North Michigan Camp Meeting by G. B. THOMPSON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 21, 1916

North Michigan Camp Meeting

By G. B. THOMPSON

THIS meeting was held at Cadillac, a progressive city of about twelve thousand inhabitants, situated on a beautiful inland lake of the same name, some eight miles in circumference.

The citizens manifested a very kind and helpful spirit toward the meeting. They donated the use of the fairgrounds, with such public buildings as we needed, and lighted the grounds. The Commercial Club secured the names of most of our people in the conference, and wrote them a personal letter, inviting them to the meeting, and to feel at home while in the city. During the meeting a carnival came to the place, and the promoters desired to establish their headquarters across the street from our camp. Realizing that this would be detrimental to the best interests of a religious gathering, they were required by the city authorities to select another location; and on the last Friday of the meeting enough automobiles were provided by the citizens to take the entire camp on a free ride through the city and around the lake. Although the camp was outside of the city limits, some of the meetings were well attended. A desire was also expressed to have the camp meeting here another year.

About sixty tents were pitched to furnish homes for those who came to the meeting. The possibility of a railway strike hindered some from attending. The proportion of young people present seemed large, which is always encouraging. The meeting was blessed with excellent weather, and a splendid spirit of unity was manifested in all the business meetings of the conference. Aggressive plans for advancing the work were carefully considered and adopted. The first Sabbath more than $260 was given by the Sabbath school for foreign missions. An offering was taken later for missions, but I have not learned the amount given. A quiet, yet deep spiritual atmosphere pervaded the camp, and sixteen persons, I understand, were baptized.

Elder E. A. Bristol was elected president of the conference, and took hold with good courage to strengthen and build up the work in all its departments. The other officers elected were the same as the past year. Elders L. M. Christian and W. H. Wakeham, Brethren J. B. Blosser, J. W. Mace, R. Hook, Jr., Profs. R. U. Garrett and J. H. Tiney, and the writer were present during some part of the meeting, and shared with the local workers in the burdens and blessings of the meeting.

The Lord blessed in the presentation of his word, and all returned to their homes thankful for the encouragement and help of the meeting.

G. B. THOMPSON.