FLORIDA CAMP-MEETING by R. M. Kilgore

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Dec 17, 1901

FLORIDA CAMP-MEETING.

By R. M. Kilgore

THERE was not a large attendance of our people at the Ft. Ogden camp-meeting, although there were more than attended the meeting at Orlando the week before. At the latter place the meetings were continued by Elder A. C. Bird and Brother C. P. Whitford, and are still in progress. Ft. Ogden is in the lower part of the State. Here the session of the Conference was held. It was a profitable occasion, and all who were present returned to their homes strengthened and encouraged. The outside attendance called for a larger room, and a tent of sufficient size to seat the people was erected. The plain, simple word spoken affected hearts, and we expect fruit. Here a church will soon be organized, and their new meeting-house will be dedicated.

Prof. J. E. Tenney, Elder Irving Keck, and the writer shared in the public labors. Professor Tenney also conducted the meetings for the young people. His talks on Christian education were highly appreciated by both old and young. Sister C. B. Stephenson and others labored for the children.

Elder George I. Butler was elected president of the Conference. He was present the latter part of the meeting, and spoke to us. In accepting the position which had been imposed on him in his absence, he was blessed. With faith and courage, he engages in the work in Florida, seeking to build it up, as he did the work in other States in former years. His health is good, his faith in the truths of the Third Angel's Message was never stronger, nor was he ever more confident in their speedy, final triumph. He says that he is on the “home stretch” in this work, and that he is able, if necessary, to put in several years of good, active service, and expects now to devote himself wholly to the work of the Master. The brethren in Florida congratulate themselves that they are so favored as to have one whose long experience so fully qualifies him to act as their leader. If they will all unite with him in the same spirit with which he is taking hold of the work, we are confident that God will bless this Conference, and cause it to become a power for good.

Florida has suffered by the several hard freezes which have cut off the orange crops for some years. This has so paralyzed the canvassing and tract society work, and crippled the Conference financially, that but few ministers could be kept in the field. Debts have accumulated, rather than church-members and their tithes. But Florida will not repudiate her debts. Those having claims may rest assured that they will receive what is their due.

But few other changes in officials were made. The Conference meetings were harmonious and spiritual, all present taking part in the deliberations. The Lord was present in all the meetings.

This closes the camp-meetings in the Southern Union Conference for the year 1901, and we know the blessing and power of God have been with us at every place, for which we praise His holy name.

R. M. KILGORE.