president and the treasurer were gratifying, and they showed that real advancement had been made, notwithstanding adverse circumstances. At the beginning of the conference year, Elder J. F. Pogue, who was carrying the responsibilities of the presidency, became ill, and left the work, seeking to regain his health in a northern climate. This failing to bring the desired relief, he resigned, and Elder P. G. Stanley was invited to accept the position, which he did about the first of January. After this, Brother E. L. Sanford, another minister of the conference, was compelled to discontinue his work, in order to care for his sick companion. We are glad to report that, notwithstanding the work has been thus crippled, one new church was admitted to the conference, one house of worship was dedicated, and sixty-seven new members were added during the year.

The tithe receipts for the present year show an encouraging growth, having increased $2,811.44 over those for the preceding year. The per-capita tithe last year was $10.65; this year it was $15. While the total Sabbath-school donations showed a gain of only $61.18 over those for the preceding year, the amount given to missions was larger, exceeding last year's contribution by $177.60. This increase is the result of the Sabbath-schools giving all their donations to missions.

The business of the conference passed off very harmoniously. Elder Stanley was elected president, and Anna Kimlin secretary and treasurer. The other officers remain practically the same as last year. The laboring force of the conference was strengthened by securing the services of Elder J. B. Locken, of the Southern Illinois Conference.

Contributions for the home and the foreign work were made as follows: Foreign missions, $515, to which we add the Sabbath-school donations for the two Sabbaths of the meeting, raising the amount to $583.89. Previously to the meeting, $3,010 had been pledged by the churches to the $300,000 Fund — $562 in excess of the conference quota. Notwithstanding this, $65 more was pledged at the meeting.

Six hundred fifty-one dollars was also given on the tent-and-camp-meeting fund, which amount was raised to $700 by the receipts of the camp-meeting over the expense. This money will enable the conference to secure some new field and family tents, an equipment greatly needed.

There were present, in addition to the regular conference laborers, Elders W. A. Hennig and R. T. Dowsett, Brethren A. F. Harrison and V. O. Cole, Dr. M. M. Martinson, Prof. M. B. Van Kirk, and the writer. Elder Smith Sharp, one of our oldest ministers in point of service, was with us throughout the meeting, and his talks on organization and early experiences were helpful to all. Dr. O. C. Godsmark had charge of furnishing reports of the meetings for the daily papers. His experience in this work, with the liberality of the press, gave our cause much favorable mention.

The evening meetings, at which the special truths for this time were made prominent, were well attended by the people of the city.

The meetings for the children and the young people were in charge of Sisters W. W. Williams and Mettie Lenker. The spiritual interest in all the services was good; especially was this true on the two Sabbaths of the meeting. All united in declaring that this was the best camp-meeting ever held in the Cumberland Conference.

An enjoyable feature of the camp was the arrangement of the dining-tent, which was conducted on the same plan as the large “cafeteria” at the General Conference. The food was abundant and well prepared, and the tent was thoroughly screened, affording good protection against flies. The sanitary arrangements were also carefully looked after, and no cases of illness have followed the meeting. We believe this is an important point to consider in connection with our camp-meetings.

There is much to encourage the brethren and sisters of the Cumberland Conference; and we confidently expect to see the work move forward in every department. CHAS. THOMPSON.