p. 14 | East Kansas Camp-Meeting by J. W. Christian

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 7, 1911

East Kansas Camp-Meeting

By J. W. Christian

The annual conference and camp-meeting of the East Kansas Conference was held in a beautiful park in the suburbs of Fort Scott, August 10-21. The camp-meeting was preceded by a workers’ meeting, lasting ten days, which proved a great blessing to the workers, and gave a healthy tone to the beginning of the camp-meeting.

Owing to the drought in this part of the State in early summer, it was feared the attendance would be small. All were happily surprised, however, to find nearly four hundred believers encamped on the grounds. The outside interest was fairly good, and the attendance quite regular at the evening services.

From the first the meeting was characterized by the deep movings of the Spirit of God, and a determination on the part of nearly all to secure definite victories was very apparent. On the first Sabbath of the meeting, after a discourse on practical godliness, by Elder R. A. Underwood, a large share of the congregation came forward to rededicate their lives to the service of God in finishing the work committed to this people.

A large number of young people were on the ground, and it seemed for a while exceedingly difficult to reach many who acknowledged that they were lost, but who were held by the fetters of worldliness to such an extent that it seemed impossible to break loose. Prayer bands were organized, much personal work was done, and we were all made glad on Thursday morning to see the heavy cloud that had been hovering over the young people’s tent begin to lift. From that time on the Lord moved mightily among his people. Some severe battles were fought, and glorious victories won. Only two or three young people left the grounds without yielding themselves to God. Near the close of the last Sabbath of the meeting all repaired to the edge of a beautiful lake in the park, where twenty-eight believers were baptized. The next day another baptismal service was held. In all, thirty-four were baptized during the meeting.

The conference proceedings were marked with a spirit of unity, and many expressed the opinion that this was the best meeting, so far as harmony was concerned, that Kansas has had for years. While all did not see things just alike, there was a spirit of kindness and tenderness manifested in all the discussions. Elder L. W. Terry was reelected president of the conference, and a strong committee of devoted men associated with him in leading out in the work. Special attention was given to the financial condition of the conference, and stirring resolutions were passed to the effect that it press forward in doing its share for the support of this work.

Brethren D. E. Huffman and W. H. Clark were ordained to the gospel ministry, and granted ministerial credentials. This will strengthen the depleted working force of the East Kansas Conference, and will inspire our brethren with courage in behalf of aggressive field work.

Among the laborers who attended all or a part of the meeting, outside of the regular conference laborers, were Elders I. H. Evans, E. T. Russell, R. A. Underwood, Frederick Griggs, R. A. Ogden, M. E. Kern, Meade MacGuire, C. G. Bellah, and the writer. These men all labored faithfully for the success of the meeting, and the Lord witnessed to their efforts.

I am sure the Lord has bright days before the East Kansas Conference, and we should all pray that the spirit of love and unity and confidence may be cherished, that the Lord’s work be not hindered. J. W. CHRISTIAN.