The West Virginia Conference and Camp-Meeting
By R. D. HOTTEL
THIS meeting was held on the old fairgrounds, at Clarksburg, W. Va., Aug. 17-27, 1905. The annual conference and camp-meeting was held here last year. Some of the buildings were utilized, and these, with about twenty-five tents, composed the encampment. A pavilion, fifty by eighty feet, was used for public services. A good interest was developed from the outside, and each evening the people listened attentively to the presentation of conditions existing in the last days, the messages of mercy and truth and the prophecies leading to their fulfilment, as a remedy for the existing evils. It was arranged to follow the interest thus awakened by a tent effort.18 Beginning with the early morning meeting, conference work followed, with preaching, and practical talks and instruction upon the work in the different departments of the message. Brother F. E. Painter, general canvassing agent for the Atlantic Union, was present the first part of the meeting, and rendered assistance in all the services. Dr. Froom was present one week, beginning with the first Sunday, and gave much needed instruction on hygiene and practical living, with some demonstrations in caring for and treating the sick, which was much appreciated. Elder Spicer came on Tuesday, and remained till the end. He brought courage and confidence to all present by relating the experiences our workers are having in the opening providences of the Lord in foreign lands. His work for the people on the Sabbath was of great benefit to all. The Spirit of the Lord was with us in large measure on the first Sabbath of the meeting, and this presence of the Lord was felt in all the deliberations of the conference. On the last Sabbath of the meeting a much more marked degree of the power of God was present, and many came forward, some for the first time, and gave themselves to the Lord. One brother, who has been a backslider for some years, surrendered to the Lord on this occasion, all of which brought great rejoicing into the camp. The writer left early Sunday morning; several were to be baptized that day. The conference was unanimous in the choice of their officials, and new courage and confidence seemed to come in as the session closed. Elder B. F. Purdham was chosen president, W. R. Foggin vice-president, and P. W. Province secretary and treasurer of the Tract Society Department. A call for means to help forward the work resulted in about five hundred dollars in pledges to be paid the coming year. This conference, like old Virginia, has been passing through many trials and sad experiences for the past years, but we believe they now see more clear light, and as this light breaks upon them, we trust they will all arise as one man and engage in the work with renewed courage and power till the Lord shall come.