p. 17 | The Southern Illinois Camp-Meeting by ALLEN MOON

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 17, 1907

The Southern Illinois Camp-Meeting

By ALLEN MOON

THE southern Illinois camp-meeting was held on the fair-grounds at Pana. In addition to the usual tents, the campers enjoyed the use of several buildings on the grounds, in one of which was conducted a most excellent dining service.

Elder G. A. Irwin, several other brethren, and the writer left the camp-meeting at La Fayette, Ind., in time to be at the first meeting. An excellent spirit prevailed, and the preaching by Elder Irwin and others was given close attention from the first, and an excellent interest was created. Among other practical subjects, there were presented the relation of the spirit of prophecy to the law of God, the gospel to the world in this generation, and other phases of missionary work. Meetings were held daily for the benefit of the young people and children, and several conversions among the youth were reported. Among the older people, differences that had existed between brethren were adjusted, and harmony seemed to prevail. Elders G. B. Thompson and W. D. Curtis arrived during the early part of the meeting, and took part in the educational and young people's work, as well as in the general work for the spiritual benefit of those in attendance.

This conference not having raised its proportion of the $150,000 fund, a meeting was held in which this subject received consideration, and in a very short time the people contributed three hundred sixty-eight dollars toward this fund, although the attendance was very small. There is no doubt that the good work will go on until the last dollar is raised.

Dr. H. W. Miller was present at the meeting, and an opportunity was given him to present the needs of the China Mission field; and although the brethren had lifted heavily to help other funds, they contributed liberally toward the work in this needy field.

At the close of the meeting, twenty souls were buried with their Lord in baptism, and were received into membership in several churches of the conference.

The southern Illinois camp-meeting was held at the same place as last year. At the opening of that meeting, there was not a family of Seventh-day Adventists in the place; but as a result of the interest created by the camp-meeting, and some labor done following the meeting, a church of more than thirty members now exists, and the work is still growing.

Southern Illinois is a prosperous and progressive section, much of which is virgin territory, so far as the presentation of the truth is concerned. It is evident that faithful labor and deep consecration on the part of the laborers will eventually result in a strong conference of our people. ALLEN MOON.