Camp-Meeting at Walla Walla.
By E. R. Jones
THIS meeting was held according to appointment, from May 26 to June 1. The camp was in a cottonwood grove, within the city limits. There were thirty-six tents arranged in a double semicircle with large audience and book-tents occupying the center and front. Appropriate mottos were placed over the entrance to the grounds, and also over the speaker's desk in the large tent. The location of the camp was pleasant and the arrangement quite convenient. The weather throughout was good, no storm of any kind occurring to disturb the services, although during the last days of the meeting the dust became a little unpleasant. About one hundred and fifty people camped on the ground, and good order prevailed, with this exception, there was not that prompt response to the ringing of the bell for public service that could have been desired. Indeed there was a manifest indifference that plainly showed the lack of an earnest desire to fervently seek the blessing of God. At first there was not all that freedom in preaching that could be wished, and many tearful prayers were offered that the Lord would move upon all our hearts and cause us to feel our needs, and arouse all to make that effort that would bring his blessing. The preaching was done by Elders Butler, Fero, Decker, and the writer. There was quite a good attendance from the city and country, evenings and on Sunday, and the preaching at these times was largely on the reasons of our faith. Many seemed interested, and lasting impressions, we believe, were made. Sabbath afternoon Elder Butler gave a discourse from Rom. 12:1, and then made a strong appeal to the unconverted and backslidden who wished to seek the Lord, to come forward. Some fifteen or more responded, while others remained careless and unmoved. The most touching and heartfelt expressions seemed to have little effect. "Why is this so?" and "What can be done?" were anxiously asked by those who had the burden of the meeting. Still there was a gradual improvement as the meeting progressed, and when the last day came nearly all began to feel the need of seeking God and of getting into the light. Sunday night the temperance people in the city used the large tent for a lecture in the interest of prohibition. At this time Elder Butler took the train for Colorado and Iowa. It was feared that his going would seriously effect the rising interest of the meeting; but the blessing of God was with us on Monday. A brief discourse was given in the morning on baptism, and one at 10:30 A. M. on conversion; after which thirteen were baptized in a clear stream a few feet in rear of the camp. This was a very interesting feature of the meeting; all were quiet and a solemn influence was over the people, and many were deeply moved. The Upper Columbia Conference transacted its annual business during the camp-meeting, and all were encouraged by the marked evidences of prosperity that appeared. Under the management of Elder Decker the affairs of the Conference have been brought into a good and healthy condition. About fifty members have been added, and over seven hundred dollars more tithes paid the past year than the year previous. The Conference is out of debt and has over six hundred dollars in its treasury. Two tents will go into the field this season; one will be used by Elder Decker, and the other by Elder Fero in Idaho. There are two other ordained ministers and three licentiates, who will assist in the tent work or labor in other localities. The outlook in this field is good, and if the people will consecrate themselves wholly to God, greater results than have yet been seen will attend the labors of the coming year. E. R. JONES.