A History of the Bowman Park Campmeeting Association

History of the Youth Camp | History of the Junior Camp
History of the Children's Camp
History of the Alumni Association | History of Ladies Auxiliary
Historic Photos

Bishop Thomas Bowman, D.D. (Mar. 26. 1836 - Mar. 19. 1923)

Bishop Thomas Bowman, an early leader of the campmeetings, had a great interest in Bowman Park all through his life. One of the earliest dormitories was named after him.

Other Historic Photos

Bowman Park Campmeeting is the second oldest Campmeeting in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference, occupying the same site since 1891, the year of its origin. First held out of doors, there being no auditorium as such, and only a "preacher's stand" as it was called, and rows of logs with planks laid over them for seats, a hand bell was used to call the worshippers to service. In the evening kerosene lights were attached to poles and trees for lighting. Thus was the general setting of the campmeeting over 100 years ago. It is not known exactly, but it is believed that the first groups met on the slope of ground in the area now occupied by the former Bowman and Seybert buildings (currently occupied by Bowman Lodge).

The first meeting for the Bowman Park of a religious nature for the spiritual uplift of the souls of men was during the year 1888 under the leadership of the Presiding Elder, Rev. C. K. Fehr. Out of this meeting there was "agitated the securing of the Park for a regular Camp ground by the Brethren Fehr, J. S. Newhart, Kneiss and others.

In the year 1891 under the leadership of Presiding Elder, W. A. Leopold, the Campmeeting was again held and after the "disruption of the Evangelical Association" a Committee of five was appointed by the leader to ascertain the availability of the estate of Josiah Bowman between Mill and Ore Sts., Lime and Hamilton Sts., consisting of 12 lots, 360 x 393 feet.

On the information received from this committee, the Association arranged for a permanent organization, for the Committee learned that they would be able to procure the lots, along with water rights from the mineral spring at the south end of the lots. The officers of organization were then elected as follows: W. W. Bowman of Slatington, Pa. - President; W. A. Leopold of Allentown - Presiding Elder of the District - Vice President; George H. Laury of Weissport - Secretary; and Franklin Laury of Weissport - Treasurer. There were also nine directors chosen for the administration of the work, who in turn were able at this early start of the camp dispose of 42 shares of stock as reported in the August 24th meeting of 1891. The nine directors were the following: W. W. Bowman, Rev. W. A. Leopold, James Walp, Rev. J. S. Newhart, Rev. J. I. Yotter, Dr. A. P. Andrews, Maurice Bowman, J. S. Miller and Rev. I. F. Heisler.

During this same meeting we note that these brethren were sincerely interested in going ahead with their plans, for it was decided to begin building right away, and lumber for such purposes was to be bought at the cost of $12.50 per thousand feet. Incorporation was also spoken of and plans laid for the securing of the proper papers. The deed for the property was drawn up in the name of the President of the Park Association and executed on September 8, 1891, with $600.00 paid with the balance on note.

The Rev. J. S. Newhart, then pastor of the Slatington Charge, also Superintendent of the Campgrounds, presented a plan for the first Boarding House which was completed before June 1892, when the District Campmeeting was held. Of this campmeeting, the record gives a very illuminating report as written by the secretary, Maurice Bowman, who was elected in 1894:

"During this year (1892) another Campmeeting was held commencing Sept. 7th to 14th and will remain on record as the 'Great Holiness Conference Campmeeting. All who were present will never forget the scenes there witnessed: At times it seemed as though Heaven had touched our part of the earth. So we can truly say that 'Bowman's Campmeeting Park' has to many souls become 'sacred ground'.

This meeting was held by the Presiding Elders of the East Pa. Conference, Rev. Leopold, Bonar and Saylor: but was mostly led by Presiding Elder Rev. Jacob Young of Central Pa. Conference, who did noble work here. Neither can we ever forget the able sermons of Evangelist Grob, Ex-Bishop Yeakel and his brother Jessie Yeakel. Well in short, poor sermons were not heard. The result cannot be fully told; at least 40 were entered into the Canaan of perfect love, and many were converted; others so deeply convicted that in later Revivals at the different churches on the fields of the Conference, they were saved and brought into the Church. Much of the prejudice against the doctrine of entire sanctification was swept away and has since the 'right of way' in our beloved East Pa. Conference as at the first when our Fathers founded: under God this blessed institution. This Campmeeting was not of a financial success; the party which kept the boarding house was the most downhearted; he often was puzzled to know how to get the people to come for their meals, as it seemed the Brethren had found a meat and drink that was more satisfying than even the necessaries of this life! The worldly people were captivated by the beaming faces, and stirring testimonies of God's children, and by the soul searching and heart rending preaching of the servants of God. Our Faith says, that yet more such campmeetings shall grace this sacred spot."

During the year of 1893 it seems that there were two Campmeetings at Bowman's -- one being held during June with Rev. Joshua Gill of Boston and the other in August 1893 which was held under the leadership of Bishop S. C. Breyfogel.

One interesting thing to note about the Campmeetings was that in each case whenever the grounds were used by the District of the Eastern Penn. Conference, there was a ground rental to be paid to the Camp Association. This procedure followed year after year until more and more the officials of the East Penn. Conference were allowed to take over the reigns of leadership in the Camp. The final rental that was paid was about $60.00. Not until the year 1902 was there a change in this plan when it was made known that the stock of the Conference was to be held by the Presiding Elder and that the Presiding Elder was elected as President of the Park Association.

In the August 1894 meeting of the Directors, there were some new men added to the Board: James Ash of Millport (Aquashicola), Wm. Romig of Bowmanstown, S. F. Leopold of Allentown, and Henry Miller of Mauch Chunk (Jim Thorpe). The Incorporation was completed in 1894 under the name of "The Bowman Park Campmeeting Association of the Evangelical Association of North America," with power vested in the Superintendent and Executive Committee. The Executive Committee also laid out the Park into lots and avenues through services rendered by a Mr. Macke of Mauch Chunk.

A meeting of the Camp Commission was called on Thanksgiving Day of 1894 to consider the building of an auditorium 40 x 80 in "common rustic style" and also an addition [o the Boarding House by placing a second story "to accommodate strangers who attend the annual gathering." It was also proposed to have the next Annual Gathering in June of 1895. The papers of incorporation and the stock book and seal were placed in the hands of Rev. J. S. Newhart. Lots Number 5 through 25 were set aside for the erection of tents to accommodate those who stayed in the grove for the week of meetings.

After the June meeting in 1895, we note that the auditorium was not built, "the reason for not building the auditorium and other improvements as were recommended was given by the Executive Committee; being that the financial condition of the Association did not warrant the undertaking and also because it was agitated that a change of location was to be considered before building." During the Camp of 1896, a canvas top was used as the roof over the auditorium and was procured by Rev. J. S. Newhart, who incidentally during early 1897 drew a sketch of a proposed auditorium to cost in the neighborhood of $400.00.

It was with an eye to the future that the leaders of the work of the Camp were looking when in 1897 they decided to go ahead with the project of the auditorium, to which they added sleeping rooms at the rear, "but not over the platform." It was also arranged that all unused posts and rails were to be erected in such a fashion "so as to suit for tying horses and thus save our trees." Another of these projects in the building line was to build "at some suitable location a lodging house about 24 x 36 feet, two stories high, one floor to be made into small rooms and the other into two large rooms for the present." This building was built with a double porch eight feet wide and 24 feet long.

In the executive meeting of August 29, 1899, some very important things were spoken about regarding the Camp. Among them were the following items: "The Committee was authorized to raise funds to be used to help keep strict order on the camp grounds and vicinity, particularly on the Sabbath Day . . . hire policemen to enforce order and to secure through the Presiding Elder help on education, evangelistic and musical lines. The Boarding House is to be hereafter closed on Sabbath except to furnish regular boarders and to such as shall order meals or buy their tickets previous to the Sabbath."

In April 1901, W. W. Bowman presented a sample of a seat that could be used in the auditorium, measuring 16 feet long at the cost of $1.75 per bench. He was than authorized to procure 34 as per sample for which he was partly paid in 25 shares of stock. During this year a portable platform 36 x 36, a pulpit and portable altar were also provided for the Campmeeting. This is the same altar which is in use today. In August of this year it was decided to enclose the Park with some kind of a fence "as used heretofore, except if a plain top is cheaper than the pointed we would use the cheaper kind." On motion, Mr. Griffith DeLong, Superintendent of Grounds, was "ordered that locks be put on the gates and prevent all unnecessary trespassing on the Campgrounds. If people insist to trespass, the Supt. has the right to prosecute."

During the year of 1902 the Association was hard pressed for financial help in operating the Park. In accordance, they endeavored to raise as much money as possible to relieve their distress. The Association had $2,050.00 indebtedness with interest of 5% to be paid on this amount. It was decided to help in this distress and a "plan to charge an entrance fee of five cents (SC) for each person above the age of 12 years; except such as were in tents or lot owners who

shall be permitted free by a pass." In light of this financial burden, it was rather a blow to the Association not to have any Camp during this year, however in 1903 the "gate assessment" was revised and was successful for some time and also helped to care for expenses incurred. By the year 1904 the plan had been adopted to add to the dwindling treasury by taking offerings in the evening meetings. There had been only one other offering lifted beside the Presiding Elder's salary and that was a special missionary offering until this time. Not until the year 1911 did the "gate tax" become ineffective, when in the July 24 meeting of the Committee, Rev. F. M. Gingrich moved "to abolish the gate system." It was reported in 1904 that the "gate receipts amounted to $229.36."

Another item that might be interesting to note is that relative to the cost of the "tenting" on the camp grounds, tent prices were fixed "to give the best possible inducements for our people to tent." The following reasonable prices were by motion established: Tent without floor - $1.75; Tent with floor - $2.25; Tent with floor and bunk - $2.50; Floor only - $ .50 Rooms in the lodging house - same as tent with floor - cots separate. Prices for the Boarding House as follows: Season ticket - $5.00; Day ticket - $ .75; Supper and Breakfast ticket - $ .25; Dinner - $.35; Lodging at night - $ .25; Lodging for season - $2.00.

In the year 1900 the Presiding Elder Rev. 0. L. Saylor was instructed to "call a meeting of the sisters and form a Ladies Aid Society of the Bowman Park Assn." This organization was formed during the subsequent years and during the year 1907 (July 29) a committee met with the Board of Directors to discuss the advisability of discontinuing the small "pulpit rooms" as well as the Boarding House and use the lumber for the erection of about four small cottages in the grove for lodging purposes. This plan was adopted in August of 1907 and the work went on apace.

For the camp services during the year 1903, Rev. H. M. Taylor was appointed to care for the gasoline lights, which took the place of the kerosene lights. As time was "rough on the lights" Mr. U. G. Ridgeway of Honesdale donated the use of a better series of "gasoline lights" in 1911. Early in 1915 electric lights were installed in the Camp. An organ was donated for the 1905 camp.

Financial pressures were great again in 1911 and the Association was obliged to reduce the size of its property by selling 7-3/4 acres of land and timber. The plan was to sell the land and woodland for $900.00 or the wood alone for $500.00; however in July it was reported to the Board that the lumber was sold for $475.00 and the land for $550.00, thereby realizing $130.00 more than originally planned.

In 1916 the Ladies Aid Society saw the need for a new Boarding House and made possible with cooperation of the Executive Committee the erection of such a house in the form of a two story building 40 x 16 x 16 with an annex suitable for kitchen purposes. The second floor of the house was to be used for lodging. The work was supervised by Rev. W. F. Savidge and the cost was $675.00. The building was later occupied by William Beers and family and is known as the Bowman Building.

The Camp Program for the year 1917 in charge of Bishop Thomas Bowman was arranged for July 27 through Aug. 5, with emphasis on the following days: Old Peoples Day, Reformation Day, Temperance Day, Missionary Day, Sunday School Work, Children's Meetings in charge of various of the brethren, and Young People's Meetings in the evening. Meal prices rose slightly.

The fence around the campmeeting area was removed in 1918. Previous to this, admission tickets were necessary. A policeman was often needed to help keep strict order during the season. Also in 1918 the first piano was used in the services. Children's workers were appointed and served during the 1921 Camp - Mrs. J. S. Farnsworth and Mrs. A. W. Buck. The regular "Clean-Up Day" was instituted also this year. In April 1922 additional improvements were made when a two story cottage 20 x 42 x 16 was authorized to be built; it contained eight rooms and a double porch five feet wide (probably the recently demolished Seybert Building).

By August of 1921 all of the indebtedness of the Association was paid with the last $500.00 mortgage lifted. Again in July of 1928 it was authorized to remove one of the three room cottages "to the entrance Avenue and erect a 10 room cottage at the rear of the auditorium." This cottage was erected, however, with only eight rooms and built on the same plan as the one in 1922. The cottage is now known as the Albright Building.

In 1926 the following resolutions were presented to the Committee: (1) No cake walks in the park; (2) No order or lodge be granted privileges during campmeeting; (3) No autos make use of the auditorium as a garage. In this year the side wings of the tabernacle were added. In 1928 twilight services (singing, testimony, and prayer) were held under the direction of Rev. W. F. Savidge.

In 1932 the meeting of the committee at the camp grove was saddened by the news of the death of Maurice Bowman who had served as secretary of the Association since 1894, and a suitable resolution was drawn in reference to his passing.

During May of 1947 the cottage of Mrs. David Christman was purchased by the Association for the purpose of having on the campground a Conference Superintendent's Cottage. The cost was $300.00 and at the same time a new roof costing $125.00 was placed upon the Dining Room. A notation that reads as follows concerning the 1947 Campmeeting is very interesting: "The meetings in the grove were well attended this year, a good number of souls saved, the messages by the many pastors were all soul stirring and we have every reason to believe that God is working with us, and through us, so let us band together and make our 1948 campmeeting bigger and better by the help of God."

In July 1948 an amplifying system was presented to the Association by Mrs. Cuela Buck (widow of William A. Buck who was for many years an active Director) in memory of the Paul Buck family. This year the retaining wall of concrete at the back of the tabernacle was constructed and the following year new floors were laid in the Boarding House and the lighting system in the Park was rewired and expanded. A bell was donated in 1949 by the Barnesville Church. The old plank walks were removed along the sides of the auditorium and concrete pavement placed. In May of 1950 a new hot water heater was placed in the kitchen and general improvements to the grounds and outbuildings were made.

The report for the 1949 campmeeting stated that twenty young people and adults and eight children committed their lives to God and the attendance of 21 ministers on the last Sunday was exceptional. According to the record "this was the best Campmeeting in years."

The 60th Anniversary Year in 1951 was noted with a two week Campmeeting session. Rev. Joseph Denton was the Evangelist and services were held every afternoon and evening. Rev. Walter S. Boyer was the teacher of the morning Bible Studies. Rev. Boyer went on to become the President of the Association and instituted the idea of an Administrative Board to enlarge the scope of the campmeeting and involve more people in its planning.

A Youth Rally in the campgrove, held in 1953, was the spearhead for the Bowman Park Youth Camp. Rev. Walter S. Boyer officiated at this rally. The new dormitory called the Fellowship Hall was planned and in January 1953 committees were appointed, namely Building, Program, Publicity and Finance. Twelve trees in the grove were cut and the new lumber exchanged for seasoned lumber.

A double dwelling in the park, owned by the Association and unused, was razed with money advanced by Mr. John Paules and Mr. Ralph Hartline.

God raised up a mighty man in 1945 in the person of Mr. Harvey Gildner, one of the promoters of the Youth Camp work at Bowman Park. Harvey became a stockholder, director, and the secretary of the Association all at one time at a meeting in 1945. He held the office of Secretary until 1960 at which time he was elected President from 1960-1970. In those 25 years of service, Harvey says the BPCA "went through many financial struggles, but the Lord always rewarded us with spiritual blessings that overshadowed the problems that seemed to obstruct our path and gave us new courage and desire, and I can truthfully say that these years of activity in Bowman Park were the best years of my life as a Christian. During my official capacity I have not missed one meeting -- stockholders, directors or special. I have been in a position all these years to feel the PULSE of our BPCA. And at no time have we been in a striking position like we are now."

In August 1954 Rev. William H. Moyer spoke of a "Junior Board" to work with the Board of Directors. Dr. 0. A. Hyden again brought up this matter in the November meeting. In 1954 this organization, named the Bowman Park Board of Associates, became a reality and served most faithfully through the years. The Scholarship Fund was begun in 1954 by Dr. 0. A. Hyden who gave the first two memorials. In 1955 the Stockholders voted to have 12 Directors instead of nine, the first major change in the Constitution. In 1955 the annual Brochure was enlarged to include advertising and patron lists. A Youth Banquet was held in the Zion Church, Lehighton, in 1956 for promotional purposes. In September 1957 the new Refreshment Stand was proposed, the "go ahead" was given in July 1958, and the Board of Associates took over the project. Afternoon preaching services were discontinued in 1959. New stock certificates were authorized to be printed in 1960. Rev. A. M. Herman, Youth Camp Director for [en years, suggested the following improvements [o the Fellowship Hall and youth program: a camp library, a dispensary, a flagpole and flag, clothes racks in the dormitory, ladders for the bunk beds, more interesting "rainy day" activities, a Public Address system, and better seating in the lounge area.

The new 200 amp electrical system was installed in 1961 by Allen Correll. In August 1964 the Junior Camp was established. Also in 1964 the tarpaulins at the sides and back of the tabernacle were installed as protection against wind and rain. The Clauss cottage was willed to the Directors in 1965, who turned it over to the Auxiliary, who put it in order as a cottage for the Evangelist and family. Flags were presented this year by the Barnesville congregation.

The 75th Anniversary year, 1966, saw special emphasis regarding the outreach and progress of the Campmeeting. Bishop Kaebnick spoke and the camp theme was "Christ Is The Answer." The Buck cottage was purchased by the Board of Associates in 1969 and turned over to the camp as a Crafts Cottage. The Ladies Auxiliary was given full responsibility for the kitchen and dining room in 1969. An advisory group was proposed in 1970 to expand a progressive spirit in the campmeeting under the guidance of God to advance every avenue of labor for the work of God's kingdom.

The Bowman Park Alumni Association was begun in 1972. The gift shop operated by the Bowman Park Ladies Auxiliary was instituted in the Albright Building in 1974.

The Constitution was amended in 1986 to expand the Board of Directors to 15 members, rather than 12. The Constitution was again amended in 1990 to clearly define the objects of the Association and also to add the office of First Vice President.

The Board of Administration voted in 1989 to purchase a cottage from Mr. and Mrs. Merritt Bossard for the purpose of housing the Evangelist during campmeeting each year.

The Seybert Building was demolished in the fall of 1990 to make way for a new facility, designed to be used year-round. Building was begun in the spring of 1991.

God has used Bowman Park mightily in the past 100+ years, but the work of God at Bowman Park goes on. We urge our readers to pray much for the spiritual outreach of our beloved Campmeeting. And let's all be promoters and bring others into the fold, learning from the example of the dedicated men and women who have set the example of what it means to give your all to what you believe is right and just in the eyes of the Lord. May their image continue to inspire our spiritual enrichment and growth that God may bless us with the continued presence of His Spirit here at Bowman Park Campmeeting.

A TRIBUTE TO THE BOARD OF ASSOCIATES

The Board of Associates at Bowman Park Campmeeting was formed in 1954 by a group of foresighted ministers and laymen. The accomplishments of this dedicated group were far-reaching in the life of the Bowman Park Youth Camp.

Among the many projects of the Board of Associates were the purchase of the C. C. Buck Cottage which was turned over to the Board of Directors for use as an Arts & Crafts cottage; compiling and printing of the campmeeting brochure for many years; erecting in 1959 the Refreshment Stand, including manual labor digging, concreting, carpentering and painting, and then operating the Refreshment Stand; providing swings for youngsters, new lights in the dining hall, and aid to individual campers; promoting the Scholarship Fund; and sponsoring the annual Spring Banquet.

The Board of Associates disbanded in 1972 when the newly formed Board of Administration came on the scene. But we will long pay tribute to this dedicated group and remember their accomplishments for our Lord here at Bowman Park.

Thank you, Board of Associates!

Daily Order of Camp (1925)

6:15 A.M. B Rising

6:45 A.M. B Morning Watch

9.00 A.M. B Mission Study

10.00 A.M. B Preaching

1.30 P.M. B Children= s Hour

2.45 P.M. B Preaching

6:45 P.M. B Song Service

7:45 P.M. B Preaching

We are located in the center of the borough of Bowmanstown.  A variety of camps for young people have become a part of our ministry over the years.  God has blessed us throughout our time in His service and we look forward to more blessings in the future or until Christ returns.  We request your prayers and support for the many aspects of ministry that take place here at camp all year long.

We want to thank all those who support us as we continue to minister to today’s generation

 Please also read the following histories:

History of the Youth Camp | History of the Junior Camp
History of the Children's Camp
History of the Alumni Association | History of Ladies Auxiliary
Historic Photos