Humboldt County, California
By Augustin J. Bourdeau
The third angel’s message is making steady progress in Humboldt County. There are over two hundred believers, many of whom have been led to accept the faith through the efforts of Elder C. M. Gardner, Brother A. S. Marchus and those associated with him. A new impetus has been given to the work there by the Eureka camp meeting, which was held from August 7 to 17. The camp was located at H and Seventeenth Streets, a different location from that of last year. The number of campers was about one hundred and fifty. By invitation of the California Conference Committee, Brethren A. T. Jones, E. J. Hibbard, and A. J. Bourdeau were present to assist in the work. From the first, the interest was excellent on the part of both believers and unbelievers. Most helpful and practical talks were given by Elders Jones and Hibbard upon practical Christianity, Christian singing, true health reform, how to study the Word, the reception of the Holy Spirit for service, Christian education, temperance, personal self-government an essential in the reorganization of our conferences and of the General Conference, and many other topics pertaining to the message. “Christ’s Object Lessons”
Due time was also given by all to the consideration of the great blessing to be found in circulating “Christ’s Object Lessons.” A number arose and told of their experiences in the work; and all listened with evident pleasure to the reading of over twenty excellent recommendations of the book, written by the leading pastors of California. When we called for those to arise who are determined to stay by this grand work until it is completed, every one in the large pavilion arose. The brethren and sisters in Humboldt County have shouldered their entire quota, fourteen hundred and eighty-two books, and are doing their utmost to dispose of them as rapidly as possible. The tract and missionary work was also presented, it being shown that our publications are to-day doing a far greater work than even the living preacher. An interest was awakened in our plan to have each church in this State secure as complete a library of Seventh-day Adventist literature as possible, and to circulate these books, pamphlets, papers, and tracts among those not of our faith. The most cultured and intelligent people of Eureka—lawyers, ministers, editors, school-teachers, etc.—came regularly to the meetings, and manifested a deep interest. Sunday afternoon, August 10, Elder Jones delivered a stirring address on the subject of Rome and the United States, taking his text from the daily newspapers. He showed how Rome is slowly but surely gaining control of this nation, of its press, of its leaders, and pointed out the only way of escape,—by joining the forces of the Lamb, and sharing in his victory. The audience sat spellbound, and at the close of the sermon the speaker was interviewed by a number of Eureka’s leading men, and requested to deliver another sermon just like it the following Sunday, as they desired to bring with them a large number of friends. Their request was complied with, and such was the interest Sunday afternoon, August 17, that it became necessary to complete the subject in the evening service. A liberal amount was collected after each of these services. In view of the deep interest shown in this particular phase of the truth, we telegraphed to Oakland for a good supply of “The Two Republics” and “Ecclesiastical Empire,” quite a number of which were sold. It was evident that the brethren and sisters had come to the camp meeting with but one idea in mind—that of receiving more of God’s blessing and Spirit to make them more efficient workers for him. It was also apparent that they believed in a thorough knowledge of present truth; for over one hundred and sixty dollars’ worth of publications were sold to them—over one dollar’s worth to each one. Counting the money received on the sale of “Christ’s Object Lessons,” on pledges, etc., nearly three hundred dollars was paid to the tract society secretary during the ten days spent there. This institution is located on the corner of I and Second Streets, only one block from the county courthouse. Dr. and Mrs. Dail, together with their assistants, are doing a good work in Eureka, and the institution is a financial success. A number of prominent citizens take regular treatment there, and are warm in their praises of the correct principles of treatment there followed. Among the needs mentioned at the camp meeting are a small branch sanitarium in Ferndale or some other suitable locality, a canning factory, and a food factory. The complete isolation of Humboldt County, there being no railroad communication with the southern portion of the State, really seems to demand the starting of such industries there. Sabbath, August 16, was a most blessed occasion indeed to all the campers. The Spirit of the Lord was there with power and healing and forgiveness for all present. The young gave their hearts to God, and many came forward for baptism, the ceremony taking place the following day. The tent rang with Spirit-filled, thankful testimonies from nearly all the campers. The meeting was a fitting climax to all the preceding excellent meetings. Following the camp meeting the large tent was removed to Ferndale about thirty-eight miles distant, and pitched on the main street of the town, near the Congregational church. Meetings began Friday evening, August 22, and are still in progress. The working force there consists of Elders C. M. Gardner and E. J. Hibbard, with Brother A. S. Marchus as tent master and assistant. After helping to pitch the tent in Ferndale, I met with the church at Arcata (Sabbath, August 23), and later on with some from the Dow’s Prairie church, and still later (August 27), with the Pepperwood church. The Lord was present at each place as we presented the blessedness connected with the old-time tract and missionary work. I believe that the third angel’s message is the greatest thing in the world, and I was never of better courage. AUGUSTIN J. BOURDEAU,
Secretary and Treasurer of California Tract Society.