p. 345 | The Kansas Camp-Meeting by Dudley Marvin Canright

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 10, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 22.

The Kansas Camp-Meeting.

By Dudley Marvin Canright

THIS meeting was held in Garfield Park, North Topeka, Kansas. The grounds were beautiful—everything that could be desired: water convenient; buildings and street-cars handy; a fine place to baptize, etc. There was a good attendance of the brethren, probably from four to five hundred. About seventy tents were pitched. The brethren were a little behind with their preparations, which somewhat hindered the first of the meeting. The attendance from the city was good, a large number coming in every evening, and, in fact, many in the day-time. Sunday the grounds were thronged. The meetings were fully reported in two of the daily papers, and two others gave about a column report. We have never had papers favor us in this respect more than these did. The brethren in this Conference appear to be of good courage, as they have excellent reasons to be. The Conference is growing rapidly, and we judge also that it is improving in many ways. We were surprised to find so large a number of ministers as we did. Everyone seemed willing and anxious to do all he could and to learn still further. The license committee spent a large amount of time in carefully examining all the ministers. All felt that it was a very profitable season. Several sermons were preached for the especial benefit of the ministers. We feel sure that they will heartily take hold of the work proposed by the General Conference.

The little children under eight years of age were placed in the care of a sister, who looked after them and held meetings with them twice a day. This, we think, is a good thing to do on any camp ground. The young people from eight to twenty years of age were placed under the care of another sister, who also held meetings with them twice a day. We could see

very plainly the good effects of this. Nearly every one took hold promptly in the meetings, and we learn that nearly all the young people in this Conference are converted, and are active in the work. This is the way it should be. I have never been where our social meetings were better, or the people more prompt to take part, than here. The brethren have been taught not to lose a moment in these meetings, hence in every social meeting, from three to seven would be on their feet at once, and thus a large number always took part in every service. On the Sabbath day about sixty came forward for prayers. This was followed up by personal labor as usual. On Monday, thirty-two, I believe, were baptized.

Special efforts were made to bring up the Sabbath-school work, which we believe will have a good effect. The preaching was done by Elders Smith, Curtis, Rogers, Barton, Bagby, and the writer. Elder Cook was again elected president of the Conference. Steps were taken to increase the efficiency of the tract and missionary work. At the close of the meeting, two ministers were ordained, Brethren Bagby and Flaiz. On the whole, we greatly enjoyed this meeting, and feel very hopeful for the cause in Kansas. D. M. CANRIGHT.