Eastern Pennsylvania Camp-Meeting
By W. J. Fitzgerald
ACCORDING to appointment, this meeting was held in the city of Lancaster, June 15-25. We were favored with delightful weather. This was the first regular camp-meeting held by the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference since its formation by the division of the Pennsylvania Conference in June, 1903. During the first part of the meeting about one hundred and fifty were in attendance. This number was increased to over two hundred for the closing days. While small, this attendance was almost as large as the attendance at camp-meetings held in Pennsylvania before the State was divided into two conferences. All seemed to come to the meeting for the purpose of spiritual revival and refreshing. Generally, this hope was fulfilled. The faithful were inspired with greater courage; the lukewarm were aroused from spiritual torpor; and a considerable number made a profession of Christ and the message for the first time. Twenty-two persons, whose ages range from ten to eighty years, followed the example of the Lord Jesus, and were "buried by baptism into his death." May they truly live the new life in harmony with Christ's resurrection. The ministers from outside our conference were Elders A. G. Daniells, W. A. Spicer, A. E. Place, and G. B. Thompson. The word of God was17preached with great freedom and power. We all felt that God's message was accomplishing that whereunto it was sent. Elder Daniells was with us the first part of the meeting, from Friday until Monday. Though much worn by the long strain under which he had labored, before, during, and following the General Conference, he rendered valuable and much-appreciated service to our meeting in preaching the word and counseling regarding the work. Elder Thompson was with us from the first service until the following Wednesday, and delivered timely discourses which inspired and strengthened the hearts of all for more faithful service in the conflict with evil. All were pleased that Elder Place could be with us from the first Friday until the close of the meeting. The line of thought he presented, in a connected way, proved strong spiritual food for all who hungered for the living bread. Elder Spicer brought inspiration, courage, and strength to the camp for the closing days. The last Sabbath, including Friday evening service, was a day very full of spiritual manifestations. A revival atmosphere pervaded the camp, which was not of man's creation. All were conscious that the Holy Spirit was brooding over us. Brother F. E. Painter was present to represent the general interests of our book work. A considerable number of young persons decided to enter the canvassing work at the close of the camp-meeting. Sister Robinson spoke twice upon the needs of India, calling particular attention to the work our people are doing for children in that country. About seventy-six dollars in cash and pledges was contributed to that work. It was gratifying to see the large percentage of bright, earnest young people in attendance. Special services were held for the young people daily. At the last service held, a unanimous desire was expressed to assist in some way in carrying forward the message. A review of the conference year ending March 31, showed an encouraging growth. One hundred and twelve souls were baptized and united with the churches during that period. Between March 31 and the time of the camp-meeting, about fifty other persons were baptized. A new church was organized in the city of Lancaster. This congregation has purchased a comfortable meeting-house well located. The church in the western section of Philadelphia is erecting a beautiful house of worship, which will accommodate an audience of about four hundred. The conference officers elected for the ensuing year are the same as those of last year. Credentials were renewed to six ordained ministers. Ministerial licenses were granted to two brethren for the first time. Six persons were voted missionary credentials. The force of workers for the summer, including tent masters, is nineteen. This conference territory presents a very promising outlook for earnest, faithful evangelistic effort. Of its thirty-six counties, thirteen of the most rich and fertile have not been entered at all by Seventh-day Adventist ministers. When the camp-meeting closed, it was the determination of all to make the coming year one of active service in practical missionary undertakings. We are hopeful for the winning of many souls to accept the message. Five tent companies will be in the field. We trust that many new believers will be in camp-meeting with us next year. W. J. FITZGERALD, Conf. Pres.