|
Camp Freedom is the product of a vision of a deeply devoted couple, Rev & Mrs E.H. Eberle, who moved to Florida in 1949. Rev & Mrs Eberle had been directors for the Evangelistic Mission Tabernacle Inc, and worked closely with Rev A. J. Baughey, who was the director of a great camp meeting in Pontiac, MI. When the Eberle’s moved to Florida, they had a deep interest in establishing an interdenominational winter camp grounds. They located and purchased acreage for such a place, and immediately began to clear the land and prepare materials for the buildings. Trees from the property were hauled to the saw mill, where they were processed, and then used to build the tabernacle and other buildings necessary to get started. Even the benches for the tabernacle were made from this lumber.
The first camp meeting was held in February, 1953, by the Evangelistic Mission Tabernacle Association, and was under the administration of the Eberle’s and Baughey’s. This arrangement was in effect for ten years, and the camp saw various visitors and workers who came to make camp part of their spiritual experience, or labor in ministry. In the fall of 1962, the camp facilities were offered for sale by the EMTA to the Brethren in Christ, in part because of the high level of interest and participation of two Brethren in Christ men, Harry Hock and Dale Ulery. The various meetings were held, decisions made, and on November 06, 1962, Camp Freedom, its properties and operation, became the responsibility of the Brethren in Christ. The first BiC-operated camp convened January 23 -- February 03, 1963, with Harry Hock serving as Camp Director, and A.J. Baughey as Assistant Director.
W.T. Stone was the evangelist, Bishop Henry Ginder, Guest Speaker, and Simon A. Lehman, Jr, Day Speaker. The Monjar Family were the song evangelists.
Since that time, Camp Freedom has endeavored to continue the ministry that was started by those early leaders. Through the years, a conscious effort has been made to assure that Camp Freedom remains wholesomely interdenominational, choosing speakers, singers, and board members from sister denominations. The goal remains the same: the promotion of Biblical holiness in a setting conducive to worship, fellowship, and obedience.
(Historical information taken from “Free Indeed -The Story of Camp Freedom by S. A. Lehman, Jr)
|
