In the Lowcountry the 1700’s to the 1800’s were the time of rich plantation owners, huge plantations, slavery, and war.
Often forgotten were the rural farmers working to survive. The Camp Grounds around Methodist Churches was all about bring them together in a single location.
As it was explained to us, there is a lot of history here, but little written or saved. It has been handed down through the years.
Traveling preachers came through for the meetings, people first gathered in tents, then cabins were built when the meetings took on a more permanent nature.
These are some of those cabins. This meeting ground serves 4 local communities, and has since the 1780’s. Many of these ‘tents’ are the original, repairs are made but the rule is simple and tents are based on the first ones built.
Over time electricity was brought in, water and ‘necessities’ are still out back.
The tents here are in a rectangle all facing the open sided Tabernacle. Other remaining camps in the south are similar. I was once told there is a description of settlements in the old testament of the Bible which some have followed.
The cabins are owned by families in the area, many passed down through generations.
Meetings are held once a year in the fall. They are approximately a week long.
We appreciate the hospitality of Cypress Methodist for allowing us to visit and photograph the grounds and Church.
