Greater New York and New Jersey Camp-Meeting by E. W. Farnsworth

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 1, 1907

Greater New York and New Jersey Camp-Meeting

By E. W. Farnsworth

The union camp-meeting held by the Greater New York and New Jersey Conferences at Elizabeth, N. J., will be long remembered by those who attended it as a season of great refreshing from the presence of the Lord. The meeting was a glorious success. From the first, the Holy Spirit was present in a marked manner. There was complete harmony of action between the brethren and sisters of the two conferences, and the testimony frequently heard was, “It is good to be here.” Many expressed the wish that the meeting might continue, and regretted that the time had come when they must leave the ground where they had received such great blessings.

The attendance was much larger than those having the meeting in charge had dared to hope, for the time from the circulation of the appointment until the meeting began was very brief. Ninety-two tents were pitched, and on Sabbath and Sundays there were about five hundred of our people on the ground. The number of campers who were present during the entire meeting was very encouraging. The weather was beautiful during the entire time.

Elder A. G. Daniells was present the first part of the meeting, and labored earnestly for the people. Elder G. B. Thompson was with us the last Sabbath and Sunday, and his help was greatly appreciated. Elder C. H. Edwards labored untiringly in preparing the ground for the meeting, and in behalf of its interests during the entire time. Profs. B. G. Wilkinson, R. F. Cottrell, and B. F. Machlan were present, and worked especially for the youth. The meetings held for them were very helpful and interesting. The young people were greatly blessed and benefited. Many gave their hearts to the Lord, and will prepare themselves for service in his cause.

It is seldom our privilege to see such careful attention given to the children as at this meeting. The services held for them twice each day were conducted by those who loved their work and felt their responsibility. The quiet, orderly behavior of the children all through the meeting was a source of pleasure to all encamped on the ground.

There being no business meetings, the entire time was devoted to instruction and Bible study. The Lord blessed his servants and his people as they sought him together. Many gained a new experience, some who had become discouraged renewed their consecration, and all were revived and encouraged. The Lord blessed the proclamation of his truth, and his servants gave the trumpet a certain sound. About thirty requested baptism, but as there was no convenient place for administering it, they were advised to wait till they returned home.

Workers’ meetings were held each day, and at one of these reports were given representing sixteen nationalities. The brethren who labor in the great centers of population in these two conferences must have special help to enable them to finish their work. They are toiling courageously, and they will surely succeed.

The expense of this meeting was quite heavy, but it was partly met by the collections, which amounted to one hundred and seventy-five dollars. Fifty dollars was taken as an offering to missions the first Sabbath of the meeting. One meeting was devoted to the $150,000 fund. At this time New Jersey raised the remainder of her quota, and the brethren in that conference are rejoicing in a finished work. We feel sure that the Greater New York brethren will soon have their share in hand.

There was a fair attendance of people from the city, and quite a number became interested in the truth, and prejudice was removed. Brethren Bell, Carroll, and Haynes, with several others, remained to develop the interest. We hope a number may be added to the little company at Elizabeth as a result of their labors.

As we review this meeting now past, we thank God for victories gained, and for the hope and courage renewed in many hearts. We expect to see prosperity attend both these conferences, and that there will be a large ingathering of souls before the next camp-meeting.

E. W. FARNSWORTH.