CAMP-MEETING AT BLAIR, NEB.
By George I. Butler
In calling this meeting a camp-meeting we do not want any to conclude that it was a meeting of such importance as those general meetings held under the auspices of the General Conference Committee. We call it such because there seems to be no other proper title. From the lateness of the season, and the absence of our leading gifts as laborers, we felt the meeting was very much an experiment; yet there were many reasons which seemed to demand its being held. We hardly dared to plead urgently for help from the General Conference Committee, under the circumstances, knowing how many labors they have had on their hands and how worn they must be, and fearing lest there should be a small attendance, and lest the weather might be unfavorable. Our meeting has closed, and all present felt that it was a real success. The Camp-meeting Committee had the good sense to secure a place for the meeting in a sheltered grove behind the high bluffs, so that the fierce Nebraska winds could not strike us. A pretty little stream ran by the camp, in which baptism was administered at the close of the meeting. There were nearly two hundred staying on the ground during the Sabbath. Fourteen family tents were pitched, besides the two forty-foot tents, which were pitched side by side. The weather, considering the lateness of the season, was very good. The two last days of the meeting were balmy and pleasant as even western autumns can furnish. It was a matter of great encouragement to see the increase of Sabbath-keepers in this section of our Conference. Four years ago twenty-five Sabbath-keepers could not have been convened at such a meeting; now, nearly two hundred came together. Two years ago there was but one organized church in this region; now, there are eleven or twelve, and other companies yet to be organized. Some came over one hundred and fifty miles to this meeting. I have never seen people appear more hungry to hear. It took no effort to get them to attend the services which were held. The camp was almost wholly deserted when the meetings were in progress. Our social meetings were interesting, and the time was well filled up; often three or four were on their feet, waiting for their turn to speak. Sabbath was one of the best days in my memory. There was a general breaking down, and the Lord’s Spirit was largely present. Fifty, or so, came forward for prayer. It was truly affecting after the season of prayer to see little knots of friends embracing each other and weeping with joy, because parent, husband, wife, or child, had now taken a start in the service of the Lord. I fancied angels of mercy were hovering near, rejoicing also. Our season of prayer was very precious. My poor soul has not been more blessed for years. Sunday was a very busy day. Almost the whole time was employed. Quite a good congregation came in from the country around, of candid people, who seemed really interested. One person, living at some distance, passing by in the road near the camp, came in from curiosity to spend a few moments. He became interested, then came again bringing his family, and finally stayed all night himself, so as to lose none of the meetings, his interest was so great. We improved all the time between the regular services Sunday to give instruction concerning the Tract and Missionary Society, and to create an interest in that important work. We got a good many new members, and some donations. The poverty of the people forbade the idea of getting a great many of the latter. But Nebraska and western Iowa are splendid fields for the distribution of reading matter. The people are hungry for something to read, not being able generally to have so many papers and books as the people further east. Our wealthy brethren further east must assist in furnishing them the necessary reading matter; for the present time is a favorable one. We can forestall other and less valuable reading. Our farewell social meeting Monday morning was a precious season. We closed up with the baptism of thirteen, the ceremony being administered within a few rods of the camp. Then the parting came, the farewells were spoken; and so we separated. The friends left with good hopes for the work in this western field, and with good courage and hope in their hearts. Some said there would be twice as many next fall, who would come to the meeting. And so the first camp-meeting ever held in Nebraska closed. GEO. I. BUTLER. Blair, Neb., Oct. 10, 1876.