Report of the Southern Oregon Camp Meeting by R. W. Airey

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 8, 1915

Report of the Southern Oregon Camp Meeting

By R. W. Airey

THE annual conference and camp meeting of the Southern Oregon Conference were held in Grants Pass, May 20-30. The meeting was preceded by a six weeks’ effort held in this city by Elder T. G. Bunch, president of the conference, and Elder T. L. Thuemler. This effort was held in a prominent hall on one of the principal streets of the city, and the attendance was good from the beginning. The first evening the large tent was well filled, even though the weather conditions were unfavorable.

As the meeting progressed, the interest and attendance increased, until the large pavilion was more than full at times. It was apparent to all the workers present, as the time drew near to close the camp meeting, that meetings should be continued. So the whole working force of the conference was retained to follow up the work. We are now visiting the people in their homes, holding Bible readings with them, and conducting services every evening, with good attendance. The business men of the city took a very kindly interest in our meetings, and did everything possible to make our stay pleasant. In fact, the members of the Commercial Club furnished ten automobiles one afternoon, and took the workers and most of the delegates out for a ride in the surrounding country.

Besides the regular workers of the conference, Elder C. W. Flaiz, president of the union conference, was present.

Elder F. S. Bunch, Bible teacher in Walla Walla College, rendered good service for both old and young. Prof. N. W. Lawrence, educational secretary of the union, gave special attention to the young people’s work.

All were pleased to have Elder W. M. Healey, of California, with us. Many remember him as president of the North Pacific Union Conference some years ago, and were glad to greet him again, and to listen to his instruction. Elder Harlow, of China, spent several days with us, and the account of his experiences in that field, with its needs, appealed to all, but especially to our young people. Elder F. W. Paap represented the North American Division, and his instructions, especially those on missionary work, were a great inspiration to our people. These were made very practical by a number from the camp going out into the city to distribute tracts and papers. Two campaigns of this kind were arranged, and every home in the city was visited. The early morning meetings following these campaigns were given over to those who had gone out, and many interesting experiences were related. The aid of Prof. H. E. Giddings, of the Manson Industrial Academy, was appreciated.

The president’s report showed a prosperous year. One hundred and fifty new members were added to the church, and two new churches to the conference. One of these is located at Bandon, with forty-two members, and the other has a membership of forty-nine.

Elder Bunch was reelected president, and J. P. Wheeler secretary and treasurer. The members of the executive committee are: T. G. Bunch, J. C. Dutcher, C. J. Cole, C. L. Lingenfelter, and R. W. Airey. Miss Grace Davison was reappointed to the Sabbath school and young people’s work, and E. A. Hamilton to the canvassing work. Brother C. L. Lingenfelter was set apart to the gospel ministry, Elder Flaiz giving the instructions and offering the prayer, and Elder Paap giving the charge.

More than fourteen hundred dollars was given in cash and pledges. There were fourteen persons buried with the Lord in baptism on Sunday, just before the close of the meeting, and others expect to be baptized soon.

The conference workers enter upon another year’s work with renewed courage and consecration, fully determined to do all in their power to hasten the coming of their Lord.

R. W. AIREY.