The St. Peter (Minnesota) Camp Meeting
By H. S. Shaw
THIS meeting was held September 23-28, according to appointment, in a beautiful park in the central part of the city. About forty tents were pitched, including the three meeting tents; and about two hundred persons camped on the ground. Public meetings were held three times each day in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages. Nearly all the Minnesota laborers were present, besides Elders Allee, Dirksen, and L. Johnson. The preaching was pointed, and the old-time ring sounded in the ears of the multitude. Those who already knew were reminded, and those who knew not were made to see, that we are living in the solemn hour of God's judgment, and that his law demands obedience, and that there is but little time left in which to quit the courts of Babylon and flee the wrath to come. Christ, man's only hope, was held up before them, and hearts were melted to tears. The needs of the fields beyond were placed before our people in a forcible manner by Brother Flaiz, and more than thirty persons placed themselves on the altar, to carry the message when and wherever the Lord may call. Others said that they would farm for the Lord, and help support the cause. Fathers and mothers placed their sons and daughters on the altar, and God testified to his willingness to receive the gift. This greatly impressed the people of the city, who said, “You are a peculiar people. Our preachers do not feed us like this. We have not seen a meeting like this in our church.” Well, brethren, this is as it should be. It is time for the people to see that God's people have a message for the world, which cannot be found in their churches; and we are only sorry that so few of our people in southern Minnesota were present to enjoy the meeting with us. The donation to foreign missions in cash and pledges amounted to $605, and for home work, $68. The membership of the Sabbath school was 190. The donation amounted to $12.50. Brethren Stebbins, Bernstein, Stone, Anderson, and Sister Nichols remain to follow up the interest. May the Lord prosper these servants with his own blessing. Our prayers are with them that the people of St. Peter may learn the truth which the Lord has for them in this closing time. Four persons were baptized during the meeting.