Northwestern Nebraska Camp-Meeting
By A. T. Robinson
A LOCAL camp-meeting, for the northwestern portion of the Nebraska Conference, was held at Hot Springs, S. D., June 23-30. The camp was located upon the Chautauqua grounds, about half a mile from the town. It is a small plot of ground, surrounded by an immense wall of rock, about one hundred feet high, with a small opening at either side, through which the railway and the carriage road pass. A beautiful stream of pure water runs close to the wall of rock, in a semicircle, one-half way around it. It is an ideal place to “come aside and rest a while” with the Lord. The meetings were held in a large building upon the grounds, erected for such purposes. There were about thirty family tents, in which were encamped one hundred and fifteen of our brethren and sisters. Many of these had driven long distances, some families using their covered wagons to live in during the meeting. Elder E. T. Russell, president of the Central Union Conference; Elder N. P. Nelson, president of the Southwestern Union Conference; and Elder L. A. Hoopes, of Union College, were present as public speakers, also several of the Nebraska Conference laborers. Elder Nelson, who for four years has been president of the conference, is closing his labors in this conference, preparatory to entering upon his work in the Southwestern Union Conference. His presence and labors at this meeting were greatly appreciated by all. The preaching, which was of a close, practical nature, was largely on the special message for our time. There was a very encouraging response on the part of the people. Several times during the meeting a large part of the congregation signified their purpose to renew their consecration to God, by uniting in special seasons of seeking the Lord. At the close of the Sabbath afternoon service, the ordinances of the Lord’s house were then celebrated. This was a season of refreshing, long to be remembered by all who were present. All the prominent features of our work were presented, special attention being given to the establishment of church schools throughout the Black Hills district. Definite steps were taken for the immediate co-operation of the conference with such churches as are ready to enter upon the work. At the close of a spirited canvassers’ meeting, thirteen persons pledged to devote the whole or some portion of their time to the sale of our literature. Personally, I enjoyed these days of association with these earnest, devoted people, and nothing seemed more refreshing than their simplicity and plainness. There was a fairly good attendance from the outside at all the public services.