The Mississippi Camp-Meeting
By George B. Thompson
THE annual camp-meeting of the Mississippi Conference was held in Hattiesburg, July 30 to August 6. The camp was well situated on a good street-car line, in the edge of the city. The location was healthful. The dining-tent was neatly screened, also the tent of the general laborers, and I did not hear of a single case of sickness on the ground. The weather was fine. Considering the membership of the conference, the attendance of our people was good. The regular conference business received attention in connection with the meeting, which although lasting only one week, afforded ample time for all business matters. The utmost unity was seen in the consideration of these. Brother Charles S. Wiest was reelected president. The revival spirit prevailed throughout the meeting, and practically all on the ground consecrated themselves anew to the Lord. The evening services were quite well attended by people from the city, who manifested a deep interest in the doctrinal truths that were presented. The whole city was reported as being more or less stirred by the message. The interest was such that it was decided to continue the meetings on the same ground for several days. Six were baptized on the last day of the meeting. The reports rendered showed progress. The book sales for 1912 amounted to $8,788. The tithe was $2,577. For the first six months of the present year15the conference raised twenty cents a week per member in offerings, and will doubtless do equally well for the entire year. As one looks over the available resources of the conference, it seems that if this conference can raise its quota of funds, every conference can do equally well. The Sabbath-school collection for the one Sabbath of the meeting was $50. A collection was taken for home and foreign missions, and over $1,000 was realized. This was very encouraging. Elder W. W. Eastman, Prof. C. L. Stone, and the writer attended the meeting, in addition to the union and local conference laborers. This was the first opportunity I had had of attending meetings in this part of the field, and of coming in close touch with its peculiar needs. But each time I visit the South I am impressed anew with the splendid resources here to build up a strong work. The same education and culture found in other parts of the country are found here. The people are hospitable, and have as much respect for the Scriptures as do those elsewhere. They have money also, and those who embrace the message show a liberal spirit in giving to the cause. This conference needs some strong, consecrated laborers to enter these cities and towns and raise up good, strong churches. This can be done by those who will come South, not to make war upon established customs which they may find different from those of other parts of the country, but to make this their home, and to come in close, sympathetic touch with the people. With proper effort churches of believers can be established here as well as elsewhere.