The Camp-Meeting for the Chesapeake Conference and the District of Columbia
By K. C. Russell
THIS meeting was held in Brightwood, near Takoma Park, September 11-16. The ground was a large field covered with a beautiful carpet of green, only a few minutes' walk from any part of Takoma Park, and near two street-car lines. It was somewhat of an experiment, for this is the first camp-meeting that has been held here since the establishment of our work in the national headquarters. The meeting was free from conference business, so the time was devoted exclusively to the study of the third angel's message and to the spiritual interests of the people. There was a good representation of our people from the Chesapeake Conference, and also a good attendance of our members from Washington. The evening services were well attended by citizens of Takoma Park and its vicinity. A deep interest was manifested in the truths presented, and regrets were expressed, not only by our own people, but by those from outside, that the meetings were not to be continued longer. Elders Daniells and Spicer took a leading part in the preaching during the meeting, and the Lord added his blessing to the timely messages which they bore in the demonstration of the Spirit's power. Sabbath, September 15, was a remarkable day for the cause of God in this part of the field. When the time arrived for the forenoon service, a large congregation, most earnest seekers for a deeper work of grace in their hearts, had assembled. Elder W. A. Spicer delivered a spiritual sermon, after which an appeal was made for all those who had been convicted of sin, and over one hundred responded to the call, including those who came for the first time, and others who had backslidden. There were many heartfelt confessions made, signifying plainly that the work which was being wrought was not a superficial one. It is to be regretted that the meeting could not have been continued longer, and thus afforded opportunity for those who made a start for the first time and those who were reclaimed, to become more firm in the principles of the gospel before separating to go to their homes to battle with the trials and perplexities of life. There will be great need of vigilance on the part of those who took their stand at this time. Let the leaders of churches, parents, and all, realize the importance of what it means to be their “brother's keeper.” In addition to the laborers already mentioned who had a part in the meeting, there were in attendance, Elder Morris Lukens and Prof. B. G. Wilkinson, who had the arrangement of the meetings, also Elders J. F. Jones, V. H. Lucas, and J. A. Traugh. Elder W. J. Fitzgerald, of Philadelphia, was with us for one day, and rendered very efficient service in the meeting. A sermon which he preached will not soon be forgotten, in which he gave a warning against Seventh-day Adventists' following in the footsteps of other religious denominations in becoming self-satisfied and trusting to their past experience, instead of being aggressive and unsatisfied with their present attainments. His position was well supported by abundant Scripture texts. Sunday afternoon, the last day of the meeting, twelve souls were baptized in the baptistery of the Memorial church in Washington. The Lord willing, we trust that next season we may have another meeting that will excel, if possible, this meeting, in spiritual blessings and power. K. C. RUSSELL.