The Huntington argus. [volume] (Huntington, W. Va.) 1872-1905, 1872-08-17
For the Argus.
CAMP MEETING.


an interesting trip the Ohio camp meeting now
being held about six miles from thi. place. an
account Of which might be Of interest To some
of your readers.
Our journey to the camp ground was inter
esting' lying along symmes' Creek, which flows
through romantic section Of country. sur
rounded by scenery wild and picturesque which
must be Of interest to the most stupid admire,
Of natures charms. The banks Of the Creek
were shaded with magnificent trees clothed in
the dark luxuriant foliage of Summer. Birds
oi brilliant plumage and sweet songs perehed
upon the swinging boughs, whilst towering
vines hung trailing from tree to tree. clothing
the forests brow in rich and gaudy wreaths
of Flora's brightest hue. However our attcn
tiOn was soon attracted from the beauties of
the scene by the appearance ofa storm in the
distance The thunders muttered in the dis
tant sky-the lightning bathed the rocks and
crags of the surrounding hills in liquid fame
and the rain descended in torrents forcing Us
to seek refuge in dilapidated shanty that
stood by the road side
The storm soon abatcd and we resumed our
and returning from the meeting, some ofwhom
presented strangely grotesque appearance
sOIpe were in carriages, others in wagons,
many on horseback, whilst the majority seem
ed to prefer the pleasing exercise of taking it
afoot Our journey being rather tedious, we
inquired ofa group, who by the way were
practicing domestic economy by carrying their
Ehnpg han hnxu T.- =,
camp meeting. "Oh, not far" was the prompt
response, ''jist about mile from Gitaway."
Soon we came up with another party who
saluted US with, Hello stranger, which way
are ye goin?" We gave the desired inform
alton, hoping he wac going the same road
"Well. stranger, we'd like to be long with
ye, but our crowd is only gon to Gitaway to-
night"
And where is Gitaway?" we inquired.
"Oh, jst mile so ahead on the side Of
the hill. Thought everybody knowed where
Gitaway was"
So Of course our curiosity was excited and
we inquired how "Gitaway" had gotten there.
But Somehow" our friend 'hadnt never
thought NV that"
soonwe were at the place, which consisted
ofsome half dozen neat dwellings and a mum.
Der Of grocery establishments on the east side
Of the hill fronting on symmes' Creek A eit-
zen Informed US that "once upon a time" it
was supposed that valuable coal mine had
been discovered in the hill west Of the creek.
So they commenced to build a town which was
then called Russeil's Place. But soon finding
the coal to be hoax they took the advice of
prominent citizen who said on one occasion,
"Well, boys, the coal has played out, and we
had better git up and git away from here ns
soon as possible" Since that time the place
has been known a. Gitaway.
About a mile beyond this we found the Camp
meeting being held in magnificent grove Of
Oak, Birch and Sycamore trees. The site was
magnificent. On all sides there were abrupt
gently rising hills, with rocks and crngs.
clothed with vines, overgreens, flowers and
trees. Tents were spread and board hotels and
shantes constructed for the accommodation Of
all who might come. The services Of Saturday
night ended carly, the remainder " the eve
ming being spent in the various amusemcnts
that camp consisting ola heterogeneous ma 10
Of human beings ofall kinds, grades aud
classes might afford.
Sunday morning was bright and beautiful.
not a cloud vas Co bc seen. The sun rose 10
majesty, hi' beams cleaning and flashing thro'
the dark green foliage Of the magnificent grove
parking among tho rain drop. of the pre-
vious n.ght-naturc smiling through uaturc's
tcars. About gA. NJ ~ buele sounded for
services and with its note, strains of',ocal mu
-ic arose on the morning air-strong and
clcars The services consisted ofaltcruatc sing.
ing and spcik.ng, iaterspcr.cI with boisterous
denomination which seemed to us rather
practical bui we believe they call it expert
mcLtal religion.
About r N. the duties of The day were con.
ciudci by o. lengthy sermon which like the
others was plain and practical. but wanting
rhetorical beauty md destitute Of logical form
ON the whole tho meeting va. conducted o..
we'll as might be- expected.
Tho audience Dr assembly was immense and
~ that varied 'ypo chat might not veil be de.
scribeI.
some wcro cultivated and refined, many
vulgar, coarse and matcriaii.tc. We bone
that much good may result and tbst the NEE,
ing may continue until the evil influence. th,t
surround 1t may be overcome FOR the better
srfcg,rla.
IHh tturti Deuorrt- .t., tb.-.