AUSTELL (GA.) CAMP-MEETING.
By R. M. Kilgore
From the Mississippi camp-meeting we went to the Juniata (Ala.) camp-meeting, where we found Elders W. L. McNeely and W. L. Bird, and Prof. N. W. Lawrence, engaged in instructing a goodly number of colored people. The camp was located on the mission school grounds. This school is being conducted by Sister Nellie Patchen and C. E. Giles. The tent was filled every night with attentive listeners. We were glad to co-operate with these workers in behalf of this people, and are sure that our efforts were not in vain. Prof. B. E. Nicola came later, and remained till the close of the meeting, while Professors Tenney and Lawrence, Brother Harrison, and myself proceeded to the camp-meeting at Austell, Ga. The camp was located near the celebrated Lithia Springs, one mile from town. Here again, the attendance was small, both of our own people and of those in the town and surrounding country. There may be occasions when it is not possible to secure desirable grounds near the city or town fixed upon the meeting. Then let the committee seek another place where the people can be reached. We are sure that if the instructions given by the Spirit were heeded, we should find our camps near the mass of the people, and near those cities and towns where our camp-meetings have not been held year after year. One great object of these general gatherings is to reach those who have not had an opportunity to hear the message. Our brethren should not ask for these meetings to be held for their convenience. They should be willing to make a sacrifice of time, and to travel, for the sake of reaching those who have never heard the truth. Unless our brethren generally make a greater effort to attend these annual camp-meetings, which are held at so great an expenditure of time, labor, and money, they will meet with a great loss themselves, and will fail to keep pace with the closing work of the Third Angel’s Message. The good Spirit was present in power during this meeting, and greatly blessed both ministers and people. The organization of the Georgia Conference was effected. Elder C. A. Hall was elected president. The departments were provided with secretaries,578who we trust will make efficient and faithful workers. Although the membership of the Georgia Conference is small, and their tithe income is insufficient to support the laborers, yet, with the assurance given at the last General Conference that the deficit should be supplied, they enter upon their new life as a Conference, with courage and hope. May God bless these newly organized Conferences. Brethren, pray for our people in these States.