Oregon Camp-Meeting by E. R. Jones

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

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

Oregon Camp-Meeting.

By E. R. Jones

THIS meeting was held at East Portland May 18-25. The camp was located on a level plat of ground near the Jefferson Street Ferry. There were forty-three tents pitched in hollow squares. These did not include the three large tents for public services. The arrangement was convenient, and the camp presented a good appearance. A workers' meeting was held for six days preceding the camp-meeting, in which instruction was given to those who expect to go out in the field to labor in different branches of the work. Some fifty or more attended. Beside the special instruction given, there were early morning prayer-meetings held, and also preaching every evening. Some of the citizens attended these evening services, and this was a good indication, as all thought, that there would be a good outside interest when the regular meeting should commence. At the time of the opening service, the campers, to the number of about two hundred and forty, were well settled and ready for the meeting. Brother Butler opened with a discourse from Zeph. 2: 1-3, in which the necessity of more fervently seeking a preparation for the swift approach of the great day of the Lord was pointedly set forth. From Zeph. 1 and Rev. 6: 14-17 and other scriptures, he graphically described the terrors of that day to those who reject the warning and fail to seek the meekness and righteousness that will enable them to be hid from the wrath of God.

From the first we were not disappointed in the attendance from the city. It was the best I have yet seen on the Pacific Coast. Every evening a large number came in and gave excellent attention to the things that were spoken. There were about twenty discourses in all, given by Elder Butler, Elder Boyd, and the writer.

While among our own people there was some union and love for the truth, there was not all that fervency and diligence in seeking the Lord that could be desired. A spell of indifference that was not easy to break, seemed to come over many. The preaching was largely practical; and, as the meeting progressed, became more close and pointed. The Spirit of God came into the early morning meetings, and many hearts were powerfully moved upon. These were precious seasons. On Sabbath afternoon, after a strong appeal to the backslidden and unconverted, some seventy-five or eighty came forward for prayers. On Monday another move was made and about fifty separated themselves from the congregation to specially seek God. His blessing was upon the people, and several took their stand for the first time to serve him. Following this meeting, twenty-one were baptized in the Willamette River. A large congregation assembled at the water, and many not of our faith were deeply affected by the scene.

The Sabbath-school held Sabbath forenoon and conducted by Professor Brownsberger, was an interesting feature of the meeting. The school was composed of twenty-eight classes and two hundred and sixty scholars and teachers. The lessons were well learned, and were recited with that deep interest that seemed to almost annihilate the time allotted to that part of the exercises. The class contributions amounted to $19.30.

The North Pacific Conference held its annual session during the camp-meeting. All the business passed off pleasantly. Reports show a good degree of prosperity. Nearly one-third of the present membership of the Conference has been added since its meeting eleven months ago. There was also an increase in the tithe of more than $500 over the previous year. These things were a source of encouragement to our people. Elder C. L. Boyd was again chosen president of the Conference. Several were granted license to preach.

All have confidence in the men placed in charge of the work, and are united in pushing it forward. If the cause in this field does not advance the coming year even more than the past, it will be because there is a failure to continue to seek the blessing of God, without which no effort will succeed in any field. All returned to their homes in good cheer, feeling that the meeting had been a profitable one to them.

E. R. JONES.