Western Oregon Camp-Meeting by A. J. Haysmer

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 3, 1911

Western Oregon Camp-Meeting

By A. J. Haysmer

The Western Oregon camp-meeting and conference were held at Forest Grove, June 8-18, in a beautiful grove near the town. The camp was neatly arranged; there was a good attendance from the first, nearly all remaining to the close; and the weather throughout was all that could be desired.

The conference committee had taken great pains to provide for the comfort of the people, and had laid plans so that all departments of the work should receive due consideration. Several German and Scandinavian workers were present, and special services were held for their people. Careful attention was given to the young people and children. It was indeed encouraging to see such an army of young people consecrating themselves to the Lord and his service.

In many respects this was a wonderful meeting. The enemy was at work; but the Spirit of God came in, and many victories were gained. The conference business was not allowed to interfere with the spiritual and revival work. Every day that passed seemed to be the best day. On the two Sabbaths the Lord came near, hundreds reconsecrated themselves to him, and many started in his service for the first time. Forty-one were baptized.

The conference work passed off harmoniously. Few changes were made in the officers and heads of departments. The reports from the president, the secretary and treasurer, and the heads of departments, were very encouraging. Although the conference had been divided since the last report, the territory and membership that now comprise the Southern Oregon Conference having been cut off, several of the items reported were as large as before the division.

The treasurer's report showed the tithe for 1909, before the division, to be $26,022.83, and for 1910, after the division, $26,592.29, an increase of $569.46. The amount raised on the ten-cent-a-week plan for 1910 was $7,689.88, or $1,059.88 more than the quota for the conference. A unanimous vote was taken to raise the amount to at least fifteen cents a week for 1911, which was more than raised at this meeting.

The report of the Sabbath-school was very encouraging. It showed that many young people had given their hearts to the Lord as a result of faithful work done in this department, and that there had been a steady increase in offerings to missions. The field missionary secretary's report was $6,859.75 on sales for literature for 1910, an increase of $1,399.05 over the previous year. The crops are good this year, therefore the prospects for a good gain during 1911 are excellent.

A deep interest was taken in missionary work, both home and foreign. The day devoted to the work in foreign fields will long be remembered by all present. After the facts were presented, showing the great need for means at the present time, an opportunity was given to assist in this work. The Holy Spirit came into the meeting, and $20,890.68 was given in cash and pledges in a few moments. A little later $1,500 more was pledged.

Two days later, when we presented the needs of our Oakwood Training-School for colored workers, about $1,500 more was pledged, making in all about $25,000 that was raised in cash and pledges at this meeting. This liberality on the part of the people made us think of the experience recorded in Acts 4: 34, 35.

Sabbath afternoon, after the writer had spoken on the high and sacred calling of the gospel minister, Brethren C. F. Falkenburg, N. C. Ernston, and Adolph Johnson were set apart to this important work. A. J. HAYSMER.