EASTERN OREGON CAMP-MEETING.
By S. N. Haskell
Our trip up the Columbia river was every way pleasant, the scenery was delightful. The Steamship Navigation and R. R. Company showed us every courtesy we could ask. Our publications for the missionary work were transported by the different companies from San Francisco to Milton, Oregon, free of expense. This was highly appreciated, not only by ourselves, but by the friends of the missionary cause east of the mountains. Notwithstanding there is no competing line from Portland to Walla Walla, W. T., as much willingness was manifested to favor any religious enterprise as though there were. Meetings were held in the city of Walla Walla, commencing Friday, May 14. On Sabbath and Sunday Sister White spoke to a crowded house, also Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday evenings. A good impression was made upon the people. Our camp-meeting at Milton was held in Bro. Nichols' grove, commencing May 20. No pains were spared to make the grounds pleasant and attractive. The different companies of our brethren in this part of the State were well represented. One brother came on horse-back, walking a part of the way, one hundred and fifty miles. Forty tents were on the ground, besides covered wagons; and there were over two hundred persons encamped. The brethren being young in the cause and having scarcely any labor during the past year, they were not prepared to appreciate a meeting of this kind as they would have been had they had labor which would have given them a clearer understanding of the nature of our work as well as a theory of the truth. Home cares and duties had kept Eld. Van Horn west of the mountains during the past year. However he accompanied us to the meeting. Eld. Jones and Raymond were also present. Eld. Colcord and wife from the East arrived in season for the meeting. His assistance in preaching was appreciated by the brethren and sisters. Most of the preaching was of a close practical character. At times great freedom was enjoyed and the Lord came especially near. This was so in a marked degree upon Sabbath, May 22. As Sister White appealed to our brethren to connect with God, and live holy and righteous before him, a general move was made. About one hundred came forward for prayers; among these were the grey headed, the middle aged, the youth, and the children; humble confessions were made, some expressed themselves blessed of God. This was repeated a number of times during the meeting with good result. Upon each Sunday there were from one thousand to one thousand five hundred present, who paid close attention to the preached word. On Sunday May 29, at the close of a temperance discourse by Sister White, the temperance pledge was passed through the congregation. Many signed it although most of our brethren had signed it before. A temperance organization was effected. Bro. Wm. Russel was chosen president, Bro. Wm. Smith secretary, both of Milton. Ninety-six persons upon the ground signed the pledge, some had previously signed. All except nine became full members by paying 25 cents. Nearly all signed the teetotal pledge. A Bible class was held at regular seasons, in which much interest was taken. Also instructions were given in the missionary work. Nearly all who had not previously joined the tract society did so at this meeting. Between five and six hundred dollars was pledged toward a reserve fund for the tract society of this conference. It was thought advisable under the circumstances to divide the Conference, and steps were taken accordingly. The territory east of the Cascade range including Idaho, to be known as the Columbia Conference. Eld. Colcord was chosen president; he was also chosen president of the Tract Society and Sabbath-school Association. The last day of the meeting a paper was passed around by Bro. Wood for subscriptions to meet the traveling expenses of Eld. Colcord to this place. Although no request of this kind had been made by any one, in a short time the paper was returned with a sufficient amount pledged to meet Bro. and Sr. Colcord's entire expenses from the East, and quite a portion of it was paid. Any laborer coming from the East with the sanction of the General Conference would be appreciated anywhere from Southern California to Eastern Oregon, as much as they are in this field. The brethren manifested a good degree of interest in the Sabbath-school work. Sabbath, May 29, while Sister White was addressing the Sabbath-school the Spirit of God rested down upon those present. Thirteen youths and children arose expressing a desire to become Christians. On Sunday Elder Colcord baptized six, while a number who made a start at the meeting could not be baptized then but will as soon as another opportunity presents itself. The brethren felt that the work would rise from this meeting. But a great drawback to the cause in this part of the country is in not having a paper in which they can have weekly reports while they are fresh. They are isolated to a great extent from both offices. It requires eleven days for the mail to reach either Oakland, Cal., or Battle Creek, Mich., from any part of this section of country. Thus a report would be at least one month behind the time it would be written. Although arrangements had been made to bring this about, it was evident the brethren were not prepared to act upon any such proposition at present in this part of the Conference. About seventy-five subscribers were obtained for our periodicals, principally the SIGNS, REVIEW, and INSTRUCTOR. Important resolutions were passed relating to the Sabbath-school interest which will appear in the S. S. Report.
S. N. HASKELL.