Virginia Camp-Meeting by H. W. Cottrell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D. C. · Sep 29, 1904

Virginia Camp-Meeting

By H. W. Cottrell

The twenty-first annual session of the Virginia Conference was held in connection with the camp-meeting at Stanleyton, August 5-14. The camp was situated in a convenient grove in the Luray Valley, which is adjacent to the historic Shenandoah Valley. The picturesque view afforded by the Blue Ridge Mountains made the location especially enjoyable to those who were not accustomed to such a variety of natural scenery.

The famous Luray Caverns were within a few miles of the camp. Their beautiful limestone formations far surpass the works of art, and are beyond human description.

The conference was well attended by our people from all parts of the State. Besides the workers in the conference, there were present, either all or a portion of the time, Elders A. G. Daniels and S. G. Huntington; Prof. F. Griggs; Miss Dickerson, editor of the Youth's Instructor, who labored especially for the young people; Brother F. E. Painter; and the writer.

As Elder Daniels could remain only the first few days, he was urged to occupy the time of as many of the public services during these days as his strength would permit. The labors of each of the workers were much appreciated by the people.

Although the camp was located in a country place, the outside attendance was excellent, the people coming from miles around. On the last Sunday there were at least one thousand persons in attendance, who gave close attention to the presentation of the testing truths of the message, and a deep impression was made on the minds of many.

Nine young people gave their hearts to the Lord and were baptized during the meeting. Our own people were much encouraged and strengthened. They are loyal to the truths of God's Word that make us a separate people.

The conference and the Tract Society Department are out of debt, which is a great encouragement to the brethren and sisters, who have for many years been struggling to get free from this monster, and they are now ready to engage in aggressive work in new fields.

Elder H. J. Farman, of the Vermont Conference, will soon begin work in Virginia, and will be quite an addition to their working force. If each worker keeps in close touch with the Source of all wisdom and strength, marked progress will be seen in the advancement of the truth during the present year.

Elder R. D. Hottel was re-elected president of the conference, and A. M. Neff, secretary. The other officers also remain about the same as before.

The conference employed a good canvassing agent, and they intend to do a stirring business in distributing the printed pages, thus adding another agency to their present methods of spreading the light of truth. All the people are of good courage.

H. W. COTTRELL.