NORTH PACIFIC CAMP-MEETING.
By J. H. W.
JUNE 23 the editor forwarded the following note:—
This meeting is pleasantly located about 80 rods from the R. R. depot in Cornelius, Oregon, at the edge of a grove of small timber—a mixture of oak and fir; 21 family tents are ensconced in the shade, and it seems marvelous to see them so nearly in a complete circle amid such a thick grove. The size of the meeting may probably be measured by the number of tents on the ground, as it has not been advertised except by a few small notices in the papers. No posters were put up. I cannot help thinking that this is a mistake, for it is as easy to speak to one thousand as to one hundred, and a diminutive camp-meeting does not justly represent our cause and work. A quite good state of feeling seems to exist, and the devotional exercises are mostly spirited, so far. Some of the business meetings are far from satisfactory, as some parts of the work have not been kept up. But we hope and trust that good will result from this effort, and that “a good meeting” will not be the only result, but that a marked improvement in the condition of the work may be seen in days to come. WE made an effort to have the same order carried out here that resulted so well in Dayton—to expedite the business so that the spiritual interests of the meeting might receive our undivided attention. But it was impossible. The brethren were not decided as to what was best to be done. One in whose hands had been intrusted their means had proved unfaithful, and confusion seemed ready to prevail. The business of the Conference was nearly completed on sixth-day; the officers were all elected, with Eld. Van Horn president. But when the nominating committee of the T. and M. Society reported, there was a “dead-lock.” The report contemplated important changes in the organization of the society. This I could not suffer to pass without an effort to have them work in harmony with the body of S. D. Adventists, and with their own Constitution. Their situation was unfortunate. The instruction which other States have received had never been given in this far-away Conference. The contemplated action here was but an effort on their part to remedy difficulties under which they labored, and which they knew not how to remedy. It was easy to see that their contemplated action would have proved a sad failure. After a meeting of two hours they adjourned without any action on the report. This brought us to the Sabbath, with a feeling of discouragement resting on the camp. On Sunday morning at the 8:30 meeting, Eld. Van Horn presented his resignation as President of the Conference. His inability to work during the present season, and give the needed attention to his wife in her feebleness, impelled him to do this. And this made it necessary to go back to the beginning of the business and make changes in the other officers of the Conference. The office of President was left vacant, letting the responsibility of Conference business rest on the Executive Committee until other help can be afforded. There is no disposition in this Conference to work out of harmony with the body, or contrary to the advice of the General Conference. At the next meeting of the T. and M. Society resolutions were adopted in which the General Conference is asked to give them needed assistance. One year ago it was resolved to raise a fund of $1000; but the books of the Treasurer affording no light as to the whereabouts of some $300 placed in his hands, caused so great distrust and consequent despondency, that nothing had been done toward raising the fund. This drying up of the fountain of their charities was even more disastrous to the cause, and to their individual experience, than the loss of money could be. After some instruction concerning the progress of our work, and the relation of our General Conference to all branches of our work, the nominating committee asked leave to withdraw their report, which was granted, and another was presented. A better state of feeling came into the meeting, and all seemed encouraged. After some remarks on their previous vote to raise a fund, and the failure to raise any part of it during the year, I appealed to them to start the work immediately, and to have a beginning so that some progress might be reported, and have something to work upon from this time forward. Pledges were then taken in a short time to the amount of $300. The announcement of the result was electrifying to the meeting. As it was queried how they should express their feeling of thankfulness, Bro. Dickinson sprang up, and raising his hand, cried out, “Sing, Praise God from whom all blessings flow.” In an instant all were on their feet, and the good old doxology was sung with a spirit which is not often thrown into it. Every heart was full; and all felt that the dawning of a better day for this Conference had come. From this time the meeting was encouraging in every respect, though we were far behind in the business. The last meeting of the Missionary Society was held after the preaching service on Monday night; and the last meeting of the Health and Temperance Association, which had barely had “a name to live” during the past year, was held after the closing social meeting on Tuesday morning, being the last work done on the ground. Bro. Colcord was present at this meeting and rendered valuable assistance. He and Bro. Van Horn exchanged services at the two camp-meetings. On Sunday, three times, and Monday night, the congregations were larger than we had expected. The best of attention was paid, and a good feeling prevailed. The social meetings were good, improving as the meeting advanced; the testimonies were cheering, and evinced a strong desire by all to see progress in the work of the message. A few words in regard to this great north-western field. Good courage was manifested by all at the close of the meeting at Dayton. But the improvement and settlement of the country is far outstripping the progress of the work in that Conference. Eastern Washington is fast filling up by a heavy tide of immigration, especially along the line of the N. P. railroad. Eastern Oregon is also fast improving as railroads are being built, by which they expect soon to be put in connection with the Union Pacific, and so have a direct outlet East. How earnestly should the believers in this field pray that the Lord of the harvest will give them laborers. Comprehensive plans and energetic work will alone meet the demands of this Conference. The North Pacific Conference field is also enlarging by immigration. The prospect for this field is good if the work is properly carried on. Much responsibility rests on the Executive Committee, one of whom is Secretary of the T. and M. Society. Every church needs to be put in proper working order, and the workers to be instructed and guided in their duties, that every branch of the work may prosper. One feature is especially gratifying. I never saw a meeting of the same size where there were so many young people who can work in some capacity, and who seemed so willing and anxious to work. If all these can be trained to the work, and shall keep humble, I predict a bright future for the N. P. Conference. “Courage in the Lord,” should now be the watchword of all. They have passed through an experience somewhat trying; but faith and patience will prove that it will work for their good through the over-ruling providence of God.