Cumberland Conference and Camp Meeting by W. W. Eastman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 24, 1914

Cumberland Conference and Camp Meeting

By W. W. Eastman

DOUBTLESS one of the best meetings ever held was the Cumberland conference and camp meeting held at Lenoir City, August 27 to September 6.

The people seemed to have been previously prepared for a rich blessing, and came to the meeting to seek for and to find God more fully in their personal experience, and they were not disappointed. The Spirit of the Lord was present from the very beginning. It was frequently remarked that not a word of criticism or faultfinding had been heard on the ground.

The camp was pitched alongside the railroad switch and depot, and switch engines and frequently passing trains made it a rather noisy place. Besides, there was no shade, the camp being pitched in the open, exposed to the direct rays of the sun, and the weather was extremely warm. Yet all this seemed to be overcome by the good spirit of the meeting.

Most excellent dining accommodations were provided on the cafeteria plan, in a well-screened tent, where first-class food was properly served for the campers—an object lesson to all.

The laborers present and sharing the responsibilities of the meeting were those of the union and local conference, with the writer representing the North American Division.

Elder W. H. Branson holds a warm place in the hearts of his people, and was again chosen president of the conference. Mrs. Clara Russell was elected secretary and treasurer of the conference and tract society; Mrs. C. R. Magoon, educational, Sabbath school, and young people's secretary; and L. L. Lawrence, field missionary agent.

Beginning with the first Sabbath of the meeting, several revival services were held. Perhaps the most marked feature of the meeting was the spirit of giving that seemed to possess all hearts. When the call was made for mission funds, without any urging the brethren and sisters gave in cash and pledges $13,713.50. It was indeed refreshing to see the brethren putting houses and lots and farms into the cause of God, and could not but impress those who were present with the scenes accompanying the latter rain. Later, nearly $1,000 was given for local work. The Sabbath school offering for the two Sabbaths of the meeting was $87.89. This was all the more remarkable when we consider that there were less than two hundred in attendance at the meeting.

On the last Sabbath afternoon a baptismal service was held, thirty-three candidates going forward in the ordinance. The last Sunday a religious liberty rally was held, with a view of promoting the true principles of religious liberty and stimulating the people to greater activity.

During the day meetings, plenty of time was given to the consideration of the colporteur and home missionary work, to which the people readily responded and pledged their lives to the service of God for souls.

There can be no question but that the work in this conference during the year will be one of advancement.

W. W. EASTMAN.