Camp meeting, type of outdoor revivalmeeting that was held on the American frontierduring the 19th century by various Protestantdenominations. Camp meetings filled an ecclesiasticaland spiritual need in the unchurched settlements as the population moved west. Their origin is obscure, but historians have generally credited James McGready(c. 1760–1817), a Presbyterian, with inaugurating the first typical camp meetings in 1799–1801 in Logan county, Kentucky….Britannica
Growing up in southern Illinois one of the highlights of the summer was camp meeting time. In the beginning of these meetings in the 1700’s and 1800’s they would construct a temporary building out of posts driven into the ground. Additional posts would be added to form a roof which was completed with cut branches or bundles of hay. Benches were made of rough logs often with no backing and there was sawdust on the dirt floors.
By the time I attended camp meeting in the 50’s our building was made of concrete blocks and we had solid concrete floors. Still open-sided with no air conditioning but we had comfortable chairs to sit in.
There were cabins families could rent and a place for RV’s or tents.
Every morning, we would gather for a Bible study at 10 a.m. Afterwards friends would scatter for lunch. Some would have a fire outside their cabin and grill hotdogs or hamburgers. Others had kitchens in their RV’s where they would fix a nice meal and then bring it out on a picnic table to share with friends. There was also a cafeteria on the grounds for those who came just for the day.
In the afternoon there was worship time with lots of special music and a sermon, usually by one of the pastors in the state-wide denomination. Afterward most would find a shade tree or a hammock and rest while the children play on the swing sets.
Evening would find us gathered again in the tabernacle for more worship and a sermon, this time by a well-known evangelist or national official of the denomination.
Great preaching and singing, lots of good food and a chance to just connect again with friends from around the state. A great week we looked forward to every year.
Times have changed. The old building has been torn down and the campgrounds sold. It is now a KOA campground. While the old camp meeting would run from Sunday to Sunday it is now just a three-day event held at one of the mega churches in the state. No one gathers around a campfire to share a meal and children do not run and play while the old folks take a nap in the hammock. There is still good preaching and music, but the sense of camaraderie is gone.
The music has changed also. Where there was always a piano with a few guitars, drums and brass horns, now it is lots of guitars and drums with a keyboard. The large choirs that were made up of anyone who wished to sing have been replaced by a “praise and worship” team of skilled musicians.
While I had not been to an old fashioned camp meeting in years, moving to Michigan I was surprised to find that they still have some campgrounds holding camp meeting.
This past week I went to the Ola Campgrounds. Situated just outside Ashley and a few miles north of St Johns, it was like stepping back in time.
This camp meeting was established 106 years ago. Their facebook page says “Ola Holiness Association was established in 1918. It is a interdenominational camp with the purpose for people to have a fresh encounter with the Holy Spirit. Everyone welcome!!”
Attending the services this week brought back a lot of childhood memories. There was an old upright piano. There were hymnbooks on the back of the pews. The sides of the building were open, and fans were running to keep us cool. No contemporary music – all old songs my grandmother sang.
While there were modern bathrooms, they were not in the main building, I had to walk through the field to a separate building where there was also a kitchen for fellowship and food after the service.
To be honest, I am not sure I would really want to go back to the week-long camp meetings. I like my comfortable bed and air conditioning too much. While I love the old hymns, our contemporary music is also a blessing. But for two or three evenings, it was nice to “step back in time” and worship the “old fashioned way.”
For my followers who have experienced camp meeting in the 50’s, here’s an old song you will recognize. Hope you enjoy it!
