An Excellent Feature by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 9, 1908

An Excellent Feature

By Arthur G. Daniells

I WISH to call the attention of our brethren in charge of camp-meeting arrangements to an important feature of the Central New England camp-meeting, which has just closed. The meeting was held in West Newton, one of the finest suburbs of Boston.

Soon after the meeting had begun, it was suggested by some one that an effort be made to hold a union temperance meeting. A committee was appointed to secure speakers, and to get out an announcement. This committee called on some of the ministers in charge of churches in the vicinity of the tent, told them of their plans, and requested them to give addresses. The Methodist minister accepted the invitation. The committee also called on some of the leading temperance workers in Boston, and solicited their co-operation. Mr. Tarney, director of religious work in the Young Men's Christian Association, and Mrs. Cheney, assistant recording secretary of the W. C. T. U. of Massachusetts, responded.

Having secured the promise of help from these parties, a program was arranged, printed, and widely circulated in West Newton, where the tent was located. The meeting was held Sunday afternoon at three o'clock. The large pavilion was filled with people who were deeply interested in the temperance work. The addresses given by those who came in to help us were excellent. The principles they advocated were sound and practical, and could be indorsed by all. Dr. D. H. Kress, of the Washington Sanitarium; Dr. Nina Case Baierle, of the Melrose Sanitarium; and Elder K. C. Russell, and the writer were the speakers representing our people. Elder Ketring, president of the conference, conducted the service.

After the addresses had been given, a resolution declaring for total abstinence and the prohibition of the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors was adopted by a rising vote. It was inspiring to see that great audience spring to its feet.

At the close of the meeting many of the citizens came forward to greet us, and to thank us for working up such a good, helpful meeting. Our own people greatly enjoyed the meeting, and felt strengthened and encouraged by it. It had been announced on the printed program that half of the collection would be devoted to the State W. C. T. U. The total amount received was about twenty-six dollars. The choir, under the leadership of Elder L. T. Nicola, furnished excellent music. This did much to make the service bright and cheerful.

Altogether the meeting was good. It was instructive and uplifting. When it was in progress, and after it was over, we all regretted that we had not been holding such services for years in the past, and we could but wish that all our camp-meetings from this time on could be blessed with such meetings. Let all who attempt to arrange for similar meetings remember that most earnest, thorough work will be required to make them a success. A. G. DANIELLS.