The North Carolina Annual Conference and Camp Meeting by W. W. Fastman

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 10, 1914

The North Carolina Annual Conference and Camp Meeting

By W. W. Fastman

ON a conveniently situated and well-shaded lot, three fourths of a mile from the business section of the city of Greensboro, the North Carolina annual conference and camp meeting were held, August 13-23. The weather was warm most of the time, but several showers during the meeting helped to cool the atmosphere and add to the comfort of the two hundred or more campers. The seating capacity was often overtaxed to provide for the people from the city, especially at the evening and Sunday meetings. A splendid interest was manifested, and the best attention was given to the word spoken.

The reports rendered at the conference were encouraging. Success has attended the efforts of the laborers, and one hundred and twenty-three believers have been added to the church membership during the year. One church was organized and received into the conference. A good gain was shown in both tithe and offerings over the preceding year. The book and magazine sales by the colporteurs amount to $13,927.71, a good increase over the sales of the previous year. Total sales of literature from the tract society office amount to about sixteen thousand dollars.

The business of the conference was transacted harmoniously. Elder J. H. Behrens was elected president of the conference; J. W. Winn, secretary and treasurer of the conference and tract society; J. W. Siler, field missionary agent; Mrs. J. H. Behrens, educational, young people's, and Sabbath school secretary.

When the cause of missions was presented, the brethren freely gave in cash and pledges over $2,000, besides $75.25 Sabbath school offerings for the two Sabbaths. Little urging was necessary. It was truly encouraging to see how the hearts of the brethren and sisters were moved by the appeals from the needy mission fields. The meeting was especially marked with the presence of the Holy Spirit.

The laborers carrying the burdens of the meeting were: Elders O. Montgomery, L. A. Hoopes, V. O. Cole, G. G. Lowry, C. B. Haynes, Prof. L. H. Wood, the local workers, and the writer.

The home missionary work was presented, and met with a hearty reception on the part of the brethren and sisters. One interesting feature of the meeting was one afternoon spent by quite a number of the campers in a campaign of actual work in the city, selling our magazines, distributing literature, and inviting people to the meetings.

Many gave encouraging reports of this effort, and some said this experience would help them, when they returned to their homes, to continue the good work among their neighbors.

A baptismal service was held Sunday afternoon, fourteen candidates being baptized by Elder G. G. Lowry. A conference church was organized at the meeting, and the ordinance of the Lord's house celebrated for their benefit on the last Sabbath afternoon of the meeting, Elders J. H. Behrens and G. G. Lowry officiating.

Altogether this was an encouraging meeting, and many of the brethren expressed themselves as hopeful that there were better days ahead for the North Carolina Conference.

W. W. FASTMAN.