Dates: September 30 – October 4, 1869
Location: William Ingraham Farm, Wasioja Township, Dodge Co., MN
Find it today: Map
East of Wasioja on County Road 16, it is the first farm on the south side of the road. They have a sign posted in the front yard stating that it’s the site of the first Minnesota Seventh-day Adventist Camp Meeting. (Please be respectful that this is private property – thanks!)
The baptisms: Camp meeting baptisms were conducted in the Zumbro River.
in Minnesota at Wasioja
© 2019 Kathy Joy Parke
CAMP-MEETINGS – There are, at least, seven camp-meetings to be held the present season. Requests for these meetings have come in from New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa. The time for these must cover a period of at least ten weeks, unless two or more shall be held at the same time. If these meetings shall cover a period of ten weeks, the first must commence as early as Aug. 10, in order to get through with them before cold weather. Camp-meetings will probably be held as follows:
(Particulars as to time and place will be given in due season.)
Ohio, August 10-16.
Michigan, August 19-26.
New Hampshire, September 7-12.
New York, September 15-20.
Wisconsin, September 24-29.
Minnesota, October 6-10.
Iowa, October 13-19.
If our brethren in Ohio object to having their camp-meeting so early, and the brethren in Minnesota and Iowa, theirs so late in the season, then two meetings will have to be held at the same time, or some will have to be omitted. As the time draws near for the first meetings, the time of the appointments for Ohio, Michigan and New Hampshire may be considered settled.
Letters of inquiry relative to camp-meetings may be addressed to Eld. James White, Greenville, Montcalm Co., Michigan.
GEN. CONF. COM. – Review and Herald, July 13, 1869, 21.
Minnesota Conference 1869 President
Photo: Courtesy
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
MINNESOTA CAMP-MEETING AND CONFERENCE – The committee have selected the location for the Minnesota Camp-meeting, to be held Oct. 6-10, as per REVIEW No. 8, at Wasioja, Dodge Co., on the farm of Eld. Ingraham. It is a grove of large and small trees, as dense and perfect to protect from wind and storm, can be found. It is five miles from Kasson Station, and four from Dodge Center Station, on the St. Peters R. R. A daily stage runs from Kasson to Wasioja. Besides this, the brethren will furnish two teams to bring passengers from and to these two stations.
As there is no S. D. A. church in Wasioja, the brethren will see the necessity of bringing small tents, bed-ticks, bedding and provisions. A supply of hay, straw, and oats, can be obtained near the place. Ministers and their wives can put up at Bro. Ingraham’s. It is hoped that children of an age not likely to be benefited, but be an annoyance to the meeting, and to Bro. I’s peace and interest, also the infirm, and all such as are not able to take tent fare, would not be present.
It is confidently expected that Bro. and Sr. White will be present. Also, the Minnesota State Conference will be held at the time and place of the above Camp-meeting. All churches belonging to said Conference, and those that wish admittance, will appoint delegates for the same, and send by them written reports of their standing, the number of their members, and the amount of their s. n. funds pledged yearly.
Let the churches bring their tents, and be sure to be in time to have everything in readiness for the meeting to commence on the sixth. Everything should be completed by the evening of the fifth.
STEPHEN PIERCE, Wm. S. INGRAHAM, H. GRANT; Conf. Com.
Review and Herald, September 7, 1869, 88.
Photo: © 2018 Isaac Jones
WESTERN CAMP-MEETINGS – Providence permitting, there will be three camp-meetings in the West the present season. Bro. Andrews and Bro. and Sr. White will probably attend these meetings. The first of the three will be held at Clinton Junction, Wis., Sept. 23-27. The second will be held in Minnesota, Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The third will he held at Pilot Grove, Washington Co., Iowa, Oct. 6-11. Our brethren in the West will please see that the time, place, &c., &c., of the State Conferences are given in the Review in proper time.
GEN. CONF. COM. – Review and Herald, September 14, 1869, 96.
WESTERN CAMP-MEETINGS – Providence permitting, there will be three camp-meetings in the West the present season. Bro. Andrews and Bro. and Sr. White will probably attend these meetings. The first of the three will be held at Clinton Junction, Wis., Sept. 23-27. The second will be held in Minnesota, Sept. 30 to Oct. 4. The third will he held at Pilot Grove, Washington Co., Iowa, Oct. 6-11. Our brethren in the West will please see that the time, place, &c., &c., of the State Conferences are given in the Review in proper time.
GEN. CONF. COM. – Review and Herald, September 14, 1869, 96.
MINNESOTA CAMP-MEETING – By comparing Review No. 11 with No 12, it will be seen that two different appointments have been given for the Minnesota Camp-meeting, but we presume it will be sufficiently understood that the latter, by the General Conference Committee, annuls the former, as by this arrangement, the presence of Bro. and Sr. White and Bro. Andrews will be secured at all the Western meetings.
W. O. A. – Review and Herald, September 28, 1869, 112.
Photo: Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
WESTERN TOUR – The 29th, we left Clinton Junction (Wisconsin) for Minnesota, and reached the camp-ground at Wasioja, the 30th. It was a long, hard route by railroad and steamboat and carriage. Mrs. W. was in good spirits, but we were all weary.
We found several tents on the ground. By a strong effort, many brethren and sisters had come together. But recent rains, flooding the streams and sloughs, prevented some. We put up our tent, and made preparations for the night. Here we were happy to meet Dr. Russell, who remained with us, lodging in our tent, with Brn. Andrews and Erzenberger, till the meeting closed. We also here met Elds. Pierce and Ingraham, formerly from Vermont.
In the evening I spoke to the people, showing why we believe as we do. It was a place of freedom. The night was cold. I preached with my overcoat on. And I could see my breath float out upon the cold, clear air, far from me, as I spoke. Yet the people heard me with fixed attention.
This meeting was marked with great freedom in preaching the word, and a spirit of confession among the people. We were happily disappointed in the brethren and sisters in Minnesota, and hope to be able to meet a more general gathering at their Camp-meeting the last of June next. May God bless the labors of preaching brethren in that new State, and raise up many witnesses for the truth there.
We feel a deep interest in the Danes in that State, and shall see that Danish publications are furnished at reasonable prices, and a portion to circulate gratuitously. Dr. Russell left us free in spirit, settled in faith, expressing the strongest confidence in the truth and work of God as held by Seventh-day Adventists. His many friends wish to hear from him through the Review.
We sold many books at this meeting, and gave from the book fund about two hundred dollars’ worth. We are ready to send English and Danish publications to that new field when needed for gratuitous distribution. May God bless the cause in Minnesota.
JAMES WHITE, Battle Greek, Oct. 17, 1869.
Review and Herald, October 19, 1869, 133.
Photo: © 2019 Kathy Joy Parke
THE MINNESOTA CAMP-MEETING. – Dear brethren and sisters who delight in the prosperity of Zion: It is not my intention to either forestall or supplement the regular report of the Minnesota Camp-meeting, but I feel it to be my duty from my isolated stand-point to speak of the meeting, and of some things growing out of it. I have never before so felt the truth of the words of Jesus, “According to your faith be it unto you.” Matt. ix, 29.
I went to that meeting without a shadow of doubt that great good would be done, and that poor I would receive a goodly share of the blessing. Praise the Lord; both his mercy and his truth endureth forever. I had never seen any of those who were there, save the few who went from my own county, Wisconsin. But it was not from man that I looked for the blessing. I believed that the Lord would meet with us by his Spirit, and I know that many who were there can testify that its sweet, melting influence was felt for days together; not in “a great and strong wind,” not in “an earthquake,” not in a fire;” but in “a still small voice;” which drew from many a confession in part like that of Elijah. 1 Kings xix, 14.
I felt the same as Peter did, like remaining in the mount. But other duties called him down; and so it was with us, Peter must be perfected through suffering, as well as his Master. So must we. We must mingle with the world for a little longer, in order to test our sincerity, by enduring temptation. But dear brethren and sisters who enjoyed the privilege of that meeting, if our future lives are not an improvement on our past, it would be more tolerable for us in the day of Judgment if we had not been to that meeting.
Where much is given much is required. See Luke xii, 48. We must live more in the atmosphere of Heaven; we must talk differently with and about others. We should be more strictly honest in our deal. We should read God’s word with greater reverence. Our prayers should have more of the spirit of prayer in them, and that appropriating faith which can claim the promises as ours. These are a very few of the fruits of that meeting which should appear so prominent in our future lives, that the world will take notice of us, that we have been with Jesus.
I have often heard and read the words, “the Lord’s tried servants,” but I never realized their force till I saw Bro. and Sr. White, and Bro. Andrews, and learned something of their labor of love, their repeated trials, their abiding faith, and how the Lord is to them an ever-present help. We should strictly guard against the violation of the first commandment; but these worn servants should be honored as God’s humble instruments in preparing a people to endure the seven last plagues.
I view as in the providence of God, the spontaneous feeling and the corresponding liberality of that meeting to give the present truth to the people from Norway and Denmark, who are settled in Minnesota. I believe that Bro. Hanson is a humble Christian, and has the burden of souls upon him; and that from him “shall sound out the word,” not only in Minnesota, but “to the region beyond,” in Northern Wisconsin, which is largely settled with Norwegians. My adjoining town is principally settled with such, and if any one, “whose heart the Lord has stirred up,” will order tracts or publications in that language to my address, I will freely distribute them agreeably to the wishes of the donor.
by Ellen G. White, 1860
Photo: Adventist Digital Library
But our missionary efforts should not be confined to any place or people. The tract and book fund is worthy of our liberal patronage, so that those who travel can have books for free distribution.
I am more and more encouraged to give tracts to every one who will take them, from an incident which occurred while returning from that meeting. Taking my seat in a crowded car, where noise and senseless talk prevailed, I arose and supplied each seat with a tract, “The Sufferings of Christ,” without saying a word, and sat down, when there was scarcely a word to be heard for as much as half an hour. If our faith is weak it may be well to discriminate to whom we give tracts; but if our faith can grasp a whole carload, give a tract to every one. If we should be the means of leading but one to Christ for every hundred tracts that we give away, oh! what ” a crown of rejoicing” we should have.
Photo: GC Archives
At that camp-meeting I learned that the third angel’s message is being given among the mountains of Switzerland; and there I saw their sweet and Christ-like representative, Bro. Erzenberger, who is here preparing to translate our publications into the German language. Soon shall the sound of the message re-echo through the Alpine hills, till it greets the ears of the Waldenses, long since driven to the mountains of Piedmont for keeping the commandments of God. The many and increasing “Macedonian cries” must be answered and met, if we would clear our skirts from the blood of souls. The General Conference fund must meet this expense, at present, and this is sustained by free-will offerings.
Dear brethren and sisters, the opening providences of God unmistakably say, “Go labor in my vineyard, There’s resting by and by.” Let no one be idle because he or she cannot do “some great thing.” God does not require what we have not, but what we have. Every one can do something; even to pray in faith, and soon our faith will bear fruit, The world has long lain in wickedness, and the wickedness is increasing. Time is short and there is much to do. We cannot stand still; we will either progress or retrograde. Satan takes the advantage of all idleness; therefore let us work while it is day, for the night cometh when we cannot work. “‘Tis sweet to work for Jesus, There’s resting by and by.”
JOHN MCMILLAN. Pleasant Valley, St. Croix Co., Wis.
Review and Herald, October 26, 1869, 138.
“Resting By and By” refers to the early Advent hymn of that title:
When faint and weary toiling, The sweat-drops on my brow;
I long to rest from labor, To drop the burden now,
There comes a gentle chiding, To quell each mourning sigh:
“Work while the day is shining; There’s resting by and by.”
Chorus:
Resting by and by, There’s resting by and by;
We shall not always labor, We shall not always cry;
The end is drawing nearer, The end for which we sigh;
We’ll lay our heavy burdens down; There’s resting by and by.
This life to toil is given, And he improves it best
Who seeks by patient labor To enter into rest;
Then Pilgrim, worn and weary, Press on, the goal is nigh;
The prize is straight before thee There’s resting by and by.
(Chorus)
Nor ask when, overburdened, You long for friendly aid,
“Why idle stands my brother, No yoke upon him laid?”
The Master bids him tarry, And dare you ask him why?
“Go labor in my vineyard, There’s resting by and by.”
(Chorus)
Wan reaper in the harvest, Let this thy strength sustain,
Each sheaf that fills the garner Brings you eternal gain;
Then bear the cross with patience, To fields of duty hie;
‘Tis sweet to work for Jesus: There’s resting by and by.
(Chorus)
Words by Sydney Dyer, Music by Robert Lowry (1826-1899)
As Published in “Early Advent Singing”, James R. Nix
Review and Herald Publishing
Photo: Courtesy
Ellen G. White Estate, Inc.
WESTERN TOUR. – We left the Minnesota camp-ground third-day, Oct. 5 … [continues with report of Iowa camp meeting] … And, now, as we look back upon the camp-meeting season, it is with pleasure that we recount the many precious interviews we have enjoyed with dear friends, the many kindnesses we have received at their hands, and the many seasons of freedom we have enjoyed in preaching the word, and in social worship with the dear people of the Lord. God has wonderfully blessed his people in their efforts in this direction. We will praise him. By the grace of God, we design to labor on in other departments of the work till another camp-meeting season shall open in June, 1870, when we hope, in the strength of God, to resume this delightful kind of labor, continue it in the West and in the East, in Ohio and Michigan, and, if the Lord will, close with a camp-meeting in California.
JAMES WHITE – Review and Herald, October 26, 1869, 141.
ABOUT THE BOOK FUND. – Since May 10, 1869, I have given from the book fund in books, to the amount of $973.07. During this time, I have received for this fund $1019.65. This shows the interest of our people in the circulation of our tracts, pamphlets, and books.
I gave in Minnesota, to the amount of $135.70, and have packed a box for Eld. W. S. Ingraham, Kasson, Minn., containing books from the fund as follows: For Bro. Ingraham, to the amount of $34.76; Bro. Pierce, $17.83; Bro. Hansen, $23 40. I send to Bro. Hansen some Danish works and pay for them from our book fund to the Danish fund. The distinction of these funds should be abolished, and while our Danish brethren liberally contribute to our fund, they should feel free to call upon us for all those works in their language which they can judiciously circulate.
We feel a deep interest in the spread of the truth among those of other languages. There is a sincerity and simplicity with our German, French, Norwegian and Danish brethren, which endears them to us very much. May God bless their labors to the good of many of their own tongue. We will do what we can to help them. More about this by-and-by.
God is blessing our effort in the circulation of tracts, pamphlets and books. There are many among us who date their interest in the truth, which resulted in their conversion to God, from reading a tract or a pamphlet.
A sister, at the Minnesota Camp-meeting, came to the book-stand for publications to circulate. She stated that the reading of a part of a tract, a portion having been torn off and lost, commenced her experience in the precious truth of God. God is preparing good minds to hear and read with candor and interest, and they must have publications.
The people are perishing for want of knowledge. The laborers are few, the field is wide, and the harvest is plenteous. If this vast harvest work be left to living preachers, it never will be done. Much, very much, must be done with books, and many of our publications must be circulated gratuitously.
10 Sermons on
The Sabbath
Photo: Center for Adventist Research, Andrews University
We engage in the preparation for the press several important works especially adapted to the wants of the people, and call on all to assist in the expense of their publication, and in their circulation. In August, an edition of five thousand copies of Bro. Andrews’ “Ten Sermons” was published. About four thousand copies have been disposed of. We shall immediately publish ten thousand copies, and ask help in their circulation. The Lord is giving us the field, and we must all engage in the work. God will bless united and vigorous action.
Those who have pledged to the book fund are invited to pay their pledges as soon as possible, and all others are invited to assist in this good work. We shall be happy to send the book-fund report issued last May to all who are interested in the matter, on receipt of postage; and shall promptly correct all mistakes when pointed out.
We invite all our accredited ministers to interest themselves in this work. We will send them books for gratuitous distribution, as they may need, and ask them to help us in the work in return. They can have book-fund reports to distribute free, and the pleasure of collecting money for the fund, and forwarding it to the Office. May God help us all in this good work.
JAMES WHITE. – Review and Herald, October 26, 1869, 141.
Photo: Center for
Adventist Research
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FROM BRO. INGRAHAM – As Bro. Pierce has said nothing in relation to our good camp-meeting in Minnesota, I wish to write a few lines. After calling long, and praying much, we were permitted to see the faces of Bro. and Sr. White, accompanied by Brn. Andrews and Ertzenberger, and hear their voices in the proclamation of the truth on the camp ground. We were glad that they did not have to meet opposing elements in our State, but our brethren were ready to take hold of the work with them. Bro. and Sr. White have ever lived in the hearts of Sabbath keepers in Minnesota, and still more since the camp-meeting.
Freedom was enjoyed by those who preached the word. Especially did we feel grateful to our Heavenly Father for raising up Bro. White from feebleness of mind and body, and arming him with strength physically and mentally to proclaim the present truth as clearly, if not more so, than at any time in the past. Every sermon was interesting and profitable, to both the church and world. Sr. White’s sermon on Sunday was listened to by all with great attention.
This camp-meeting makes us long for another, and we shall have everything in readiness to enjoy another like season next June, requesting Bro. and Sr. White, and such help as they think proper, to attend. We were sorry that all our brethren did not learn the change of the time in the appointment. Quite a number started for the meeting one week too late, and one brother came eighty miles (fifty, on foot) and reached the place after the close of the meeting. But may the Lord reward them for their labor.
Wm. S. INGRAHAM, Wasioja, Nov. 16, 1869.
Review and Herald, December 7, 1869, 191.
Learn more about these leaders:
(external sources)
Andrews, J. N.
Erzberger, Jakob H.
White, Ellen G.
White, James