p. 15 | Wisconsin Camp Meeting by W. H. Thurston

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Jun 4, 1914

Wisconsin Camp Meeting

By W. H. Thurston

FORTY-FOUR years have passed since the first Seventh-day Adventist camp meeting was held in Wisconsin. Many things have occurred during these years, and the conference has passed through storm and calm, trouble without and within; but all has "fallen out rather unto the furtherance of the gospel." We have been in debt and out of debt, but unfortunately we have been more in debt than out during the last fifteen years. It is easy to contract debts, but quite often it is difficult to liquidate them. However, we are profiting by past experiences, and are endeavoring to heed the instruction given relative to conference and institutional work. During the last four years no debts have been made, and we have been settling accounts against the conference to quite an extent. We believe that if the people of the conference are to be solicited to pay debts, they have a right to a voice in making the debts. Therefore we have decided to make no more debts, but to pay those which have been made.

The conference, as such, is about out of debt now, and our school debt has been lessened somewhat. Our sanitarium debt crept up to $64,000. Three years ago we decided to raise by subscription $30,000 to apply on the sanitarium debt, but to ask for none of the money until the amount was pledged. Since then we have reduced the debt about $12,000, and now the $30,000 is pledged, and the money is being paid in. When this amount is received, the interest will be reduced $1,500 annually. Aside from the annuities, this will leave only about $15,000 bills payable. With the good will of all the people and the blessing of God in the prosperity of the institution the remainder can be paid and the institution be free from debt. Hasten on, glad day! Many have been restored to health, and not a few healed of the malady of sin, while sojourning with us. The Lord is prospering his people, and is blessing every faithful effort put forth in his name for the salvation of souls.

During the last three years about five hundred persons were baptized by our ministers, and the outlook for results this year is hopeful. All departments of the work are making some advancement, and we are pressing on with increased faith and hope. Those who, forty-four years ago, were pioneers in the work in Wisconsin are growing old, and some of them have gone to rest, but their works follow them. Today there are missionaries in several different countries as the result of the faithful efforts, under God, of the pioneer workers, and some are still being passed on from year to year.

We are now in the finishing of the work, and we shall soon be assembled in our forty-fourth annual conference and camp meeting. This will be an important meeting for the people and the work in Wisconsin. The indications are that we shall not have many more of these gatherings, and there should be a large representation of our people at this annual feast. The Lord's work requires the effort of all his followers, and there is a blessing for all.

The churches that have not done so should elect their delegates at once, and the clerk should send the names to W. J. Walter, Grand Rapids, Wis. Each church is entitled to one delegate, and to one additional delegate for every fifteen members. The camp meeting begins June 18, at 7:45 P. M., and the first business meeting of the session will be held Friday, the nineteenth, at 10:30 A. M. All delegates should be present at the first meeting, and all who attend will do well to come before the meetings begin. All need the instruction and help of the Lord that will be given at this time; and the help, counsel, and prayers of all are needed. The camp meeting will be preceded by a workers' meeting, beginning the twelfth. We ask the prayers of our brethren and sisters for this meeting. Good help is promised from abroad, and, best of all, the Lord has promised to meet with us.

Wausau may be reached over the Chicago, Milwaukee, and St. Paul, and the Chicago and Northwestern Railways, and the camp meeting bus will meet the trains. The camp will be pitched on the fairgrounds in the west side of the city. Remember the date and place,—Wausau, June 18-28. Come early and remain through the entire time. Let all pray that we may know the Lord's will, and have strength and wisdom to do it.

In behalf of the conference committee. W. H. THURSTON.