Portsmouth Camp Meeting Opens for Fellowship With All Faiths

The sign out in front of the grounds, 69 Hedly St., simply states, “You are welcome here.”

That is very much the truth as Christians from all different denominations have gathered at the location since 1891.

According to Pastor Ken Stanford, each year about 100 adults and about 40 children and teens come to worship, study, sing, praise, meet and make friends on or about the first week of August.

“We have Methodists, Baptists, Roman Catholics, Nazarenes and non-denominations,” said Stanford.

In 1891, Seth Rees of Friends Church, located on East Main Road, walked the property. At the time, there was a movement called the Holiness Camp Meeting Movement.

It had started after the Civil War as people were trying to make sense of what had happened by renewing their interest in the Bible and learning how to live a more holy life.

“It started with just a few tents and then a cooking facility. Eventually, cabins and the Tabernacle were built. We now have a book store, dorms, an evangelists’ cottage, workers’ cottage, retreat cottage and the family camp building. One was even a trolley car. Each of the 30 or so buildings has a long history,” said Stanford.

Not only do the buildings have long histories, but so do the people that come each year for the 10-day camp.

“My paternal grandparents were leaders here in the camp. In 1957, my parents recommitted their life to Christ when I was 2-years-old. They built that cabin right over there and are over in the dinning hall eating. They’re both in their 80’s and still are as committed as ever,” said Stanford.

Another camper who has a long history is Nancy Camirand.

“I was invited by Claire and Dot Brown and came here 20 years ago. I just felt the presence of the Lord in this place. I started bringing my children Joey, David and Chris every year. Now, I bring my five grandchildren every year,” she said.

“I’ve developed a deeper understanding through the scriptures over the years. Coming here to meet people with faith in Christ, no matter what their denomination is, renews me.”

One of the ladies who invited Camirand, Claire Brown, said she too was invited and hasn’t missed a day since.

“I was invited 30 years ago by some people in the Nazarene Church that I was a member of. I came and saw what it was all about, went home, packed and have been coming back ever since. I’ve not missed a day of any of the 10-day camps in 30 years. It’s my time to renew and to not go home the way I came,” said Brown.

Brown, who now worships in the Assembly of God, also brought her children Jacob and Joy every year to the camp.

Another with generational roots is Camp Youth Director Tim Johnson.

“My grandparents owned a cottage here and my parents came here each year. I’m 38 and I’ve never missed a week of camp yet. My three kids, ages 4, 2, and 6 months, are over being taken care of my wife, Kristina,” said Johnson.

Johnson is the athletic director for the Blackstone-Millville Regional School District in Blackstone, MA.

Over the years at the camp, he started out in the children’s group, moved onto the youth program, became a councilor and finally was appointed youth director for the camp in 2005. He said the kids are not only praying and worshiping during the week, but are also going to the beach, roller skating, playing laser tag and site-seeing in Newport.

Johnson reflected over the history of the camp.

“There have been thousands that have came here and accepted the Lord. Some had never heard his message before. We are geared for the believer and the non-believer. In that respect, all are truly welcome here,” he said.

The camp's church is open to the public now through Sunday, Aug. 14, each night starting at 7 p.m.