Mid-South Camp - One of the Oldest

Mid-South Camp, located one mile west of Garland on Detroit Road, ranks as one of the oldest, if not the oldest, existing Church of God (Holiness) camps in the world. The church, Later to be called Kelley’s Chapel, which host the camp meeting was founded around 1865, one mile west of the original location. In 1894, the church moved to its present site and the camp meeting shed was built. Construction cost totaled $40. In its early days, the camp was known as Tri-State Holiness Camp and was loyally attended by interdenominational residents of Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee. The old shed, which would hold about 300 people, was often full with as many as 200 sitting and standing outside. When camp meeting began, people traveled from afar to attend. Some came in the then modern Model “A” automobile, while others traveled in wagons, on horseback and even on foot. Campers were accommodated on the grounds and in the homes of the community. The church, being partitioned off with sheets, gave additional room for those who stayed throughout the camp. Still others pitched tents around the property. As the camp grew and the need was seen. Rev. W. P. Stokes built six cabins and a cook house. Although these early times were difficult, the people worked well together. Water had to be carried from the Will Billings place and meals had to be cooked on a wood stove. Mrs. Willie Luttrell’s Biscuits were a favorite among the men. Cooking up to 100 biscuits at a time she finally had to impose a limit of three per person. During the 1930’s, the fare was not so bountiful, the super meal consisting many times of only cornbread and milk. Due to its doctrinal teaching of entire sanctification, the holiness church and camp soon became known among the community as “SanctiRidge.” The term of derision did not stop many from coming to the camp to see what was going on, however. Just before 1940, the decision was made to build a new church. In order to save on material costs the old church, shed, cook shed and six cabins were torn down so the material could be used in the new structure. Around 1954, the camp was moved to Curve. A camp shed and basement kitchen-dining room built under the church there to serve the people coming to camp. Two cabins were also constructed to house guests. Evangelists during this period included F. M. Sumpter, T .F. Evans, W. L. Cates, R.L. Kimbrough, Joseph Neden and W. H. Graef. In the early 1960’s, a basement was dug under Kelley’s chapel and kitchen-dining room was built. The camp returned to this site in 1963 and has since remained. Now, the accommodations are much more modern than in the early years. A beautiful air conditioned chapel is the meeting place for each of the services. Electricity, water hookups and a dump station have been provided for those who bring trailers.

Written by Dr. Gayle Woods (Submitted with permission from the author)

(The Covington Leader, July 20, 1983 - Submitted by Susan Krall and Leslie Roane)