Western Oregon Conference and Camp-Meeting
By F. M. Burg
THE annual camp-meeting and conference for Western Oregon was held, according to appointment, at Corvallis, from May 26 to June 5. The weather was all that could have been desired from the time that we began work on the ground, ten days before the opening of the meeting, till the tents were taken down and shipped back to headquarters. We had, as seemed to be the testimony of all who attended the meeting, one of the best gatherings ever held in this field. Never before have I seen work on a camp-ground move so smoothly and satisfactorily in every way as it did in this case. Every one on the ground had a mind to work. And interspersed with the mechanical work, pitching tents, etc., we had regular meetings for devotion and the study of the Bible. This was a regular part of the program each day; and none thought that the time spent in this way was lost. Indeed, when the opening day of the camp-meeting arrived, the work was so far done that the first service opened with such order and quiet on the grounds as we believe was well pleasing to God. The good workers' meeting merged into one of the best camp-meetings we have ever held. From first to last, not one discordant note was heard, either in the business sessions or in the other meetings. Every one seemed to recognize, as soon as he reached the camp-ground, a divine presence. God was with his people in a manner to impress every one with a deep solemnity, and to cause great joy and awaken new courage in every heart. The business of the conference was carried forward with dispatch; and a degree of harmony and unanimity of sentiment prevailed throughout, making this our second annual session one that will always be remembered as a meeting where the Master of assemblies presided and controlled. Often the presence of the Spirit of God was so manifest that the regular routine of work was broken, and the conference session turned into a17devotional and praise service. Hearts were melted, differences among brethren disappeared like mist before the sun, and such a oneness and tender feeling came into the whole camp as to give most encouraging promise for the work in Western Oregon in the year upon which we are now entering. Frequent revival meetings were held during the ten days of the meeting, and souls found freedom in the Lord. Praises and thanksgiving were heard from the lips of those who had never before known the Saviour, and also from those who had become discouraged, and for this or other causes had backslidden. The keynote of the whole meeting was, “The Lord is coming; prepare to meet him.” It had its effect both on the camp and on the community. A solemn impression seemed to be made on the people of Corvallis. This was remarkably evinced when about three hundred persons gathered on the bank of the Willamette River to witness the administration of the solemn rite of baptism, maintaining such order as I have never seen on a like occasion. Seventeen souls were buried in the beautiful waters of the river. The laborers attending the meeting, in addition to our own conference workers, were Elders W. A. Spicer, J. N. Loughborough, and W. B. White; Profs. J. L. Kay and R. W. Brown, and Brother C. M. Christensen, of Walla Walla College. As Elder Spicer had to leave before the close of the meeting, the ordination service setting apart Brother J. J. Clark to the gospel ministry was held on Wednesday, June 1, during the conference session. The scene was an impressive one, suggesting forcibly to all the sacred character of the work of God. Among the many tokens of divine favor witnessed at this camp-meeting was the healing of individuals in answer to the prayer of faith. We believe that God is ready and willing to manifest his power and love in this way when his people take a course that will clear the way. Differences and criticisms must be put away; and there must be a “lining up” in every way to do the will of God. The straight testimony borne by the servants of God in this meeting was received by the people; and with many there was a decided change made in his habits of eating and in the matter of dress. There has been such a departing from the right way in these respects that a voice of warning must be heard. O for the return of the love we felt when we first heard the message! The Lord will have a people ready to meet him. Shall we be among them? — We may. I am glad for the good promise which I see in our good camp-meeting for the future of our work in Western Oregon. The officers elected for the following year are as follows: President, F. M. Burg; Secretary and Treasurer, W. C. Raley; Field Secretary for the Missionary and Educational Departments, G. W. Pettit; Corresponding Secretary for those branches, Edith Starbuck; Executive Committee, F. M. Burg, W. R. Simmons, D. W. Emmerson, J. M. Cole, J. E. Graham, G. W. Pettit, H. J. Dirksen; Board of Trustees for the Western Oregon Conference Association of Seventh-day Adventists, the first five names of the conference committee. The recommendations and the plans adopted for the conference will be furnished the readers of the REVIEW later. Will our brethren and sisters pray for the Western Oregon Conference, that prosperity may attend the work of God within its borders? F. M. BURG. President Western Oregon Conf.