A few photographs here adding to the overall series of monochrome rural camp cabins.


This group was taken at the Methodist Campgrounds at Indian Fields, South Carolina.





South Carolina.
We have visited several Methodist Camp Meeting grounds but I think this one is designed the closest to the biblical Israelite campĀ descriptions.
The Tabernacle sits in encircled by 99 tents (cabins now).
Preachers ‘riding the circuit’Ā would give the sermons, attendees stayed in tents as described in the bible. These were known as revival meetings, now called camp meetings.
Every year, no matter pandemic, civil war, other disasters, a week of meetings is held. This included 2020.
If you are a southern Methodist you will have at least heard of revivals still being held. If not, seeing a camp is an extraordinary piece of history. On a shoot once we actually had a private helicopter land in a nearby field when the grounds were spotted from above.
Talk about odd, this Yankee gave a small (respectful) tour of the camp explaining the history.
Indian Fields Camp Ground, South Carolina.
Since the camp and cabins (tents) here date back to the early 1800’s shooting/publishing in color doesn’t usually fit.
These buildings are raw and the images I shoot when visiting try to reflect that.
Inside some of the materials are still from the first build. This section around 1848.
There are 99 cabins, called tents, laid out to circle a Tabernacle as described in the Bible. At one point I knew the chapter…long gone from my head LOL.
There was still a camp meeting in 2020.
Old rusted stove pipes always get my attention, itās a throw back to the way things were. Except in these places. Here they are for cooking, heating, and living when in the cabins.
I am of that āageā where I know how it feels to touch one, when you shouldnāt.
Times have changed and now I see them for how well they age and color in photographs.
A small slice of America, Indian Fields Methodist Camp.
Shady Grove is a United Methodist Campground church meeting grounds. Similar to the Cypress and Indian Field sights. However Shady Grove was founded after the Civil War in 1870. The others are older, from the late 1700’s.
As with other Methodist Campgrounds meetings (revivals) are still held each year.
Shady Grove is on land given to a group of newly freed African American slaves in exchange for help harvesting a rice plantation.
Shady Grove has a history of troubles. In 1958, 1969, and 1978 the buildings were destroyed by fire. In 1991 the camp was rebuilt and is now the largest of their kind.
Click image to view full size.
The Methodist Campgrounds have been the source for numerous articles here.
To view additional Campgrounds please click the ‘Tag’ below marked Camp. The articles will be displayed…enjoy it’s a fascinating trip.