Saskatchewan Camp-Meeting by Chas. Thompson

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Aug 8, 1912

Saskatchewan Camp-Meeting

By Chas. Thompson

THIS meeting was held, according to appointment, in the village of Bulyea, July 11-21. There were about thirty-six family tents pitched, which were occupied by 225 campers, representing ten different nationalities. This was by far the largest number ever in attendance at a camp-meeting in this province.

Two large pavilions were pitched, in which meetings were held daily in the different languages. Saskatchewan province is a fast-developing country, and is very cosmopolitan so far as languages are concerned.

In addition to the regular laborers of the mission field, there were in attendance Elder H. S. Shaw, president of the Western Canadian Union Conference; Brother W. L. Manful, union missionary agent; Brother A. H. Brigham, secretary and treasurer of the union; Elder G. F. Haffner; and the writer.

Two preaching services were held in each pavilion daily, one meeting in the interest of the colporteur work, one for the young people, and a strong spiritual meeting at the early morning hour, making five in all. All in attendance were much helped and strengthened as a result of the presence of the Holy Spirit throughout the meeting.

Since Jan. 1, 1907, the Saskatchewan province has been a mission field of the Western Canadian Union Conference. The work has been one of growth and development. The number of Sabbath-keepers at the beginning of 1907 was less than 100. To-day there are seven organized churches, with a membership of 131, and 116 isolated Sabbath-keepers, making a total of 247 Sabbath-keepers. There are ten Sabbath-schools, with a membership of 189; and their contributions last year amounted to $739.63, or eight cents a week per capita, all of which went for missionary work outside of the home field.

The book work has grown from $3,236 in sales for 1907 to $10,344 for 1911, and the tithe from $2,997 in 1907 to $6,777 in 1911, making a per capita of thirty-two dollars. The last two years this mission field has received no appropriations, and during that time it has given about $5,000 to missions. Since the organization of the mission field, it has received appropriations to the amount of only $4,270, and during this time has contributed to the work outside its field about $9,000.

Previous to the convening of the camp-meeting, the local and union conference officials thought the time had come to organize the mission field into a conference, so the churches were instructed to send delegates to this meeting at the rate of one for every five members. There were present thirty-five duly elected delegates, and Elder Shaw, president of the union, proceeded to organize the mission field into a conference. A constitution and by-laws were adopted. Elder A. C. Gilbert, who had faithfully served as superintendent of the mission field, was unanimously elected president of the conference, and enters upon his duties with the unanimous support and full confidence of the constituency. Brother J. M. Rowse was chosen secretary and treasurer, and secretary of the tract society; Brother R. P. Mooney, field agent; and Mrs. Bertha Rowse, Sabbath-school secretary.

Elder Shaw was much blessed as he led out in the work of the organization. Plenty of time was taken to explain fully all the details of the organization, so the conference would be fully in line with the general organization. The business meetings were all harmonious, and as spiritual as any held during the day.

The obligation to support the work at home and abroad resting upon each local conference in joining the family of conferences, was presented to the delegates and members assembled. Without any urging, the brethren and sisters gave an offering amounting to $3,500 in cash and pledges, also some gold watches, rings, and other jewelry.

The evening meetings in the English pavilion were well attended by the citizens of Bulyea. The distinctive points of our faith were the themes dwelt upon by the speakers, and I am sure as a result there will be some representatives for the third angel's message left in this place.

Another item worthy of mention was the missionary spirit manifested. The responsibility of doing home missionary work was presented at one meeting, and every book, tract, and pamphlet in the book-stand was taken by the people to circulate among their neighbors when they returned home. Even the little children caught the spirit of the occasion. Sisters Gilbert and Sulzle conducted meetings for them, and on one occasion placed before them the need of a tent of their own, and they gave thirty dollars in cash, and pledged the remainder necessary to purchase one for use at their next camp-meeting.

Personally, I enjoyed my visit to this field, and the opportunity it afforded of becoming acquainted with the believers and catching the inspiration of the meeting. I am sure, with the spirit of consecration manifested and the rich blessing of God that is certain to follow, that the Saskatchewan Conference, the youngest in the family, will grow and develop until it will be a strong factor in the giving of the closing message to the millions that know not God.

CHAS. THOMPSON.