Southern Idaho Camp Meeting by J. F. Piper

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

Southern Idaho Camp Meeting

By J. F. Piper

THE Southern Idaho conference and camp meeting were held at Caldwell, Idaho. The camp meeting was the best attended of any ever held in the conference. There were seventy-five tents pitched, and all were occupied; and quite a number of persons secured rooms in the village.

The evening meetings were well attended by the people of Caldwell. One evening after one phase of the Sabbath question had been presented, a number of the citizens on their way home were overheard to say, “Truly Saturday is the seventh day and the Sabbath; we shall begin to observe it as such.” Considerable interest was awakened, and I understand that the conference officers planned to follow it up.

For a small conference there was a large attendance of young people. These were divided into prayer bands, and began to pray and work for the unconverted on the grounds. The older persons could be heard in their family tents, earnestly seeking God for the conversion of husbands or wives or sons and daughters; and many victories were won.

The meetings were seasons of refreshing to the campers, for surely the Spirit of God witnessed to the consecration and liberality that were manifested on the part of the people. Early in the meeting a desire to get nearer to God was shown by nearly all on the grounds. On both Sabbaths revival services were held, and there was a free response. Many surrendered for the first time, and some who had wandered from the Lord returned to seek forgiveness, and found peace for their souls.

On account of other meetings, Elder C. W. Flaiz could not be with us until after the middle of the week. The people’s appreciation of his help was manifested in the way they responded to his message. Besides the local workers, Elder F. S. Bunch and Prof. W. E. Nelson, of College Place, Wash., and the writer attended the meeting.

Many books, papers, and tracts were sold. One of the most interesting features of the meeting was the calls on the part of the people for work to be done in their neighborhood. One brother offered to pay the expenses and salary of a laborer to be sent to a section where an interest had been awakened. Others then began to make gifts that another laborer might be added to their force, until $500 had been given. At another meeting, camp meeting expense was considered, and $400 was given for that. The need for laboratory equipment at Walla Walla College was presented, and

$150 was raised for that purpose. Another $150 was given for the Sabbath school work, and $10,500 was given and pledged for missions. Of the latter amount, however, $8,100 was pledged on the sale of property or live stock.

The conference officers were reelected, except two lay-brethren of the executive committee. Elder J. J. Nethery, the president, has the confidence and loyal support of both laborers and people in the conference.

During the last conference year there was an increase of 169 members. The goal set for the year 1915 is the increase of the church membership to 1,000, which will require 110 members to be added in the next six months.

J. F. PIPER.