The Wisconsin Camp-Meeting by I. H. Evans

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 31, 1913

The Wisconsin Camp-Meeting

By I. H. Evans

This good meeting was held at Grand Rapids, Wis., June 19-20. The location in the city was desirable, and easy of access to a goodly number of the citizens. The attendance from the city was fair. There were one hundred and thirty family tents pitched, while many lived in rooms near by.

It was estimated that about one thousand of our brethren and sisters were in attendance at some part of the meeting. I think the average would be about five hundred.

A part of the time the weather was oppressively hot, yet there was little sickness, and all seemed of good courage and to greatly enjoy the meetings. In addition to the home workers, there were present at some time in the meeting laborers from abroad as follows: Elders Allen Moon, J. H. Schilling, J. W. Westphal, F. B. Armitage, B. J. Cady, M. H. Serns, Brethren J. B. Blosser and J. W. Mace, Miss Mimi Scharffenberg, and the writer.

The business of the conference was transacted during the meeting. Many good resolutions were adopted, which, if

carried out, cannot but result in the advancement of the work in that great State.

One hundred and thirty-five converts were reported as having united with the church during the year. The Sabbath days were occasions of special blessings to the campers, the Lord coming very near with his Holy Spirit and giving many souls a new view of the value of eternal life. A good many gave their hearts to the Lord for the first time. Seventy-three received baptism during the meeting, and others will receive baptism later.

The missionaries from foreign lands gave a splendid testimony concerning the work in the fields that they represented. Their talks were gladly listened to by the people and were very encouraging. One could hardly think of greater providences and greater Christian experiences than those reported by these visiting missionaries. Their words of courage, faith, and exhortations to zeal in the work of God stirred all our hearts.

The twenty-cent-a-week plan was freely discussed and adopted. It will require good leadership, in a large State like Wisconsin, to swing the entire membership into line, but it can be done, for the people have a heart to finish the work.

It was a good meeting, and the blessing of the Lord was with us. The workers consecrated themselves to a year of hard service in the Master's work, and many gave testimony that they intended to make this the best year of their ministry. We believe that Wisconsin will carry its share of responsibility in the Lord's work, and that there are brighter days in the future for this splendid conference.

I. H. EVANS.