Watertown (South Dakota) Camp Meeting
By S. H. Lane
This meeting was held according to appointment, June 17-23, and was especially for the accommodation of the brethren and sisters who live in the central and northern parts of the State. It was well attended, there being sixty-six tents pitched on the grounds and about three hundred persons in the camp. It was evident that those in attendance came for the purpose of seeking the Lord. From the first, the social meetings were good, and scarcely a moment passed but what from one to five, and often more, were standing, waiting patiently to praise the Lord for the pardon of sin and for his keeping power. The outside attendance was large, and would have been larger but for the cold nights. We had several quite heavy frosts. The many who came were seemingly interested, and listened with marked attention. The Sabbath meetings were of a nature to be long remembered. At the close of the forenoon meeting nearly one hundred came forward to seek a fuller consecration to the Lord and his truth. Quite a number made a start in the Christian life for the first time, and have had a bright experience. Thirty-one were baptized. The scene at the banks of the clear stream was a solemn one. Hundreds witnessed the baptism, and manifested a reverence which was truly commendable. Among those who were baptized was a sister who has been observing the Sabbath but a few months. She moved into some rooms vacated by a family who left behind them a few books, among which was a copy of “Christ’s Object Lessons.” As she read on the explanation of the parables she had studied at home and at Sunday school, it awakened in her an earnest desire to learn more of the truth. Later she met one of our missionary workers, and is now rejoicing in the truth. The entire meeting was devoted to practical work, teaching the truth and answering many questions and explaining many things which were perplexing to the minds of the inquirers. Several hundred dollars was raised in cash and pledges for the Missionary Acre Fund and the Southern work, mostly for the former. Dr. George, of the Nebraska Sanitarium, was present, and instructed the people in the health principles. He also took an active part in every line of work. The educational work was ably set forth by Elder Hoopes, of Union College. The last meeting, in which the farewells were said, was a precious season, and all departed feeling that they had been benefited spiritually. Thus closed one of the best camp meetings ever held in South Dakota. The conference president and his laborers are united in their efforts, and the work in the conference is prospering. They are determined to do all they can to diffuse a knowledge of the truth in the many towns where it has never been carried. The prospects for crops in the State are good, and the canvassers are disposing of many books. The people are liberal in aiding the Lord’s cause, and the good work must prosper in the future. The establishment of an intermediate school seems an assured fact. S. H. LANE.