The Arkansas Camp-Meeting
By John W. Covert
This conference and camp-meeting was held at Van Buren, Ark., July 17-27. About one hundred and thirty were in attendance, some tenting on the grounds, and others occupying rooms near by. The camp-meeting was preceded by a strong tent effort, which began June 25. During this time many testing points of our faith were given, and about a dozen new believers took their stand for the truth. At the time of the camp-meeting, the interest was increasing, and many from the city came regularly to the services. The same brethren who conducted the tent-meeting continued their efforts at the evening services during the camp-meeting, and remained to follow up the interest. The camp was districted, and leaders appointed to conduct morning worship in each division. Services for the young people and children were held every day throughout the meeting, under the direction of competent leaders. Elder G. F. Watson, president of the Southwestern Union, and O. B. Watson, Missionary Volunteer secretary for the union, were present the first week. Their services were a great help, and were much appreciated by all present. We regretted that it was necessary for them to leave early for the colored camp-meeting in Texas. Elder J. P. Anderson, of China, was with us until the close of the meeting. He gave many interesting and instructive talks on the work in that great mission field. Elder Eugene Leland, of Michigan, came during the second week of the meeting, remaining until the close. The practical instruction given in his sermons was much appreciated. Brother A. F. Harrison added much of interest by his talks concerning the progress of the book work, and his earnest efforts to enlist the young people in this service. Prof. H. H. Hamilton, of Keene Academy, was present in the interest of the educational work. He also audited the conference books. The business of the conference passed off very harmoniously. With the exception of a few changes in the departmental secretaries, the same officers were chosen for another year. The report of the president showed encouraging advancement in the conference work. In the last four years the tithe per capita has increased from $8.97 to $18.58; gifts to missions from $4.09 to an average of over $9 for each member. Four years ago the tract society was in debt to the amount of $6,300. All except $500 of this debt has now been paid, and $400 of that amount was provided for at the camp-meeting. Our Midsummer Offering in the past has been less than fifty dollars each year. This time we had the readings and took up a collection of $53 at the camp. We have heard from only one church as yet, and that company sent in sixty dollars. This makes at least a total of $113. Our canvassers are doing excellent work. Arkansas has proved to be a fruitful field, but more than half the State remains still as new territory, where neither the printed page nor the living preacher has entered. We all feel that there are better times ahead for the work in this conference. A spirit of love and unity pervaded the camp during the entire meeting. In my forty-three years' attendance at camp-meetings, it has never been my privilege to join in a greater spiritual feast than that afforded at this convocation. God is surely going before his people, opening the way. Let us all be of good courage in the Lord.