The 1871 Western Camp Meetings

Camp meetings in the Western States were to be held in Missouri, Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, beginning in late May and running to early July. James White announced that he and Ellen planned to attend some of them (The Review and Herald, May 23, 1871). They began their work with the Iowa meeting at Knoxville. Attendance was good, but they there learned from Canright and Littlejohn of the divisive attitudes of a number who attended the Missouri meeting. As the result of the deceptive work of Mr. Goodenough and Mr. Carver, quite a group opposed Ellen White and the visions. James White, as he wrote of the situation, pointed out that Seventh-day Adventists “believe that the Spirit of Prophecy has rested on Mrs. White, and that she is called to do a special work at this time among this people.” He pointed out:2BIO 320.3

They do not, however, make a belief in this work a test of Christian fellowship. But after men and women have had evidence that the work is of God, and then join hands with those who fight against it, our people claim the right to separate from such, that they may enjoy their sentiments in peace and quiet.—Ibid., June 13, 18712BIO 320.4

After a week's rest at their Washington, Iowa, home, James and Ellen attended the camp meetings in Wisconsin and Minnesota. On receiving word that James's father was nearing death, they hurried home to Battle Creek. On their arrival Thursday evening, July 6, they learned that Deacon John White had died just the day before. In Battle Creek for the funeral was John W. White, an older brother and presiding elder of the Methodist Episcopal church in Columbus, Ohio, and his son, Prof. John White, of Willoughby College. The funeral of the 86-year-old patriarch was held on Sabbath, July 8. James's mother, Betsey White, had died on January 9, so now both of his parents were resting in Oak Hill Cemetery.2BIO 320.5