The South Dakota Camp-Meeting by FREDERICK GRIGGS

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Jul 23, 1908

The South Dakota Camp-Meeting

By FREDERICK GRIGGS

The South Dakota Conference has a membership of about one thousand. Of this number about six hundred were in attendance at the annual camp-meeting, which was held at Woonsocket. This is the third camp-meeting held at this place. Our people were very cordially received by the citizens, who gave tangible evidence of their good will by subscribing very liberally to the expenses of the meeting. Their gifts, together with those of our people, enabled the conference to gain about five hundred dollars above the expenses of the meeting. While considerable wet weather was experienced, the interest was not materially affected.

During the past year two churches have been added to the conference. The conference adopted the plan of each

member's paying ten cents a week for the increase of mission funds. About five thousand dollars was also raised in pledges and cash for missions. The pledges included land to be sold, and the returns from certain lots of grain to be harvested.

Elder J. W. Christian was again elected president of the conference. Elder E. G. Hayes was released by the conference to respond to a call for evangelistic work in Kentucky. The conference is to supply a tent, and support him in his new work for at least two years.

One of the most important matters brought before the conference for its consideration was the moving of the conference school from Elk Point to a place to be chosen. This move seems necessary, owing to the fact that it is now in the extreme southeastern portion of the State, the buildings are not well adapted to school work, and would require a large outlay of means were the school to continue in its present location. Again, the encroachment of the Missouri River, which runs near the school, makes possible a loss of property. A committee was appointed to select a site, and if possible arrange for the transfer of the school during the coming year. There are a large number of young people in this conference, and we can but believe that the conference will shortly have a very strong school. Prof. J. B. Clymer, who has for years been connected with Mount Vernon (Ohio) College was chosen principal for the ensuing year.

The spiritual interests of the meeting were good. A spirit of seeking the Lord was present from the very first. On the last Sabbath forty-two were baptized, and on Sunday following a number more. Brother N. J. Ronlund was ordained to the sacred work of the ministry on the last Sabbath afternoon of the meeting.

Altogether the meeting was most profitable, and the conference enters upon the new year with a splendid spirit of courage. FREDERICK GRIGGS.