p. 15 | Texas Camp-Meeting by G. B. THOMPSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Aug 31, 1905

Texas Camp-Meeting

By G. B. THOMPSON

The State camp-meeting of the Texas Conference was held at Hillsboro, August 3-13. The camp was comfortably located. There was plenty of shade, and a splendid spring furnished abundance of good water, which was a great help in maintaining the health of the camp. The grounds, however, were located about three miles from the town, and as there was no street-car connection, it was inconvenient for the people to attend. For this reason the outside attendance was not large, but those who came were much interested in the truths presented. The attendance of our own people was good. While the conference membership is not more than fifteen hundred, it was estimated that over one thousand camped on the ground during the meeting, many of whom drove quite a distance in wagons.

All the laborers in the State were present, and assisted in carrying the burdens of the meeting, and Elder H. Shultz, Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, and the writer were present from outside the conference. While the practical truths of the gospel were presented, the vital principles of the message were not neglected. An effort was made to strongly emphasize the distinctive, fundamental pillars of our message. This met a ready response in the hearts of all our people. This people love the real message, and that which will arouse our own people, as well as give light to the world, is the clear, definite message of Revelation 14.

The blessing of the Lord was manifest from the very beginning, and the spiritual work deepened as the meeting progressed; this was especially true the last few days. The large number of young people present was especially noticeable, and the deep workings of the Holy Spirit were manifest among them. Two baptismal services were held during the meeting; thirty-five were baptized. Many of these were from among the youth, some of whom were consecrating their hearts to God for the first time.

Reasonable dispatch was manifest in the business deliberations of the conference. The degree of unity was encouraging. Elder C. Santee, who was asked by the late General Conference to make this conference his field of labor, was present, and was unanimously elected president. He takes up the work in the conference with good courage, and with the hearty co-operation and confidence of all. Elder Nelson, though in feeble health, was present, and presided during the conference. The heavy burdens borne, and the many perplexing and trying experiences through which he has been called to pass in his connection with the work of this conference have taxed him beyond his strength. But the Lord has greatly blessed his efforts in building up and advancing his work, and many are earnestly praying that as he is now relieved of some of his responsibilities,

he may be speedily restored to his usual vigor and strength.

The reports of the laborers indicated that a degree of prosperity has attended their labors in new fields. Three new churches were taken into the conference at this meeting. The work of the Keene Academy has been very encouraging during the past year. The attendance has been good, and the debt which has been hanging over the institution for years has been reduced to only a few hundred dollars. The prospect is favorable for a large number of students the coming year. The sanitarium was taken under the control of the conference. Dr. Ross and his wife have recently connected with the institution, and the outlook is much more hopeful than at any time in the past. Some much-needed improvements have been made, enabling them to treat more effectively those who may be in need of help.

A good corps of laborers was recommended by the conference. At the close of the forenoon service the last Sunday of the meeting, Brother Nathan V. Willess was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry, prayer being offered by the writer, and the charge given by Elder N. P. Nelson.

Personally I greatly enjoyed the privilege of meeting with the people of this conference. It is the first time I ever visited the South, and the impressions formed were very favorable indeed. God's people are the same wherever found. Our prayer is that the Lord will greatly bless the work in this conference, and that many will be brought to a knowledge of the truth the coming year. G. B. THOMPSON.