Indiana Camp-Meeting by A. G. Daniells

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

Indiana Camp-Meeting

By A. G. Daniells

THIS meeting was held on the grounds of the Winona Technical Institute, in the city of Indianapolis, Aug. 25 to Sept. 4, 1910. From the standpoint of attractiveness to the public, comfort to the campers, and accessibility to those desiring to attend the meetings, this camp-ground was all that could be desired. We were indebted to the courtesy of Ex-Mayor Bookwalter for this excellent location. Mr. Bookwalter gave us an address of welcome, and visited the camp many times during the meeting. From the reports of the camp-meetings in different States it appears that our people have been granted the use of the best grounds and parks in many cities during the past summer. We appreciate these favors, and we should always take great pains to leave the grounds in the best possible condition.

I was told that this was one of the largest camp-meetings in the history of the Indiana Conference. The brethren and sisters came from all parts of the State, the majority coming at the beginning, and remaining until the close. The weather was all that could be desired. We were greatly pleased and encouraged to have so many of the citizens attend the evening services. It was a great privilege to present to such large and interested audiences the special truths we prize so highly.

The thirty-seventh session of the Indiana conference was held in connection with this meeting. The reports presented by the various departments showed that success was attending the efforts made to extend the work of the message. It was encouraging to find that the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, which, two or three years ago, seemed to come to be a heavy burden, is having an excellent patronage, and is doing exceedingly well financially. If its present prosperity continues, it will be only a short time before it will be entirely free from indebtedness, and in the meantime many people are being blessed by its ministry.

I felt that this camp-meeting was a spiritual, uplifting, encouraging occasion. There was a spirit in the camp that responded quickly and heartily to the spiritual. The last Sabbath was a good day. In the forenoon service a large number sought the Lord most earnestly for the forgiveness of all sin, and for power to keep from sinning. At the five-o'clock service in the evening the Lord granted his blessing in a large measure.

The one thing that cast a shadow over this good meeting was the sad refrain that arose from the sorrowing hearts of so many parents because their children had wandered from the truth. And this is not true of the young people of Indiana only. The camp-meetings I have attended this year have made it very plain to me that greater efforts must be made by our ministers, church officers, and parents to hold our children. This surely must be done, and I appeal to all to begin at once. The loss of these young people is infinite. It surely can be prevented by whole-hearted effort on our part. There are many things we who are located in the homeland can not do for the cause, but we can hold our young people, and to this we should put forth the most earnest, prayerful, consecrated effort of which we are capable.

Elder Morris Lukens was re-elected president of the conference, and with the hearty co-operation of his immediate associates and all the people he takes up the work of another year with courage and hope.

A. G. DANIELLS.