Jackson (Mississippi) Camp Meeting by A. Barry; W. H. Sebastian; M. C. Strachan

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Oct 14, 1902

Jackson (Mississippi) Camp Meeting

By A. Barry; W. H. Sebastian; M. C. Strachan

THE first camp meeting of our colored people in this State was held at Jackson, September 3-9. This is the second great gathering of our colored people in the United States. The first camp meeting ever held by and for colored people was at Edgefield Junction, Tenn. This was some time last fall. The colored Sabbath keepers are increasing quite rapidly in Mississippi, and they now look forward to another gathering of this kind next year. Mississippi was favored with a colored teachers' institute the past year. The work is advancing in this State.

The camp meeting just held was well attended by the brethren and sisters. All were poor in this world's goods, and a great sacrifice had to be made in order to be present. One faithful sister who lived nearly two hundred miles away started with barely money enough to pay her railroad fare. Her faithful husband promised to remain at home and earn the money to send for her. Others could not at first see their way clear to attend, but by prayer and fasting the Lord opened ways for them which they knew not of. All on the grounds enjoyed a spiritual refreshing. The early morning prayer meetings were particularly marked by the presence of God's Holy Spirit.

A dining tent was arranged for at the home of Brother Strachan. Sister Strachan had the supervision of this part of the work. All the delegates, about thirty-five in number, were seated at a well-ordered table, which was set with a variety of pure, wholesome, and hygienically prepared foods.

Four public meetings were held each day, including the early morning prayer meeting. All these were well attended, especially the evening meetings. There was an absence of that unseemly excitement which is characteristic of some of the colored religious gatherings. The preaching of the message of truth had a sweet, subduing influence upon the hearts of the hearers. The word spoken seemed to be much appreciated, and testimonies of praise and gratitude to God ascended because of the new light which was so clearly revealed. The singing of our beautiful songs was particularly attractive, the song service which preceded our evening service being one of the marked features of our tent meetings.

There was a good outside attendance. Three dear souls had courage to take a stand against popular errors, and pledge

allegiance to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A few others have expressed a desire to obey, and we hope to see them soon carry out their convictions. Brother Strachan is following up the interest in Bible readings at the homes.

The meetings were conducted by Brethren A. Barry, of Nashville, W. H. Sebastian, of Yazoo City, Miss., and M. C. Strachan, of Jackson, Miss. A few of the leading white brethren were with us a portion of the time, and gave valuable instruction. May many hearts send up prayers in behalf of the work among the colored people in Jackson, Miss. We need a good church building at this place. Jackson should be made the center of this work in Mississippi, as it offers many advantages. It is the State capital, and a great railroad and educational center. Brother Strachan is now conducting a mission school here in the front room of his little home. A Sunday school of sixteen little folks meets there every Sunday at noon. The company of nine Sabbath keepers meet in the home of Brother Strachan every Sabbath. Pray for the work here.

A. BARRY, W. H. SEBASTIAN, M. C. STRACHAN.