Camp-Meeting at Walla Walla, W. T.
By S. N. Haskell
This meeting was held in a grove of cottonwood trees, about five miles from Walla Walla City. The ordained ministers present were Elds. I. D. Van Horn, A. T. Jones, W. L. Raymond, and the writer. Twenty-eight tents were upon the ground, and two hundred and twenty-nine campers by actual count, while some who lived near by did not camp on the ground. Those who attended this meeting were mostly Sabbath-keepers living east of the Cascade mountains. Their numbers and wealth are sufficient to sustain an independent Conference, and the Cascade mountains seem to be a natural division between the brethren here and those farther down the Columbia River. In view of this and the expense of traveling between the two points, the propriety of dividing the Conference was considered. After consultation it was decided that under the existing circumstances it would not be for the interest of the cause to make such a division at present, though it may be accomplished next year. We were happily disappointed to see the strength of this portion of the North Pacific Mission. Some of the time during the meeting the weather was cold and rainy. This made it quite uncomfortable; yet all made the best of it, and were cheerful and happy! Friday, P. M., an invitation was given to those who wished to seek God to make it manifest by coming forward. About fifty responded, many of whom were seeking God for the first time. Entire families who had never given their hearts to God came to the front seats. Parents and children, brothers and sisters, wept together before the Lord. While we were bowed in prayer, and during the testimonies borne, the entire congregation were at times in tears. Certainly the Lord came very near. On the Sabbath a similar move was made with similar results. On Monday, fifteen willing souls were buried beneath the liquid wave in commemoration of the burial and resurrection of our divine Lord, and most of these were converted at the meeting. The tract and missionary work was taken hold of with a good degree of interest. About fifty subscribers were obtained on the camp-ground for the REVIEW, Good Health, Signs of the Times, and Youth’s Instructor. This was doing well, considering the circumstances. Much interest was manifested in the Sabbath-school work. A State association was organized, and Sabbath-school records and maps were taken. The Song Anchor and Youth’s Instructor had been previously subscribed for by the churches. The closing meeting was held at 5½ A. M. Tuesday. Thus closed an interesting and we trust a profitable camp-meeting to the northern Pacific Mission, and the first one of the kind ever held in this part of the country. Walla Walla, June 10, 1879.