Alabama Camp Meeting by J. W. Davis

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

Alabama Camp Meeting

By J. W. Davis

The Alabama camp meeting was held in Montgomery, August 10-20. The camp was in a pleasant grove, had good car service, and was favorably situated for the attendance each evening of those not of our faith. The weather was ideal throughout the meeting. The attendance of our own people was not very large, yet all seemed to feel that they had been repaid for coming. Those camped on the ground enjoyed excellent health.

The writer, not being at the first half of the meeting, can only speak of the excellent spirit during the latter part. Two persons were baptized, while others were to be baptized after returning to their home churches.

The departmental meetings of the conference were well attended, and perfect harmony prevailed in all the business sessions. Elder A. L. Miller, who has served as president of the conference for four years, was reëlected for another term of two years. The other officers were also reëlected.

The treasurer's report showed a very slight decrease in the tithe for the past year, but the first six months of 1916 show a good gain in tithe. The outlook is very encouraging, and we hope to see some excellent work done in the Alabama Conference. About $2,500 was given for missions, for local work, and for the Southern Junior College, at Ooltewah, Tenn.

The report of the home missionary work was very encouraging indeed, last year's report showing 103 working, while this year's shows 404. The offerings have increased with the members reporting. Elder J. F. Wright was reëlected secretary of this department.

The report of the educational work showed there were ten schools being operated in the State, with an increase of ninety pupils, making a total enrolment of 251 pupils.

The Young People's Missionary Volunteer meetings were conducted in the young people's tent twice each day by Elders Meade MacGuire and J. F. Wright and Prof. Lynn H. Wood. There was a good attendance of young people at this meeting, and nearly all who had not previously done so gave their hearts to the Lord. Elder Wright was reëlected secretary of the Educational and Missionary Volunteer departments.

The colporteur work received its share of attention during the meeting. Brother M. L. Wilson, field missionary secretary, has a company of faithful colporteurs, and because of this the canvassing work is in a most prosperous condition. His report for the past year showed a good gain. Meetings were held each day by Brother Wilson, assisted by the writer. Practically all those at the camp were present at these meetings. This was very encouraging to us. Brother Wilson, who has served four years as field missionary secretary, was reëlected to that position.

Elder Meade MacGuire not only did a most excellent work with the young people, but also took part in the evening services, which were all well attended. On the last Sabbath of the meeting, the Holy Spirit came very near as Elder MacGuire delivered a most solemn message on the victorious life. All reconsecrated themselves to the Lord, and expressed a desire to return to their homes and do more for the unsaved about them than they had ever done before.

Elder Charles Thompson was present from the Northern Union Conference, and rendered excellent service. The plain truths presented could not be gainsaid by even the most skeptical. Elder Thompson preached each evening during the first half of the meeting to a very interested congregation from the city, and we hope yet to see some take their stand for the truth as a result. Other laborers present were Brother G. H. Curtis, secretary-treasurer and auditor of the Southern Union, and the writer.

Personally, I enjoyed the meeting very much. It was a real privilege to meet old friends and to gain new ones, and together enjoy the blessings and sweet spirit which prevailed during this meeting. May the Lord add his blessing to the work that has been done, is my earnest prayer. J. W. DAVIS.