Southern Illinois Camp-Meeting by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 9, 1909

Southern Illinois Camp-Meeting

By G. B. Thompson

The annual camp-meeting and conference of the Southern Illinois Conference was held in Centralia, August 12-22. The camp was located on the Chautauqua grounds, some distance from the city, but reached by a good street-car line. On account of a union meeting in the city, held in a large tent by the various churches, the attendance was small. Some of those who attended the camp-meeting began the observance of the Sabbath.

The attendance of our own people was quite good, most of the churches being represented by delegates. An excellent spirit pervaded the meeting throughout. The utmost harmony and unity was manifested in all the business deliberations, and some of the business meetings were among the most spiritual held during the meeting. This is as it should be. The officers elected for the coming year were about the same as last year. Elder S. E. Wight was unanimously re-elected president.

Several revival services were held, and many renewed their consecration to God, and returned to their homes with new determination to be faithful. Some gave their hearts to God for the first time. Many testimonies of victory over besetting sins were heard. On Sabbath afternoon, in a stream near the camp, twenty-nine were buried with the Lord in the sacred rite of baptism.

There was a liberal response to the calls for financial aid in the various lines; over one thousand dollars was raised to buy tents, etc., which are needed to carry forward the work in the conference. Nearly eight hundred dollars was also given for foreign missions. A deep interest was shown in this part of the work. Elder A. G. Daniels was present for a few days early in the meeting. His presence and counsel were greatly appreciated, and his recital of the progress of the work in “the regions beyond” brought courage and good cheer to all. That which will help our work in foreign fields most of all, as well as in other departments of the work, is for each to realize the individual responsibility which rests upon him as a part of this great work to share the burden. When this responsibility is recognized, the work will move, not simply in southern Illinois, but throughout the world.

It was my special pleasure to attend a part of this good camp-meeting. This was the field of my first labors in connection with the message. It was in Centralia, twenty-three years ago, that I preached my first sermon while tent master for Elders A. O. Tait and F. D. Starr. There are but few Sabbath-keepers here now, yet I met some who remember the truths which were preached at that time. I was glad to meet some whom I have not seen for about twenty years, still faithful in the message.

The reports rendered at the meeting of the various departments of the work showed progress. A number of faithful canvassers are in the field, and are having a successful experience in the sale of our books. The treasurer's report showed a substantial gain over the previous year.

Southern Illinois is a splendid field for labor. There is much virgin soil here for work. It is filled with many progressive people who can be reached with the message, and we feel sure that a strong, aggressive conference will be built up in this part of the State.

Nearly all who attended the meeting remained till the close, and returned to their homes encouraged to push the work, and share at last in the overcomer's reward.

Elder Allen Moon and other general laborers in the Lake Union Conference were present, and rendered valuable help in making the meeting a success.

G. B. Thompson.