p. 19 | The Virginia Camp-Meeting by E. W. Farnsworth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 12, 1907

The Virginia Camp-Meeting

By E. W. Farnsworth

The conference and camp-meeting held at Hampton, Va., August 13-20, marks another mile-stone in the path of progress of the work in that State. There was a good attendance of our brethren and sisters from the different churches, and from the opening meeting a spirit of hope and courage was manifest till the close.

The arrangements for the camp were somewhat different from what they usually are. No family tents were pitched, but a large building was rented which had been fitted up for the accommodation of visitors to the Jamestown Exposition. Another building near by was used as a dining-room, and the large pavilion was pitched on vacant land adjoining the buildings our brethren had rented. A number of rooms were secured from people living near by, so all were provided for in houses instead of tents. This arrangement was very satisfactory to those attending the meeting.

Prof. H. R. Salisbury, Brother Bryant, of Iowa, and the writer were the only laborers present except those employed by the conference. Professor Salisbury was greatly blessed in presenting the subjects of the near coming of the Lord, and the reception of the Holy Spirit, and the brethren greatly appreciated his labors in their behalf. Sabbath, August 17, was a good day, when many renewed their vows of consecration to the Lord and his work. Brother Bryant gave acceptable help in the meetings for young people, and labored also in behalf of the canvassing work.

Hampton is located a short distance by trolley from Old Point, where the boats land bringing visitors to the exposition, and from which many small boats take them across the bay known as Hampton Roads to the exposition grounds. Many come to these places now, and it is expected that many more will attend the exposition during the autumn months. Elder G. A. Stevens is employed in distributing literature in the cities near the exposition grounds, and he is finding all he can do. Our periodicals are placed in the principal hotels and reading-rooms, and are also given away, and many seem to be deeply interested in them.

The conference meetings were harmonious, and there was a good spirit in all the business proceedings. Four newly organized churches were admitted to the conference. The Lord has blessed the work in Virginia during the past year, and we believe that still greater prosperity will attend it in the future if the brethren are faithful and true. Elder H. W. Herrell was elected president of the conference for the coming year, and he enters on his work with courage and the confidence of his brethren. Elder R. D. Hottel, who has been president of the conference a number of years, desired to be relieved of his responsibilities, but remains on the committee, and will still do what he can to assist in carrying forward the work. Other officers of the conference remain the same as last year.

On Sunday forenoon the $150,000 fund was considered. Virginia had still between five and six hundred dollars to raise on her apportionment. Most of our brethren there are poor, and it was difficult for them to give a large amount. But God put within them a spirit of self-sacrifice, “For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves.” Squares were marked off on a large sheet of paper, each square representing three dollars. There was no urging, and at times those in charge were about to close the meeting; then others would begin to take more of the squares, until over five hundred dollars had been given in cash or pledges. As the last square was crossed out, the congregation joined in singing, “Praise God, from whom all blessings flow,” and another song of jubilee was heard in heaven. The brethren were greatly rejoiced and encouraged, and a number remarked that this was the best meeting of all.

There was a good outside attendance of people from the city, and many seemed deeply interested in the truth. It was decided that several of the ministers should remain and develop the interest. We hope a good church may be brought out in Hampton as the result of this effort.

I was obliged to leave before the meeting closed, so was not there when baptism was administered, and can not give the number baptized. I greatly enjoyed this meeting, and my association with the dear brethren and sisters in Virginia. There must still be many in that State who will believe and obey the truth when it is brought to them. We hope to see the school near New Market speedily completed, for this should be a great blessing to the conference. I believe the brethren will hasten this enterprise forward to completion, as some money was given at this meeting, and no doubt others will bring their gifts that the building may be finished. May God greatly bless the work in Virginia.

E. W. FARNSWORTH.