WOODSTOCK.—This is a city of about six thousand inhabitants, situated at the confluence of the St. John and the Meduxmikeag Rivers. It is built on a hill, and there are hills all around. Outside of the business part of the city the streets are lined with trees, which give them a park-like appearance. This is a very pleasant place in which to live.
We began meetings on the eleventh of July, with a fair attendance during the week. Sunday services were well attended. A few days after opening the meetings, a terrific storm came up, and tore our large meeting tent to shreds. Our living tents were not harmed, as they were well sheltered. We had to discontinue the meetings until we could get another tent. We spent the time in visiting and canvassing. Our new tent was pitched August 1. The interest continued good throughout the season, although the weather nearly all the summer has been cold and wet. We presented the Sabbath question during the last two weeks of the meetings. Instead of the interest diminishing, it seemed to increase. Elder G. E. Langdon, the conference president, was with us about a week at this time, and rendered good help. Five decided to keep the Lord’s commandments, and many others are in the valley of decision.
Since closing the meetings we have rented a hall in the center of the city. We hold two services each Sunday; in the afternoon a health study, and in the evening a study of Revelation. The attendance and interest are good. We have organized a Sabbath school of nine members, and hold two cottage meetings in the homes of the people each week, besides giving Bible readings and visiting. We have more calls than we can well fill. We are introducing the health foods among the people, and find plenty to do among the sick also.
We are glad to be here, and wish that the overcrowded States would send some of their good, strong, energetic young workers to join us. There is plenty of room for them. The provinces are waiting for laborers. JAMES G. HANNA.
Jackson (Mississippi) Camp Meeting
By A. Barry; W. H. Sebastian; M. C. Strachan
THE first camp meeting of our colored people in this State was held at Jackson, September 3-9. This is the second great gathering of our colored people in the United States. The first camp meeting ever held by and for colored people was at Edgefield Junction, Tenn. This was some time last fall. The colored Sabbath keepers are increasing quite rapidly in Mississippi, and they now look forward to another gathering of this kind next year. Mississippi was favored with a colored teachers' institute the past year. The work is advancing in this State.
The camp meeting just held was well attended by the brethren and sisters. All were poor in this world's goods, and a great sacrifice had to be made in order to be present. One faithful sister who lived nearly two hundred miles away started with barely money enough to pay her railroad fare. Her faithful husband promised to remain at home and earn the money to send for her. Others could not at first see their way clear to attend, but by prayer and fasting the Lord opened ways for them which they knew not of. All on the grounds enjoyed a spiritual refreshing. The early morning prayer meetings were particularly marked by the presence of God's Holy Spirit.
A dining tent was arranged for at the home of Brother Strachan. Sister Strachan had the supervision of this part of the work. All the delegates, about thirty-five in number, were seated at a well-ordered table, which was set with a variety of pure, wholesome, and hygienically prepared foods.
Four public meetings were held each day, including the early morning prayer meeting. All these were well attended, especially the evening meetings. There was an absence of that unseemly excitement which is characteristic of some of the colored religious gatherings. The preaching of the message of truth had a sweet, subduing influence upon the hearts of the hearers. The word spoken seemed to be much appreciated, and testimonies of praise and gratitude to God ascended because of the new light which was so clearly revealed. The singing of our beautiful songs was particularly attractive, the song service which preceded our evening service being one of the marked features of our tent meetings.
There was a good outside attendance. Three dear souls had courage to take a stand against popular errors, and pledge17allegiance to the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. A few others have expressed a desire to obey, and we hope to see them soon carry out their convictions. Brother Strachan is following up the interest in Bible readings at the homes.
The meetings were conducted by Brethren A. Barry, of Nashville, W. H. Sebastian, of Yazoo City, Miss., and M. C. Strachan, of Jackson, Miss. A few of the leading white brethren were with us a portion of the time, and gave valuable instruction. May many hearts send up prayers in behalf of the work among the colored people in Jackson, Miss. We need a good church building at this place. Jackson should be made the center of this work in Mississippi, as it offers many advantages. It is the State capital, and a great railroad and educational center. Brother Strachan is now conducting a mission school here in the front room of his little home. A Sunday school of sixteen little folks meets there every Sunday at noon. The company of nine Sabbath keepers meet in the home of Brother Strachan every Sabbath. Pray for the work here.
A. BARRY,
W. H. SEBASTIAN,
M. C. STRACHAN.
Southern California
By John Norton Loughborough
It was my privilege to attend the camp meeting and conference of southern California, held in Los Angeles, from September 12 to 21. This was the largest gathering of Seventh-day Adventists ever convened in that part of the State. On the last Sabbath of the meeting there were over eight hundred of our people on the grounds. One remarkable feature of this camp meeting was that the workers for the meeting, and (with few exceptions) the campers, were on the grounds for the opening meeting, and remained to the last meeting.
Brother and Sister White and Brother A. T. Jones were the principal speakers who were not of the Southern California Conference laborers. The meetings were harmonious throughout, and the presence of God was with us, impressing upon hearts the important truths presented. The business of the conference all passed off with dispatch, and with no dissent to the various measures considered. It was evident that all looked upon the various interests presented as branches of equal importance to the one great cause of present truth.
The report of standing showed an increase in membership of one seventh in the conference, and the tithe doubled this first year of the organization of this new conference. Heartfelt gratitude to God was expressed, not only for this, but also for the providence of God in the opening for a conference school at Fernando—about twenty miles from Los Angeles—as also for openings for health-work enterprises in San Diego, Pasadena, etc. On the evening of the 21st, Brethren Hare and Knight were ordained to the gospel ministry, as voted by the conference. The business report of the secretary will show other business items considered. This camp meeting was a glorious occasion. J. N. LOUGHBOROUGH.
The St. Peter (Minnesota) Camp Meeting
By H. S. Shaw
THIS meeting was held September 23-28, according to appointment, in a beautiful park in the central part of the city. About forty tents were pitched, including the three meeting tents; and about two hundred persons camped on the ground. Public meetings were held three times each day in the English, German, and Scandinavian languages. Nearly all the Minnesota laborers were present, besides Elders Allee, Dirksen, and L. Johnson. The preaching was pointed, and the old-time ring sounded in the ears of the multitude. Those who already knew were reminded, and those who knew not were made to see, that we are living in the solemn hour of God's judgment, and that his law demands obedience, and that there is but little time left in which to quit the courts of Babylon and flee the wrath to come. Christ, man's only hope, was held up before them, and hearts were melted to tears.
The needs of the fields beyond were placed before our people in a forcible manner by Brother Flaiz, and more than thirty persons placed themselves on the altar, to carry the message when and wherever the Lord may call. Others said that they would farm for the Lord, and help support the cause. Fathers and mothers placed their sons and daughters on the altar, and God testified to his willingness to receive the gift. This greatly impressed the people of the city, who said, “You are a peculiar people. Our preachers do not feed us like this. We have not seen a meeting like this in our church.” Well, brethren, this is as it should be. It is time for the people to see that God's people have a message for the world, which cannot be found in their churches; and we are only sorry that so few of our people in southern Minnesota were present to enjoy the meeting with us.
The donation to foreign missions in cash and pledges amounted to $605, and for home work, $68. The membership of the Sabbath school was 190. The donation amounted to $12.50.
Brethren Stebbins, Bernstein, Stone, Anderson, and Sister Nichols remain to follow up the interest. May the Lord prosper these servants with his own blessing. Our prayers are with them that the people of St. Peter may learn the truth which the Lord has for them in this closing time. Four persons were baptized during the meeting.
H. S. SHAW.
Proceedings of the Iowa Seventh-day Adventist Conference of 1902
By Flora V. Dorcas
The thirty-ninth annual session of the Iowa Seventh-day Adventist Conference convened on the camp ground at Ames, Aug. 29 to Sept. 7, 1902.
At the first meeting a motion was made and carried that every member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in good standing present at conference sessions, be invited to participate in the deliberations. Four churches were admitted to the conference.
The following recommendations were adopted:—
“Whereas, There are many of our young people who never have the opportunity of attending one of our colleges, and,—
“Whereas, The instruction given this people is that those having completed the church school should have the advantage of an industrial school where the larger part of the instruction will be manual training, and,—
“Whereas, There is much difficulty experienced in bringing together pupils of different ages in our larger schools, therefore,—
“We recommend, That at least one intermediate school be established at the earliest possible date.
“Whereas, Our Bible workers are laboring under great disadvantages by not having an opportunity to be thoroughly trained for their work,—
“We recommend, That a training school for Bible workers be established as soon as possible in Iowa.
“We recommend, That a capable person or persons be selected by this conference to enter at once upon a course of training in Elder S. N. Haskell’s school in New York City, with the understanding that they shall take charge of the Iowa training school for Bible workers.
“Whereas, There exists an urgent need for workers in the various branches of the cause, and,—
“Whereas, The importance of the work demands a proper preparation for it,—
“We recommend, That those desiring to engage in active work, who have as yet insufficient preparation, attend Union College a sufficient length of time to qualify them for active and efficient service.
“Recognizing the need of a more thorough knowledge of healthful living throughout the conference, we would hereby instruct our conference to encourage this work in every way possible—by holding schools of health in connection with general meetings, by conducting cooking schools, and by such other means as may be thought practicable by the committee.
“We authorize our conference committee to make ample provision for our aged and tried laborers to have some part in the giving of the last message of mercy, and to remunerate them in keeping with the faithful services they have rendered the cause of Christ; and further,—
“We recommend, That our faithful laborers who have lost their health while laboring be tenderly provided for until they have regained their strength.
“Whereas, In years gone by it has been demonstrated that better missionary work has been done by our churches under the direction of men appointed as district directors, therefore,—
“We recommend, That our State again be divided into districts, and competent men chosen, who shall visit the churches, companies, and isolated members from time to time, for the purpose of helping and encouraging them to do good, practical missionary work for their friends and neighbors.
“Good canvassers have been spoiled by entering other lines of work where they were of less service to the cause of God. We recognize, in the meeting of the forenoon, omens of a rising tide in the canvassing work. As this is one of the fruits of canvassing for ‘Christ’s Object Lessons,’ we urge the committee to press the work to completion, and, with the State agent and district directors, to utilize talent being so developed, by turning as much of it as possible into the regular canvassing work.
“Whereas, Much of the work formerly done by the corresponding secretary will now be accomplished by the district directors,—
“We recommend, That the office of the corresponding secretary be discontinued, and all necessary circular matter be prepared and sent out by the Sabbath-school secretaries.
“We recommend, That the selection of the committee of three to act with the president and school superintendent in the organization of an intermediate school, be intrusted to the conference committee. We further recommend that the conference committee be advisory to the above committee in arranging the details of the school, such as securing site, equipment, and teachers, and raising funds for the same.
“Whereas, The editors of the Scandinavian papers are going to issue an extra double number of said papers, about the first of October, and this important issue is going to take up all points of the third angel’s message, therefore,—
“Resolved, That we as a conference take hold in earnest, and as far as possible bring these papers to every Scandinavian home in Iowa.
“Whereas, It has been demonstrated that the branch Sabbath school is not only a benefit to those who are brought into the schools, but that it also arouses the missionary spirit in the young people, and gives them an experience which increases their efficiency and desire to work for the Master, therefore,—
“We recommend, That this line of work be taken up by our schools throughout the State, and that officers and members do all in their power to encourage the work.
“Resolved, That we recommend every Seventh-day Adventist family to take up the sale of Good Health in their vicinity.
“As the work of teaching healthful living to the people of this conference has been neglected, therefore,—
“Resolved, That neighboring churches18choose some one from their number, with proper qualifications, to go to one of our institutions to receive a short course of practical training in healthful living, so as to be able to teach the same to the community in which he lives, the necessary expenses of said person to be paid by the churches sending him. And further—
“Resolved, That the Iowa Conference maintain one or more medical missionary laborers in the State for the purpose of teaching these principles to the churches.
“Whereas, Our conference committee has, in counsel with the Mission Board, sent several of our workers to foreign fields, and supported them in those fields,—
“Resolved, That we express our approval of these acts, and that,—
“We recommend, That the committee shall, during the coming year, continue to send out laborers and support them as the Spirit of God may direct.”
Officers elected: President, L. F. Starr; Vice-President, L. F. Trubey; Treasurer, J. W. Dorcas; Secretary, Mrs. Flora V. Dorcas; Sabbath-school Secretary, Mrs. Flora V. Dorcas; Assistant Sabbath-school Secretary, Miss Nellie McWilliams; State Agent, J. W. Crouse; Field Secretary and Director of Young People’s Work, Miss Della Wallace; Secretary and Treasurer of the Missionary Department of the Iowa Conference, J. O. Beard; Assistant Secretary, Mrs. Nettie Shaw; General Office Worker, Bert Rhoads; Stenographer, Miss Tillie Earle; Conference Committee, N. C. Bergersen, B. E. Fullmer, J. H. Kraft, E. G. Olsen, C. A. Washburn; Trustees of the Seventh-day Adventist Association, L. F. Starr, C. A. Washburn, J. W. Dorcas, C. W. Smouse, J. W. Crouse, C. G. Johnson, C. W. Larson.
Credentials were granted to L. F. Starr, C. A. Washburn, L. F. Trubey, E. G. Olsen, E. E. Gardner, B. E. Fullmer, B. L. Dieffenbacher, N. C. Bergersen, J. H. Kraft, W. E. Frederick, W. B. Everhart, C. T. Adams, Henry Johnson, T. H. Jays, C. A. Hansen, U. P. Long, J. O. Beard, F. A. Washburn; ministerial license to N. L. McClintock, J. W. Dorcas, Carl Jensen, William Johnson, Charles Heald, G. R. Hawkins, Mrs. G. R. Hawkins, Arthur McClintock, G. A. Larson, F. M. Corbaley, Henry Rorholm, Andrew Johnson, H. L. Stenberg, J. W. Crouse, Calvin Starr; for missionary license, Mrs. Carl Jensen, Flora V. Dorcas, J. C. Clemens, Margaret Young, Lizzie Neal, Clarence Rentro, Arthur Rhoads, W. H. Cox, Paul Curtis, Earl Hahn, Tillie Earle, Katie Earle, Jessie Welsh, Della Wallace, Emma Poch, J. M. Moore, Nellie McWilliams, Anna Burke, Arthur French, Lloyd Manfull, Frank Ferguson; church-school teachers’ credentials, Minnie Wolford, Zella Means, Winnie Wasson, Essie Ferguson, Mable Ferguson, Mrs. Ida Kearns, Nellie Countryman, Ruby McSparran, Amy Bascom, Mrs. E. E. Gardner, Mae George, Grace O’Neil.
As there were more than three thousand dollars in the treasury, it was voted to donate two thousand dollars to help forward the work in Scotland.
Reports of the different lines of work were encouraging, and union and harmony prevailed in all the meetings.
MRS. FLORA V. DORCAS,
Secretary.
Peace Haven Industrial School for Colored Youth, Blackville, South Carolina
By J. H. POMEROY
As many are asking about the school, its work and needs, we gladly take this opportunity to let them know how wonderfully God has led us. We are now about to begin the third year's work, with every prospect of a good attendance, and with a corps of six teachers, including a dressmaker and a shoemaker, who will teach their respective trades. By the first of the year we hope also to have a blacksmith shop in operation.
We began in a small house (20 x 30 ft.), living in one end, and using a wood shed ten feet square for a kitchen and dining room. For six months we ate off a box, and slept upon the floor, sometimes having food, again not. We met a great deal of opposition, but persevered, and learned to lean hard upon God for our strength and wisdom. At the time of the General Conference, Sister White told us that we were just where God wanted us, and we were much encouraged by her words of advice. We felt led to build a larger building, as the needs of the work demanded it; so we began a two-story schoolhouse with two schoolrooms below and four living rooms above. This is now finished, with the exception of painting. We have also driven a well, going three hundred feet in order to get good water.
Through the benevolence of a friend we have been able to make a beginning on a much-needed dormitory. This also is two stories in height, with a room for the sewing department, a class room, teachers' rooms, etc., below, and the upper part for the pupils who will board with us. We have it framed, storm sheeted, shingled, and the brick work completed. It will cost at least six hundred dollars to finish it. We are now at a standstill for lack of funds, as we are going on only as means come in to do so. We hope, however, that friends will feel led to send us help, so that we can finish the building at once, in order to use it this fall. We shall be obliged to use every available place in order to have room for the teachers and the students. We are using the “Gospel Primer,” “Best Stories from the Best Book,” and the Bible as readers, and “Patriarchs and Prophets” for morning devotions. We should be very glad if we could have “Christ's Object Lessons” for use as a text-book; and if any one feels led to send us a supply, we shall be very glad also for “Healthful Living,” to use in connection with Kellogg's Physiologies now in use.
We need bedding for the use of the children, second-hand shoes and clothing, and also new cloth to make up in the sewing classes. We are praying also for a sewing machine, and for an organ to use in morning devotions. We should be very glad if any of our churches or friends would send us any of the articles mentioned above, kindly seeing that the freight is prepaid, and that the bill of lading is sent to us. Those who can help us on the new dormitory just now will, I am sure, feel amply repaid to know that their means will help give these people an opportunity to hear the message that otherwise they could not have.
I believe that this is the only school in the State where the colored people have the third angel's message brought before them. Thus far it has been almost wholly supported by those not of our faith. Is it not time that our own people have some share in the work here? Our whole dependence is upon God, and he will not fail us, even if he has to raise up the Gentiles to come to our help. O that some of our workers would come to this place! We need canvassers, teachers, farmers, men who know they have a message from God for a perishing world. “Behold, I come quickly.”
I pray that this work may ever be as a city set upon a hill, a light in a high place, that this people may be led to the “Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” I shall be glad to receive what help the brethren can give us, and I trust that some conference may be led to send us a good Bible teacher and support him here, where there is a wonderful opportunity to labor for God.
J. H. POMEROY.
Opening of Union College
By L. A. Hoopes
UNION COLLEGE opened Sept. 17, 1902, with a much larger attendance than at the opening one year ago. Fully one hundred more are in school now than were here at this time last year. It is truly inspiring to look into the faces of so large a company of bright and enthusiastic young people, nearly all of whom have only one purpose in life, and that is to fit themselves for service in the Master's vineyard.
The ladies outnumber the gentlemen. This is due, largely, to the fact that the young men are detained to take care of the large crop. We expect them later in the year. Every indication is that there will be a full school.
One of the most encouraging features of the present make-up of the school, is the fact that a large percentage of the students are in training for labor in some special missionary work. Thus far the students have manifested a determination to make the most of their opportunities, both in preparation and in actual missionary work. There is an intense desire on the part of many to obtain a speedy preparation for service.
The many and earnest calls for church-school teachers throughout the conferences have brought many to our college. Our Normal department is well patronized. The faculty and management have strengthened this department. Other departments of the school work have been strengthened, among which we would mention printing, broom making, blacksmithing, wood and iron working, tailoring, sewing, carpentry, horticulture, and work in the bakery, besides domestic economy, thus enabling the students to learn useful trades, and in time to earn a great part of their expenses while at school.
We feel sad to announce, at the beginning of this school year, the death of one of our faithful teachers, Prof. Julius Cogniaux. Professor Cogniaux was an accomplished linguist. He had charge of the Latin and Modern Language department. His place will be hard to fill. For the present emergency Miss Winnifred Peebles, one of our former instructors, who was visiting relatives, has kindly consented to take the work of the department. But she must return to Mexico soon. The General Conference has promised to send us competent help, so we may expect the best in the denomination.
In this connection we would like to announce that there will be a special course for canvassers, Bible workers, and those who have been laboring in a public capacity.19This course will be especially adapted to their needs, and will begin about January 3 or 4, 1903, and continue for eight or ten weeks.
In view of the earnest efforts put forth by our brethren in the field in the sale of "Christ's Object Lessons" and the hearty response on the part of the young people who have given themselves to the cause of the Master, we certainly have reason to be encouraged. Our earnest prayer, as teachers, is that God may give us grace and wisdom to do all for these young people that can be done to fit them for service. L. A. HOOPES.
Work, for the Night Cometh
“WORK, . . . for the night cometh.”
The Nebraska Camp Meeting
By E. T. Russell
This meeting was held in Lincoln Park, Lincoln, Neb., September 3–14. Over two hundred tents were erected on the grounds, and about eight hundred of our people were present. There was also present a large corps of laborers, as a union conference committee meeting and a Union College board meeting were held at the same time. The laborers from abroad were as follows: A. G. Daniells, Dr. Kellogg, Dr. Paulson and his wife, W. W. Prescott, E. R. Palmer, S. H. Lane, J. M. Rees, C. McReynolds, G. F. Watson, A. O. Wilson, and C. W. Hardesty. Of those residing in the State might be mentioned: L. A. Hoopes, L. Johnson, W. A. George, and F. H. Westphal.
Meetings were held in the German, the Scandinavian, and the English languages. The teachers’ institute, conducted by Professor Hoopes, was participated in by twenty teachers, and it proved both instructive and profitable. Elder Daniells daily presented the wants of the needy fields in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The earnest appeals touched many hearts; and when a call was made for young men and women to consecrate themselves for service, even though it might mean for them to leave home and all that is near and dear on earth, about one hundred and eighty-five responded.
Dr. Paulson talked on the mission work in Chicago, and called attention to the great opportunities we have on every hand for soul saving.
The report of the treasurers of the conference and tract society showed a good financial standing. The conference voted to donate $2,350 to help carry on the evangelistic work in Scandinavia, over $400 was pledged for the Skodsborg Sanatorium, and about $200 for the Frederikshavn Sanatorium. A call was made for money with which to purchase a printing press for Union College, and about $200 was donated. Quite a sum was also raised for their State fund, with which to purchase tents, etc.
Professor Prescott held Bible studies each day, which were much appreciated. Two baptismal services were conducted, and twenty-two persons were baptized. The weather was fair during the entire meeting. Nearly the same officers were chosen as served last year.
Quite a number gave their hearts to God. All things considered, this was an excellent meeting, and a hearty response was given to the call to service, no less than three hundred expressing their willingness to give their lives to the service of God wherever duty may indicate. This is truly a “sign of the times,” and to the believer in the third angel’s message it must indicate that we are in the time when the gospel must go with mighty power to all the world, and the work be cut short in righteousness.