The South Dakota Conference and Camp-Meeting by G. F. Watson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jul 17, 1913

The South Dakota Conference and Camp-Meeting

By G. F. Watson

This meeting was held in Sherman Park, about three miles from the city of Sioux Falls. Elder Charles Thompson, president of the Northern Union, opened the meeting Friday evening, June 20, by giving a stirring and timely discourse. He left the following Monday evening for the North Dakota camp-meeting, which convened the same date in Bismarck. We all regretted that it was necessary for him to leave, but we tried to carry out his admonitions and requests.

Elder J. S. James, of South India, assisted throughout the meeting, and what he had to say was much appreciated. Prof. C. L. Benson, of College View, Nebr., labored earnestly for the young people. Elder P. E. Broderson, of Chicago, worked for the Scandinavians, as well as assisting in the large meetings. Brother S. N. Curtiss, of Kansas City, made an earnest effort to lift the book work to its rightful place in this cause. Several other laborers visited the camp on their way to different meetings. Among these were F. E. Painter, the Northern Union Conference bookman, and Prof. Frederick Griggs, of Union College. Elder M. L. Andreasen, of Hutchinson, Minn., spent the last Sabbath and Sunday with us. These dear fellow workers used the time to good advantage while they remained on the ground, and the hearts of the campers were made glad by their timely instruction.

Our German brethren and sisters were much disappointed by the failure of Elder H. F. Graf to reach the camp. We all did what we could to help them, but of course were not able to take the place of a German minister.

The business of the conference passed off with the best of feeling and unity. Elder C. M. Babcock was unanimously reelected president, with a few changes in the conference committee. Miss Florence Miller, who has for many years carried the Sabbath-school work, asked to be relieved, and her work was given to Mrs. H. M. Shoals. As Brother M. E. Anderson asked to be released from his departmental responsibilities that he might devote all his time to ministerial effort, Miss Alma DuBois was elected to take the Missionary Volunteer and educational work.

We were all pleased to note that the spiritual work deepened as the work of the conference progressed. Thursday, June 26, after spending some time in considering spiritual topics, the financial side of our message was presented and over $3,100 was given for home and foreign work. The speaker called for five-hundred-dollar men to start with, and three responded. The people gave willingly, for which we thank the Lord.

Sabbath, June 28, was the day of all days on the camp. God had his way with many. Over one hundred, young and old, came forward for spiritual help, out of which thirty-four followed their Lord in baptism.

While at times during the meeting the rain fell in torrents, only one service was broken up, the last Sunday night meeting. One very impressive service was the ordination of Brother C. F. Cole to the gospel ministry, after which the large audience was divided into several groups, and in a few moments hundreds of earnest believers testified to the goodness of a kind Heavenly Father. The universal testimony was that this had been the best camp-meeting ever held in the State and the largest for years. Young and old were labored for, and God gave many victories.

The writer enjoyed every moment of the time. Many old friends were present, and many new ones were made. On the whole, the South Dakota conference and camp-meeting was a grand success, so say we all. To the dear Lord be all the praise. G. F. WATSON.