When I was a kid, the saddest day of the year was the day after Camp Meeting ended!
Because my Dad had to drive back to New Brighton to work, my Mom and I (and in the early years - my sister, Bev) were left at the campground all-day Monday to pack up and prepare for the trip home. A few other families were in the same predictament.
There were some things I had to do to help my Mom, but by-and-large, I was left to roam the grounds trying to pass the time. I would spend time on the swings and walk around the ballfield. I would meander through the tabernacle. Occasionally, I would help someone with a task.
It may have been my first experience of depression. I would feel so alone and lost. If I'd had a romantic relationship, that made it all the worse. I would remember all the fun I had enjoyed over the last ten days. But now, all my friends and all the excitement was over.
The only thing that redeemed this day was that in some years the Pittsburgh Annual Conference would follow shortly after camp. I would be here again for four or five more days - working in the kitchen again. It wasn't camp, but it did give me a chance to be with some of my friends again.
There were also some years when the Pittsburgh Conference Youth Camp followed Camp Meeting. That really gave me something to look forward to. Youth Camp was totally different than Camp Meeting; it was usually held at the Kiski Valley Free Methodist Campground in Apollo, PA. It was a highlight of my year.
But these tough times passed. I felt the sadness, but endured.
Now, Debbie and I are staying on the campground until we leave for China. I've been concerned about today, so we planned an alternative activity to get us away. We're heading for Kennywood Park!
Showing posts with label Personal History. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Personal History. Show all posts
Monday, July 16, 2012
Sunday, July 15, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #10
Sundays at camp were tough when I was a kid! We weren't allowed to play ball, ride bikes, leave the campground, or even play games. To be short - Sundays were B-O-R-I-N-G!!!!!
In the afternoon I often had to attend a missionary meeting. With all due respect to missionaries (I'm going to be one this year), the afternoon missions rally was hard to sit through. Occasionally a creative missionary could capture my attention with stories of wild animals; but most of the time I'd have rather been just about anywhere else!
Why did it always seem like Sundays were the hottest days at camp? And we couldn't do anything to cool off.
The first Sunday wasn't too bad because we knew we had a whole week ahead of us. But the second Sunday: well, to us kids it seemed like a terrible way to end Camp Meeting!
But there was one redeeming factor to Sundays.
It was the 'Ring Meeting'!
An hour (or so) before the evening service, people would begin to gather on the northeast side of the tabernacle under the shade of the trees that were there at that time. They would form a small circle and begin to share testimonies. Gradually the crowd would grow until there were thirty to fifty people in the circle!
Sometimes, in the midst of the testimonies, someone would start a song. Occasionally, someone would take off running around the outside of the circle. Someone else might "get blessed" and start crying or shouting! It was an intriguing time for us kids! You never knew just what might happen! It was about the only excitement we had on Sundays!
If I sound flippant, I don't mean to. Although we were usually there for the show, we also were aware that this was real to these adults. On rare occasions, we would even enter in and give our own testimony!
Ring meetings fell by the wayside somewhere along the way, as did many of the unusual manifestations of the Spirit. Let's hope that the giving of testimonies doesn't fall by the wayside! Testimonies give praise to God; and don't forget: God inhabits the praises of His people!
Testimonies also encourage other believers, and we all need encouragement from time-to-time!
This wraps up my sharing of Camp Meeting Memories; I hope you've enjoyed my rambling journey! I'm glad to know that I've stirred up memories for some of you too. And for the younger readers - perhaps you've gained a little insight into the history of THE BEST TEN DAYS OF THE YEAR!!!!
In the afternoon I often had to attend a missionary meeting. With all due respect to missionaries (I'm going to be one this year), the afternoon missions rally was hard to sit through. Occasionally a creative missionary could capture my attention with stories of wild animals; but most of the time I'd have rather been just about anywhere else!
Why did it always seem like Sundays were the hottest days at camp? And we couldn't do anything to cool off.
The first Sunday wasn't too bad because we knew we had a whole week ahead of us. But the second Sunday: well, to us kids it seemed like a terrible way to end Camp Meeting!
But there was one redeeming factor to Sundays.
It was the 'Ring Meeting'!
An hour (or so) before the evening service, people would begin to gather on the northeast side of the tabernacle under the shade of the trees that were there at that time. They would form a small circle and begin to share testimonies. Gradually the crowd would grow until there were thirty to fifty people in the circle!
Sometimes, in the midst of the testimonies, someone would start a song. Occasionally, someone would take off running around the outside of the circle. Someone else might "get blessed" and start crying or shouting! It was an intriguing time for us kids! You never knew just what might happen! It was about the only excitement we had on Sundays!
If I sound flippant, I don't mean to. Although we were usually there for the show, we also were aware that this was real to these adults. On rare occasions, we would even enter in and give our own testimony!
Ring meetings fell by the wayside somewhere along the way, as did many of the unusual manifestations of the Spirit. Let's hope that the giving of testimonies doesn't fall by the wayside! Testimonies give praise to God; and don't forget: God inhabits the praises of His people!
Testimonies also encourage other believers, and we all need encouragement from time-to-time!
This wraps up my sharing of Camp Meeting Memories; I hope you've enjoyed my rambling journey! I'm glad to know that I've stirred up memories for some of you too. And for the younger readers - perhaps you've gained a little insight into the history of THE BEST TEN DAYS OF THE YEAR!!!!
Saturday, July 14, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #9
A big part of the camp is the evangelist.
Camp evangelists have varied in style and delivery over the years. Back when I was a kid, they all seemed to be pretty much the same. They always wore suits; I rarely, if ever, saw one take off his suit-coat - no matter how warm it became. Sometimes the leaders would have a morning teacher and an evening preacher. Always they hired a song evangleist to lead the worship time.
Some evangelists that I remember were:
Sometimes, an evangelist would come that no one knew. One year an older man came who had been superintendent of one of our western conferences; his name was Don Lowry. In spite of the fact that he was older, he connected with the youth that year. They sat down front all through the camp and responded strongly to his preaching!
One year we needed an evangelist and the idea-bank was empty. I looked through my file folder and found a conference evangelist from Canada, named Bill Row. He agreed to come on short notice. He holed up in his cabin every day and waited for a fresh message from the Lord! It was one of the most powerful camps in my memory! The Spirit moved mightily and the services were blessed with the presence of God. It's interesting how God moved so significantly in a year when our expectations were low.
Some evangelists were story tellers, other were Bible expositors, others were topical preachers, and still others were teachers. Some were very serious, while others were light-hearted and fun to be around. Some mingled with the campers while others stayed aloof. Some would present a strong altar call while others simply opened the altar and sat down.
Some of the song evangelists that stand out in my memory were:
May the legacy of great preaching and engaging worship continue until Jesus comes!
Camp evangelists have varied in style and delivery over the years. Back when I was a kid, they all seemed to be pretty much the same. They always wore suits; I rarely, if ever, saw one take off his suit-coat - no matter how warm it became. Sometimes the leaders would have a morning teacher and an evening preacher. Always they hired a song evangleist to lead the worship time.
Some evangelists that I remember were:
- O. R. Tessaro
- Wilbur Teal
- Harry Girts
- Lucien Behar
- Dr. V. J. Mannoia
- Dr. Don Demaray
- David Clardie
Sometimes, an evangelist would come that no one knew. One year an older man came who had been superintendent of one of our western conferences; his name was Don Lowry. In spite of the fact that he was older, he connected with the youth that year. They sat down front all through the camp and responded strongly to his preaching!
One year we needed an evangelist and the idea-bank was empty. I looked through my file folder and found a conference evangelist from Canada, named Bill Row. He agreed to come on short notice. He holed up in his cabin every day and waited for a fresh message from the Lord! It was one of the most powerful camps in my memory! The Spirit moved mightily and the services were blessed with the presence of God. It's interesting how God moved so significantly in a year when our expectations were low.
Some evangelists were story tellers, other were Bible expositors, others were topical preachers, and still others were teachers. Some were very serious, while others were light-hearted and fun to be around. Some mingled with the campers while others stayed aloof. Some would present a strong altar call while others simply opened the altar and sat down.
Some of the song evangelists that stand out in my memory were:
- Clyde Van Valen
- Danny Shelhaus
- Denny Kleibscheidel
- Lloyd Donnell
- Jim and Tammy Bean
May the legacy of great preaching and engaging worship continue until Jesus comes!
Friday, July 13, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #8
The altar is a central place at camp! May it ever be so!
Many of us can walk you to the very spot where we knelt and surrendered our life to Christ. Such a place gains great affection.
I remember a year that I was Camp Director and was praying with people at the altar; suddenly, Debbie came to me and told me that Troy had made a decision for Christ. I think he was seven or eight years old. I dropped to my knees and locked eyes on him. He ran into my arms and I hugged him and prayed with him! These are unforgettable moments!
As a pastor, I've prayed with hundreds of people over the years at that altar. I've prayed there many times over many issues. I'm still praying there and asking Almighty God to work through my life and in the lives of those I love!
I remember a year many camps ago when the song evangelist taught us a new song that was sweeping the church:
It's been a place where sinners have been welcomed into the Kingdom of God! May it ever be so! May the legacy of the past be carried with force and enthusiasm into the future with even mightier manifestations of God's Spirit!
Many of us can walk you to the very spot where we knelt and surrendered our life to Christ. Such a place gains great affection.
I remember a year that I was Camp Director and was praying with people at the altar; suddenly, Debbie came to me and told me that Troy had made a decision for Christ. I think he was seven or eight years old. I dropped to my knees and locked eyes on him. He ran into my arms and I hugged him and prayed with him! These are unforgettable moments!
As a pastor, I've prayed with hundreds of people over the years at that altar. I've prayed there many times over many issues. I'm still praying there and asking Almighty God to work through my life and in the lives of those I love!
I remember a year many camps ago when the song evangelist taught us a new song that was sweeping the church:
We are standing on holy groundAnother year that same song evangelist taught us another chorus:
For I know that there are angels all around
Let us praise Jesus now
For we are standing in His presence on holy ground
You won't leave here like you came - in Jesus' Name!The music of camp has always been powerful! It takes up residence in the mind and heart and refreshes us over and over again! Whether it was led by a song evangelist or a worship team - praise and worship have characterized Tri-State Free Methodist Camps. It has moved us to make commitments and to deepen commitments.
Blind, oppressed, tormented, sick or lame.
For the Holy Ghost of Acts is still the same.
You won't leave here like you came - in Jesus' Name!
It's been a place where sinners have been welcomed into the Kingdom of God! May it ever be so! May the legacy of the past be carried with force and enthusiasm into the future with even mightier manifestations of God's Spirit!
Thursday, July 12, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #7
The District Superintendent was the key leader at Camp Meeting. I have some recollection of that person being J. S. Mitchell, but most of the time it was R. (Ralph) L. Page. He had a great heart for the camp; he and his sons, Kenny and Bob, made a deep investment in working to make the campground a nicer place. I believe it was his idea to build the restrooms under the dining hall patio.
He had a yearning for people to turn to Christ and live for Christ. I remember being a boy and seeing him walk across the front of the tabernacle weeping and pleading with people to come to Christ. His passion for the Lord impressed me!
At the same time, it seemed like an unwritten rule that it was the job of the youth to frustrate the district superintendent.
Our District Youth Leader at the time was John Diddle. John lived near the camp and was a fun-loving character. His humor endeared us to him.
My mother (Hazel Haire) was extremely active in supporting Free Methodist World Missions! One year, she and Ernie Hissom had worked together to construct an African hut in the center of the campground. It was very well done and impressed everyone who came on the grounds.
Some of the youth decided that the hut needed a cow! We took our idea to John and he helped us make it happen. Early one morning, with John's help, we tethered a cow near the front of the hut. It was a foggy morning. In our excitement, some of us hid in the tabernacle to watch the early morning reactions of the campers.
The cow participated so well. Just before rising bell, she began to bellow. It echoed through the camp. Suddenly, the door to Ralph Page's cottage burst open and he stepped out in his pajamas to peer through the fog across the camp. He looked and looked in disbelief - literally rubbing his eyes - as he inspected our prank.
We were beside ourselves with joy and so proud of ourselves for pulling it off! Most people saw the humor in our deed. Our bond of silence kept us out of trouble - although I don't remember John being our District Youth Leader for long after that camp!
He had a yearning for people to turn to Christ and live for Christ. I remember being a boy and seeing him walk across the front of the tabernacle weeping and pleading with people to come to Christ. His passion for the Lord impressed me!
At the same time, it seemed like an unwritten rule that it was the job of the youth to frustrate the district superintendent.
Our District Youth Leader at the time was John Diddle. John lived near the camp and was a fun-loving character. His humor endeared us to him.
My mother (Hazel Haire) was extremely active in supporting Free Methodist World Missions! One year, she and Ernie Hissom had worked together to construct an African hut in the center of the campground. It was very well done and impressed everyone who came on the grounds.
Some of the youth decided that the hut needed a cow! We took our idea to John and he helped us make it happen. Early one morning, with John's help, we tethered a cow near the front of the hut. It was a foggy morning. In our excitement, some of us hid in the tabernacle to watch the early morning reactions of the campers.
The cow participated so well. Just before rising bell, she began to bellow. It echoed through the camp. Suddenly, the door to Ralph Page's cottage burst open and he stepped out in his pajamas to peer through the fog across the camp. He looked and looked in disbelief - literally rubbing his eyes - as he inspected our prank.
We were beside ourselves with joy and so proud of ourselves for pulling it off! Most people saw the humor in our deed. Our bond of silence kept us out of trouble - although I don't remember John being our District Youth Leader for long after that camp!
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #6
The teen years at camp were full of summer romances. Those were the days when holding hands with a girl was a big deal! First, you'd ask her to sit with you in the evening service. Then, after the service you would walk her round-and-round the campground talking and laughing. Sometimes you would stop for a few minutes at the dark end of the camp. If you were lucky, you'd get some kisses!
Some would slip off the road and up onto the ballfield (not me, of course). We were all trying to escape the superintendent and others assigned to safe-guard our activity. The 'Ping-Pong' tent was another good get-away spot! Being caught in the dorms together could get you sent home - so not many tried that!
The tents themselves were quite a novelty at camp; they were made of canvass and were held up by wooden poles! I can remember helping Joe Cowsert load the wood floors and set them up before camp. Then we'd haul out the tents and start setting them up - it was a huge job! I can remember them lining the main road into the camp on both sides. Some have told me that the tabernacle side of the road once held two rows of tents.
They were about six feet apart. Running between them was dangerous because of all the ropes. Quite a few youth were clothes-lined by trying to do that to escape the superintendent! Way back, the tents had water, electric, and even gas hook-ups. Some people turned them into very comfortable dwellings. Then, of course, after camp they had to be dismantled and stored away for another year.
These were different days. All the cottages had water, electric, and gas hook-ups too. Many chose to cook in their tents or cottages rather than buy their meals at the dining hall. It was a different day, marked by significantly less affluence. Camp was the only vacation that many families took! It was a delightful ten days with programming for children, youth, and adults. People rarely left the campground.
The afternoon softball game was a huge event. Thirteen was the all-important cut-off age for playing. We couldn't wait for that birthday. Woe to the poor kid who turned thirteen right after camp! :-( Lots of people came to watch the game. The store brought pop up to the ballfield to sell it to the fans. Everyone cheered and delighted in the fun of sports and just being together !
These were good days that still mark many of our memories. The memories being made today are just as precious.
Some would slip off the road and up onto the ballfield (not me, of course). We were all trying to escape the superintendent and others assigned to safe-guard our activity. The 'Ping-Pong' tent was another good get-away spot! Being caught in the dorms together could get you sent home - so not many tried that!
The tents themselves were quite a novelty at camp; they were made of canvass and were held up by wooden poles! I can remember helping Joe Cowsert load the wood floors and set them up before camp. Then we'd haul out the tents and start setting them up - it was a huge job! I can remember them lining the main road into the camp on both sides. Some have told me that the tabernacle side of the road once held two rows of tents.
They were about six feet apart. Running between them was dangerous because of all the ropes. Quite a few youth were clothes-lined by trying to do that to escape the superintendent! Way back, the tents had water, electric, and even gas hook-ups. Some people turned them into very comfortable dwellings. Then, of course, after camp they had to be dismantled and stored away for another year.
These were different days. All the cottages had water, electric, and gas hook-ups too. Many chose to cook in their tents or cottages rather than buy their meals at the dining hall. It was a different day, marked by significantly less affluence. Camp was the only vacation that many families took! It was a delightful ten days with programming for children, youth, and adults. People rarely left the campground.
The afternoon softball game was a huge event. Thirteen was the all-important cut-off age for playing. We couldn't wait for that birthday. Woe to the poor kid who turned thirteen right after camp! :-( Lots of people came to watch the game. The store brought pop up to the ballfield to sell it to the fans. Everyone cheered and delighted in the fun of sports and just being together !
These were good days that still mark many of our memories. The memories being made today are just as precious.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #5
When I became old enough, it was fun to work in the kitchen. In those days, that was the turf of Virginia! She ruled with an iron fist! She had cooked at camp for many years and had a solid reputation for excellent food and service. Anyone who worked for Virginia towed the line and did it her way!
I was always the dishwasher. We used stainless steel trays back then and silverware. They had to be hand-washed in a deep sink, then rinsed in very hot water, and then run through an automatic dish-washer that my dad had acquired from a children's home where he worked part-time. This process was intense because we often used all the trays, so they had to be recycled so that more people could eat! This especially happened for Sunday dinners when Virginia's meals were known to be exceptionally good!
But we always managed to have fun (and get thoroughly soaked) while working. There were usually about five people at this station. A dish washer, a rinser, someone to run the dish-washer, and a couple to dry the trays and silverware and return it all to the counter. And then, of course, came the pots and pans!
Put all this in the context of a hot day, and it really was work! But, we got our meals free and a little pay as well. Certainly you understand that it was mostly about relationships! Those of us who worked together became great friends!
Words of affirmation from Virginia were a rare treat! Stern words came regularly. And yet, I never really had a problem working for her. I knew, down deep, that she liked me and respected me. When she retired and I matured, we had many profitable discussions about camp and our churches. She certainly had a servant's heart and made us all happy with her cooking for many years.
Like today's workers, we benefitted from tips. Occasionally someone would come along to help raise tips for us. Our favorite person to do so was Reverend O. R. Tessaro. He was a VERY EFFECTIVE fund raiser. We would get very excited when we saw him on the campground. If he ate in the dining hall, we hoped he'd take the tip bucket around and help us out. When he did so, it was very hard for people not to respond!
They were days of hard work, but also days of great fun! It was a big piece in the puzzle that made up camp!
I was always the dishwasher. We used stainless steel trays back then and silverware. They had to be hand-washed in a deep sink, then rinsed in very hot water, and then run through an automatic dish-washer that my dad had acquired from a children's home where he worked part-time. This process was intense because we often used all the trays, so they had to be recycled so that more people could eat! This especially happened for Sunday dinners when Virginia's meals were known to be exceptionally good!
But we always managed to have fun (and get thoroughly soaked) while working. There were usually about five people at this station. A dish washer, a rinser, someone to run the dish-washer, and a couple to dry the trays and silverware and return it all to the counter. And then, of course, came the pots and pans!
Put all this in the context of a hot day, and it really was work! But, we got our meals free and a little pay as well. Certainly you understand that it was mostly about relationships! Those of us who worked together became great friends!
Words of affirmation from Virginia were a rare treat! Stern words came regularly. And yet, I never really had a problem working for her. I knew, down deep, that she liked me and respected me. When she retired and I matured, we had many profitable discussions about camp and our churches. She certainly had a servant's heart and made us all happy with her cooking for many years.
Like today's workers, we benefitted from tips. Occasionally someone would come along to help raise tips for us. Our favorite person to do so was Reverend O. R. Tessaro. He was a VERY EFFECTIVE fund raiser. We would get very excited when we saw him on the campground. If he ate in the dining hall, we hoped he'd take the tip bucket around and help us out. When he did so, it was very hard for people not to respond!
They were days of hard work, but also days of great fun! It was a big piece in the puzzle that made up camp!
Sunday, July 8, 2012
I GO FOR YOU!
When I was in high school, I began to date. One of the first girls I dated regularly was from my home church in New Brighton. Her name was Jeannie. After awhile, I decided to get her a gift, so I went to a jewelry store and bought a nice charm bracelet. I also purchased a round, silver medallion for the bracelet that was engraved with the words: I Go For You!
Jeannie loved it.
Then a little later, Debbie and I began to date. For a brief while, I was actually dating both girls. Then, gradually, Debbie and I became closer and closer. So, again I thought it would be nice to get her a gift. Well, since Jeannie had appreciated the bracelet so much - I got one for Debbie too! Plus, I couldn't resist it - I also got her the round, silver medallion that said, I Go For You!
Debbie loved it, too!
Then in the summer of 1968, we started having some stress in our relationship. Time for Family Camp arrived. By now, I was dating another girl named Beth. The path was well worn at this point, so I headed for the jewelry store again. You guessed it: got a charm bracelet and another round, silver medallion that read: I Go For You!
Beth loved it, too!
When the first day of camp arrived, I pulled onto the campground. A short time before my arrival, Jeannie and Debbie had been talking and noticed one another's bracelets - and figured things out. When I climbed out of my car, I turned and saw Debbie - halfway across the campground - with her hands on her hips screaming at the top of her lungs: "I HATE YOU, HAROLD HAIRE!"
Later in the camp, I brought Beth down for an evening service and they felt inclined to tell her that she was dating a two-timing cheat. That's when they discovered that she had one too!
It was a long, lonely, miserable camp for me. I was the dish-washer that year. I came in to work one afternoon to find a huge, yellow balloon sitting on the sink; uh-huh - printed on it were the words: I Go For You!
Debbie doesn't have that bracelet anymore. It's probably in the high grass somewhere behind the cottages!
Jeannie loved it.
Then a little later, Debbie and I began to date. For a brief while, I was actually dating both girls. Then, gradually, Debbie and I became closer and closer. So, again I thought it would be nice to get her a gift. Well, since Jeannie had appreciated the bracelet so much - I got one for Debbie too! Plus, I couldn't resist it - I also got her the round, silver medallion that said, I Go For You!
Debbie loved it, too!
Then in the summer of 1968, we started having some stress in our relationship. Time for Family Camp arrived. By now, I was dating another girl named Beth. The path was well worn at this point, so I headed for the jewelry store again. You guessed it: got a charm bracelet and another round, silver medallion that read: I Go For You!
Beth loved it, too!
When the first day of camp arrived, I pulled onto the campground. A short time before my arrival, Jeannie and Debbie had been talking and noticed one another's bracelets - and figured things out. When I climbed out of my car, I turned and saw Debbie - halfway across the campground - with her hands on her hips screaming at the top of her lungs: "I HATE YOU, HAROLD HAIRE!"
Later in the camp, I brought Beth down for an evening service and they felt inclined to tell her that she was dating a two-timing cheat. That's when they discovered that she had one too!
It was a long, lonely, miserable camp for me. I was the dish-washer that year. I came in to work one afternoon to find a huge, yellow balloon sitting on the sink; uh-huh - printed on it were the words: I Go For You!
Debbie doesn't have that bracelet anymore. It's probably in the high grass somewhere behind the cottages!
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