Sedalia (Mo.) Camp-Meeting
By K. C. Russell
THIS meeting, which was held August 3-13, had been in progress several days when I arrived, and a most excellent spirit was pervading the camp. The conference business was practically finished when I reached the camp, so the greater part of the meeting could be devoted to the spiritual interests. There was a good representation of our people, and a good outside attendance every evening. The greatest harmony characterized the transaction of the conference business. Elder R. C. Porter was unanimously re-elected president for another term. Sedalia has a population of about twenty-five thousand. The camp was located in a most beautiful grove at the edge of the city. There was a large building on the ground, in which there was a hall with a seating capacity of several hundred, and also a dining hall, kitchen, and other rooms. The daily papers of the city gave us about two columns in every issue in the publication of the sermons and addresses, which were reported by Elders D. E. Scales and E. A. Merrell. The importance of utilizing the public press on such occasions where it is possible to do so can not be overestimated; for even though the outside attendance may be small, yet we are enabled to preach the truth in this way to thousands of people each day regardless of the weather. Profs. C. C. Lewis and M. E. Kern, and B. E. Huffman, educational secretary of the Central Union Conference, were present, and did most excellent work for a large number of young people who were in attendance at this meeting, also in arousing a lively interest in educational work. The work of the Religious Liberty Department was given a liberal share of the conference, and also the missionary work at home and in other lands. Liberal offerings were made for all these branches of the work. During the first part of the meeting Elder E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union Conference, was in attendance, and assisted in the business part of the meeting. Elder G. A. Irwin and his wife reached the camp-ground Friday morning, the 11th inst., from California. Their presence brought a new inspiration into the meeting; the last Sabbath and Sunday Elder Irwin gave his interesting experiences in the islands of the Pacific. We were pleased to meet at this gathering Elder E. A. Merrell and his wife, whom we knew as laborers in the Pennsylvania Conference. There were two special revival services held, in which nearly all in attendance dedicated themselves to the Lord. We believe that this camp-meeting will mark a new era in the conference, and that greater prosperity and success will attend the work and workers in their ministrations as a result of this meeting.