p. 16 | West Virginia Camp-Meeting by J. M. Rees

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 8, 1908

West Virginia Camp-Meeting

By J. M. Rees

THIS meeting was held August 27 to September 6 in the city of Charleston. The location was good for West Charleston, but not so good for the principal part of the city of Charleston.

A splendid interest was shown on the part of the citizens of West Charleston, especially at the evening meetings, when our large tent was filled to overflowing with attentive listeners. At these meetings the trumpet was given no uncertain sound. The message was given in its entirety as far as time would permit.

Seventy-five of our people were camped on the ground. This was the first camp-meeting ever held so far south in the State, and had it been farther north no doubt the number of campers would have been doubled. However, we feel very much gratified over the meetings held in the capital city. They have given us prestige we could not have gained in any other place at this time. The people knew very little about Seventh-day Adventists before the meeting. While the tents were being pitched, many expressed themselves as being glad for the privilege of attending the meetings and thought we were closing too soon. We left our largest tent pitched farther up in the city with a corps of workers from whom we expect to hear good reports.

A number of laborers were present from other States, none remaining more than a few days; yet their help was very much appreciated by all. Among these were Elder L. F. Starr, president of the Chesapeake Conference, Prof. S. M. Butler, of Mount Vernon College; and Elder F. H. Robbins, of West Pennsylvania. I. D. Richardson spent several days on the ground, looking after the book work, and his labor among us was very much appreciated. The last Sabbath of the meeting, Prof. B. G. Wilkinson arrived, and just at a time when he could help us most. The Lord greatly blessed his efforts, making it a day long to be remembered by the people of West Virginia. With but few exceptions, all the members of the encampment came forward, confessing and putting away their sins, and reconsecrating themselves to the Lord. In fact, both Sabbaths on the ground were days of seeking the Lord and putting away sins.

Several meetings of the conference were held, all the work being attended to with despatch. One new church was taken into the conference. Little change was made in the officers for the coming year.

An effort was made the last Sunday of the meeting to raise money for foreign missions. Nearly four hundred dollars were contributed for that purpose. Following this nearly one hundred dollars was raised in money and pledges on the tent- and camp-meeting fund. The conference has bought this year new tents to the value of $261.10, most of which is paid.

For all this good work, we go to our homes with courage, feeling in our hearts that West Virginia is taking her place among sister conferences in the Columbia Union Conference. J. M. REES, President.