The Press., 1886-07-22
Issued Every Thursday Evening.
s Norwich Bulletin) HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE WILLIMAN-
 ~ TIC CAMP MEETING.

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 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE WILLIMAN- @ TIC CAMP MEETING.
 On high ground about a mile south of Willimantic, in beautiful grove, is situ- ated the Willimantic camp meeting prop erty. Nearly 200 buildings, both large and small, comedy and rough, are already built, while constant additions are being made. The houses face on avenues which form concentric circles, with the main auditorium for common center. Every summer, beginning now or even earlier, the dwellers begin to arrive from New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island and Massachusetts. They come to enjoy rest in this healthful park thus the cottages will nearly all be filled before camp meet ing begins. Such use as this of the grounds did not enter the minds of the founders until afterward then they were first to set the example. The changes in grounds and buildings have been pro- gression toward ideal comfort.
 This camp meeting began its career in 1860. Many preceded 1t in other parts of eastern Connecticut and failed. Of the species 1t is the survival of the fittest. The earlier ones were itinerants, going year by year to different localities, some times even dividing into two or three so as
 
 and cheap excitement to the rural church members of the locality but this system gradually resulted in diminished congre- gations and decided failure in number of conversions. In 1850 some began to de- clare "the day of camp meetings had gone by others more loyal cast about to find the causes of degeneracy. They thought central point, easy of access by railroads, permanently fixed upon, would cure the evils Of the itinerating plan. A committee raised by the Willimantic preachers meet ing Tn 1859 reported to the West Killingly camp meeting the present site, its fine railroad facilities, etc. The report was favorably received. The committee was enlarged and given full power. Rev. Wm. Huntington of Lyme, one of that commit tee, Is still living.
 The number of tents the first year-and there were no wooden buildings for several years-was fifty. In 1861 there were sev- enty. In 1885 there was scarcely a tent to be seen, but, instead, comfortable wooden houses, many of them luxuriously furnished. In changing from canvas to boards the numbers accommodated be- came greater hence the resident congre- gations, as indicated by the above figures, became very much larger. This showing also indicates, slightly at least, the work that has been done by consecrated men some few prominent, but the majority un- known outside of the local churches. In addition to other excellent buildings for comfort the association last year erected commodious boarding hall in place of the old one it ought to be said also that $1, ,OO0 will pay all their liabilities.
 The spiritual reputation of the camp meeting has been well sustained by the presiding elders on the district since 1860 :; and by none more than by Rev. H. D. Robinson, whose term expired last year. Therecords show the following presidents !: Rev. Messrs. Erastus Benton, 1860-2; G. M. Carpenter, 18634; P. T. Kenney. 1865-8; G. W. Brewster, 1869 -73 W. H. Stetson, 1874-8; M. J. Talbot, 1879-82 :; Fl. ID. Robinson, 1SS2-85. The president for 1886 is E. Edson.
 Among the above leaders, Rev. G. W. Brewster has done more for the temporal as we'll as spiritual prosperity than any other who can be named. He has retired now from all active participation in the business affairs of the camp meeting, but yearly goes to this leafy temple filled with spiritual contemplations. Many others have done self-denying work. Of the committee last year who retired from office one can not easily be replaced. For nearly ten years Rev. Walter Ella, now of West erly, has labored in the secretaryship, and for several years past on the executive committee. He was relied upon for judg- ment and fine business tact
 In the war times, from '61 to '65, the camp often became union mass meeting. The old flag waved over the congregation as they sang America" Then while Charles Sumner was trying to get minis Ao,. Al. were trying to enlist and although he failed they succeeded.
 One remarkable thing is the length of time the chorister has served the camp meeting. Harry l.. Wilson of Wauregan was elected this year for the twenty sixth time and his department is kept as fresh and vigorous as though he were paid salary and had but just begun service.
 It is worthy of note that the camp meet ing this year promises to be fully up to and if imported ministerial talent can do it, better than the past. A rousing christian temperance meeting will be held on Sunday, August .15th This extra ser vice will be in charge of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. In order to accommodate early corners and the transients the boarding hall will be open the week before the meeting opens, which is the 18th ofAugust The New York & New England and the New London North ern railroad will begin their stops at camp meeting about the 9th of August.
 J. G. Duvall for twenty years has been an indispensable fixture at the camp meetings this year the committee fortu- nately secured him to take charge of the grounds. They were never in better con- dltion. For information about cottages, etc write to II q Duvall Willimantic Conn. a5s ... ...