Camp-Meeting in the Upper Columbia Conference by George I. Butler

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 2, 1909

Camp-Meeting in the Upper Columbia Conference

By George I. Butler

HAVING been invited by the General Conference Committee to attend the four conference camp-meetings in the North Pacific Union Conference, I left home August 1 to attend the Spokane meeting, August 5-15. Elder G. A. Irwin and quite a number of the ministers of the union conference were present at its commencement. I was two days late.

Spokane is a beautiful city of one hundred ten thousand inhabitants. We have a church there of about three hundred members. Our camp-ground was pleasantly situated. The meeting, being held when the farmers had to harvest their grain, was much smaller than usual. The attendance from those not of our faith was quite limited. The National Irrigation Congress met in this city at the time of our camp-meeting, and this, together with the land drawing of several reservations after the Indians had received their allotments of land, may have had an unfavorable effect on the attendance at our meeting.

Elder Irwin left for Tacoma, to attend the first of that meeting. Elder C. W. Flaiz, the president of the Northern Union Conference, was called East on important business, while the writer and others remained till the close of the meeting.

Elder Irwin gave a series of studies on the Testimonies, which were not only of special interest, but of great profit to those in attendance. Though the writer had often given discourses on that theme, yet he could learn more from these lessons, which were truly meat in due season. The congregation was greatly impressed by this instruction.

The meetings continued increasing in interest till the close. A self-sacrificing spirit was encouraged, and the duty of sustaining this blessed truth by our means and our prayers was strongly impressed upon all. The duty of living up to the light God is giving us for this time was especially emphasized. A spirit of seriousness rested on the believers, and many confessed that they had been in a backslidden condition.

Elder W. B. White spent one day with us, on his way to enter upon his work as president of the Atlantic Union Conference. On Sabbath afternoon he gave an excellent discourse, and called forward those who wished to give their hearts to God. A goodly number accepted the invitation. Some who had long hoped and prayed for the conversion of their children saw them come, with contrition and tears, to give their hearts to God. The hearts of those parents were filled with joy. Some twenty or more were baptized.

Many expressed great gratitude for the privileges of this meeting. They were determined to walk in the great light which had dawned on their hearts. We were privileged to meet many old friends of former years, who gave us a warm reception.

GEORGE I. BUTLER.