p. 16 | Camp-Meetings in Eastern and Western New York

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 20, 1911

Camp-Meetings in Eastern and Western New York

By Francis M. Wilcox

New York Conference

THE New York Conference held its annual camp-meeting at Riverside Park in the city of Rome, June 8-18. About one hundred tents were pitched, and from two to three times this number of campers were in attendance throughout the meeting. This was one of the prettiest encampments I ever saw. The park, situated on the banks of the Mohawk River, afforded an excellent location. The conference had just purchased a large number of new tents, and these were pitched with good taste and in excellent order, presenting a very pleasing appearance. Adjacent groves furnished excellent opportunity for meditation and private devotion. Excellent sanitary facilities were provided, and the sanitary regulations were exceptionally good. A variety of good food was served in the dining-tent, which was liberally patronized.

The regular conference business was transacted at this gathering. Elder J. W. Lair was again elected president; and J. E. Jayne, B. M. Garton, H. F. Taylor, Cortland Green, J. H. Rice, and C. S. Coon are associated with him on the executive committee. F. N. Johnson was reelected secretary and treasurer.

The preaching was designed particularly to bring about a deeper consecration of heart and life to the service of God. This effort met with a hearty response on the part of the people. With few exceptions the entire company consecrated themselves anew to God, confessing sin, and seeking for a greater measure of his keeping power. Twenty-nine persons were baptized at the close of the meeting.

The preaching was divided among several ministers from outside the conference and the local workers. The interests of South Lancaster Academy were presented by Prof. C. S. Longacre, and met with a hearty response on the part of the people, who appreciate the valuable work this institution is doing for its youth. Similarly, the work of the Melrose Sanitarium was presented by Brother J. G. White. Elder W. B. White was present during a portion of the meeting, but was obliged to leave for the European council.

Resolutions were passed favoring the earnest prosecution of the work in the conference, particularly in its large cities. Ten per cent of the conference tithe was devoted to the work of missions. A fair attendance of the citizens was present at the evening meetings. A deep interest was developed on the part of many in the sale of our publications, and a large force of workers will go out into the field to carry our literature to the homes of the people.

It was my privilege at this meeting to meet a number of old friends with whom I was associated in the early days of my ministry twenty years ago. It was pleasant to find so many still faithful to God, and determined to triumph with this work. I was also gratified at this meeting to meet Elder J. E. Jayne, who resumes ministerial work in this conference.

The faithful workers in this field will need the special help of God as they go up to the many large towns within this territory; but we are confident that they realize this need, and that they will make God their wisdom and strength as they enter upon the summer’s work. The Lord is blessing the work in the New York Conference, and we hope for great things for it in the future.

Western New York Conference

This meeting was held in Central Park, Dunkirk, about forty miles south of Buffalo, June 22 to July 2. A number of buildings in the park were utilized, as well as tents, affording altogether very convenient camping facilities. This likewise was a beautiful encampment, and its convenience to adjacent groves offered facilities for seeking and finding God, which were faithfully improved. This meeting was unique in that there were no business interests to consider, the conference business session having been held several months before. From the beginning of the meeting an excellent spirit was manifested. For the most part, those who came seemed to realize that they were at the meeting for one express purpose,—to secure a closer connection with God. In this purpose they were not disappointed. While the evening meetings were largely devoted to the consideration of some of the leading features of our faith, the meetings throughout the day were devoted to questions of practical godliness, impressing the people with the necessity of finding God, and plainly and simply pointing out effective ways for seeking him. The excellent spirit of harmony and lack of criticism proved that the Spirit of God was present with his people. Many found a new experience in him, and returned to their homes, and to the environment from which they had come, with new courage, and with a new power in their hearts with which to meet the old trials before which some had gone down to defeat. Nearly a score of persons were baptized at the close of the meeting.

The publishing work was presented, and as a result several devoted themselves to the circulation of literature in the future. The local school at Tunesassa, which has been doing good work in the education of the young people of this conference, was considered, and our people showed a deep and practical interest in it.

Several ministers who were present from outside the conference united with the local workers in securing the results obtained. Here, too, it was my privilege to meet with old-time friends, whom I had known years ago, and with them consecrate my life anew to the service of the Master. Elder H. W. Carr and his united and devoted workers have in this conference a great and important field of labor, and one which promises excellent results for the future.

The work in Western New York has been embarrassed in the past by distracting influences. These, however, stand now fully revealed in their true character, so that none need be deceived. We shall hope for great progress in this conference in the next few years.

F. M. WILCOX.