Dakota Camp-Meeting by I. D. Van Horn

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jul 24, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 28.

Dakota Camp-Meeting.

By I. D. Van Horn

A COMPANY of eleven left Mankato, Minn., at 2:30 A. M., Wednesday, July 2, and, after a pleasant journey of over 200 miles, reached Madison, Dakota, at 4:30 P. M., the same day. We found the camp on the open prairie in the suburbs of this new and thriving town of about 1,200 inhabitants. The preparations for the meeting were nearly completed. Weary from our labor and journey we retired early, but were aroused from our slumbers by a gale that struck the camp about midnight. Every one was up and out trying to secure their tents. The large tent was let down in time to save it. A few small tents were blown down, but no great damage was done.

On Thursday the meeting went on in regular order, and the same on Friday, till about 3 P. M., when a heavy gale and storm from the northwest came on us. The 40-ft. tent in which many were camped, was blown down, but no one was hurt. No other damage was done, and, when the storm was passed, things were quickly put in order, and the meetings were resumed. After this the weather was fine.

Our meeting was not without interest before the Sabbath, but on the Sabbath-day it became especially interesting. The Sabbath-school was well attended by all on the ground, and the lessons were well learned, which showed that this branch was in a prospering condition. At 10:30 A. M., Elder Olsen gave a stirring discourse on the text, Jer. 29: 13, "And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart." This prepared the way for Elder Butler's clear, logical, and interesting discourse in the afternoon, on Phil. 3: 7-16. Immediately following this, a call was made for all backsliders or sinners who wished to renew their covenant with God, or make a start in his service, to come forward. In a very short time about one hundred took their places on the front seats. Then followed some humble confessions and feeling testimonies, which brought the Spirit of God in our midst.

After a good season of prayer, it was judged best to divide the congregation. Accordingly the youth and children went to the 40-ft. tent, while the older ones remained in the large tent. Both these meetings were good. Out of about one hundred in the children's meeting, seventy bore testimony. By an expression we found that between thirty and forty were making a start for the first time.

The outside attendance was not large at any time. On Sunday there were about four hundred on the ground besides our own people, making in all about eight hundred. The best of order was maintained, and there was seemingly a good interest to hear the precious points of truth as they were earnestly set forth by the servants of God. No doubt impressions were made that will not soon be shaken off, and we trust seed was sown which will bear fruit unto eternal life.

On Monday morning Elder Butler entertained our people by giving a description of his tour through Europe. He said many things were in a very encouraging condition; but to meet the present demands of the cause there, the work must be greatly enlarged. Publishing houses must be built, which must be done largely by means from America.

The wants of the cause in the Dakota Conference were also considered and clearly set before the brethren. A resolution to raise the sum of $10,000 was passed; $5,000 to establish a depository and Reserve Fund; $1,000 for Tent and Camp-meeting Fund; $1,000 for an Educational Fund; $1,000 for the college at Battle Creek; $1,000 for the Scandinavian Mission in Europe, and $1,000 for the Central European Mission. Pledges were taken in a short time to the amount of $9,155. Truly the hearts of our people are open in every Conference, and ready to meet the wants of the cause.

Another opportunity was given those who were seeking a closer connection with God, to manifest it. Fully one hundred responded, and there was a deeper feeling even than was manifested on the Sabbath. Many hearts were moved to tenderness. In the afternoon, after a short discourse on "Baptism," forty-five candidates gave in their names. We all repaired to the water, where these precious souls were united with Christ by the solemn rite, which was performed by two administrators.

Five children's meetings were held during the camp-meeting. The youth and children took a deep interest in them, and they, no doubt, were one means of securing the result of so many taking their stand to serve the Lord.

We had a most excellent farewell meeting on Tuesday morning. Seventy-seven testimonies were borne in about an hour. The Spirit of the Lord was present in power. One brother confessed his coldness, and that the discourse he had listened to the night previous on "Consecration," had so troubled his mind he could not rest. He had been convinced of his duty to consecrate himself and all he had to the Lord. He said, "Put my name down with those pledges for $1,000." Every heart was melted to tenderness, and tears flowed freely. Another man arose and said, "Put down my name for $100." These pledges swelled the sum to $10,255. We had the best of the wine at the last of the feast. Another good camp-meeting this season, and another victory for the truth.

I. D. VAN HORN.