The Iowa Camp-Meeting by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 21, 1906

The Iowa Camp-Meeting

By G. B. Thompson

THE annual conference and camp-meeting of the Iowa Conference was held at Boone, May 31 to June 10. The meeting was held in a grove about three miles from the city, reached by electric cars. The attendance of our own people from the different parts of the State was fair, and, notwithstanding the distance from the city, quite a number of the citizens attended the meetings, and gave earnest attention to the truths of the message presented. The weather was fine throughout the meeting, which added greatly to the comfort of the camp.

Besides the conference laborers, Elders A. G. Daniells, E. T. Russell, L. H. Christian, H. R. Johnson, Jacob Riffel, Professors Lewis, Kern, and Magan, and the writer, from outside the State, were present during some portion of the meeting. Professor Shryock, of Union College, was present, and had charge of the music. Professor Kern and others labored earnestly in behalf of the large number of young people who were present, with excellent results. Elders Christian and Johnson held meetings daily with the Scandinavians, and the Lord blessed in the salvation of souls. Sister Bessie Shaw was present a few days, and gave a stirring talk on the needs of India, and related many interesting experiences while laboring in that country. A collection was taken for the work in that field, and considerably over one hundred dollars was donated. The labors of Elder A. G. Daniells were greatly appreciated by all during the few days he was present. The Lord especially helped him in the presentation of the progress and needs of

the work in both home and foreign fields, and also in giving counsel and admonition regarding the dangers which threaten our people.

An excellent workers’ meeting preceded the regular camp-meeting, and this same good spirit continued throughout the meeting. The spirit of unity which characterized all the business transactions of the conference was very refreshing. Elder L. F. Starr was unanimously re-elected president of the conference, and the other conference officers remained practically the same as for the past year. The reports rendered during the meeting indicated an encouraging growth in the various departments of the work. Five churches were admitted to the conference. The president in his address reported four hundred and forty-eight additions to the membership during the past year. Most of the workers have been laboring in new fields during the year, and have been quite fruitful in gathering souls into the truth.

The treasurer’s report showed a total tithe for the year of $30,699.06, which is an increase of $6,273.98 over that of the previous year. This substantial increase of the tithe was a source of encouragement to all, and the conference desired to share this blessing with others by rendering further help to extend the message in the regions beyond. The committee on plans presented the following resolution, which was adopted by the unanimous vote of all present:—

Whereas, God has greatly blessed us the past year, giving us substantial increase of the tithe, therefore,—

Resolved, That we appropriate from the tithe fund the sum of five thousand dollars for the mission field, and we suggest that this donation be used to open a mission in Uganda, Africa.

The recent leaflet written by Elder A. T. Jones has been scattered all over the conference. That the conference, however, is in no way disposed to be confused or misled by the statements made in this leaflet was clearly manifest, and without a dissenting vote the conference adopted resolutions, presented by the committee on plans, expressing “confidence in the integrity of this gift [the spirit of prophecy] which God has placed” in this message, and expressing to the General Conference “loyal support and most earnest co-operation” in its work.

Other important resolutions were passed regarding the work of our young people, the educational work, and that of our Sabbath-schools. A recommendation was passed, advising that the Sabbath-schools throughout the conference give their entire donations to the work of foreign missions. We believe this is a step in the right direction.

It was also voted to dispose of the sanitarium in Des Moines as soon as possible, and move to a more rural location in the suburbs of the city. The brethren are hopeful that this change can be made, and a more favorable location thus be secured for their medical work.

On the last Sabbath Brethren F. M. Corbaley and J. C. Clemens were ordained to the sacred work of the gospel ministry. Thirty-six were baptized in the Des Moines River. Special revival services were held during the meeting, and many gave themselves anew to the work of God. Some who had backslidden from the truth and had lost their hold on God, were reclaimed. All felt deeply grateful to the Lord for his blessings; yet no doubt much greater blessings and more complete victories might have been obtained had all sought God as was their privilege.

We are in the time when the Lord is finishing his work, and we should expect that great manifestations of the Holy Spirit should be seen among his people. Our earnest prayer is that the coming year may be marked by the most signal blessings of the Spirit of God, and that this great conference, with its large corps of earnest laborers, and great resources, may increase in strength and be a stronger factor than ever in the past for the advancement of the third angel’s message. Many hard battles have been fought for the truth in Iowa. Apostasy has made its inroads upon the membership, but, notwithstanding all these things, the truth has gone steadily on, and nowhere do we find a more loyal and consecrated people than in this conference. G. B. THOMPSON.