The New Zealand Camp Meeting by J. E. Fulton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · May 7, 1914

The New Zealand Camp Meeting

By J. E. Fulton

J. E. FULTON

An excellent camp meeting was held in New Zealand, January 13-26, being the largest one yet held here by our people. The Palmerston show ground and buildings had been secured for this purpose, and made a delightful place for the meetings. A large number of small tents were erected, but the large auditorium, dining rooms, and other buildings made it unnecessary to use our large tents.

Never has the writer seen a greater degree of unity manifested by conference workers than at this meeting, and no doubt this was one of the great reasons for the good meeting. God's Spirit was present from the very beginning, and the many notes of praise indicated that God's people had been uplifted and encouraged.

We were favored in many ways. The weather was excellent throughout, and there were no strong winds to disturb us. At the revival services held on both Sabbaths, many both of old and young turned to the Lord, and a number of rather remarkable conversions were recorded.

The New Zealand missionary training school is located four miles from where we held the camp meeting. New buildings having been erected during the year, it was thought wise to plan a day so that all our people attending the camp-meeting might have the privilege of seeing them. Accordingly, most of the campers left by train for Longburn, and spent a few pleasant hours looking over the buildings and farm. All were very much pleased with our new school. The prospects for the new year are excellent, as all the rooms are to be filled, and it is probable that some additional rooms will have to be finished in the annex.

About $2,500 in cash and pledges was raised during the camp meeting. At present a church is being erected in the capital city, Wellington, and our people throughout the conference are helping in this important enterprise. The church will cost about $7,500. Land is exceptionally high in the city. Near the close of the meeting Brother Harold Piper, who has been engaged in ministerial work for a number of years, was set apart to the gospel ministry. New Zealand has now a band of efficient workers, and God has certainly blessed their efforts during the past year. At the close of the camp meeting a number were baptized, making one hundred persons who have been baptized since the camp meeting a year ago.

Elder J. M. Cole was again unanimously elected president of the conference. The work is onward in all parts of the dominion. Our people are of good courage, and seeking to do all they can to forward the message.