Western New York Camp-Meeting by W. B. White

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 27, 1910

Western New York Camp-Meeting

By W. B. White

THIS meeting was held in Rochester, September 9-19, and was attended by about two hundred fifty of the brethren and sisters of the Western New York Conference. It was called a camp-meeting, and was the annual gathering of the conference, though all the people occupied rooms in the homes of the citizens, and the meetings were held in the commodious church, purchased from the Baptists last fall, on Brunson Avenue.

As the meeting came so late in the season, it was thought best not to pitch tents, but to live with the people, and if possible bring them with us to the meeting. In this way many of the citizens attended the services, and seemed to be much interested in the word spoken. The church building furnished an excellent place for this gathering, providing vestries, committee-rooms, baptistery, and other conveniences. A dining-tent was pitched at the side of the church, where meals were served to all who desired them, and a room in the church building made an excellent place for a book-store.

The spiritual interest of the meeting was good, and all present seemed hungry for a better experience, and for a closer walk with God. On both Sabbaths, calls were made for those who felt that their lives were drifting from God to make a reconsecration of themselves to him, and many renewed their covenant with their Saviour. Several were baptized at the close of the meeting. All present seemed greatly encouraged and strengthened.

The tithe of this conference a year ago was $7,464.69, while this year it was $9,702.05—a gain of $2,237.36. This we regard as a good increase. About $1,100 was raised during the meeting in cash and pledges for different enterprises, such as the $300,000 Fund, Rochester church building, and expenses of the meeting. Forty sets of Sister White’s books were sold to our people, who took them to their homes to loan among their neighbors and friends. The “Ministry of Healing” campaign was definitely launched, and sixty-three copies of the book were taken by our people to sell to assist the medical missionary work. No conference business was done at this gathering, the next annual conference being held next winter.

In many ways the Lord is blessing the work in Western New York, and faith and courage are in the hearts of the people. W. B. WHITE.