CALIFORNIA CAMP-MEETING.
By James White
THE camp-meeting in Alameda was encouraging in every respect, and a cause of great encouragement to the believers in this State. It was the largest one ever held in California by Seventh-day Adventists, and we think it will prove of greater benefit to the cause than any other has. This is as it should be. Each succeeding meeting should be better than its predecessors. As I had attended only three camp-meetings in this State, one at Fairfax, one at Fresno, and one at Healdsburg, I must depend for comparisons largely on the expressions of the people. It was the general expression that this last one was the best of all. The camping place was all that could be desired. Ample space, with a sufficiency of oak trees, ground clear and clean, and water pipes laid through it for the occasion. Provision was made for every want. The tents were nearly all pitched before the first meeting, and not one was taken down before the meeting closed. This is an important item; it ought to be the case at every camp-meeting, but unfortunately it is not. Three chartered cars came on Wednesday and Thursday, the 15th and 16th, and we think this year's experience will insure a larger number at future meetings. The large tent, 60 by 100, was well seated, to which was added an additional canvas, 30 by 60, spread on the side opposite the stand, which was also seated. A 60-ft. tent was used for a restaurant, with a kitchen added, near which was erected a store-house, or sales-room. There were 97 family or residence tents besides a 50-ft. tent, the center of which was fitted up for a committee room, and around this it was partitioned into rooms. We give these particulars, as they will best afford an idea of the dimensions of the meeting. The preaching was plain, the doctrinal and practical being combined throughout. The business meetings were interesting and harmonious. The interest rose from the beginning to the close, with both the campers and the outside attendants. Citizens of Alameda not only furnished flowers, but sent to us from their private conservatories, beautiful and valuable plants for decorating the stand. These were loaned, and, notwithstanding the largeness of the congregations, we are happy to say that the plants were returned without injury.428And what was perhaps most remarkable, and noticed by everybody, it was as quiet and orderly as any camp-meeting we ever attended. The papers of all these cities, Alameda, San Francisco, and Oakland, treated us with marked respect. A reporter of the S. F. Chronicle gave his report of "A Day and a Night on the Alameda Grounds," almost a column in length, in a humorous style, as is the wont of reporters; but, with all his humor he was constrained to give a creditable report of the meeting. He said:— "The discouraged sinner searches in vain for the solid attractions of country meetings—the hospitable refreshment tent full of demure kegs, and resonant of the music of escaping corks, the obtrusive rifle gallery, the festive merry-go-round, and the hilarious hoodlum in search of a fight. All these luxuries are conspicuous by their absence." The city editor of the same paper said to us, on the ground, that his remembrance of camp-meetings was that they called together a large amount of the baser element, but," he added, "there is none of it here." He expressed much surprise at the extent and arrangement of the camp, and the excellent order. This last item is the more worthy of mention in that many feared that we could not hold a meeting on that ground, or so near to San Francisco, without being greatly disturbed by "hoodlums." But they did not trouble us at all. We felt that, of a truth, the angel of the Lord encamped round about us, to deliver us. The reports of the Conference, and the several Associations, show that the cause has been prosperous in this State the past year, in all its branches. The Sabbath-school interest has increased. The schools held on the ground were highly satisfactory. An aged Free Methodist minister who tented on the ground said he had conducted about forty camp-meetings, but he never saw the like of this. When Sabbath-school was announced, he said he thought that must be a failure, as there were so few children on the ground. But when he saw them swarming into the large tent, he could but express his astonishment that with so many children in the camp it was so peaceful and quiet. The State Health and Temperance Association was organized last year at Healdsburg. Now it has 1139 members; and it is expected that this number will be considerably increased during the coming year. The Tract and Missionary Society is in a prosperous condition. It has 511 members. There are 81 life members of the General Society, in California, including those who pledged at this meeting. We were disappointed last spring—somewhat sadly disappointed—over the failure to procure ministerial help from the East. But we hope it will result in good, as there is now a determination to make the best possible use of the home help, and to depend more largely upon the development of this help. Few, if any, had an idea that the reports of labor would be so encouraging. Several churches have been raised up within the year, and the number of converts added is larger than was anticipated. The receipts of the Conference were double those of the year before. A fund of $2000 was raised at this meeting, to carry on the ship work, which had languished for want of means. This was an important step. Beside this, over $1200 were subscribed to the Reserve Fund. Every branch of the work is now provided for, so that there need be no failure in any direction for lack of means. It is to be hoped that the brethren will not slack their hands, but keep every fund supplied in the future, and thus give opportunity for the enlargement of the work. The reports were so cheering—all were so highly gratified with the management during the past year—that the result of the election seemed like a matter of course. Elder Haskell was re-elected president with great unanimity and cheerfulness. Although he could not promise much in regard to his personal presence in the State during the year to come, it is believed that he will spend some time here, and there is a general desire that he shall direct in the work, and carry into full effect the plans which he has so carefully and prudently laid. If New England can show so prosperous a condition while being deprived of his presence year after year, California is willing to risk one year, expecting he will be here some part of the time. The first Sabbath quite a number came forward for prayers. The second Sabbath a larger number came forward. There was not so nearly a rush as we have seen, but every one who came seemed to be very deeply convicted. Backsliders were reclaimed. Some started for the first time. On Sunday afternoon, Sept. 26, thirty-six persons were baptized at the beach south of the camp. A very large concourse of people assembled to witness this scene; but much of its impressiveness was lost as the location was not favorable for viewing by a large crowd. A little forethought and arrangement would have bettered this. But the result of the meeting in the community is only good. We have learned of several in Alameda who have taken hold of the Sabbath already, and many others are deeply interested, among whom missionary work will be carried on. Could we have continued another week we are confident that a good-sized church in that place would result. This meeting held ten full days besides the opening and closing services, and it is the general feeling that it was too short. The closing meeting on Monday morning was the largest of all the morning meetings; and there was a unanimous vote in favor of holding over three Sabbaths next year. God has been good to us in this meeting. Our prayers have been heard; our trust has not been disappointed. Special blessings in individual cases have been granted in answer to prayer. The feeble ministers were sustained to bear a part throughout the meeting. Praise and thanksgiving are due to the Lord. The vote of the Conference in favor of my taking rest, which is doubtless absolutely necessary to my recovery, is a cause of gratitude to me. I have consented, however, not to ask for an entire cessation of labor, but to continue to work for the SIGNS, while I absent myself for a while from the cares of the office, and the atmosphere of this coast. I think it would be better for me, and expedite my recovery, to throw off all mental care and labor. But I shall meet, as far as possible, the wishes of those at the office and the friends in this State, who strongly urge to a different course. I ask the prayers of all, that I may be so restored that I can yet do acceptable service in this glorious cause. J. H. W.