Northern Illinois Camp-Meeting
By William Covert
THE annual camp-meeting and conference for Northern Illinois was held at Streator, Aug. 20-30, 1903. A beautiful campground well shaded with oaks was secured for this purpose on the street-car line in the northeast suburbs of the city. The location was indeed convenient, and the people were well pleased with it. The spirit which generally prevailed in the gathering was good, and the meeting was regarded as a blessing to those who attended. Elder J. M. Rees, president of the Southern Illinois Conference, was in attendance during the first four or five days of the meeting, and preached a number of acceptable sermons. Elders Smith Sharp, of Graysville, Tenn., was also present during the first week, and among other services rendered presented the needs of the cause in the Southern field. In response to his plea, about two hundred dollars was raised at the meeting. There was also about twice as much raised to assist the work in the Northern Illinois Conference. Elder Sharp had previously secured some funds in this conference for the Southern field; so that the entire amount which he received was about four hundred dollars. Probably there were three hundred campers. A fair attendance was present from the city evenings. Twenty-nine persons were examined for baptism, and most of these received the rite, a few preferring to be baptized after returning home. Elder Spicer was present, and rendered valuable service during the last six days of the meeting. His untiring work for the unconverted was a blessed help in the meeting. Considerable attention was given to the study of the canvassing work, especially by Brother Edwardson, who was elected to the office of State agent. A healthy interest was maintained in the subject of Christian education, and the school work in the conference promises to be of real value to the20Lord's cause in the conference during the year to come. Elder Allen Moon was re-elected to the office of conference president, to serve for the ensuing year. The financial condition is quite good. A very encouraging occasion was the ordination of two Swedish brethren to the gospel ministry at the eight o'clock service on Sabbath morning. Just before the ordination, prayer was offered. The congregation arose and sang, “Where are the reapers?” After the ministerial charge the song, “Bringing in the sheaves,” was sung, with impressive effect. When the writer left the grounds, Sunday, at 5 P. M., the people were gathering to consider the sale of “Christ's Object Lessons.” It is hoped that this service did much to advance the good cause which it was designed to represent. Some things about these annual gatherings have been very precious this year. They are certainly increasing in interest and power. The Lord is making the testimony of many of the ministers and people very sweet indeed. The preaching of the Word on all themes of the truth is witnessed with more fervor and power than it has been during years of the recent past. It is surely high time that every sleeper be aroused, and that all comprehend the truth as it is, and know the voice of the true Shepherd.