Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1892-07-18
'LORD Am COMING. :"
TIE COLORED CAMP-MEETING At WHITE
MANS GROVE YESTERDAY.
A Small Attendance But Spirited Scsancss-Ssv-
sral Interruptions - Keeping the Rythms
Of The Hymns With the Feet
Evening Meeting by Torchhght

Persons riding along in the motor
Yesterday at the upper end Of Benwood
near the B. & o. railroad were attracted
every now and then by a confusion
Of voices that came from a elump OF
trees and bushes that form what is
known as Whiteman'S Grove at BoGgs'
Run. In few moments a burst OF
melody would rect the air, followed by
penetrating remarks and eXhortationS.
Il was the occasion of the annual
series of camp meeting services by the
Macedonian Baptists, a society whose
usnal Mace of worship is located on
Charles street. At first glance there
would not appear TO be any regular EN-
trance 10 the sylvan shades, at least, u
Is not very CONSPICUOUS, but there is
one. II is rather a modest approach
between two buildings, and all VINO
went within Yesterday were confronted
nv the outside sentinel, who collected
an admission Of ten cents. On the lett
hand side as you walk into the grove,
IS A large lunch booth, where watermel-
ons, bananas, pies, cakes, and soft
drinks were ever at the disposal OF the
worshiDpers. 1t was presided over oy
two or three women, who were ever
alert 10 solicit trade.
The attendance in the afternoon was
rather light, but those who were con-
dieting the services managed TO put
considerable vim into the meeting. The
services were conducted by Rev. j. >.
Christian, Of the Macedonian Church,
assisted by w. NJ. TOuer,of Bridgeport,
and w. H. Beasley, Of jamestown, 0.
These gentlemen stood upon the large
platform, some thirty-two feet square,
used at picniCS for dancing, and ad-
dressed the hearers who were gathered
in front, on board seats made by placing
boards across other boards placed on
edge. The services largely consisted OF
singing, and planted upon high seat
near the edge OF the platform were q
row of rather pOrtly sisters who seemed
TO be the bone and Sinew Of the songs.
As soon as one of the leaders would
start a song then all the participants
would come right into line, the chorus
being sort Of scattering 10 other parts
of the grove. At times the bymnals
were very enlivening, as the leaders and
several of the others near by kept time
on the platform with their Feet al
times almost merging into a song
and dance. There was no
instrumental accomplishments OF any
kind, and for this reason, the voices at
times. sounded particularly loud aud
penetrating. During the services, not
a few Of the listeners, notably those
i'm the rear OF the congregation, car
ried on a lively conversation, and a
loud burst Of laughter over some jokes
would break in upon the services.
There was rather a sporty row OF boys
seated upon one OF the long tables just
back OF the crowd, and they occasionally
interlarded hits and take-OtfS on the
HYMNS and remarks. One OF the
members or the society was
engaged considerable Of the
time in industriOusly pushing the con-
t<ibution basket which had the effect OF
Xrawink forth diversity Of remarks.
AS ne made his rounds OF the audience
he kept continually starting new songs
which was Immediately taken up by the
high bench chorus. Quite comfort
able sum Of money was collected.
Last evening there was tOrchlight
service at the same place, and all the
early evening motors TO the scene Of
worship were we'll filled with colOred
brethren. Rev. Toner discoursed, and
took for his subject The Kingdom Of
Christ" There was quite sprinkling
OF white people in the audience, and
the exercises proved very entertaining.
The weird and Pickering light Of
the torches gave the scene at
times spectral effect, but the
services rolled on with the old-time en-
thusiasm. The feature of the meetings
was the singing, and it was listened TO
with rapt attention. The people upon
coming out last night were confronted
, with that melting smile OF "PeaHut
Scott" who stood at the entrance and
made known his wares in his usual Sug-
gestive way Another camp meeting
service will be held next Sunday.