Southern California by John Norton Loughborough

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

Southern California

By John Norton Loughborough

It was my privilege to attend the camp meeting and conference of southern California, held in Los Angeles, from September 12 to 21. This was the largest gathering of Seventh-day Adventists ever convened in that part of the State. On the last Sabbath of the meeting there were over eight hundred of our people on the grounds. One remarkable feature of this camp meeting was that the workers for the meeting, and (with few exceptions) the campers, were on the grounds for the opening meeting, and remained to the last meeting.

Brother and Sister White and Brother A. T. Jones were the principal speakers who were not of the Southern California Conference laborers. The meetings were harmonious throughout, and the presence of God was with us, impressing upon hearts the important truths presented. The business of the conference all passed off with dispatch, and with no dissent to the various measures considered. It was evident that all looked upon the various interests presented as branches of equal importance to the one great cause of present truth.

The report of standing showed an increase in membership of one seventh in the conference, and the tithe doubled this first year of the organization of this new conference. Heartfelt gratitude to God was expressed, not only for this, but also for the providence of God in the opening for a conference school at Fernando—about twenty miles from Los Angeles—as also for openings for health-work enterprises in San Diego, Pasadena, etc. On the evening of the 21st, Brethren Hare and Knight were ordained to the gospel ministry, as voted by the conference. The business report of the secretary will show other business items considered. This camp meeting was a glorious occasion. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.