Camp Meetings in the Southwest by H. H. Hamilton

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 22, 1914

Camp Meetings in the Southwest

By H. H. Hamilton

The Oklahoma Camp Meeting

"I HAVE heard many say that this was one of the very best camp meetings ever held in Oklahoma." This is the language of the president of the Oklahoma Conference, and it voices the opinion of every one present. The camp was pitched in Highland Park, in the city of Guthrie. About seven hundred were encamped, and the outside attendance was good.

In addition to the regular workers of the conference, the following persons were present, whose labors were greatly appreciated: Elders Charles Thompson, G. F. Watson, H. Schultz, G. F. Haffner, J. H. Schilling, and John Covert; Brethren A. F. Harrison, H. L. Wilcox, and Theodore Valentiner. Prof. C. B. Hughes attended the camp meeting and represented the union conference school, Keene Industrial Academy, while the writer was present to assist in the educational and young people's work.

Elder John Isaac was re-elected president. There were no changes in the officers of the conference, with the exception of two committeemen, one of whom was elected president of the New Mexico Conference.

The Spirit of the Lord was manifested at this meeting, and thirty-seven were baptized at its close. I am glad to report that the people of the Southwestern Union are willing to give of their means for the prosecution of the work of the Lord. Their liberality was shown in the Oklahoma meeting by their contributions, $753.89 being given as Sabbath-school offerings, and $7,079.58 (cash and pledges) as an offering to foreign missions.

Excellent interest was shown in the young people's meetings, there being an average attendance of more than two hundred. Plans were also laid to carry forward more vigorously the home missionary work.

The meeting closed August 30, with stirring sermons by Elders Schultz and Thompson.

The Arkansas Camp Meeting

The Arkansas camp meeting was held in Hot Springs, August 7-17, and was the largest and most profitable camp meeting ever held in the State. There were about two hundred encamped. The outside attendance was very good, and many who for the first time heard the truth embraced it at this meeting.

The Sabbath school offerings amounted to $50, and more than $800 in cash and pledges was raised for foreign missions. In addition to this, lands and stock to the value of $1,500 were given.

Besides the regular conference helpers, there were present to assist in the meetings,

Elders Charles Thompson and G. F. Watson, Brother A. F. Harrison, and the writer. At the close of the meeting, about thirty-five presented themselves for baptism.

New Mexico Camp Meeting

It is said by the workers who attended the New Mexico camp meeting that it was one of the most spiritual meetings ever held by this people. The Spirit of the Lord was present in a very marked manner, and some wonderful conversions date from the Roswell camp meeting. The young people's work received great blessings in the form of direct answers to prayer in behalf of their unconverted friends.

Elder Coberly, of Oklahoma, was called to the presidency of the conference, the other officers remaining the same. Besides the union conference helpers, Elder A. T. Robinson was present, and his labors were greatly appreciated.

At the close of the meeting, about thirty-five were baptized.

H. H. HAMILTON.