The New England Camp-Meeting
By Arthur G. Daniells
At the close of the Vermont camp-meeting, I went to Montwait, Mass., to attend the camp-meeting of the New England Conference. This meeting was held in buildings instead of tents. The Montwait grounds have been especially prepared for large summer gatherings. The Salvation Army held a large camp-meeting there just before our meeting convened. In some respects it was both convenient and pleasant to occupy substantial dwellings, and I understand that it was less expensive to the conference than the ordinary camp-meeting usually proves to be. But after all, there is nothing quite equal to the old-fashioned camp-ground, with its rows of tents nicely pitched, and the large pavilions for general meetings. This is especially true when the camp-ground can be located in the midst of the resident portion of the city, where the people can easily reach the ground from18their homes. The lack of a large attendance of those not of our faith deprives a camp-meeting of much of its value. At the Montwait meeting earnest efforts were made to help and encourage our own people. Good instruction in various departments of the cause was given by those having charge of the special lines of work. Mrs. Dr. Nicola rendered valuable service to the meeting by her untiring efforts to set forth correct principles of healthful living. Professor Griggs and his associates kept the interests of education before the people. Elder Haskell gave valuable instruction regarding the prophecies of Daniel. The business of the conference passed off harmoniously. Connecticut and Rhode Island were separated from what was formerly the New England Conference, and organized into what will hereafter be known as the Southern New England Conference. The States of Massachusetts and New Hampshire are still united in one conference, and will take the name of the Central New England Conference. Elder A. E. Place was elected president of the latter conference, and Elder Charles H. Edwards was chosen president of the former. As I do not possess the data regarding the statistics and finances, I can not give information concerning these features of these conferences. From the general information given during the business meetings of the session, it would seem that these conferences are in fairly good financial condition, and that there is reason to believe that the work will develop encouragingly under the new arrangement. Contributions were made toward various needy enterprises. About one thousand dollars was raised in cash and pledges for the work in Washington. A deep interest was manifested by the New England brethren and sisters in the removal of our headquarters from Battle Creek to the East. It was very plain that they have great confidence in this move, and that they are prepared to stand by the work in every way possible. We earnestly pray that the blessing of God shall signally attend the work in both the Central and Southern New England Conferences.