Southern Illinois Camp-Meeting by George B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Sep 14, 1916

Southern Illinois Camp-Meeting

By George B. Thompson

THE annual conference and camp-meeting of the Southern Illinois Conference was held at Martinsville, Ill., August 10-20. There were about ninety tents pitched, and about three hundred and fifty campers were on the ground. In view of the fact that the meeting was held somewhat to one side of the conference, the attendance was good.

The Spirit of God was present during the entire meeting, bringing unity into all the business proceedings of the conference. The plans adopted, if carried out by the members of the church, will bring new life and power into the work in all parts of the conference, and will result in bringing many souls into the truth, in raising up new churches, in establishing companies of believers, and in strengthening older churches.

Elder E. F. Peterson was unanimously elected president, and H. E. Moon, secretary and treasurer. The others chosen to bear responsibilities were practically the same as the past year.

The reports rendered indicated growth in the various lines of work. Two new churches were admitted to the conference, and some aggressive efforts will be made in new fields during the remainder of the summer. There has been some increase in the tithe during the past

year. A liberal response was made to the needs of the foreign fields. About twelve hundred dollars was contributed for missions, besides the Sabbath school offerings. The first Sabbath about $60 was given, and the last Sabbath nearly $300. Brother C. W. Curtis was ordained to the work of the gospel ministry at this meeting. The sermon was preached by Prof. W. W. Prescott, the prayer was offered by Elder L. H. Christian, and the charge was given by the writer.

In addition to the local conference laborers, W. W. Prescott, L. H. Christian, Robert Thurber, Dr. Riley Russell, J. W. Mace, J. B. Blosser, C. A. Russell, and the writer were present, and shared in the burdens and blessings of the meeting. A strong work was done for the youth and children by those in charge of this work. Revival work was also carried on during the meeting, and a number gave their hearts to the Lord, some for the first time.

The outlook for the work in this conference is encouraging, and all returned to their homes with renewed confidence in the triumph of the message.

G. B. THOMPSON.