The New York Camp-Meeting by F. N. JOHNSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 3, 1908

The New York Camp-Meeting

By F. N. JOHNSON

THE annual camp-meeting and conference for New York was held at Norwich, September 10-20. This was one of the very best camp-meetings ever held in this State. The deep moving of the Spirit of God was seen from the very beginning of the meeting, and the first Sabbath services were characterized by solemnity and a response to the work of the Holy Spirit in confessing and putting away sin.

Elder E. W. Farnsworth, our union conference president, was with us almost the entire time, as were also the usual number of workers from outside our own field. The labors of these brethren were blessed of the Lord, and were appreciated by the brethren and sisters. Twenty-four persons were baptized at the close of the meeting.

The temperance rally held the first Sunday afternoon was excellent. The Woman's Christian Temperance Union and local churches joined in this meeting, and an excellent influence went out from the camp; still the outside attendance at the public services was not large. However some interested ones were found, and Brother and Sister H. F. Taylor remained to continue the work for a time with these.

It was encouraging to see the unity prevailing as the items of business were brought before the conference. While no newly organized churches were admitted to the conference, several new companies have been formed, which, it is hoped, will soon be prepared for permanent organization. The financial condition of the conference is good, and every minister and Bible worker has been encouraged to see fruit of his labors the past year.

F. H. DeVinney was unanimously re-elected president of the conference, with J. G. White, D. E. Wood, F. N. Johnson, and F. C. Webster associated with him on the executive committee. Sister F. C. Webster was elected Sabbath-school secretary, in place of Sister L. M. Calkins, who was unable to continue her successful work on account of the continued illness of her husband. W. W. Wheeler was elected educational secretary, and A. J. Clark, religious liberty secretary.

Resolutions pertaining to the work at home and abroad were freely discussed and adopted. The Thanksgiving Ingathering and ten-cent-a-week plan were heartily approved. A resolution was adopted which determines the attitude of the conference regarding local church property. There are instances in our territory where church buildings have been erected, and through death and apostasy the numbers were reduced till there is danger that these buildings will be lost to the cause. The resolution provides that all church property shall be deeded to our legal association, and the deed be deposited at the office.

The many good lessons drawn from God's Word will be treasured up in the hearts of the dear children of the Lord who have returned to their homes, and we trust that all who were at the Norwich convocation will meet face to face around the throne of God. All were greatly strengthened, and seemed determined to do more active work among their friends and neighbors.

F. N. JOHNSON.