CAROLINA CAMP-MEETING by R. M. Kilgore

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

CAROLINA CAMP-MEETING.

By R. M. Kilgore

The camp was near the center of the city of Hickory, N. C., on two different lots, separated by a street. It was wiser to choose this location than to seek one outside the city in order that a better arrangement of the camp might be secured. The object is to reach the people. Here we were greeted with the largest crowds we have had this season. The laborers were Prof. J. E. Tenney, Elder J. E. White, Dr. O. M. Hayward, and the writer, with all the local workers. The Lord was present in power, and wrought marvelously.

Existing conditions among some of the workers there had caused us to tremble, and dread to meet them for weeks prior to the meeting. But the Lord had gone before us; the reproof sent in love was accepted, the wrongs pointed out were fully and humbly confessed, and hearts that had been separated were united in bonds of love. Light, joy, and peace came into the camp. The work was great, but it was easily done. The Lord did it. The preaching was with power, many were convicted, and souls were converted.

Here, also, the brethren were ready and willing to take upon themselves the responsibilities of carrying on the work within the borders of these two States. They entered upon the work of organizing a Conference with faith and confidence that it was in the order of God. Elder J. O. Johnston was chosen President, and Elder D. T. Shireman was placed second on the Executive Committee. The different departments were arranged for in the constitution, and efficient secretaries were elected to take the lead in each.

As the needs of the different branches of the work were presented, the few who were present responded cheerfully. Between four and five hundred dollars was raised in cash and pledges, for both the home and the foreign work. It brought to mind the early days of the message when its friends numbered no more than those present at this meeting.

Charlotte, N. C., was selected for the headquarters of this Conference. No work had been done in that city, and the decision to make it a center was the proper one. Its railroad facilities, and its central position for the two Carolinas render that city a most important point for the offices of this Conference.

Resolutions affecting the Hildebran School were adopted, making it an intermediate, or preparatory, school. The Southern Missionary Society having taken this school under its supervision, it will now be operated and directed by a board of five, Elder Shireman being president, and Elder J. E. White, President of the Southern Missionary Society, second on the board. Several students will attend the Southern training-school at Graysville, Tenn., the coming year, after which they will return to labor in their home field.

This was a good meeting. All the brethren were invited to remain and assist in the after-meetings, with a good corps of workers. The prospect was good, for many were interested. R. M. KILGORE.