GENERAL CAMP-MEETINGS IN DISTRICT 6.
By George A. Irwin
The first of these meetings was held in the North Pacific Conference, at Portland, Ore., May 17-27. Elder and Mrs. Haskell and my wife and I arrived the day before the meeting began, and were taken by Elder H. W. Decker to the Portland Sanitarium, where we met several former friends and acquaintances, through whose kindness and attention we enjoyed a day and a night of much-needed rest and quiet. The forenoon of the 17th we took up our abode upon the camp-ground, which was in the suburbs of the city, on a street-car line running out to St. Johns. The grounds had formerly been platted in blocks, with graded streets, for an addition to the city, which made it very convenient for the camp and campers. The number of our people encamped on the grounds exceeded that of any former meeting. There was a good attendance at the opening meeting, and a good spirit seemed to prevail. Elder W. T. Knox, the director of the District, arrived the second day of the meeting, and at once entered into active labor. The preaching and instruction of the day-meetings were quite largely conducted by Elders Haskell and Knox, and the writer. Mrs. Irwin and Mrs. Haskell held several meetings with the sisters, in the interests of the Woman's Work. The evening services were principally carried by the ministry of the Conference. The outside attendance and interest were not large, but perhaps as much as could be expected, in view of the fact that camp-meetings have been held in the city several times prior to this season. Elder H. Shultz was in attendance, in the interests of the German work, and Elder Lewis Johnson, in the interests of the Scandinavian. Brother C. H. Jones, of the Pacific Press, was in attendance a few days in the interests of the canvassing work and the Signs of the Times. Drs. J. H. Kellogg and David Paulson, having come to Portland in the interests of the Portland Sanitarium, were also present, and spoke once or twice. During their stay, the work in this institution was reorganized, and steps were taken toward its permanent incorporation. Dr. W. R. Simmons is in charge of the institution. The patronage is461good, and the prospects for the future are encouraging. Brother and Sister Tyszkiewicz, who have been connected with this work from its very beginning, and who, along with Sister Gotzian, have contributed largely to its financial support, left the last Sabbath of the meeting for a trip to Cape Nome, taking with them a large supply of health foods. They were accompanied with the prayers and best wishes of their friends, that God might bless in this missionary effort. A number of enterprises were presented during the time of the meeting, which called for funds. These met with a fairly liberal response. Several hundred dollars was raised by the Conference to pay for tents that they had purchased. I failed to get the exact amount of the different contributions, but in the whole they amounted to several hundred dollars. The presentation of the plan for the liquidation of our school debts through the sale of Sister White's book on the parables of Jesus, resulted in the sale of over five hundred books, besides creating a general interest to assist in its further sale when the book is ready for delivery. The reports from the various branches of the Conference showed a healthy increase. Eight new churches were admitted into the Conference, with an aggregate membership of one hundred thirty-eight. Besides this, several companies were reported as being ready for organization. Two churches were disbanded. The officers of the Conference were unanimously re-elected. A report of the treasurer showed quite a surplus in the treasury, after having settled with all their laborers, at a liberal allowance. The meeting was not characterized by any excitement, or any special movings of the Spirit at any one time. The instruction was of that nature which would build the brethren up in the most holy faith, and fortify them against the delusions and snares of the enemy. Quite a number renewed their covenant vows to the Lord, and some for the first time accepted Christ as their Saviour. Elder Knox and I were compelled to leave the meeting before the close, in order that we might be present at the opening of the Upper Columbia Conference; but Elder Haskell remained till the close of the meeting, and was assisted in the services by Elder J. H. Durland, who arrived a little after the middle of the meeting. Brother H. J. Schnapper was ordained to the gospel ministry, and will labor among the Germans. It was reported that the meetings closed with a good Spirit, and that all returned to their homes full of courage, and with a determination to be more faithful in the discharge of their duties and more earnest in the promulgation of the truth in the future. GEO. A. IRWIN.