Argentine Conference and Camp-Meeting by F. L. Perry

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jan 9, 1913

Argentine Conference and Camp-Meeting

By F. L. Perry

THE annual session of the Argentine Conference and camp-meeting was an interesting and profitable gathering. It was held at Nogoya, in the province of Entre Rios, October 10-20. The public services were held in a large tent, while the brethren in attendance were lodged in a large hall and in houses rented for the occasion.

While the conference membership is over seven hundred, there were present only about two hundred, as the brethren are scattered over a very extensive territory. Besides the regular conference workers and Elder J. W. Westphal, president of the South American Union, Elder F. H. Westphal, president of the Chile Conference, and the writer were asked to attend.

As a large portion of the attendance was German, the day meetings were necessarily carried on in Spanish and German, while the evening services were in Spanish. A very encouraging attendance of those not of our faith was secured, and at times as many as one hundred persons stood outside the tent, unable to obtain seats. An orderly, respectful attitude was maintained, and we believe that a lasting impression in favor of the truth was made upon the city. A company of workers was left to follow up the interest. The conference was favored during one day by the presence of Pastor F. G. Pensotti, general agent of the American Bible Society in South America. He gave two much-appreciated addresses. The brethren showed their sympathy with the cause he represents by a liberal offering.

Because of drought and the plague of locusts, the conference has been passing through a period of financial stringency of late, but the work is onward. About one hundred were baptized during the last year. When the treasurer's report was read, showing the great need of means to meet the necessities of the work, without any solicitation different brethren arose and pledged sums varying from five to two thousand pesos each, until more than three thousand five hundred pesos was given. [This equals about $1,750 of American money.] This was a great encouragement to those who have charge of the work, not only because of the amount of money given, but also because of the spirit of confidence and liberality manifested.

All were highly gratified at the arrival, while the conference was still in session, of Prof. and Mrs. Harley U. Stevens, who have come to take charge of the union conference academy at Camarero.

The different lines of conference work are carried on here in about the same manner as in the States. Indeed, were it not for the difference of language, we should hardly believe that we are in a foreign country. The resolutions passed showed that the brethren have a clear idea of the needs of the work. Especial interest was shown in plans to quickly prepare many of our young people for a part in active service.

As a large portion of the membership is German, and as these brethren made an urgent plea that the executive be one who had a knowledge of the German language, Elder F. H. Westphal, of Chile, was secured to take the presidency of the conference. Brother Guillermo Emmenegger was chosen secretary and treasurer. The outlook is promising for the progress of the message in this great country.

F. L. PERRY.