p. 362 | The Missionary by S. N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Jun 12, 1884

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 10, No. 23.

The Missionary.

By S. N. Haskell

Kansas Camp-Meeting.

This meeting was held in Bismarck Grove, Lawrence, a city of about 10,000 inhabitants. The park is about one mile from the main part of the town, and contains seventy-five acres. It is as beautiful a grove of the stately elm, and a younger growth of black-walnut as can be found in the State of Kansas. The grove is owned by the Union Pacific Railroad Company, who granted us, not only reduced fare on their road, but the use of this beautiful grove with its buildings free of charge.

The meetings were held in a tabernacle arranged for public speaking, capable of seating about 6,000 people. There are also many buildings in the park, varying in size from 20 feet square to 50x100 feet. These buildings were occupied by our brethren as dining-rooms and for lodgings. This saved the necessity of as many tents as would otherwise have been needed. There were, however, about forty tents pitched, and it was estimated that not less than 1,000 of our people attended the meeting.

The meetings commenced promptly on time, Wednesday evening, May 21. Elders Van Horn and Cudney were the only ministers present from abroad, at the beginning of the meeting. Elders Farnsworth, Olsen, and Conradi reached the ground Friday, while the writer did not arrive till about three o'clock Sabbath morning. The meeting was therefore well under way, and much of the Spirit of God was evidently in their midst, when we arrived.

The ground was lighted up at night by electric lights, furnished by the railroad company for a small compensation. The weather was fine throughout the meeting, except a little rain the first day. The outside attendance was not as large as was expected, although there was a fair congregation during the entire meeting. On Sunday it was estimated that there were 4,000 persons present from the city and elsewhere. Four discourses were given to interested hearers. It cannot be definitely stated how extensive the interest is in the city, but from remarks made we have reason to believe that many became deeply interested. There were services each day in both the Scandinavian and German languages, quite a representation of each nationality being on the ground.

On the Sabbath, both forenoon and afternoon, much of the Spirit of God seemed to be present. About seventy-five came forward for prayers at the close of the afternoon discourse. Twenty-nine were baptized on the closing day, quite a number of whom were those who had given their hearts to God during the meeting. Most of the discourses given bore directly on the nature of our work and the relation we sustain to the work of Christ in Heaven. A solemn, realizing sense of the Judgment rested in large measure on the people, who at times were deeply moved. Bro. Edson White was present, and made many interesting and instructive remarks on the Sabbath-school work. His assistance was appreciated in this branch of the exercises.

The testimonies of our brethren and sisters were of a character that showed not only a depth of feeling, but that the meeting had given them different and enlarged views of the work. The wants of the cause, both at home and abroad, were set before them, and many hearts were stirred. A resolution was passed recommending that the sum of $20,000 be raised—$5,000 for the building and stocking of a depository; $5,000 for the city missions in the State; $5,000 to aid those who wish to qualify themselves to labor in the cause of Christ, and $5,000 to be used as a reserve fund for such branches of the work as might be most needy. On Monday, at the close of a meeting of the Conference which had continued from 10 A. M. to 1 P. M., the brethren were asked to make pledges toward this fund, and within a half hour $16,750 was pledged. This added to the $4,000 which had been pledged previous to the meeting, raised the sum above $20,000.

After duly considering the matter, it was thought by the friends that $5,000 was not enough to carry forward the work of city missions, and the desire was expressed that an additional amount be raised, so that 5,000 could be appropriated to the foreign missions, as no money was raised for this work in this Conference last year. It was therefore decided by unanimous expression, that the sum be raised to $30,000 instead of $20,000. This will give those not at the camp-meeting an opportunity to manifest the same liberality.

It is but justice to state that this money was largely pledged by those who were most able; $7,000 was pledged by five persons, thirteen gave $500 each, and no pledges were taken for less than $10. The sums less than $100 were taken at the special request of the brethren, and the amount of pledges less than this sum was only $700, and of this amount there were eight $50 pledges. We never saw brethren give more cheerfully than at this meeting; and there was the same promptness manifested in bearing their testimony in meeting.

It is reported, although at this time of writing the exact figures cannot be ascertained, that the book sales amounted to over $600. There was an eagerness manifested on the part of the citizens present to purchase our publications. One lady purchased to the amount of $14, another $6, etc. This may be attributable to the fact that the city was thoroughly canvassed for about two months prior to the meeting, many subscribers obtained for the SIGNS, and thousands of pages of tracts distributed. About one hundred subscribers were obtained on Sunday for our periodicals. Orders were also taken on the ground for one hundred and thirty-four copies of Vol. 4 of "Great Controversy."

There were but two serious drawbacks to the meeting: One was that it did not continue half long enough to accomplish what should have been done. Our camp-meetings must become seasons of instruction on the nature of our work, and how it can best be carried forward. Councils of our leading brethren at these gatherings are essential if we would work in the most successful manner. The city missions are important, and we are certain they can be made a success in every case, as well as

all other branches of the cause of God. But much deliberation, consultation and prayer with those bearing responsibilities is needed. We have a wily foe, and nothing but divine wisdom and a firm, united front will enable us to safely go through the perils of the last days. Another unfortunate circumstance was that there were not enough large tents in which meetings could be held. There should be a number of tents not less in size than 18x24 feet (and larger would be better) at all our camp-meetings. These can be used for giving instruction in canvassing, colporter work, holding Bible-readings, ministers' meetings, making especial efforts for the young, etc., to be carried on at the same time.

Many of our brethren remained over all day Tuesday, which was one day more than was appointed, that business matters might be closed up, and they receive instructions in canvassing and colporter work. Thus closed the first camp-meeting of the season, this side of the Rocky Mountains, and it was a very successful one.

This Conference needs help. We know of no Conference where there are more individuals who are ready to enter the field than in this, and who would better appreciate instruction how to labor. There should be at least a four weeks' drill given in this State, to those who wish to go out in the field to labor, by experienced ministers. Such an effort would be of priceless value to the Kansas Conference, and to many others. We hope such an effort may be put forth next fall or winter. It is time we prepare in a special manner for what is coming on the earth. S. N. HASKELL.