West-Jersey pioneer., 1873-08-01
pIyMAN GROVE.

The encampment of the masses of the
Methodist people of Southern and Western
New Jersey, together with large number
from Philadelphia and vicinity, commenced
at Pitman Grove, ON Tuesday of this week.
As our readers have been advised, large
amount of work has been done upon The
grounds, supplementing what nature had
and tho Grove to-day is surpassed by few,
il any localities which have been set apart
for these purposes. The difficiencies of
shade have been remedied by the setting out
of large trees. Where the ground was
moist and damp, it has been underdrained;
and where the sun would persist in filtering
through, bower coverings Of leafy branches
have been erected, so that every one sits in
comfort to listen to the exercises, or wan
ders in equal pleasantness through shaded
avenues during the intervals. The arrange
ments for lighting the grounds have been
very much improved, and there is no likel-
hood of congregation being left this year,
as they were last, in complete and sudden
darkness. What spiritual enlightenment
they may or may not receive, will depend
of course, upon themselves, but the artificial
| light is always at command. The restau-
rants, boarding and lodging accommoda-
tions are in the hands of competent gentle
men, who will undoubtedly give entire sat-
| isfaction.
! The trains by the favor of Gen. Sewell,
will all stop at the station, and an extra one
| is put on in the evening for the accommo-
dation of persons who may wish to return
| to Camden or Philadelphia after the even
| ing service. A reduction of twenty five per
cent in the fare has been made so that an
excursion ticket can now be purchased from
Philadelphia and return for seventy-five
cents, price which places the means of q
trip to the meeting within the reach of
every one. The committee have made ar
rangements for the presence and preaching
of two or three of the Bishops, of Revs. DR..
Bartine, Kynett and other noted men of
the church North, and also of Rev. DR..
Poisal of the Southern Methodist Episco-
pal church. The directors feel greatly
pleased at their success in obtaining the
services of DR.. Poisal, both from the fact
that he is an eloquent orator, and that he
is representative man of his church.
few interchanges of christian ministerial
service like this, will do much toward break
ing down the dividing lines between the
two churches-a consummation greatly to
be wished.
The religious services are placed by the
directors this year under the charge of
special minister for each particular service.
In this way, it is thought that more Of the
religious talent of the ministry will be
brought out and made available for the
good of the meeting, as every man works
best in his own untrammeled way.
On Monday night, everything was in the
usual order attendant upon the gathering
of masses of people, and it was found i'm
possible to hold the contemplated Directors
meeting or anything else. Bishop Scott
came on the ground, but spent the night
at Glassboro, with Rev. Mr. Turpin. Tues
day was stormy, and no attempt at service
was made until afternoon, when meeting
was held under the direction of the Bishop.
In the evening prayer meeting was held,
under the charge of Rev. H. NJ. Brown. Not
withstanding the rain, there were very few
tents or buildings on the ground but that
were entirely dry. On Wednesday, the sun
rose bright and clear. Bishop Scott deliv-
cred an eloquent sermon in the morning,
followed by Rev. G. G. Eastlack of Port
Elizabeth. in the afternoon.