California Camp-Meetings by John Norton Loughborough

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · May 30, 1878

California Camp-Meetings.

By John Norton Loughborough

In the Signs of May 9, were some remarks from Brother White relative to the camp-meeting, suggesting "Litton Springs" as a proper place, and requesting the camp-meeting committee to consider the suggestion.

As nothing has appeared in the Signs in response some of our brethren and sisters are expressing considerable anxiety that the matter of the location of the camp-meeting should be decided. In reference to this matter I would state:—

1. We have no camp-meeting committee, as yet, so no one felt competent to respond in that capacity to Brother White's statement. By vote of the Conference it was left with the Conference committee to appoint a camp-meeting committee. As yet there has been no consultation of the Conference committee as to who should serve as camp-meeting committee; that matter should be settled soon, however, that there may be no confusion and all preparation be made for the camp-meeting in due time and order.

2. So highly pleased were our people with the location at Yountville last year, that it was the almost united voice of the whole that we should occupy that ground another year. Camp equipages, tents, tent frames, and considerable material are stored near the ground on the supposition that that was the location for the meeting this year.

3. Before Brother White's suggestion appeared in the Signs I made application to Mr. Linn, the owner of the Yountville grounds, and had received permission to occupy them if we desired. I have since conversed with Brother White concerning the matter, and he stated that when he made the suggestion he did so with no knowledge that any site for the camp-meeting had been considered.

4. I have been to Yountville to-day, and with Brother Custer, made an examination of the grounds. Mr. Linn has greatly improved the grounds since we occupied them last year, underbrushing and trimming off lower branches of the trees. It is the best place I have seen in all this part of the State for a camp-meeting, especially as we have a fine stream of spring water running directly through the ground, good and abundant shade, and any amount of straw and other materials for the meeting, close by.

If we give Napa valley a fair chance, by thorough advertising, with our camp-meeting this year, I am inclined with Brother White to think, that by another year, at least, some other location should have the benefit of the meeting.

It had also been decided to give Yountville a three or four week's tent-meeting previous to the camp-meeting, which had a bearing in settling the minds of the Conference committee on that location for our camp this year.

Many expressed the opinion last year that our meeting was too short, and wished the meeting this year to last over two Sabbaths and first days. I would suggest holding the northern meeting, commencing Friday, September 13, at 6 A. M., and closing Monday, September 23, at 6 A. M., and in that case the southern meeting could commence about September 27. I would be glad to hear from all our ministers and leaders of churches on these matters. Please write to me immediately at Oakland, Cal.

J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.

May 27, 1878.