Nevada Camp-Meeting by Editor

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Sep 18, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 36.

Nevada Camp-Meeting.

By Editor

ALTHOUGH there was no Conference business to be transacted at this meeting, it was a season of labor and much anxiety for the workers. As before reported, the meeting was very small, and from a certain stand-point it might seem that the expense incurred was great for the size of the meeting. But we are satisfied that it was all right, and that the interests of the cause were well served thereby. The churches greatly needed such a meeting, and there was probably no other way in which they could have been brought together for a sufficient length of time to materially benefit them. Some came from other places and became interested, who would not have come to a meeting of another kind. And the camp-meeting enterprise has been inaugurated in Nevada, and we hope that each coming year may witness one in that State. We believe that nothing else will so rapidly and effectually give character and standing to the cause, and extend a knowledge of the truth throughout that field.

The attendance from the city of Reno was very small indeed. On this point we think the remarks of Brother Butler are applicable, which he made in regard to the reasons for the non-attendance of citizens in Dallas, Texas. Considerable labor has been done in Reno, and not all of it to the benefit of the cause. Six years ago Brother Loughborough held a tent-meeting there which was successful in creating an interest, and in bringing some into the truth. But that which followed him had a scattering influence, from which the cause has not recovered to the present day. Brother Ballou held a tent-meeting there the past summer, which gave them rather more opportunity than they cared for, to hear the preaching of the present truth.

It has been generally known that the brethren in Nevada entered warmly into politics, which divided the church in feeling, and "separated very friends." We are happy to record our belief that this evil has been effectually cured; that all regret the course pursued in this respect, and are resolved hereafter to make the cause of God's truth their chief interest. Though it was difficult to bring all to see the extent of the error committed, and to realize the baneful consequences, they all seemed fully resolved at last to arise and live on a higher plane than they had for years in the past.

During the first part of the meeting the weather was very warm, but there came a very great change. For several days the wind blew nearly a gale, bringing snow on the surrounding mountains and hills, and so depressing the temperature as to make ice in the camp. In the latter part of the meeting it was uncomfortably cold most of the time, both day and night. Three tents were blown down, and much care was necessary to keep up the large tent.

On the last Sabbath, as the brethren and sisters were growing in interest and zeal in the work, it was our intention to make a special effort in behalf of the backslidden, the youth, and those who have newly become interested in the truth. But it became so cold in the tent that we were obliged to close, taking time only to call for candidates for baptism, who were immediately taken to a small tent where there was a fire. We felt assured that more might have been accomplished if the weather had permitted us to carry out our plans for all the meetings. Ten were baptized on Monday morning, some of them being the fruits of the labor of Bro. Ballou in the tent in Reno. Others will probably be baptized soon.

The preaching was done by Elders Loughborough, Ballou, and the editor of the SIGNS. Instruction in missionary work by Elder Israel. Some important Bible-readings were held to good effect. The missionary work and Sabbath-school interest were given prominent places. Everything was done that could be done under the circumstances to make the meeting profitable. Though appearances were sometimes discouraging, we believe that all were much encouraged before the meeting closed, and that the future will show that it was a profitable season for individuals and for the cause in that State.

One pleasing feature was the number of persons who came from Virginia City. And they were almost all deeply interested in the truths which they heard. We look upon that city as a favorable field for labor. Verily, the fields are ripe for the harvest, but the laborers are few.

Without any strong effort, pledges were secured for the college to the amount of $2,250. And the book sales amounted to $100.

On Monday evening a meeting of the St. Clair church was held at the house of Bro. C. Allen, in Reno. Bro. Jackson Ferguson, who was formerly elder of the St. Clair church, but who was sometime absent when elected to an office which took him to the State capital, was recalled to his office in the church. Brother Bond, who was some time ago elected deacon, was ordained to that office. A good spirit prevailed in these services, and we rejoiced greatly to see the church drawing together in Christian union.

We were happy to enjoy a comfortable home while in Reno at the house of Brother Allen, just across the street from the camp-ground. In the cold, windy weather we highly appreciated this favor. By this means we were enabled to do much more work, especially in writing, than it was possible to do in a tent. At 8:40 on Monday evening we took the cars for our busy home at the office.