Pacific Coast Camp-Meetings
By W. B. White
The Western Washington and Oregon camp-meetings are now in the past, and the California meeting is in session in Bushrod Park, Oakland. The Western Washington meeting was held at South Tacoma, in a lovely oak and fir grove, about five miles south of the city of Tacoma, on the main line of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Here this company have their great car shops, employing hundreds of men, many of whom attended the evening services. The outside attendance was quite good, and on the part of some quite an interest was manifested to hear more of the truth. We learn that this interest was followed up by tent work after the close of the camp-meeting. The power of God was present in a large measure in this gathering, and a goodly number of souls found the Lord. Elder W. A. Spicer attended all these meetings, and his labors have been much appreciated. Elder J. N. Loughborough was also with us, and gave a number of interesting sermons on the early experiences of this people, and the signs that herald the near approach of the Lord. Though well advanced in years, our brother is still quite vigorous, and enjoys good health for one of his age. Prof. J. L. Kay, president of Walla Walla College, also attended the two northern camp-meetings, representing the interests of that institution. A vigorous campaign will be carried forward in the northern conferences this summer and fall with “Christ’s Object Lessons,” to the end that the college may be relieved of its financial burdens. Elder Geo. A. Snyder is leading the work in Western Washington, and Prof. Roger Brown in Western Oregon. The Upper Columbia Conference also is moving forward in the same work. Elder J. L. Wilson attended the Washington meeting, and reports progress in his field in British Columbia. The Vancouver treatment rooms are now being opened again, and a health restaurant will soon be in operation. They are expecting to erect buildings on their school farm the coming summer. Elder E. L. Stewart was re-elected president of the Western Washington Conference. A strong effort is to be made the coming year in Seattle and Tacoma to bring the truth to these large cities. May God prosper the work. The Western Oregon camp-meeting was a precious season, and the presence of God was on the ground. It was held on the outskirts of the city of Corvallis, a town of about four thousand inhabitants, about ninety miles south of Portland. The outside attendance was not large at this meeting, though at times a goodly number of the citizens were upon the ground. Some financial matters which had been causing more or less friction in this conference were settled at this meeting, we trust, forever. This brought much light into the conference, and all rejoiced that God had led into clear light. Both of these northern conferences, by conference action, have recommended to their people the payment of the second tithe, from which the church-school teachers may be paid, and a response made to various calls for help. Elder F. M. Burg was re-elected president of the conference. Near the close of the meeting Brother J. J. Clark was ordained to the gospel ministry. The keynote of both these camp-meetings has been the surrender of the self-life, entire consecration to God and this work, that our lives may be powerful for service in connection with this closing message. The nearness of the end, the signs of the times, and the claims of God’s law have also been clearly set forth before the people. The camp-meeting now being held at Bushrod Park, Oakland, is hardly as large as similar gatherings in former years. Unity and harmony are prevailing in all the conference proceedings, and a good spirit of courage is in all hearts. Elder A. L. Kellogg has been placed at the head of the conference work, as president, with a conference committee which represents the different departments of work in the conference. This meeting will probably be reported later. We are glad for the good presence of God in all these meetings, and hope they may mark a new era in the history of the cause on this coast.