ILLINOIS CAMP-MEETING by G. W. Colcord

Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Battle Creek, Mich. · Sep 11, 1879

ILLINOIS CAMP-MEETING.

By G. W. Colcord

This annual meeting convened at Bloomington, Aug. 26. The greater part of our friends came in three hired coaches, chartered to run from three distant points; and therefore they were enabled to come at very cheap rates, come speedily, and arrive “on time.” Our services commenced on Tuesday, and closed the next week on Wednesday; and thus our meetings were at beginning and ending, “square as a brick.” This chartering of cars has put a small sum of money into our public funds.

As we had held our yearly meeting at Bloomington in 1878, and as Eld. Andrews had been conducting a tent-meeting in the city just previous to our encampment, the novelty had passed away; the result was, as expected, not so large crowds as attended last year. However, a large number attended Sunday afternoon and evening.

The weather was favorable, there being only one rainy day, and that did not hinder our work. The other days were delightful. Counting covered wagons, our cotton dwellings numbered about fifty.

Toward the close of the first week Eld. A. O. Burrill, on his way from Ohio to Colorado, stopped off to attend our meeting, and rendered appreciated aid.

Both of the city dailies published accounts of our meetings; and, in lieu of our expected daily “Camp-meeting Record,” as we had last year, the Bloomington Leader published all we sent to it. Our camp-ground, though near the heart of the city, cost us but $15.00. All were very kind.

Our business sessions were harmonious. Votes were passed, and officers were elected, without a jar.

The religious phases of this convocation furnished the best features of the entire meeting. On Sabbath a large company came forward for prayers, quite a number of whom made their first start in the service of God. Here our gracious Master blessed us with a large measure of his Spirit, and many rejoiced in the Lord.

As the city water-works furnished us all the water we wished for all purposes, a baptistery was improvised, and on Monday, and Tuesday evenings Eld. Andrews immersed thirty-three souls, who united with churches at their several homes.

Eld. D. T. Bourdeau came to the meeting in company with a goodly number of our dear French brethren and sisters; and for them and others he and Bro. P. E. Gros put forth earnest efforts. Eld. L. Johnson had secured the presence of a few Scandinavians; and to them he preached in Danish. Thus we hope that the Illinois Conference will from this good meeting henceforth advance the cause of present truth among three nationalities.

A large majority of our friends present voted to pay the tithe (can the others tell why they did not?); between three and four hundred dollars were pledged to the missionary society; the tent and camp-meeting funds were increased, and thus our financial prospects were improved. Our dear Bro. D. Morrison was solemnly ordained to the Christian ministry. May the Lord graciously bless each branch of the work, during the coming year, in Illinois.

G. W. Colcord.