The Worthington (Ind.) Camp-Meeting by R. C. Spohr

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 31, 1907

The Worthington (Ind.) Camp-Meeting

By R. C. Spohr

THE location of the camp, in the well-shaded fair-grounds just outside of Worthington, was ideal. It was an excellent place to commune with the Lord.

About one hundred and fifty brethren and sisters, nearly all from churches in the southwestern quarter of the State, were in attendance at this meeting. From the first day, the presence of the Lord was manifested. As the meeting progressed, more of the power of God was realized.

Deep, spiritual lessons from the Bible and the Testimonies were daily given by Elder H. R. Johnson, of Wisconsin. The labors of Elder Johnson and the other ministers were a source of much encouragement to all.

Elder G. A. Irwin, vice-president of the General Conference, gave a series of impressive lessons on the spirit of prophecy, which were a source of great encouragement to those whose faith in this gift was wavering, for many saw more clearly than ever before the goodness of the Lord in bestowing this gift upon the remnant church.

Several times during the camp-meeting, printed invitations were scattered throughout Worthington, and every home in the town was visited by our workers two or three times. The citizens were personally invited to come to the meetings. As a result, the tent was comfortably filled nearly every evening, and when the weather was most favorable, the seating capacity was taxed. Quietness marked every meeting, perfect attention being given by the large congregations to the word spoken.

The power of God was imparted in large measure to the ministers who spoke to the evening congregations, enabling them to set the truth before the people in very clear and unmistakable terms.

Daily meetings for the young people were held by Prof. C. L. Stone and Sister McMahan; an excellent spirit prevailed in all the young people's gatherings.

Every afternoon at half-past four the children of the camp and from twenty to thirty from Worthington assembled in meetings conducted by Sister Stone. We feel confident that lasting impressions were made upon the minds of many of these little ones.

Brother Wright held several meetings with the canvassers and those who expect to enter this work. God's blessing will rest upon these pioneers as they enter the harvest-field.

Dr. W. W. Worster, superintendent of the Wabash Valley Sanitarium, was able to spend two days at the camp. His help was much appreciated. One afternoon was devoted to the medical work and to the consideration of plans for broadening its influence and building the new structure at Lafayette.

The importance of Christian education for both children and young people was discussed by Professor Stone in two meetings. A fund for helping worthy young people to obtain a Christian education was given material assistance by a number of those present at this meeting.

The minister of the Presbyterian church spoke against Adventists on the last Sunday night, but he became so personal in his attack that a number of his own members did not approve of his course. He continued his warfare in the town paper Tuesday. On the Friday following, our workers there were given one column in which to set the true seventh-day Sabbath before the people in incontrovertible terms, using authorities which even the scholars of the present-day churches can not deny.

A company of ministers and Bible workers are following up the interest in Worthington. The people are much stirred over the truths that have been presented, as well as over the attacks that have been made against us, so that there is a deep interest to hear the truth. A tent in which meetings are being held was located near the fair-grounds, in which the camp-meeting was held. On the last Sunday of the meeting eleven persons were baptized.

In concluding this report of one of the best camp-meetings ever held in Indiana, we can only express the hope that our people will make a much stronger effort to attend the camp-meetings next year. In these perilous times, when the dragon is warring against the remnant church, we need all the spiritual food and strength that can be obtained from the annual convocations of God's people.

R. C. SPOHR.