Colorado Camp-Meeting by Dudley Marvin Canright

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, Cal. · Jun 24, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 24.

Colorado Camp-Meeting.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THE fourth annual session of the Colorado Conference and Camp-meeting is just closing at this place, Denver, June 7. Twenty-one family tents were pitched on the ground, beside the large tent, 50 x 100 feet. The camp was within the city limits, on a street-car line, and everything was handy. With the exception of about a day and a half, the weather was fair. For a few days it was very hot in the middle of the day, as we had no shade; but much of the time it was comfortable. On the Sabbath day, there were about one hundred and fifty of our people, old and young, on the grounds. This was considered to be a fair attendance for this young and small Conference.

Elders Ostrander, Pegg, States, Guilford, and several others who were laboring in the Conference, were in attendance. Elder Butler spent one day with us, which was highly appreciated by all. Elder Smith and the writer attended through the meeting. We took considerable time in examining the ministers in accordance with the recommendation of the General Conference. All think that this will be a good step, and result in much improvement. One meeting for the benefit of the Sabbath-school was held each day, and a good interest was shown in this important branch of the work. All resolved to take hold of this work in the future with more interest than in the past, and live, stirring persons were put in as officers for the coming year.

A social meeting was held every morning. These were usually good. On the Sabbath day, after a good sermon by Elder Ostrander, an excellent move was made in seeking the Lord. When invitation was given, nearly the entire audience came forward, or attempted to do so. This was followed by a most excellent social meeting, the best one of the whole week. Every moment was filled up, often several being on their feet at once. Heart-felt and very affecting testimonies were borne. Quite a number made a start for the first time, and others took their stand for the truth. We felt as though the Spirit of the Lord came in, in a special manner. As a result, some seventeen were baptized. Only two of the entire camp went away without making a profession of religion.

The business of the Conference was attended to promptly and harmoniously. Everything seemed to be in good shape. The finances, especially, are very encouraging. The Conference does not owe a dollar anywhere, and has money in the treasury. The brethren in this small Conference certainly show a very commendable spirit in paying their tithes, and donating their means to the cause. As a consequence, all feel cheerful and hopeful, and God is blessing them. One thing we were especially pleased with, and that is, there was no discord or complaining in the Conference, but all were in harmony and good will. This is always a good feature in any Conference. Elder Ostrander was elected President of the Conference again, with Elder Pegg and C. P. Haskell on Executive Committee. There was some interest from the outside, though the attendance was not large, except on a few evenings; but quite a number were very deeply interested, and some took their stand for the Sabbath. We shall expect to see this young Conference grow and prosper.

D. M. CANRIGHT.