Chapter 50—The First Australian Camp Meeting
“We are glad to announce to our people,” wrote Elder A. G.
Daniells late in September, 1893, to the brethren and sisters throughout
Australia, “that the time has come when the executive committee of
the Conference see their way clear to carry out the wishes of so many
to hold a camp meeting.” Some had been waiting eagerly for such an
announcement, and it came as welcome news to the rank and file of
the believers scattered far and wide through the Australian colonies.
Among the general laborers advertised to attend were Elder O. A.
Olsen, president of the General Conference; Mrs. Ellen G. White;
and some brethren whom the Mission Board were sending over from
America to supplement the small force of workers in the Australian
field. The promise of ample help led Elder Daniells to add to his appeal
the words, “This will be a rare occasion,—one which we may not have
again for years,—and we truly hope that but few of our people will
be denied the privilege of being present.”
The Bible Echo, October 1,
1893
, 320.
Much faith was required to plan for a general camp meeting to
which the brethren and sisters from all the colonies should be invited to
come. The traveling expenses alone seemed almost prohibitive because
of the great distances to be traversed. But the need of getting together
was imperative, and therefore the believers were urged strongly to
attend. “This meeting,” Mrs. White declared, “will mark a new era
in the history of the work of God in this field. It is important that
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every member of our churches should be present, and I urge you all to
come.”
“I am afraid that some will say,” she continued, “‘It is expensive
to travel, and it would be better for me to save the money, and give it
for the advancement of the work, where it is so much needed.’ Do not
reason in this way; for God calls upon you to take your place among
the rank and file of His people. You are to be there in person, and
to strengthen the meeting all you possibly can.... We know that the
believers in the truth are scattered widely; but make no excuse that
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