p. 47 | VIRGINIA GROVE MEETING by E. B. Lane; E. S. Lane

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 3, 1876

VIRGINIA GROVE MEETING.

By E. B. Lane; E. S. Lane

From a thriving farming region, about thirteen miles north-west of New Market, we received an invitation to come and hold a grove meeting. We went, in company with Bro. Geo. Woods, and held our first meeting Sabbath evening. On reaching the ground our minds were impressed with the feelings and solemnities of a camp-meeting. In a beautiful grove, in front of a nicely built, commodious preacher’s stand, extended long rows of seats, while back of these seats, and on the right and left of them, were three altars for lighting the ground, and at their base an ample supply of choice pine knots for that purpose. As night set in the grounds were so well lighted that the faces of the large audience were plainly visible.

Our first discourse was on the soon return of our dear Lord, the people listening with marked attention. The next morning, which was Sunday, at an early hour about one hundred assembled for a prayer and conference meeting. This was followed by a discourse from Mrs. Lane, before several hundred people. We also had discourses in the afternoon and evening with a proportionate attendance.

We were earnestly solicited to continue the meetings during the week. People came for miles and heard the truth for the first time. One man of wealth and influence, in another locality, urged us to have a similar meeting on his farm, offering to seat and prepare a grove, and make his house a home for all who would come to labor, and to continue the meeting as long as we might think proper. He also assured us there would be a large audience.

We had never visited these parts before, and little expected to find what we saw; for the grove had been prepared for that meeting. It seemed to us that we had attended a camp-meeting; and we felt that a camp-meeting in this State would prove a success. We have consulted others, and all are of the opinion, that a large camp-meeting could be held here this fall, and we have brethren able and willing to take hold of it. With some faith and hope that we might have one, I have purchased a thirty-foot circular tent, which has been used one season, for that purpose. We would rejoice to have our dear Bro. and Sr. White attend such a meeting; but if they could not, we would be glad if some other competent person could be sent by the General Conference Committee. In the meantime, we pray and trust that God will direct all things to his honor and glory.

E. B. & E. S. LANE.

New Market, Shenandoah Co., Va.