The Indiana Camp-Meeting by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 29, 1907

The Indiana Camp-Meeting

By G. B. Thompson

This meeting was held at Lafayette, July 25 to August 4. The city granted us the free use of Columbian Park. The location was an ideal one, and it was a matter of much surprise to the citizens that we were permitted to use this park, as other denominations had been denied the use of it. The weather was good, with the exception of one storm which blew down the large pavilion; but this did not materially interfere with the progress of the meeting.

The attendance of our own people was good; the largest I was told of any meeting held in the State in recent years, notwithstanding the fact that another meeting is to be held in the southern part of the State later. From the first, the greatest unity and oneness of spirit pervaded the meeting. The organization of the camp was very good, which was a great help in making the meeting a success.

The attendance from the city was fair, and many were deeply impressed with the truths presented. The message was preached from the first, and some from the city took their stand to keep the Sabbath. The Lord greatly blessed our own people also. Special revival services were held both Sabbaths. The last Sabbath nearly a score gave their hearts to God for the first time, backsliders were reclaimed, and the hearts of all were refreshed. Three baptismal services were held in the swimming pool in the park during the meeting, and thirty-three in all were baptized. A number of others will receive the rite at their home churches.

Most of the conference workers were present to share in the burdens of the meeting. Besides these, Elders G. A. Irwin, Allen Moon, W. D. Curtis, Dr. H. W. Miller, and the writer were present from outside the State.

The reports of the advancement of the message in the foreign fields were a source of much encouragement to all. A deep interest was manifested in assisting in the advancement of the work in the “regions beyond.” At the close of a discourse on the message and its needs, Elder Stone suggested that the conference give from its surplus tithe one thousand dollars for foreign missions. This met with a hearty response in the hearts of all present. It was one of the most important steps taken during the meeting, and brought new courage into the camp. This action will surely be attended with much of the blessing of the Lord, and shows that the pillar of cloud is rising in this conference. A few years ago they were not able to pay their own conference workers; but now they can not only settle with them in full, but help finance the great missionary problem which confronts us in carrying this message to the world. We believe this action marks a new era in the work in Indiana.

Another important matter which occupied the time of the meeting was the consideration of the establishment of the new sanitarium. A site has been purchased on the banks of the Wabash River a few miles from the city. The entire encampment visited the grounds during the meeting, and services were held there one day, and consideration was given to the erection of the necessary buildings. A good work is already being carried forward here in such buildings as they have, but to do proper work it is imperative that a new building be erected. All were delighted with the place, and it was unanimously decided that steps should be taken at once to put up a building. Toward this enterprise about five thousand dollars was donated by those present. The city manifests much interest in this undertaking, and some liberal donations will be made toward it. It is expected that the work of putting up the sanitarium will be begun without delay.

The site of this sanitarium is certainly a beautiful and ideal one, and has been purchased far below its original cost. It seems to be in every respect just such a place as has been outlined by the spirit of prophecy for our sanitariums. It is in the country, on the banks of a river among the hills, and is surrounded with orchards and everything essential for the making of a quiet, restful retreat for those who are ill. This institution is being established as a conference institution, on the principles outlined by the spirit of prophecy, and we feel sure that it will prove a success, and be a strong factor in building up the work in the State, and in training workers for other fields as well. It should have the hearty support of all the believers in Indiana.

This meeting was calculated to strengthen and establish all in the message for this time. Elder Irwin gave a number of studies on the gift of the spirit of prophecy. All departed for their homes greatly encouraged, and with new determination to be faithful in the work till it shall close in glory and power in the near future.

G. B. Thompson.