The Quebec Camp-Meeting by W. H. Thurston

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

The Quebec Camp-Meeting

By W. H. Thurston

THE Quebec conference session and camp-meeting was held at Knowlton, September 5-15, according to appointment. The camp was located in Brother McClary’s grove and orchard, a quarter of a mile west of the sanitarium. It is an ideal location for a small camp, well shaded and sheltered, yet sufficiently light.

The laborers in attendance from outside the conference were Prof. F. Griggs, Elder Wm. Guthrie, and the writer. As the meetings progressed, light and sunshine came into the camp and into the hearts of the people. The Holy Spirit’s presence brought in unity and harmony.

The attendance from the outside was small, but of our own people the attendance increased until the meeting was said to be the largest for many years. The preaching was both practical and doctrinal, and all were encouraged by the study of the Word. The morning social services were well attended and much enjoyed by all.

Young people’s and children’s meetings were held every day, and a deep interest was manifested in all these services.

The last Sabbath of the camp-meeting was a glorious day. There was a deep moving of the Holy Spirit in the camp, and in the afternoon when the call was made for the unconverted, the back-sliders, and any who were not free in Christ, to come to the altar and get right with God, they began coming forward from all parts of the tent, both young and old, till more than half the camp responded. After an earnest season of prayer, a very touching and heart-searching testimony meeting was held, and nearly all took part.

At the close of the praise service an opportunity was given for any who desired baptism to manifest it by standing, and one after another responded until twenty-three thus expressed a desire to follow their Lord in that solemn rite. Some of these were baptized before joining this people, and were now rebaptized. The baptism took place Sunday noon in the beautiful waters of Brome Lake, near the sanitarium, and a large number of the villagers congregated to witness the solemn and beautiful scene. Elder G. H. Skinner administered the ordinance, assisted by Elder Guthrie and the writer. This was the largest baptism ever held in this conference. Several pictures were taken of the baptism by different persons in the audience, and a report of the service was prepared for the daily paper.

This was all a practical demonstration of what the Holy Spirit will do for the people when given free course. The stony heart is taken away, and a heart of flesh is given—a new heart. During the meetings all departments of the work were given careful study, and plans were formulated for more aggressive work.

Professor Griggs gave valuable instruction on education, and it was much appreciated.

The medical work was given careful study, and the outlook for the sanitarium is hopeful.

The religious liberty question was freely discussed, and it was voted to supply the members of the legislature with our journal Liberty.

The Young People’s department was strengthened by several new members.

The Canadian Publishing Association had a book tent on the ground, and about eighty dollars’ worth of books was sold, and several subscriptions were taken for periodicals.

The following officers were elected: President, D. E. Lindsey; Secretary and Treasurer, Darwin Dingman; Executive Committee, D. E. Lindsey, G. H. Skinner, Darwin Dingman, Perrien Brown, and George Cushing; Leader of Young People’s Department, Elder G. H. Skinner; Secretary Sabbath-school and Young People’s Department, Mrs. G. H. Skinner; Conference Auditor, H. W. Ingham; Religious Liberty Secretary, Elder D. E. Lindsey.

Sanitarium Managers: Executive Committee, Percival Holden and Dr. Roy Clarke; Medical Superintendent, Dr. McDonald; House Physician, Dr. Roy Clarke; Secretary and Treasurer of sanitarium, Mrs. Dr. Roy Clarke; Matron, Miss Bertha Arendt; Manager, Dr. Roy Clarke.

Credentials were issued to Elders D. E. Lindsey, H. E. Rickard, and G. H. Skinner. Ministerial license was given to H. W. Ingham, and missionary license to Miss Eva Johnson.

Elder Lindsey gave the closing address Sunday night, and all returned to their homes renewed in faith, hope, and charity.

Steps are being taken to secure another minister for the conference, and with this additional help two tents can be put in the field next year. The outlook for the Quebec Conference is hopeful, and we shall all pray for greater results in the future than we have realized in the past. Oneness with Christ brings harmonious action, and then the work prospers.

W. H. THURSTON.