Saskatoon Camp Meeting by C. F. McVagh

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Aug 17, 1916

Saskatoon Camp Meeting

By C. F. McVagh

THE largest company of Seventh-day Adventists ever assembled in Saskatchewan, met at camp meeting in Saskatoon, June 29 to July 9, 1916. The weather was favorable, and the facilities provided by the city on the exhibition grounds were of the best.

Stirred by the truths of the third angel's message and by the events taking place in the world, our people seem to have but one purpose in coming to camp meeting. Many of them are isolated during most of the year, and they appreciate every opportunity which the camp meeting affords of seeking the Lord with those of like precious faith, of learning more of the truth, and of studying ways of giving it to others.

One hundred and thirty tents were pitched, and nearly five hundred persons were encamped. The attendance from the city was not large, but some of those who did attend developed a deep interest and were convinced of the truth. Meetings were conducted in English, German, Russian, Serbian, Roumanian, and Scandinavian. Elder G. F. Haffner and Prof. J. F. Simon were present for the German work; Elder M. Ostoich for the Serbian; and Prof. H. O. Olson, of the Broadview Swedish Seminary, for the Scandinavian. Brother T. T. Babienco labored in the Russian language, and Brother T. M. Krainean in the Roumanian. Meetings were held for the children and young people twice every day. In addition, the children were given a play hour every day under the direction of some of their teachers. Professors Kellogg and Dick were present to assist in the educational work. The Sabbath school and children's meetings were under the charge of Mrs. A. C. Gilbert.

The book tent sales amounted to nearly $800. Brethren Rowse, Eastman, and Manfull gave help in the book work. Brother Manfull says the interest in the canvassing work is the best he has ever seen in western Canada, and the prospects are good for a big summer's work, and what is still better, for a permanent corps of canvassers and a more sustained effort in the distribution of our subscription books.

Brother J. J. Ireland was present one day, and gave a very interesting account of his observations in Central America. The general interests were represented by Elders E. W. Farnsworth and W. W. Eastman, and the writer.

The people rallied nobly to the support of the new school that is being established in Battleford. More than $4,000 was pledged to the school work and the cause of missions.

More than fifty persons were baptized at the meeting, and a number of other candidates will go forward in baptism in the near future. Two churches, with a combined membership of fifty-two, were admitted to the conference. On the last Sabbath an ordination service was conducted, and Brethren T. T. Babienco and W. G. Forshaw were set apart to the gospel ministry.

The people manifested a good degree of interest in the business meetings, and the work was carried forward harmoniously. The conference adopted the plan recommended by the North American Division Council, and elected officers for two years. Elder A. C. Gilbert was reelected president, and Brother U. Wissner secretary-treasurer. Some slight changes were made in the executive committee. The prospects for a rapidly strengthening work in Saskatchewan are bright indeed.

C. F. McVAGH.