Some may not realize that the Tri-State Free Methodist Campground used to be covered with trees. They were massive trees. During the sixties they fell under a blight and died; most of them had to be removed to protect the tabernacle and cabins. The tabernacle was much cooler in those days because of the shade from the trees.
Many years when I would arrive (with my parents) a few days early for camp, I would be recruited by Harvey Kirchner to help him white-wash all of the trees and telephone poles. He'd give some of us boys buckets of white-wash and a big brush and set us loose to paint the trees up to about four foot high. We thought it was fun!
Harvey was from the Oakland Church; I later became his pastor for thirteen years. Harvey was the head usher for many years at camp! He was also well-known because of the curious reaction he had to God's blessing. Quite frequently during camp, Harvey would "get blessed". When this happened, he would weep out loud and give a shout that sort of sounded like a slow, sad "Woooo Hoooo". It had a rising-then-falling pitch to it. It usually caught you off-guard and scared you. Young people were tickled by this occurance. Older people were blessed to know that Harvey was blessed!
There were others who "got blesssed" from time-to-time. There was an older saint who used to wave her hanky. Several times I saw people take off and run around the center section of the tabernacle - sometimes shouting and praising the Lord! Others would simply walk the aisles weeping or praying or praising God! These manifestations were fascinating to the children and youth; but we always respected these folks and knew that we were seeing something that was real and that honored God!
Altar services were common, occuring most nights. Children, youth, and adults responded for salvation and to deepen their relationship with God. Crowds of praying people joined in at the altar. These prayer times often went on for nearly an hour after the service ended. Then the District Superintendent would get a michrophone and call for testimonies. Many nights these testimonies went on till the curfew bell or later! Camp Meeting was all about evangelism and holiness! Everything else was secondary to the spiritual priorities!
District pastors attended faithfully and were always available to pray with their people at the altar. All pastors wore suits every night and they all sat on the platform all evening to support the evangelist!
I recall that the camp was immersed in prayer! Every evening the pastors got together and prayed for an hour before the service. Cottage prayer meetings were held where people would call on God for outpourings of His Spirit in the camp! I also remember Brother Gress going out into the woods and praying - sometimes so loudly that you could hear him in the camp!
Let's all pray that as our camp moves into the future it will continue to maintain spiritual priorities that will help us all to grow in our faith.
Monday, July 9, 2012
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!
Saturday, July 7, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #3
Snippet Memories:
- The smell of the cottage.
- My Dad lifting me up onto the roof of the cottage to sweep off the branches.
- Falling asleep on my Mom's lap during church and having my Dad carry me to the cottage, put my pajamas on me and put me to bed!
- Sleeping in the same room as a family - with only curtains separating us!
- Trying to fall asleep while listening to my parents visiting with friends on the other side of the curtain!
- The first year I was allowed to sit anywhere in the front section of the tabernacle!
- The year I was 10, I got the eleven-day measles...ON THE FIRST DAY OF CAMP!
- My first case of "puppy-love" over Carolyn Van Valin - the song evangelist's daughter.
- Visiting my Grandma Haire at my Aunt Dorothy's cabin and eating her fresh-made peanut-butter cookies!
- Going to DairyLand and eating a 'Pig's Dinner' - an annual challenge for many. I still have the pin: "I was a Pig at DairyLand!
- Watching some older boys (PK’s) put M-80's in the old, drop toilets!
- The summer of 1966 when Cirkle's song, "Red Rubber Ball" hit the #1 spot on the charts!
- Bruce Kelly patiently giving every kid a ride around the campground on his1950 Harley-Davidson Motorcycle.
- When I was fourteen, (an unnamed) preacher's kid took me up on the ballfield to give me a sip of beer he had hidden there. It was the middle of the afternoon and it was HOT. I guess I owe him a debt of thanks for helping me to hate beer at an early age?
- The year Bobby Edinfield and I fell in love with one of the Whippo girls - it was Janie (and she was a little daredevil). We would take her up real high in a swing to try to scare her - but all she did was squeel with delight!
- Counting the number of times we sang verses of "Just As I Am" and seeing if it would break the previous night's record!
- Being impressed listening to every preacher give his benediction at the closing of camp!
- The intense sadness that came the day after camp - knowing that it would be a whole year before it would happen again!
Friday, July 6, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES #2
When I was a kid, getting to camp was all about FUN! The store was a big part of the fun. But that required money - and kids didn't have money in those days. As I said before, my Dad gave me a quarter a day to spend, and then there were the pop bottles. However, there was another rich source of income.
The tabernacle floor was dirt then. At time for camp every year, the men brought in bales of straw and spread it all through the tabernacle. When the offering was received, all the people would reach into their pockets to get to their money. In the process, change would fall into the straw. Therefore the straw was a goldmine of cash for the youngster willing to spend some time sifting through it!
Then, for the children, there was 'Camp-Within-A-Camp'. This was one of the coolest parts of camp to me. At the beginning of our morning lessons, we were led into the woods on the east end of camp. About fifty feet in we came to a small clearing known as 'Camp-Within-A-Camp'. Logs and boards were arranged for us to sit on. A rough, rustic pulpit stood before us. We would sing, pray, and hear a Bible story in this natural setting before heading back to the main camp for our individual classes and crafts.
We made the neatest things while at camp! I still have some of these items. Often, it would take the whole camp to complete the project. Some I remember:
And then, when we were old enough, we got to walk up into Thompson Park and climb the 'Big Rock'! Now, that was fun! I've been there recently, and it doesn't look as big; but at the time, it was quite a challenge. You could climb straight up the front, or sneak up an easier way on the back side (if you were tall enough to make the first step).
Camp was and is a wonderful place for kids!
The tabernacle floor was dirt then. At time for camp every year, the men brought in bales of straw and spread it all through the tabernacle. When the offering was received, all the people would reach into their pockets to get to their money. In the process, change would fall into the straw. Therefore the straw was a goldmine of cash for the youngster willing to spend some time sifting through it!
Then, for the children, there was 'Camp-Within-A-Camp'. This was one of the coolest parts of camp to me. At the beginning of our morning lessons, we were led into the woods on the east end of camp. About fifty feet in we came to a small clearing known as 'Camp-Within-A-Camp'. Logs and boards were arranged for us to sit on. A rough, rustic pulpit stood before us. We would sing, pray, and hear a Bible story in this natural setting before heading back to the main camp for our individual classes and crafts.
We made the neatest things while at camp! I still have some of these items. Often, it would take the whole camp to complete the project. Some I remember:
- a matchstick cross
- a small valuable-box with a tiled top
- a wallet that we engraved with special tools and weaved together with plastic thread
- whistle necklaces that we braided out of plastic thread
And then, when we were old enough, we got to walk up into Thompson Park and climb the 'Big Rock'! Now, that was fun! I've been there recently, and it doesn't look as big; but at the time, it was quite a challenge. You could climb straight up the front, or sneak up an easier way on the back side (if you were tall enough to make the first step).
Camp was and is a wonderful place for kids!
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
CAMP MEETING MEMORIES - #1
When I was a kid, Camp Meeting* was the second-best time of the year - beat out only by Christmas! We would literally move the twenty miles to East Liverpool and live in a rustic old cottage for ten or twelve days! We all slept in the same room. We ate our meals in the dining hall with lots of other people. I had a lot more freedom than I had at home!
There would be classes for children all morning. Then in the afternoon we would play softball. The camp store would be open. We kids would go around hunting for pop bottles to return to the store for a two-cent return. Three pop bottles got me a popcycle.
As I recall, my Dad gave me a quarter to spend every day! I was judicious about the way I spent it. I remember one year when a guy gave me a dollar and asked me to run to the store and buy him a bottle of pop. When I brought him the pop and the change, he told me to keep the change! It was the best thing that had happened up to that point in my life!
In the evening, everyone went to the tabernacle for church. The singing was amazing! There would be someone playing the piano and organ, and they always hired a special song-evangelist to lead the singing. Often the song-evangelist would put together a camp choir.
One year, Clyde VanValin was the song-evangelist. He announced choir practice and I showed up - I was ten years old. The adults started shooing me away, telling me I was too young to be in the choir. Reverend Van Valin saw this happening and intervened. He told me I was welcome to sing in the choir. I was so proud and happy. I clearly remember singing the hymn, "He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels". That song still moves me deeply today!
I made my first commitment to serve Jesus at camp. Every year challenged me spiritually and helped me root my faith more deeply! I even joined the church at camp; my pastor at that time was Harold Mitchell.
I still attend camp every year. I'm actually writing this blog while sitting in a cottage on the campground! I come every year looking forward to the spiritual growth that God is going to foster in my heart and life!
And when camp ends - just like when I was a kid - I'll start looking forward to Christmas! :-)
* We changed it to Family Camp when I was Director in the 80's.
There would be classes for children all morning. Then in the afternoon we would play softball. The camp store would be open. We kids would go around hunting for pop bottles to return to the store for a two-cent return. Three pop bottles got me a popcycle.
As I recall, my Dad gave me a quarter to spend every day! I was judicious about the way I spent it. I remember one year when a guy gave me a dollar and asked me to run to the store and buy him a bottle of pop. When I brought him the pop and the change, he told me to keep the change! It was the best thing that had happened up to that point in my life!
In the evening, everyone went to the tabernacle for church. The singing was amazing! There would be someone playing the piano and organ, and they always hired a special song-evangelist to lead the singing. Often the song-evangelist would put together a camp choir.
One year, Clyde VanValin was the song-evangelist. He announced choir practice and I showed up - I was ten years old. The adults started shooing me away, telling me I was too young to be in the choir. Reverend Van Valin saw this happening and intervened. He told me I was welcome to sing in the choir. I was so proud and happy. I clearly remember singing the hymn, "He Could Have Called Ten Thousand Angels". That song still moves me deeply today!
I made my first commitment to serve Jesus at camp. Every year challenged me spiritually and helped me root my faith more deeply! I even joined the church at camp; my pastor at that time was Harold Mitchell.
I still attend camp every year. I'm actually writing this blog while sitting in a cottage on the campground! I come every year looking forward to the spiritual growth that God is going to foster in my heart and life!
And when camp ends - just like when I was a kid - I'll start looking forward to Christmas! :-)
* We changed it to Family Camp when I was Director in the 80's.
Monday, July 2, 2012
TIPPING
I've had the luxury of traveling and eating out a lot over the last month - way more than usual. Because of this, I've been faced with repeated situations that involved leaving a tip.
When I eat in a restaurant, I'm a 20% tipper; except for breakfast or when Deb and I share a meal - then I try to tip more. Why? Because my wife was a server in a restaurant and I know how hard they work and how little they're paid. I've seen her come home and dump crumpled bills out onto the couch and then sit - dead tired - and count it. When it added up to a reasonable amount, I could see the pride and joy return!
What about tipping the housekkeeper at a hotel? We've left anywhere from $2-5. We try to do so daily to make sure the right person gets the tip!
How about the person who manages the free breakfast area in hotels? Hmmm. I haven't found guidelines for this, but I'm now leaving a couple of dollars on the table - even though I don't see others doing so.
Many years ago, I was a bellman in a hotel in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to assisting with luggage, I also drove people in the hotel van. Another part of my role was delivering room service orders to the patrons. I expected tips. I looked forward to them. A good tip could make my day!
I remember a day when I drove a group of people to the Keeneland Race Track. I answered questions and conversed with them the whole way. As they disembarked, I received $30 in tips! I was ecstatic! Thirty dollars in 1973 - to a seminary student - was like receiving $150 today!!! My wheels hardly touched the road on my way home that day!!!! I couldn't wait to show Debbie!
If I can make someone's day by leaving a few dollars, I'm going to do so! As long as I have it, I'm going to try to be generous with it!
Last night, Debbie, Janie, Ken, Dolores and I ate at a Perkins near our hotel. To be honest, we were served poorly. We repeatedly asked for more napkins. My drink was never refilled. She served us the wrong meals. She spilled dressing on Janie. When she wasn't around, we were critical of her.
At the end of the evening, Ken struck up a conversation with her and told her a story about one of his daughters-in-law who served poorly - but got a big tip anyway. She warmed to us and told us that she's only been on-the-job a few weeks. She was sweet and admitted her need for improvement.
My father-in-law was in charge of the tip. I noticed that he rewarded her generously. I was proud!
When I eat in a restaurant, I'm a 20% tipper; except for breakfast or when Deb and I share a meal - then I try to tip more. Why? Because my wife was a server in a restaurant and I know how hard they work and how little they're paid. I've seen her come home and dump crumpled bills out onto the couch and then sit - dead tired - and count it. When it added up to a reasonable amount, I could see the pride and joy return!
What about tipping the housekkeeper at a hotel? We've left anywhere from $2-5. We try to do so daily to make sure the right person gets the tip!
How about the person who manages the free breakfast area in hotels? Hmmm. I haven't found guidelines for this, but I'm now leaving a couple of dollars on the table - even though I don't see others doing so.
Many years ago, I was a bellman in a hotel in Lexington, Kentucky. In addition to assisting with luggage, I also drove people in the hotel van. Another part of my role was delivering room service orders to the patrons. I expected tips. I looked forward to them. A good tip could make my day!
I remember a day when I drove a group of people to the Keeneland Race Track. I answered questions and conversed with them the whole way. As they disembarked, I received $30 in tips! I was ecstatic! Thirty dollars in 1973 - to a seminary student - was like receiving $150 today!!! My wheels hardly touched the road on my way home that day!!!! I couldn't wait to show Debbie!
If I can make someone's day by leaving a few dollars, I'm going to do so! As long as I have it, I'm going to try to be generous with it!
Last night, Debbie, Janie, Ken, Dolores and I ate at a Perkins near our hotel. To be honest, we were served poorly. We repeatedly asked for more napkins. My drink was never refilled. She served us the wrong meals. She spilled dressing on Janie. When she wasn't around, we were critical of her.
At the end of the evening, Ken struck up a conversation with her and told her a story about one of his daughters-in-law who served poorly - but got a big tip anyway. She warmed to us and told us that she's only been on-the-job a few weeks. She was sweet and admitted her need for improvement.
My father-in-law was in charge of the tip. I noticed that he rewarded her generously. I was proud!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
ONE OF OUR MANY HILARIOUS FAMILY MEMORIES - BAT STORY #3
We were living on Hill Boulevard in East Liverpool. We owned this house for seven years. It was a three-story house with a beautiful oak interior.
The house next door had been abandoned as a result of a divorce. Swallows had taken up residence down the chimney. Each night they would fill the sky with their aeronautical acrobatics. We would often sit on our deck and admire their performance - all flying in formation!
The bathroom was on the second floor. An exterior door opened onto a section of flat roof that overlooked the Ohio River. It was an excellent spot to watch East Liverpool's annual Fourth of July fireworks display! We'd set up lawn chairs, eat popcorn, and "Ohhh" and "Ahhh" to our heart's content.
We didn't have air conditioning. We used lots of fans to try to cool the house down. It didn't help much.
One night, Debbie and I just laid there - unable to sleep because of the heat. The idea came of going out on the flat roof with a foam mattress and sleeping under the stars. I quickly got it all set up and we laid there enjoying the cooler temperatures and the beautiful night sky.
Suddenly, we both sensed a flutter. At first, we thought it was the swallows - although their show had ended much earlier in the evening.
Then it happened again. And again.
At the same moment, we both realized that they were BATS!
It was a moment of frenzy! We both leaped up and flew for the door! Sheets and mattress were abandoned as we dove for the safety of the bathroom.
A "perfect opportunity" foiled by bats!
The house next door had been abandoned as a result of a divorce. Swallows had taken up residence down the chimney. Each night they would fill the sky with their aeronautical acrobatics. We would often sit on our deck and admire their performance - all flying in formation!
The bathroom was on the second floor. An exterior door opened onto a section of flat roof that overlooked the Ohio River. It was an excellent spot to watch East Liverpool's annual Fourth of July fireworks display! We'd set up lawn chairs, eat popcorn, and "Ohhh" and "Ahhh" to our heart's content.
We didn't have air conditioning. We used lots of fans to try to cool the house down. It didn't help much.
One night, Debbie and I just laid there - unable to sleep because of the heat. The idea came of going out on the flat roof with a foam mattress and sleeping under the stars. I quickly got it all set up and we laid there enjoying the cooler temperatures and the beautiful night sky.
Suddenly, we both sensed a flutter. At first, we thought it was the swallows - although their show had ended much earlier in the evening.
Then it happened again. And again.
At the same moment, we both realized that they were BATS!
It was a moment of frenzy! We both leaped up and flew for the door! Sheets and mattress were abandoned as we dove for the safety of the bathroom.
A "perfect opportunity" foiled by bats!
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