p. 16 | Florida Camp-Meeting by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 31, 1912

Florida Camp-Meeting

By G. B. Thompson

THE annual camp-meeting of the Florida Conference was held at Ocala, October 3-14. We had unmistakable evidence during the entire meeting that the Spirit of God was present to bless his people and guide in the work. The nineteenth session of the conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting; and although some perplexing questions arose, the utmost unity and brotherly love prevailed throughout the entire meeting.

The meeting was well located, being only a few blocks from the center of the town. For several weeks before the meeting, Elder C. B. Haynes, with other workers, had been holding a tent-meeting on the same ground. These meetings will continue after the camp-meeting, and the outlook is good for a company of Sabbath-keepers.

At this meeting Elder R. W. Parmele, who has faithfully served the conference as its president for five years, having accepted the presidency of the Louisiana Conference, was released; and Elder W. H. Heckman, president of the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, was elected president. Brother Heckman was present during the meeting, and was most cordially welcomed by the people. He takes hold of the work with good courage. The Lord has blessed the labors of Brother and Sister Parmele in the conference, and they leave for their new field with the confidence and love of all.

The reports rendered by the various departments were of an encouraging character. The president reported that the membership of the conference had nearly doubled during the past five years, due in part to immigration. In 1908 the tithe was $6,163.13. In 1912 it was increased to $12,716.41. In 1908 the donations were $1,242.75. In 1911 they were $4,490.32. The Orlando sanitarium is enjoying a good patronage, and showed a gain in operating expenses during the year.

During the meeting the growth of the work and its needs in the regions beyond were considered, and met a most hearty response in the hearts of all. For the foreign work and the local conference and sanitarium, pledges and cash were received amounting to over five thousand dollars. Considering that it was not a large meeting, this was indeed a most liberal contribution. The Sabbath-school offerings were quite liberal. It was my privilege to see for the first time a crisp fifty-dollar bill in the Sabbath-school collection.

The attendance of our people was good. We were all glad to have with us during the entire meeting Elder George I. Butler and wife, both of whom are enjoying good health, and are full of courage and faith in the message. Brother Butler, though not far from fourscore years of age, and worn with many years of faithful service, maintains to a great degree his old-time vigor. He spoke several times during the meeting with freedom and power. He is planning as soon as he can sell his home to enter again into active pioneer work. Surely the zeal and example of this aged servant of God should be an inspiration to all.

A camp-meeting for the colored believers of Florida was held on the same date in another part of Ocala. Several laborers were present, and although the attendance was not large, a good meeting was reported. When the needs of the cause were presented, these brethren responded by pledging about $250.

In addition to the local laborers and those already mentioned, Elder C. B. Stephenson, the union conference president, A. J. Haysmer, Prof. H. M. Hiatt, and Brethren V. O. Cole, R. Hook, Jr., L. D. Randall, and the writer attended the meeting. A spirit of deep consecration was manifest, especially in the Sabbath services. Seven or eight were baptized.

Many expressions of renewed confidence in the message were heard during the meeting. Men may fall by the way, but the great advent movement that God is leading, moves on. How thankful we should be for a part in this great work! Our dear brethren and sisters who have so nobly stood by the work of God returned home with good courage and renewed determination to be more faithful. Surely the cause of God was never more encouraging in Florida.

G. B. THOMPSON.