THE WISCONSIN CAMP-MEETING.
By A. J. Breed
This meeting was held in Eau Claire, June 5-17. The grounds were all that could be desired. A beautiful carpet of grass covered the ground, which was watered several times during the camp-meeting by gentle showers, which were much needed in this part of the State. The meeting was not so large as other annual meetings have been, on account of its being held in the northwestern part of the State. The object in holding it in this part of the State was to build up the work in what is practically a new field. The attention of the Conference has been turned in this direction, and several new churches have been raised up. The efforts of the laborers have been rewarded in going among a people who are hungry for the truth. There has been a good degree of prosperity attending the work of the Conference for some time, especially is this true of the year just closed. One item of special interest is the educational work. The Woodland Academy has been erected; a school has been maintained; and from the number of students who were present, and the interest manifested by them, it is evident that the school has done a good work. The business passed off very pleasantly. There was seen in all the meetings a desire upon the part of all to say and do only that which was for the good of the work and the benefit of those present. Meetings were held also each day with the Scandinavians and Germans. The work among the Scandinavians has been moving forward, and several young men have been added to the laboring force. There seems to have been more growth among them than among the English-speaking people. The German work needs more laborers. At present they have only one ordained minister. Plans were laid to circulate more literature among those speaking the German language, of whom there are many in the State. The Scandinavians asked to have a colporteur wagon placed in the field, to visit the many settlements where the Scandinavian languages are spoken. There is a spirit among the people to go forward. The work of the Conference is increasing; and because of failing health, Elder Covert was relieved of the burdens he has carried for a number of years541and Elder H. S. Shreve was chosen to the presidency of the Conference. The work will be carried into new fields as far as the Conference is able during the coming season. The interest in the city was good. House-to-house labor will be continued. Workers had been here for some time before the meeting, and several persons had become interested, and attended the meetings. One thing of special interest to the citizens was the food and the way it was served. It was strictly hygienic, and was served on the European plan. Five young men were ordained to the work of the gospel ministry: two English, two Scandinavians, and one German. This will add another German laborer, which will be a great help to their work. Three new churches were admitted to the Conference. The finances have kept up well. Although several thousand dollars has been expended in the building of Woodland Academy, the Conference voted to give Battle Creek College five hundred dollars, the Foreign Mission Board five hundred; and, if their funds continue to keep up as they hope, they will give the General Conference five hundred. I have never attended any meeting where committees were more careful and thoughtful in their work. There was a good spirit present at all times. And thus the meeting closed, and the brethren and sisters returned to their homes rejoicing in the love of the truth, ready to take up life's duties anew, having gained many victories over besetting sins. Elder J. A. Johnson, Professors Boettcher, Magan, and Sutherland, Dr. Holden, and the writer were present. I am not able to state the number who were baptized, having been obliged to leave the meeting before it closed, in order to reach the meeting in Ontario. This was the first of the camp-meetings of this season in District 3; and we hope to see the deep movings of the Spirit of God continued among the people in the other meetings that are to be held.