THE CAMP-MEETING AT ALAMEDA, CALIFORNIA.
By S. N. Haskell
THE location of this meeting was all that could be desired. It was upon a smooth lot of land occupying an entire block, 450x500 feet, upon which was a growth of oak trees which furnished ample shade, considering the sea breeze which constantly came from the bay. The city of Alameda contains about 9,000 inhabitants, and the ground was in the central portion of the city. It is owned by a wealthy gentleman in New York City, who freely gave us the use of it.440On the north side was Railroad avenue, where the steam cars, from 5 A. M. till 10 P. M., passed every hour to and from San Francisco. On the south side was Santa Clara avenue, upon which the horse cars passed every half hour to and from Oakland, about three miles from camp. One block farther south was a narrow-gauge steam car railroad, which also passed to and from San Francisco every hour by another route. Each of these roads connected with a ferry crossing the bay. They had stations nearly opposite our ground. San Francisco was about seven miles from the encampment, and within a radius of ten miles were over 350,000 inhabitants. DESCRIPTION OF THE GROUND.
There were two main entrances, one on Railroad avenue and the other directly opposite, on Santa Clara avenue. Over each entrance was an arch of sufficient width to admit teams; on either side of this was a smaller one, under which those on foot passed. On both sides of these arches were appropriate mottoes, adorned with evergreens. Upon the right, entering from Railroad avenue, was a 60-ft. tent used for a restaurant, with a cook-room and store attached. Then came the city of over one hundred tents, laid out in regular streets. Each tent was numbered, and each street named. Upon the left of the entrance was a 50-ft. lodging-tent, containing fourteen lodging-rooms adjoining the wall of the tent, while in the center was a committee-room. Suspended upon a limb of an oak tree was a directory, upon which was the plan of the encampment, the name of each street and family tent being so arranged that any stranger could go directly to any tent without further inquiry. A little farther south on the main street was the book-stand tent, with its wide-spread curtains. Over the main entrance to it was an arch upon which were the words, "Buy the Truth and Sell it Not." Over the center of this was the painting of a large book. In the south-eastern portion of the ground was the large tent for preaching services, 60x100 feet, with an extension curtain 40x60 feet. Seats were also extended outside of the limits of this curtain each way. The neighbors and friends showed their good will by bringing from their houses pots and vases of the choicest flowers, until the front and top of the desk were covered with flowers and plants of the most beautiful tint and richest fragrance. Water pipes extended the entire length of the ground, with faucets at each street. The main thoroughfare, and in and around the large tent, was covered with clean straw. Nothing appeared gaudy, but everything was tastefully arranged and well calculated to impress the mind that the entire encampment was a spot consecrated to the worship of the Creator of the beautiful and the Author of order. On the ground was excellent. Many of our brethren came to the meeting trembling with fear, which was freely expressed by some, that the "hoodlums," or rowdies, from San Francisco would cause us much trouble, if not wholly break up our meeting. Others besides our brethren expressed fears, as such religious meetings were sometimes broken up. It was feared that a beer garden just across the street from the ground would furnish us intoxicated persons, especially on Sunday, that, as well as the bathing-houses which lined that portion of the bay, was a great place of Sunday resort. Three of the leading daily San Francisco papers, as well as the Oakland and Alameda papers, did us much credit. We had not one disagreeable circumstance to complain of. People passing on the side-walk would speak in a subdued tone as they came near where the meetings were held. It seemed that the Spirit of God rested upon the entire encampment, and others as well as ourselves realized it. Sometimes an unthinking smoker would come upon the ground, but one word from those appointed to preserve order was sufficient to induce him not only to desist, but to offer an apology. The chief of the police department of Alameda, on returning to the station, reported his visit as follows: "I thought I would go over and assist them in keeping order one night. I went on with my cigar in my mouth as usual, not thinking that it was a violation of their rules to smoke upon the ground. Soon one of those fellows whom I had sworn in as special police came up to me and politely said it was against their rules to allow smoking on the ground. I apologized and quietly withdrew, concluding that they could get along better without me than with me." The tents were nearly all pitched, and preparations made, so that the meetings commenced promptly at the time appointed, and continued uninterrupted till the close. Every afternoon and evening there was preaching, and at 5:30 A. M., and 5 P. M., social meeting. The remainder of the time (excepting that for family worship, at 8 A. M.) was occupied with business meetings, Bible classes, and instructions in the various branches of the work. We never attended a camp-meeting where there was more of a general attendance of those upon the ground at all of the meetings. The variety of the meetings seemed to rest, rather than weary. Those who assisted in the preaching were Elders Waggoner, Healey, Wood, Briggs, and the writer. Chartered cars came from Chico, Lemoore, and Woodland. It was the largest camp-meeting ever held in the State, and generally considered the best. At the first of the meeting, some of the brethren were appointed to take charge of a certain number of tents, learn the spiritual condition of each individual, and make special efforts for the unconverted and backslidden, and the children of our brethren. These were to know where they were during service, be with them in family worship, and where two tents were so close as to cause confusion, to get them into one. This kind of labor was followed up throughout the entire meetings, and contributed largely to the spiritual interests of the meeting. The interest increased from first to last; also the congregation from outside daily increased. Especially was this the case in the afternoon and evening. Not a few attended all of the meetings, even the early morning meeting, and frequently took a part. In nearly every social meeting three or four could be seen rising at once to bear their testimony. Many took their stand with us who had never heard of us before. Others embraced the truth when it was first preached here, but had backslidden and given it up. One superannuated Methodist presiding Elder said he had conducted thirty-six camp-meetings, but never saw the like of this. Himself and wife took their stand on the side of God's commandments. A Baptist minister, who for some time had been reading our works, and was convinced of the argument, publicly took his stand. As soon as he can arrange matters, he intends to go out to labor in the cause of present truth. Each Sabbath day, a special move was made for the unconverted and backslidden. Many signified their desire for the prayers of God's people, by coming to the front seats. Most of these acknowledged God's blessing. The second Sabbath a deep solemnity prevailed; the Lord came near to us. After spending some time in the large tent, those who had come forward, separated and went to a number of small tents, while others remained in the large tent. At the ringing of the bell, all again repaired to the large tent, to spend the closing moments of the Sabbath in prayer. Sunday afternoon a large concourse of people assembled to witness the baptism of thirty-six willing souls. Brn. Israel and Wood administered the ordinance. The Sabbath-school work, conducted by W. C. White, was a success. On each Sabbath it could be truly said that we had a model Sabbath-school. It was the largest Sabbath-school ever held in California, nearly one hundred and fifty more being present than at the one held last year. A number of Jews were present, who seemed much interested. One Rabbi said he had watched our progress with a great deal of interest ever since he first learned of us; was much interested in the sanctuary question, as presented on the camp-ground. About one hundred and fifty subscribers were obtained for our various periodicals, and between four and five thousand dollars pledged, including that which was paid for the different institutions and enterprises connected with the cause. Arrangements were made by which our ministers will enter three new fields within one week after the close of the camp-meeting. Besides this, Bro. Israel will take charge of the missionary work in Alameda, to carry forward the interest awakened there, and arrange for meetings, etc. At our last meeting, which was attended by nearly every one on the ground, a unanimous rising vote was taken in favor of a three weeks' camp-meeting next year. A general regret was expressed that this meeting could not continue one week longer. Not a tent was taken down till the meeting closed. From the nature and effect of this meeting, our conviction is stronger than ever before, that where our people can co-operate, a two weeks' camp-meeting is best, with a full corps of helpers. Then instruction can be given in the different branches of this work. Also there should be seasons of seeking God for the outpouring of his Spirit, to fit ministers and people for the coming conflict. The brethren returned to their homes much encouraged, expecting a two weeks' camp-meeting in Southern California next spring, and a three weeks' in the fall. Thus closed to me the most encouraging camp-meeting I ever attended, for which I feel grateful to God.
S. N. HASKELL.