The Lacrosse (Kansas) Camp Meeting
By C. Mc Reynolds
THIS meeting was appointed to be held at Russell, but on account of the breaking out of smallpox we were compelled to change the place of the meeting. It was finally held at Lacrosse, in Rush County. On account of the change of place the meeting began one day late, the first service being held Friday evening. The camp was mostly made up of our German people from the Otis church, which is about fourteen miles away. A few English-speaking brethren and sisters were also present. The farms being large, this portion of the State is thinly settled, mostly by German people. The meetings during the day were held in the German language, while the evening services were conducted in the English. Most of the townspeople understand English. The preaching was done in the German by Brethren Westphal, Harder, and Hanhardt, and in the English by Brethren Beeson and Norwood and the writer. From the first, there was a good interest from the outside to hear the message, and the tent was crowded almost every night. It was clear to us that the meeting should be continued, and Brethren Norwood, Bringle, and Hanhardt were left to continue the work. The day meetings were made occasions of special spiritual instruction, and the Spirit of the Lord took hold of hearts. Last Sabbath there was a work of conversion wrought that caused angels to rejoice. Quite a number sought the Lord for the first time, and fourteen were converted and baptized. The brethren were much strengthened and encouraged. At the close of the meeting Sabbath afternoon, Brother J. G. Hanhardt was set apart to the work of the ministry; the occasion was a precious one. Practical duties were dwelt upon much during the meeting; the subject of tithing was presented, and the work with “Christ’s Object Lessons” received special attention daily. N. P. Dixon conducted a class in the study of that book. Quite a large number of “Christ’s Object Lessons” have been ordered since the close of the meeting. In company with Brother Westphal, I spent Sunday, the 15th, with the church at Lehigh, holding two meetings, and on Monday visited the Hillsboro church. The Lord gave victory in these meetings, and the brethren and sisters were all encouraged to go forward. Some new recruits are coming into the canvassing work, and others are preparing to do so after they get the present crop harvested. Some who are successful farmers are preparing to enter the work. May the Lord stir many hearts to do likewise. The Spirit of God has told us that we should lay all our plans with reference to the coming of the Lord. We are thankful to see some who are realizing the importance of this instruction.