Methodist camp revival planned July 7-17

2016 marks event’s 94th year

EAST LIVERPOOL

The 94th annual camp meeting revival services on the Tri-State Free Methodist Campground, 1027 Anderson Boulevard, are planned July 7-17. Evening services begin at 7 p.m., and the public is invited.

The evangelist is Pastor Hal Haire of the Free Methodist Church in Kittanning, Pa., and a former pastor of Free Methodist Community Church in New Middltown.

He and his wife of 42 years, Debbie Whippo Haire, live in Enon Valley, Pa. They recently returned from a three-year English teaching experience in northeast China. Pastor Haire started his ministry in 1974; since then, he has led churches in Pennsylvania, Ohio and Maryland. He was a speaker during camp in 2008.

2016 marks the 90th anniversary on the campground. A newspaper account notes that on April 26, 1926, area Free Methodists sought money to build a tabernacle at the campground on Anderson Boulevard in Dixonville. A campaign for $5,000 was launched within the dozen Free Methodist congregations in the Rochester District of the Pittsburgh Conference encompassing Northeast Ohio, Northern West Virginia and Western Pennsylvania. The funds were earmarked to build a permanent frame structure to seat 1,500 people for worship and summer camp-meeting. Prior to this, sessions were in a large tent.

The work was done almost entirely by volunteers. A few years later, a bell cast by the C.S. Bell & Co. in 1883, was attached to the tabernacle.

Campers worshipped for the first time in their new building during camp meeting services in August 1926.

Parking is available on the grounds. Casual, respectful dress is appropriate.

Since its inception, people from many different faiths and backgrounds have attended these services and are welcome. This event draws individuals and families primarily from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia,but people also attend from New York, Florida and the New England area.

For more information, visit the camp’s Facebook site under Tri-State Free Methodist Camp.