The Allegan (West Mich.) Camp-Meeting
By W. D. CURTIS
THIS meeting was held August 17-28 on the fair-grounds just outside the city. The tents were pitched in a beautiful grove. The overshadowing branches offered the campers an excellent protection from the rays of the sun. It was an ideal place for an encampment. The regular meeting was preceded by a workers' meeting, under the immediate supervision of the conference president, Elder A. G. Haughey. This was the first camp-meeting held in this conference to which all the laborers were called. I understand they were all present, except Elder Parkhurst, of Grand Rapids, who was detained on account of sickness in his home. The laboring force of the West Michigan Conference consists of eight ministers who have reached the age of sixty or more, and five who are in the prime of life; one of the latter, Elder W. E. Videto, now leaves the conference work to take a position on the faculty of the Emmanuel Missionary College, and Elder C. A. Hansen and his wife go from this meeting to India, the West Michigan Conference paying their traveling expenses, and their salary for a time. There are also eight young men in the conference who have had from one to three years' experience in the ministry, and seven Bible workers. On account of sickness, the corps of canvassers is quite small at present, but the prospects are good for the future. Brother S. D. Hartwell, of Canada, arrived at the beginning of the meeting, to take charge of the canvassing work. Seven tent companies have been in the field during the summer, all of which were successful. Six tents will be operated during the remainder of the season. The meeting was certainly a time of refreshing. The Spirit of the Lord accompanied the words spoken from the rostrum. The grand old message was the climax in every sermon, and the people17loved to have it so. Among the interesting features was the “Pioneer's day.” It was very encouraging to listen to the early experiences of this people as given by those who have grown gray in the message. A day was also devoted to the educational work, and another to the young people's work. There were about six hundred campers. Forty-one were baptized, and several will receive the ordinance at their homes. Donations were taken up for the work in India, the colored people of the South, the Indians of Canada, and the Jewish work. The visiting ministers present were Elders Farnsworth, I. H. Evans, Allen Moon, and F. C. Gilbert, and the writer; also Brother J. B. Blosser. The two former did the principal part of the preaching. The Lord blessed them in presenting the message, and many precious victories were gained. The results of the meeting will be felt throughout the conference. If our people of West Michigan will weave the truth which they have heard into their daily experiences, the message will soon go to their entire State, and on to the world. May this be their experience.
W. D. CURTIS.