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Life Sketches of Ellen G. White
camp meeting, the first undertaken by Seventh-day Adventists south
of the equator. Regarding this experience she wrote:
“We felt that this first camp meeting must be, as far as possible, a
sample of what every other camp meeting held in the future ought to
be. Over and over again I said to the people: ‘See, saith He, that thou
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make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount.’
Hebrews 8:5
.... Jesus said to His disciples, ‘Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.’
Matthew 5:48
.”
But regarding this proposed camp meeting it seemed impossible to
arouse much enthusiasm. Logging camps, and groups of tents for road
builders, were well-known institutions, not much to be desired; but a
comfortable camp for a company of people gathered to worship God,
was an entirely new thing for New Zealand.
On account of the financial depression, it was unusually difficult
for many to attend. Up to the beginning of the meeting, there was little
promise that more than thirty would be encamped on the grounds. For
that number tents were provided. But just as the meeting was opening,
the people from the different churches came in, unannounced, until
there were twice as many as had been expected. During the last week of
the meeting there were eighteen tents in the encampment, occupied by
fifty-three persons. Many others occupied rooms near by. These, with
the membership of the Napier church, made a good sized congregation
during the day. Every evening the large tent was well filled.
As the meeting progressed, the camp meeting plan was heartily
approved, and it was voted that the next annual conference be held
in camp. Resolutions were adopted endorsing the Australasian Bible
School, and funds were contributed,—five hundred dollars for the fur-
niture, and four hundred dollars as a students’ aid fund. Two hundred
and seventy dollars was subscribed as a camp meeting fund.
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“After the close of the camp meeting in Napier,” wrote Mrs. White,
“we decided to visit Wellington, and also to spend a few days at
Palmerston North to labor for a little company of Sabbath keepers
there who were pleading for help. Although infirmities were still
my companions by night and day, the Lord gave grace to bear them.
Sometimes when I felt unable to fill my appointments, I would say,
‘In faith I will place myself before the people;’ and when I did this,
strength was given me to rise above my infirmities, and to bear the
message the Lord had given me.”