East Michigan Camp-Meeting
The East Michigan camp-meeting was held at Flint, September 15-25. Their annual conference was associated with this gathering. As a general council was held at College View, Neb., on the same date as this meeting, the General Conference could not furnish much help for the occasion. Practical phases of the message were dwelt upon during the day services. The doctrinal features of truth were given to the people in the evenings. Many expressions were heard relative to the unusual freedom which the Lord granted to the speakers as they presented the Word. The number of campers was not great, but the attendance at the meetings of those who were in the camp was most excellent. On the last Sabbath of the convocation, probably three fourths of the people in the camp expressed by a rising vote their entire consecration to the cause of God. The call was made to include themselves, their influence, their property, and a constant endeavor to advance the Lord’s cause in the earth wherever and whenever Providence opens the way. Sixteen persons were baptized, and other candidates were examined for baptism who decided to receive the ordinance after returning to their homes. Elder J. D. Gowell, who served as president of the Michigan Conference for several years before it was divided, and who had filled the office of president for the East Michigan Conference ever since its division two years ago, asked that his name be not considered for office by the committee on nominations. This request was respected, and Elder E. K. Slade was elected to the presidency of the conference. Prof. J. G. Lamson obtained the consent of the West Michigan Conference to be transferred to the East Michigan Conference. Accordingly the transfer was made, and Professor Lamson was made a member of the East Michigan Conference Committee, and their conference superintendent of schools. Funds to the amount of several hundred dollars were provided for an intermediate school. It is the purpose of the conference to open this school in November of this year. A commendable move was made looking toward broader plans and increased facilities for Bible work in the cities. Brother O. F. Butcher was ordained to the gospel ministry at the closing service, Sabbath, September 24. Thus another strong young man was welcomed into the ministerial ranks. As the time for this annual gathering was drawing near to its close, many expressions of confidence, relative to success in the Lord’s work, could be heard. May these fond hopes be fully realized soon.