Northern Illinois Camp-Meeting by G. B. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 26, 1909

Northern Illinois Camp-Meeting

By G. B. Thompson

The annual camp-meeting for the Northern Illinois Conference was held in Elgin, July 28 to August 8. The camp was pitched in a pleasant grove at the edge of the city. Although the attendance from the city was not large, a number manifested interest in the truths presented, and a tent with a good corps of laborers will remain to develop the interest.

The attendance of our own people was not large during the first part of the meeting; but the last few days many came from Chicago and other places, and the large pavilion was more than filled.

Sister E. G. White was present the last Sabbath and Sunday of the meeting, and spoke twice, with great freedom and power. The Spirit of God was present in a very special manner, and the testimony she bore was a source of great encouragement to those who were present. Her stirring words of exhortation to greater diligence in behalf of missions, and to faithful, godly living in the home, will not soon be forgotten. In the revival service held in the afternoon many sought the Lord for victory over besetting sins, and some gave their hearts to God for the first time. Eighteen were baptized.

Elders A. G. Daniells and W. C. White, and the writer were present during some part of the meeting, and joined with the union and local conference workers in the labors of the meeting.

On the last day of the meeting thirteen hundred dollars was given in cash and pledges, as an offering to missions. The children, during the meeting, made a quilt as a missionary enterprise. This was sold for one hundred thirty dollars, one half to be given to China, and one half to help the home work. The Lord blesses the sacrificing labors of the children who devote their strength to his work.

Brother Miller, the editor of the paper for the blind, was present, and about one hundred dollars was given for this work.

The Sabbath-school offerings were liberal, amounting to more than one hundred dollars.

The Lord is blessing the work in this conference. There has been a most encouraging increase in tithe during the year. A number of new tents and seats have also been purchased during the year, which added much to the comforts of the meeting.

The work is onward in the great city of Chicago, as well as elsewhere, and the Lord’s children are of good courage.

The brethren and sisters left for their homes much encouraged, and with greater determination to share in the final triumph of the message.

G. B. Thompson.