The Eastern Pennsylvania Camp-Meeting
By B. G. Wilkinson
THE Eastern Pennsylvania Conference held its annual session in connection with the camp-meeting at Allentown, Pa., June 19-29. In spite of the fact that many of the brethren from this conference had attended the General Conference session at Washington and were thus led to think the attendance at the Eastern Pennsylvania camp-meeting would be light, it was practically as good as in previous years. Every cottage on the ground was taken, and all present seemed to come with the determination to enjoy a spiritual feast. A great many new faces were there, indicating that18many new converts had accepted the truth during the past year. All the services were well attended, and the deep presence of the Spirit of God was manifested throughout the entire course of the meeting. There was no note of discouragement struck anywhere. The spirit of revival was with us. The last Sabbath day was one of a marked movement throughout the camp, in which many new converts came forward to give their hearts to God for the first time, a large number of backsliders were reclaimed, and a general consecration took place on the part of all connected with the camp. So many were to be baptized that there were three baptismal occasions. The business sessions of the conference moved off harmoniously. Two new churches were presented for admission to the conference. One of these had been raised up largely through the instrumentality of Brother Charles S. Baum. It was thought best, in view of the past consecration and labors of Brother Baum, to ordain him to the gospel ministry. It was a touching occasion on the last Sabbath of the camp-meeting when this service took place. Coupled with the blessed manifestation of the Spirit during the morning, many felt called upon to engage in a spirited expression of thanksgiving and praise. As they had received the spiritual blessings, the brethren felt willing to give of their temporal means. On the first Sabbath of the camp-meeting the Sabbath-school donation amounted to $35, and on the last Sabbath it was $350. A great interest also was aroused throughout the meeting in behalf of foreign missions, and this, on the last day of the camp, took a substantial form in favor of definitely raising the Twenty-cent-a-week Fund for the year. The Columbia Union Conference, with all the local conferences in the union, having adopted the twenty-cent-a-week plan, had determined to have it date from Jan. 1, 1913. As a result, the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference found itself, June 1, in arrears of about $2,865. Early Sunday morning, the last day of the camp, the whole congregation assembled at 6:30 A. M. for a rally in behalf of foreign missions. When the writer closed his appeal at breakfast-time, $2,535 was in sight in cash and pledges, and arrangements were made to endeavor to secure the remaining balance during the day. Careful work also was done for the young people. It was one of the interesting sights connected with the camp-meeting to see so many young people giving their hearts to God for service. The question of education was presented and many determined to fit themselves for Mount Vernon College this coming fall. Elder H. M. J. Richards was reelected president for the coming year. The conference committee is composed of the following members: Brethren Richards, F. E. Harter, F. A. Harter, R. M. Fried, and J. W. Hirlinger. Elder A. G. Daniells was present with us during the first Sabbath and Sunday of the camp-meeting. Other laborers present from the outside were, Elders Spies, Lipke, Hankins, Babcock, and Konigmacher, Dr. Menkel, Profs. M. E. Kern and E. G. Salisbury, and the regular union men.