The Ohio Camp-Meeting by B. G. Wilkinson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1911

The Ohio Camp-Meeting

By B. G. Wilkinson

THE annual session of the Ohio Conference was held at Wooster, in connection with the annual camp-meeting, August 17-27. This place is a beautiful little town situated in a good farming community, a place which had never heard the preaching of the third angel's message. The fair-ground, located conveniently near the city and supplied with good buildings, pure water, and ample shade, was freely given to the conference for its use. The town has a population of about seven thousand; and during the whole course of the meeting there was a large attendance on the part of those not of our faith.

There was not so good an attendance of our own people at this meeting as at that of the year previous, probably due to the fact that it was held in the northern part of the State, somewhat at one side. Nevertheless, the reports of the work done in the conference during the past year were most encouraging. Financially, there has been a gain in the amount of tithe, an increase of about $2,700. Reports from all the departments of the conference work were very encouraging.

In harmony with the resolution passed by the General Conference Committee last April at the time of the ministerial institute at Philadelphia, Pa., Elder E. K. Slade, of East Michigan, was elected president of the Ohio Conference for the ensuing year. Elder Slade arrived during the latter part of the camp-meeting, and received a hearty welcome from the brethren and sisters of the Ohio Conference. Deep regret was shown by all at the loss of Elder H. H. Burkholder, but the prayers and good wishes of the conference which he has served so long will go with him to his new field of labor.

The conference heartily adopted all the resolutions lately recommended by the General Conference Council respecting the relations of the finances of the local conferences to the foreign mission fields. In response to a call, a good donation was given toward completing the $300,000 Fund this year. Attention was also paid to the interests of the union institutions and of the Columbia Union Conference. An offering of nearly five hundred dollars was taken up on one occasion in behalf of Mount Vernon College. The brethren were greatly pleased at the turn for the better which has taken place in the affairs of the Philadelphia Sanitarium, and pledged themselves heartily to a renewed and diligent prosecution of the campaign with “Ministry of Healing.”

The meeting was deeply marked throughout by the presence of the Spirit of God. Revival services were held on several occasions, both in the large tent and with the young people, and many hearts surrendered to God for the first time, while those who had been discouraged or backslidden renewed their covenant with God. A deep impression was made upon the people of the city. One man took his stand for the truth during the meetings, and so great was the interest manifested that it was decided to leave a tent at Wooster to follow up the effort so well begun.

The last Sabbath afternoon four young men were ordained to the gospel ministry. These were Walter C. Moffett, J. J. Marietta, John W. Shultz, and Dr. W. J. Venen. We were favored during a part of the time with the labors of Elders A. G. Daniells, K. C. Russell, and H. R. Salisbury, and of Brother I. A. Ford, of the Review and Herald. All the officers of the union carrying the responsibilities of the different departments, were also present, and participated actively in the labors of the meeting.

B. G. WILKINSON.