The Minnesota Camp Meeting by Arthur G. Daniells

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 28, 1916

The Minnesota Camp Meeting

By Arthur G. Daniells

A BETTER spirit than that which prevailed at the Minnesota camp meeting from beginning to close this year could hardly be conceived. The coöperation and earnest effort on the part of the helpers before the opening of the meeting, to have everything in readiness as far as possible, went far toward preparing for the spirit of union and harmony on the part of the campers.

The meeting was held at Anoka, the camp being pitched on the same grounds as last year. A new pavilion top had been secured, and many provisions were made for the material comfort of those attending. A carefully selected corps of workers had been appointed to carry the burdens of camp administration. These provisions were for the well-being of all those in attendance at the meetings, and for the comfort of the campers in particular. Besides creating general satisfaction, they helped materially in the enjoyment of the spiritual part of the meeting.

The attendance was the largest seen at a Minnesota camp meeting for a number of years. One thousand or more people were present on the last Sabbath. As one result of the good meeting thirty-two were baptized at its close. The general attendance at the social meetings indicated that practically all were receiving great spiritual refreshing. The expression of courage and confidence heard on every side bespoke a good experience for the coming year.

About $2,000 for missions in cash and pledges was secured. More than $1,000 worth of literature was sold in the book tent.

Elder G. W. Wells was reelected president. The conference leaders are working hard for the advancement of the cause in Minnesota, and conference affairs are in good condition.

I was impressed with the unusual field of opportunity offered in this State. With such large cities as Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and with many smaller cities and towns showing good-sized populations of a fine class of people, there is offered a missionary field that can well try the strength of the numbers and efforts of our missionary force. From personal observations of the interest to hear our message in the various cities in which I spoke, I feel sure that in the main the people of the State will lend a listening ear to the truth.

The disposition shown on the part of our people to carry the truth to their friends, neighbors, and townsmen, encouraged me to believe that Minnesota will show large results in the near future. The churches in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Duluth, and Mankato, and the company in Cloquet, all responded heartily to the call for help in connection with the lectures held at these places. Those in charge of the work, together with the local members, gave both means and personal labor to advertise the meetings, and to help in securing a good attendance. This was in keeping with the spirit of coöperation shown at the Anoka camp meeting. This spirit, strengthened and developed throughout the conference, can only mean a strong growth in all lines of conference work. Personally, I greatly enjoyed the camp meeting.

A. G. DANIELLS.