The Iowa Camp-Meeting by George Ide Butler

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 24, 1873

The Iowa Camp-Meeting.

By George Ide Butler

This meeting convened according to appointment, June 5-9. The friends of the cause manifested a commendable spirit generally in getting upon the ground promptly. Wednesday evening, the day previous to the commencement of the meeting, as team after team came in and the old friends of the cause greeted each other after a year's separation, the mind was brought forcibly to the grand reunion which will take place when saints of all ages shall gather from every land and every clime. It was pleasant indeed thus to meet on earth. How much more pleasant it will be to meet in Heaven. Here, we had the privilege of a few days' communion. There, endless ages of union and love will be ours, if faithful.

Our meeting being at the extreme eastern part of the Conference, and nearly in the south-eastern corner, was hardly as large as last year. Yet the cause was well represented. Nearly all the churches sent delegations. Over twenty family and church tents were up, besides the two large congregation tents which were also used to accommodate those who had brought none of their own. All these were filled fuller than usual. One tent was present from Illinois. When our large meeting began, there was a great scarcity of ministerial labor—not a minister from any other Conference, and nearly all those in Iowa had been but recently set apart to the work of the ministry. But Bro. and sister White came Friday, and commenced to labor at the beginning of the Sabbath. We were all much rejoiced at their presence among us, though pained at the feebleness of Bro. White. Their labors among us were highly appreciated by the friends of the cause. Bro. White gave four discourses, and sister White, five.

On Sunday there was quite a large assemblage, numbering, it was thought, from fifteen hundred to two thousand. A special train came down from Sigourney with several car loads, and no doubt there would have been a far larger gathering had not the weather been very threatening. Good order was manifested on the ground all through the meetings.

Our social meetings were deeply interesting. From the first, there was manifested a spirit to work, and it was difficult for all to find time to speak. The Spirit of the Lord seemed to be specially present, and many hearts were melted in tenderness before the Lord. A goodly number came forward for prayers on the Sabbath; also, on Monday. Twenty five were baptized. Our meetings continued all through Monday, and broke up with a good farewell meeting Tuesday morning. The business meetings were characterized by a spirit of union. In fact, there was not a jar or disturbing element seen all through, from beginning to close, in any part of our meeting. The friends of the cause in Iowa seem to be united, heart and soul, in the work of the Lord. Both tents, already owned by the Conference, will be run the present season; and an appeal will be made to the friends of the cause to purchase a new forty-foot tent for Western Iowa and Nebraska, also, the present season. The cause is certainly onward in this Conference.

When the wants of the cause were presented to the people, there was a most encouraging response. Nearly five thousand dollars were pledged for the proposed school, and between five hundred and one thousand paid in. I never saw a subscription paper start out when there was such a readiness to take hold. Nearly all seemed ready to put their names down without urging. Our friends feel determined to have a school. We shall have it; for God's work demands it. If our friends in other States will rally to the work as Iowa has rallied, there will be no question about funds being provided.

On the whole, our camp-meeting has been most encouraging. Bro. Benn Auten was selected as one to represent Iowa at Battle Creek by the Conference, which selection we feel sure is a wise one. Iowa intends to do her part in bearing the burdens of this cause. We shall long remember the meeting just past. Its memory will be a pleasant one.

GEO. I. BUTLER.

Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, June 13, 1873.