Cypress Camp Ground was functional as early as 1794, and an adjacent cemetery contains graves from the early 1800s. The campground is in the general shape of a rectangle of 34 tents, or cabins, made of rough-hewn lumber. These cabins, rectangular shaped, are generally 1 1/2-stories and contain earthen floors.

The ‘tents’ here form a rectangle around the open tabernacle where services and meetings are held. The image above is from inside a ‘tent’ looking out into the central square.

Notice the original old wooden pew, hand hewn post/beams and wrought iron ladder in the wall.

It’s important the buildings maintain their original structure. Inside most beams, walls, and even nails and hinges are original.

We were invited to visit and view the original structure, building history, even when and where repairs were made. Some of the old beams and poles were several hundred years old.

In the kitchen area I noticed an antique dealers dream, the old flour cupboard still in use.

Meetings are held in the fall here making a wood stove important in the main room. Maybe 100 years ago this could have been skipped, now everybody leaves here and goes home to a heated house after the week long meetings.

Sleeping quarters are upstairs, this is a 1 1/2 story building. There is room in the attic area to accommodate sleeping quarters.

I had not seen a dust shield like above in many years. This even looked to be original type canvas. Boots climbing the stairs shake dust down on the tables below. The stairs have cloth tied under to catch dust and straw.

Visiting inside here, and the sanctuary, was an unexpected treat and we appreciate the hospitality of the Cypress Methodist community.