THE OKLAHOMA CAMP-MEETING.
By R. C. Porter
This meeting was held, according to appointment, at Enid, a town in the strip that was opened eight years ago. It is a beautiful little city of about three thousand inhabitants, composed mostly of Northern people. The camp was located in a beautiful square where a public school building is soon to be erected. It was easy of access from the residence portion of the city, and the attendance was good. Some inconvenience was experienced in the preparation of the camp on account of the delay of freight. The tents, books, and other necessary supplies were shipped from Oklahoma City, via El Reno Junction. On account of the recent opening, and the heavy exports of wheat, there was a perfect blockade of freight. In spite of all efforts that could be made, the children's tent and about half a dozen family tents were all that could be obtained for the first two days of the meeting. It was refreshing to see with what good cheer women slept out of doors on the ground, praising the Lord for the privilege of attending a camp-meeting under such favorable circumstances. About 5 P. M. on Friday the first shipment of tents (minus the poles) reached the grounds. Within two and one-half hours the large pavilion was up and seated, and the cotton city was in readiness to welcome the Sabbath with a praise service. There were about six hundred camped upon the grounds. Most of the campers came with teams. The long, dusty, fatiguing journey, with so many changes of water, caused sickness in the encampment, and the Drs. Paulson, with their faithful nurses, were kept busy every day, and sometimes at night, answering calls for relief. They even went sixteen miles into the country to answer an urgent call. Through it all there was no serious illness, and best of all, no murmuring. Dr. Paulson's lectures on the principles of physical righteousness, and both physical and spiritual preparation for the coming of Christ, were favorably received both by citizens and by those encamped. Sister Paulson's women's meeting, in which she gave lessons on hygiene in the home, simple treatments, and healthful dress, were highly appreciated. Professors Lewis and Giddings and Elder Spicer labored effectively in the interests of the Sabbath-school, the educational work, and the young people's work. Five church schools will be started, and about a dozen students will attend Keene Academy. Brethren Philips and Nordyke, assisted by Elder Rees, did excellent work with the canvassers, thirty-six of whom will go into the field to carry the message to the people. Brother Caviness, the district auditor, was on the grounds. He is doing efficient work in his line. Elders Shultz and Westphal were in attendance from abroad to labor for the Germans; and Elders McReynolds, Rees, and Parmele, and the writer associated with the previously mentioned laborers, together with the Conference laborers, in the general interests of the work. Eight churches were received into the Conference. Six of these were largely composed of Sabbath-keepers who had recently come from Kansas and other States. The book sales for the past year amounted to about ten thousand dollars. Collections upon the ground were as follows: For camp-meeting fund, $182.58; for charity fund, $29.63; foreign missions, $159.29. The campers were about equally divided between the German and the English, and one spirit characterized the work of all. The revival work was deep and spiritual, resulting in the baptism of thirty-nine candidates. Elder U. Dake was ordained to the gospel ministry. There was more personal work done in this meeting than I have usually seen, and the fruit was excellent. Elder Spicer's labors in this work were very much blessed to the salvation of souls. A deep interest was taken in plans to sell “Christ's Object Lessons.” Elder G. G. Rupert was elected president of the Conference, and some other changes were made in the officers. On the whole, the meeting was one of the most spiritual I have ever enjoyed. The interest in the city was such that it was thought best to arrange for a few weeks' services. May much fruit result from the labor of the coming year in this new field.