p. 16 | Louisiana Camp-meeting by R. M. Kilgore

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 23, 1906

Louisiana Camp-meeting

By R. M. Kilgore

LAKE ARTHUR, where this meeting was held, is situated on the beautiful lake of the same name, in the southwestern part of the State, surrounded by immense rice-fields, this staple being the principal land product.

Twenty well-filled family tents and two large ones provided homes for more than a hundred campers, and capacity for large and attentive congregations. This attendance and the marked interest in the word spoken were most encouraging to those in charge, it having been doubtful at one time whether ground could be secured for the camp. Prejudice gave place to real interest with many.

The grove of large live-oaks, whose spreading branches were thickly decorated with hanging Spanish air-plant moss, made the place an ideal one for the worship of nature's God. It is indeed one of God's own temples.

The laborers from outside the conference were Prof. J. E. Tenney, Elder E. H. Rees, Brother I. A. Ford, and the writer, Brother O. R. Staines and Elder K. C. Russell came later.

Elder S. B. Horton, the president of the conference, is laboring hard to build up the work in that field. He is encouraged by the success attending his efforts, though alone and single handed. He is the only minister in the conference. He needs and must have some help. His long, earnest plea for a good minister should be responded to at once.

The usual business session of the conference was held later, and the hours thus occupied were filled with a line of work after the order of the convention or Chautauqua, in connection with the Sabbath-school, the church, and educational and religious liberty work. Many excellent papers were read, and much good instruction was imparted in the discussions following each. This new feature here introduced afforded work for not a few, who otherwise would have had but little to do to make the occasion profitable.

A goodly number of youth and children were present, for whom earnest efforts were made. Several went forward for prayers. The Spirit was present in power, and the servants of God were free in his word. The spiritual atmosphere of the meeting was good throughout. Those who in brokenness of heart sought the Lord, found him.

Before the meeting closed, Elder Rees, Brother Ford, and the writer were obliged to leave in order to be at the opening of the Georgia camp-meeting at Marietta, August 2.

R. M. KILGORE.