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THE TEXAS MEETING

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Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Aug 29, 1878

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 52, No. 10.

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THE TEXAS MEETING.

By R. M. Kilgore

Rockwall, Aug. 8-13.
Though it was announced that this would be a general meeting, it took the form of a camp-meeting. We had previously erected an arbor on the south side of the large 28x70-foot tent, which served to protect from the scorching rays of the sun. This was well filled with campers; others camped in their wagons, while a few were provided with tents. In this respect this meeting was an experiment. Those who attended now see and realize what they need at future camp-meetings to protect them from rain storms and the heat of the sun.
Tuesday evening the brethren from Cleburne arrived, those from Dallas came Wednesday, while those from Peoria and Terrell did not arrive till Thursday, and some did not come till just before the Sabbath. We think those who came so late lost a blessing by not being present to share in the first meetings.
Those who attended this meeting showed commendable zeal, many of them coming from eighty to one hundred miles. Some left sick friends at home in the care of others; some were afflicted themselves; and still others were warned by their pretended friends not to attend the meeting, as they would surely be sick should they do so. Many of our brethren in different parts of the field were kept away on account of sickness, and for other causes. Notwithstanding, the attendance was greater by far than we expected. Between one hundred and twenty-five and one hundred and fifty Sabbath-keepers were assembled. At our Sabbath-morning five-o’clock prayer-meeting over a hundred Sabbath-keepers were counted.
For more than two weeks previous to the meeting I had been prostrated with the bilious fever, which was not broken till Monday, Aug. 5; yet I was enabled, by the blessing of God, to attend all the meetings but two or three. Bro. Caldwell, who had labored excessively previous to the meeting, was taken sick Sabbath evening, and was not able to be at his post until the closing meeting.
Although the ministers were so weak physically, and their labors were so inefficient, the meeting proved to be a success. The brethren all took hold with a will to build each other up, and to gain all the strength possible for themselves, and the Lord manifested his power and willingness to bless. Each meeting seemed to grow better. The searching Spirit of God was present in the prayer and social meetings. Perfect freedom on the part of brethren and sisters was manifested; frequently three and four were on their feet at the same time, waiting to say a word for Jesus. I tried to close one of these meetings on time but was utterly unable for thirty minutes.
And what makes this most wonderful is the fact that so large a majority of these workers have embraced the truth within a year. It was the universal testimony that this was the best meeting they ever attended. One old gentleman who came eighty miles said, “I have lived eighty years; and I have attended many camp and other meetings, but I never saw such a meeting as this.”
The bitter prejudice on the part of so many in the community, was in vain, and the untiring efforts of the ministers to keep the people away, were a failure. The outside attendance was better than we had reason to hope. When we called for those who desired an interest in the prayers of the servants of God to come forward, a number of these separated themselves from the congregation, and, with tears, came, seeking the Lord. More than twenty, in all, came forward.
As the result of the lectures and this meeting, by the blessing of God, we are happy to report thirteen who have declared themselves on the side of truth, and determined, by the grace of God, to keep all his commandments. Two of these are young men, partners in business. They were baptized and joined the Dallas church for the present.
On Monday P. M., with a procession of nearly fifty teams and with about eighty persons on horseback, we repaired to the lake, where we baptized sixteen willing souls in the presence of about five hundred people. It was indeed a solemn scene.
The T. and M. work received its share of attention. About $70 were pledged to help relieve our debt; also steps were taken toward a State S. S. organization. Some very instructive essays and interesting letters were read at these sessions, and many interesting incidents and experiences were related. The subject of the Dime Tabernacle was presented, when nearly all present eagerly sought the opportunity to have a share in that edifice.
Just before the Sabbath, the REVIEW containing the notice that Bro. and Sr. White intend to visit Texas, and the appointment of another camp-meeting for 1879, was received; this sent a thrill of joy and gratitude throughout the entire encampment. They will receive a hearty welcome from the friends of the cause in Texas.
A camp-meeting committee consisting of Brn. J. C. Cole, A. Swaden, and Emory Rust was appointed. The camp-meeting for 1879, and the organization of the Texas Conference, are events to which all look forward with pleasure, and we are even now talking about getting ready for them.
By the advice of my brethren, I am now at home to rest for a few days before entering on another series of meetings with the tent. R. M. Kilgore.