43
RESTFUL REVIVAL
By LINDA M. LINONIS
east liverpool
Laurie Mahosky, director of Tri-State Free Methodist Family Camp, attributes the longevity of the camp and its supporting organization to what participants reap from participation.
“It’s a resting time with wonderful fellowship and a revival of the spirit,” she said.
This year’s camp began July 5 and concludes Sunday.
Mahosky said about 200 people stay on camp grounds while another 200 from area churches participate in services.
She said her own family story is shared by others who support the camp.
“I came here as a child with my eight siblings. Our family bought a cottage,” she said. “It was our vacation.”
Now her siblings, their grown children and now grandchildren and nieces and nephews continue the family tradition. That practice, shared by other families, has provided continued support of the camp.
“It’s addicting,” Mahosky said of the atmosphere and activities. “It’s a great place for kids.”
Mahosky, worship coordinator at New Middletown Free Methodist Church, said 14 churches make up the Tri-State Free Methodist Camp Association. “The camp evolved from the old-fashioned tent camp meetings,” she said.
Members of Free Methodist churches in West Virginia, western Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio gathered for the summer camp meetings, which began 120 years ago in the summer of 1892. The the camp at 1027 Anderson Road was established in August 1922; it’s marking its 90th year. The 10-day camp traditionally begins the Thursday after the Fourth of July.
Jennifer Barrett, camp public relations director, said the camp now has 64 cottages and two dormitories and is situated on 10 acres. “Some people still pitch tents,” she said, noting that practice recalled the camp beginnings when everyone stayed in tents.
The church was built in 1926 and is referred to as the tabernacle.
Mahosky described the camp as an “all-God thing.” There are Bible studies for youths and adults along with a range of recreational activities including swimming and other sports.
For ministers who attend camp, Mahosky said it is a rejuvenation time for them and a time to share with other clergy.
“It’s taking a break and getting refreshed,” she said.
For everyone at the camp, Mahosky said the mix of study, recreation and “after-glow” after services provides a “spiritual uplifting” for the mind, body and soul.
The evangelist for this summer’s camp is the Rev. Dr. LeRoy Kettinger of Auburn, N.Y. He has been a camp meeting preacher and Bible teacher in several denominations in the United States and Canada for years.
Dr. Kettinger has a doctor of ministry degree from United Theological Seminary in Dayton. For more than 25 years, he has worked with Boy Scouts of America, Girl Scouts USA, Camp Fire and 4-H.
He is president of Synergistics Corporate Training in New York.
Mahosky said the camp session is enough to sustain the camp that also conducts children’s and youth camps there.
A fall harvest gathering and revival will be in September.