The Central California Camp-Meeting by J. S. James

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 4, 1913

The Central California Camp-Meeting

By J. S. James

THIS meeting, the third since the organization of the conference, was held October 30 to November 9, at Laton, Cal., a small town in the San Joaquin Valley, twenty-two miles south of Fresno, on the Santa Fe Railway. In former years this conference had held its camp-meeting in the early spring, but on account of both the General Conference session and the fall council coming this year, it was thought advisable to defer the camp-meeting until after these.

It is rare indeed to find a location, camp conveniences, weather, and other material conditions so agreeably in harmony as they were on this occasion, all of which paved the way for and made more certain the spiritual feast which followed. The camp was located on the picnic grounds of Laton, the use of which, together with good pipe water, was given free by the citizens. On these

grounds covered by a carpet of soft grass, beneath a number of giant oaks, were pitched one hundred and ten family tents, besides four large tents for public services. A good variety of well-prepared food was served on the cafeteria plan in the club house belonging to the grounds. From four hundred to five hundred persons occupied tents during the greater part of the meeting. On the last Sabbath it was estimated that eight hundred of the twelve hundred members of the conference were present. The residents of Laton, including the business men of all classes, showed an interest in the meetings by their attendance.

From the very first day the blessing of the Lord was manifest, and flowed in richer and fuller streams as the meetings continued. There was no excitement, but a deep, gentle moving of the Spirit of God upon hearts, pointing out sin and wrong, leading to repentance and confession, and a determination to live more in harmony with God's message for this time. Considerable instruction and exhortation were given by various laborers concerning the many snares which Satan has set for the destruction of this particular generation, more particularly in the matter of the prevailing fashions in dress and adornment, evil associations, unwholesome reading, desire for worldly gain, and unfaithfulness in the home life.

It was encouraging to greet such a large number of young people at the meeting. Earnest efforts were made by Elder N. P. Neilsen and others in their behalf, and not without success. The conference felt that it was under sacred obligations to provide better educational facilities for the youth within its boundaries; and to discharge these obligations a committee of nine persons was chosen to act in connection with the conference committee in choosing a location for an intermediate school, furnishing plans and specifications for building and equipment, and outlining a working policy, the same to be presented at the spring conference in regular session in May, 1914, for ratification.

In addition to the regular conference laborers, the following ministers were present to assist in the meetings: Elders E. E. Andross, E. W. Farnsworth, F. M. Burg, C. L. Taggart, and Henry Schultz, and the writer. Brethren James Cochran and G. C. Hoskin represented the Pacific Press at the book-tent, and the home missionary and canvassing work was represented by Brethren J. R. Ferren and A. A. Cone. It was a privilege and a pleasure for the writer to present various phases of the needs of the foreign work, to which there was a hearty response on the part of all.

On the last Sabbath, at the eleven o'clock hour Elders Andross and Farnsworth led in a consecration service, which resulted in almost the entire camp dedicating themselves anew to God. Many among the children and youth made their first start in Christian service at this meeting, backsliders were reclaimed, and strangers in the camp decided to cast their lot with God's people. Twelve on the grounds were baptized, while others preferred to be baptized in the churches where they live.

The attendance at the Sabbath-school the last Sabbath was 552, and the collection for the two Sabbaths amounted to $266.19. Sales at the book-tent reached nearly $800. About $1,700 was raised for the work in India. The entire expense of the meeting was made up from the public collections.

Truly the Lord's blessing is being poured out on those who are prepared to receive it. The foes that confront this cause from without are little to be feared when compared with Satan's purpose to work within the human heart for the deadening of spiritual life and the blasting of eternal hopes.

On the last morning of the meeting the whole camp assembled for a praise and farewell service. The entire meeting was declared by many to be the best in their experience. May it result in gathering much fruit for the final harvest, which is soon to come.

J. S. JAMES.