p. 17 | Oklahoma Camp-Meeting by N. P. Nelson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Sep 22, 1904

Oklahoma Camp-Meeting

By N. P. Nelson

The Oklahoma camp-meeting was held, according to appointment, in a beautiful park in the suburbs of Guthrie. The weather was pleasant, and the attendance was the largest in the history of the conference. Some of the brethren came over two hundred miles by team to be at the meeting. There were eleven hundred persons encamped on the ground, in one hundred and forty-five tents and seventy-five wagons.

Elder I. H. Evans was with us during the first of the meeting, and rendered valuable help. Elder J. H. Morrison was with us all through the meeting, and his counsel and instruction was much appreciated by all. Elder W. H. Anderson, of the Matabele Mission, gave several interesting talks, and the liberal donation which he received for that field bespoke the interest in that work. The brethren also responded to the appeal made by Elder Leppie for the work in Brazil, and, further, the Oklahoma Conference recommended that a German laborer be sent to that field and supported out of the tithe of the Oklahoma Conference; the same worker to remain in the field as long as his labor is needed there.

Elder Evans did not forget the Washington work, and although many of the brethren had already donated for that purpose, $197.40 was raised in cash and pledges. Elder Sharp spoke of the Huntsville school for colored youth, and $311.15 was raised for that purpose. The needs of the colored people in Arkansas and eastern Texas were also brought before the brethren, and a response of $125 was made. The ten-cent-a-week plan was brought up both Sabbaths, and a donation of $29.76 was the result. A deep interest was taken in the educational work, and $175 was raised to assist needy students in getting an education in the Keene Academy. All this goes to show that the Oklahoma brethren have a deep interest in the promulgation of the third angel's message.

The praise services were very spiritual. During the eleven o'clock meeting of the last Sabbath, more than fifty came forward for special prayer. Many came for the first time, some throwing away their tobacco and making a complete surrender. It was one of the best meetings I have ever attended. The Spirit of God came in with great power. It was very touching to see gray-haired men come forward and bow down and plead with God for deliverance, and to see fathers and mothers bring their children to the front. Great solemnity rested upon the whole congregation. O how willing the Lord is to give us his Holy Spirit when we are willing to give up all, and let him lead us! It was a solemn scene on Sunday to see fifty-two souls follow their Lord in baptism.

Oklahoma is a growing conference. Two more young men were ordained to the gospel ministry. The conference sends out fifteen ordained ministers, ten licentiates, and thirteen missionary licentiates.

The conference was divided into five districts, and a superintendent placed in charge of each. So the work as a whole is well organized. Elder G. F. Haffner was re-elected president for the coming year. Altogether, it was a very prosperous meeting, and our brethren went home full of hope and courage. May the Lord work mightily for Oklahoma the coming year. N. P. NELSON.