p. 16 | Wisconsin Camp-Meeting by George B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 28, 1909

Wisconsin Camp-Meeting

By George B. Thompson

The annual conference and camp-meeting of the Wisconsin Conference was held in the city of Milwaukee, Sept. 23 to Oct. 4, 1909. The meeting was very centrally located in the city, in what is known as Schlitz Park. The meeting was well advertised, and it was hoped that it would be largely attended by the citizens, but our expectations in this respect were not fully realized. On account of the lateness of the season the weather was cool and somewhat uncomfortable. Besides this, those living near the park were mostly Jews, and not inclined to attend such services. For these and other reasons the attendance was quite small; yet some came, and manifested a deep interest in the truths presented, especially in the German language.

The attendance of our own people was not so large as in former years, owing, no doubt, to the meeting's being held somewhat late in the season and not so centrally located in the conference as usual. There were, however, about five hundred of our own people who were camped on the ground and temporarily located in rooms.

There was a good spirit manifested, and the rich blessing of the Lord was experienced in the meetings until the close. Several revival services were held, and many found that blessed peace and freedom from sin which is for every Christian. Prof. M. E. Kern was present, and united with the local workers in laboring for the young people and children. Excellent work was done among the youth, and many of these gave their hearts to God. Services were also held daily in the German and Scandinavian languages, and those in charge of this part of the work reported splendid meetings.

A good degree of harmony was seen in the business deliberations of the conference. Elder C. McReynolds was re-elected president for another year. The other officers chosen were about the same as last year.

Much interest was manifested in the growth and development of the work in the regions beyond. During the meeting about four thousand dollars was given in cash and pledges for the work in foreign fields and the local needs in the conference. One thousand dollars of this was pledged by a man who is not a Sabbath-keeper. Sister Ida Thompson, who has done such faithful service in China, was on the ground, and presented many stirring things in reference to the needs and advancement of the work in that great Gibraltar of heathenism. A goodly portion of the money pledged for missions was designed for China. A number of scholarships were taken, at thirteen dollars each, for pupils to attend Sister Thompson's school.

The conference also voted to turn over regularly to the Mission Board one fifth of its tithe, beginning Jan. 1, 1910. On the basis of last year's tithe this will mean about six thousand dollars for the fields abroad. We were glad to see the conference take this advance step, and believe that it will mean prosperity for the home work as well as be an encouragement for those laboring in the dark heathen fields abroad.

The last Sabbath of the meeting Brother K. Rasmussen was ordained to the sacred work of the gospel ministry. This was a very solemn meeting. The ordination service was preceded by a very close, practical sermon by Elder O. A. Olsen on the high calling of the gospel ministry and the responsibility resting upon those who assume these sacred responsibilities.

The laborers present from outside the conference were Elders O. A. Olsen, Allen Moon, Wm. Covert, K. C. Russell, L. H. Christian, M. E. Kern, G. F. Haffner, S. Mortenson, Brother J. B. Blosser, Prof. Otto J. Graf, Brother J. W. Mace, Dr. David Paulson, Sister Ida Thompson, and the writer. These united with the local conference workers in the burdens and blessings of the meeting.

We trust the coming year will be one of much prosperity and blessing for the work in this large conference. There are many in this field who speak a foreign language for whom work should be started. Steps are being taken in this direction, and it is hoped that a strong work will be developed among the various nationalities. This conference presents a splendid field for labor. We were glad to see so many young people on the ground, and the spirit that characterizes many of these to attend our schools and become fitted for the work of the Master was encouraging. We have reached a time in the work of God when every energy of our being should be devoted to the proclamation of this truth, and a spirit of devotion to this cause such as has never been seen in the past should characterize God's people at this time.

G. B. THOMPSON.