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The Iowa Camp-Meeting

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Oct 2, 1913

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 90, No. 40.

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The Iowa Camp-Meeting

By Ole Andres Olsen

THIS good meeting was held at Cedar Rapids August 28 to September 8, in a beautiful grove in the Beaver Woods, on a street-car line direct from the city, which made it very easy of access. The weather throughout, though somewhat warm, was very favorable.
The camp was composed of one hundred and seventy tents and laid out in a very orderly manner among the trees, which afforded desirable shade from the heat of the sun. The large pavilion, the book-tent, and the dining-tent were all very nicely and pleasantly arranged. Services were conducted daily in English and Scandinavian. The attendance of our own people was very encouraging, probably nearly a thousand attended during some part of the meeting. The attendance from the city was very good, and showed a deep interest.
The laborers in attendance, in addition to the regular conference workers were, Elders W. T. Knox, Chas. Thompson, L. H. Christian, A. T. Robinson, S. Mortenson, W. W. Eastman, I. H. Evans, and the writer. Elder Evans was there for only one day, but it was a day full of work publicly and in council with committees and individuals. Besides these, Profs. F. Griggs, M. E. Kern, J. G. Lamson, and W. W. Ruble, and Brethren W. H. Edwards, E. E. Painter, Glenn Shelton, and S. N. Curtiss were present a part of the time rendering valuable service in the several meetings.
As a matter of interest it should be noted that this was the fiftieth anniversary of the organization of the Iowa Conference. How rapidly the time has passed, and yet how full of interest these years have been! How the message has extended to earth’s remotest bounds—yes, we are almost home!
The meeting as a whole was considered one of the best ever held in the State. The preaching was characterized with much earnestness, the speakers enjoyed much freedom, and the message borne met a cordial reception on the part of the congregation. Special emphasis was placed on the fact that the events now transpiring indicate most emphatically that the coming of the Lord is an event right at the door. The near coming of Christ, with the urgency of preparation for the same, was a very prominent characteristic of all the discourses from the desk, and made a profound impression. It certainly is a fact that the nearness of the coming of the Lord has been partially lost sight of by many among us. This has been manifested in the worldly plans in various ways, and it is high time that all our minds should be suitably aroused, for the facts are that we stand on the very threshold of mighty and startling events.
Prominence was also given to the early morning devotional meetings, and these were seasons of real refreshing. It was especially pleasing to see these meetings attended by all the ministers who were not engaged at the same hour in other meetings. That is as it should be, and it contributed much to the deep spiritual interest of the occasion. The usual young people’s and children’s meetings were held daily, with good results. The eight o’clock district and ministers’ meetings were faithfully adhered to, and every day witnessed a growth of spiritual interest in the camp.
The reports from the laborers in the field, as the result of tent efforts and among the churches, were very encouraging. It was evident that the Lord had given them an encouraging harvest of souls.
The business proceedings of the conference were very cordial and harmonious. Elder A. R. Ogden was unanimously reelected president of the conference for the coming year, and but little change was made in the other conference officers.
A number of important recommendations and resolutions were passed by the conference. The question of finance received special attention, and in this connection also the management of their conference institutions.
The subject of missions and the world-wide work of the message was an important feature, and $3,400 was raised for mission work in foreign lands; this included $300 of Sabbath-school collections during the camp-meeting. In addition, $750 was raised for tent and camp-meeting expenses.
As is usual, the two Sabbaths of the camp-meeting were seasons of special interest. The presence of the Lord and the work of the Holy Spirit was very manifest. A hallowed atmosphere pervaded the camp, and an earnest spirit of devotion took possession of all present. Many sought the Lord for special blessings and victory over besetting sins, while a goodly number yielded to the call of the Holy Spirit for the first time. Wives that had been walking alone in the truth were joined by their husbands, to the great joy of both.
Sixty-one candidates followed their Lord in baptism during the meeting, and all in attendance were much encouraged. We trust the result will be a deeper Christian experience on the part of all, and a rapid advance of the message throughout the conference.
O. A. OLSEN.