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Rawlinsville Camp Meeting originated in the month of September, the year 1885. Since members of the area churches in Southern Lan-caster County felt the need for a time of spiritual uplifting and re-vival, they with the aid of the Conference, originated the Camp. The first year of the camp was held without any tents for the people to stay in. The people travelled from miles around for this time of spiritual refreshment. Some came by carriage, some by the old spring-board milk wagon, some walked or rode horseback, and a few years later some even travelled by trolley. In the year 1886 the campers met for a seven day session. They now had nineteen tents which they rented for the session of the Camp. At this time they used coal oil torches to light the grounds. Later they used kerosene lamps and gasoline torches, and in the year 1922, a battery powered plant sup-plied the lighting for the Camp. In the year 1934 the present electric line was built.
Gradually the tents increased in number. In the year 1887, thirty-five tents were pitched. In 1889, a spring was built which was much needed by the campers. The camp continued to progress and the number of tenters increased in the early 1900's. In the early 1940's, when the war clouds darkened, it was doubtful whether the Camp would continue. In 1942, the longer sessions were canceled and a one day session was held. Following the war in the later forties, the ladies and men banded together to patch the torn and battered tents and improve the grounds. With the Lord's divine help and guidance, the Camp continued its existence. The number of tents increased until the year 1957, when the first three cabins were built. There were approximately one hundred tents on the ground. In the year 1958, a severe snow storm damaged the grounds, completely destroying the Youth Tabernacle on the hill. Work was begun to build a new taber- nacle, and in the year 1960 the present tabernacle was completed. By the year 1965, all of the well-worn tents had disappeared from the grounds, and they were replaced completely by cabins. Although the people loved the tents and hated to see them go, the cabins are more practical to the campers. At present there are over 100 cottages on the scenic woodland grounds. Also located on the grounds is the large tabernacle which is used for the evening Evangelistic service as well as some other services; the youth tabernacle on the hill which is used for the children's service in the afternoon, and the youth service in the evening. In addition to these buildings there is a boarding house, a dining hall, and an office located on the grounds. A playground is also provided for the youngsters and a ball park for the youth.
Rawlinsville Camp is Evangelistic and Missionary in character, and interdenominational and New Testament in Doctrine. The sale pur- pose and method of its existence is the salvation of sinners and the building of believers. Located in the beautiful River Hills section of Southern Lancaster County, the grounds are situated one mile southeast of the village of Rawlinsville and one mile northwest of the Buck, on Route 372-in southern Lancaster County. A hard surface road leads to the Camp Meeting Grounds; one entrance is slightly east of the Rawlinsville Methodist Church, and the other entrance being on Route 372, about 75 feet west of Route 272 at the Buck. The Camp is used for religious purposes only, and all campers are expected to attend the services. The Camp, which belongs to the Methodist Churches of Southern Lancaster County, is maintained en- tirely by voluntary contributions. The member Churches are: Bethel, Boehms, Clearfield and Marticville, Conestoga. Fulton Circuit (Mount Zion, Pleasant Grove,) Mount Hope Circuit (Mount Hope, Wesley), Mount Nebo Circuit (Bethesda, Mount Nebo, Rawlins- ville,) Quarryville and Safe Harbor Circuit (Colemansville, Safe Harbor).
Two members from each of the member churches are selected to compose the Camp Meeting association. This association is responsible for the management of the camp. The Camp Auxiliary is com-posed of ladies interested in the camp and the Camp Meeting Association. It is responsible for many of the improvements in the Camp. These organizations aid in the building of new cottages, in the improvement and repair of the present buildings on the grounds, and in the general upkeep and cleaning of the grounds.
The Camp is held for a session of fourteen days. Held over the first two Sundays in August, the camp opens on a Tuesday Evening, beginning with the evening Evangelistic Service, and closing on a Monday Evening. The Camp has a definite schedule of services for each day. The main services which are held each day are the Praise and Prayer Service held each morning, the children's Service held in the afternoon, the Youth Service held prior to the Evening Service and the Evening Evangelistic Service conducted by the Camp Evan- gelistic Service conducted by the Camp Evangelist. The musical instruments composed of trumpets, an organ and a piano are a great asset to the music of the Camp. The excellent song leaders and the Camp choir are also an added blessing to the evening Evangelistic Service. Many of the Evangelists of the Camp travel from other states to the Camp Meeting grounds to preach for the Lord. There are also other services, groups, and activities held for all ages throughout the entire day. At a designated time in the day a bell is rung, which indicates to the campers that they are to pause, wher- ever they are, for five minutes and talk to their Heavenly Father in prayer.
On the last Monday of the Camp, the Sacrament of the The Lord's Supper is kept, and on the last Saturday the Annual Love Feast is held. A Memorial Service is also held each year on a designated Sun- day. At this time, flowers and money are given in memory of past loved ones who have attended the Camp. A Missionary also comes each year and speaks to the Camp, and sometimes slides or a Mis- sionary film are shown. Highlights of the Camp are the children's parade which is held after the Children's Service on the last day, and the march around the Tabernacle which is held after the Evening Evangelistic Service on the final day of the Camp. In the children's march around the Christian Flag, a large American Flag, a Cross and the Bible are Carried by the children. Small flags are also carried by most of the children. In the march around, in the evening the people sing "We're Marching to Zion" while the instruments provide' the marching music. At the end everyone joins hands, forming /I circle,
During this time the bell is tolled for as many years that the Camp has been in existence. The tolling of the bell brings the Camp to a close.
Throughout the years Rawlinsville Camp Meeting has truly been a blessing to many people. Many have been saved through the blood of Christ and their names have been written in Heaven. Many have been spiritually uplifted and renewed in their faith and many have dedi- cated their lives in service to Christ. Only God knows the eternal value of Rawlinsville Camp Meeting to the people of Southern Lan- caster County.