The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1894-01-19
Our Spiritual Camp Correspondent.
To the Editor of the r3anncr

10 kUe EQ5LOF OF iIS rhullcfs
WINTER PARK, Jan. IL, ga
The growing interest in the spirit
ual philosophy manifested by the
large yearly accretions to the numbers
attending camp wherever held
throughout the north, and the iucreas-
ing desire Of so many to escape the
rigor Of northern winters induced
number Of people attending Cassadaga
camp DUNG the summer Of 1892 to at.
telupt the founding Of an association
for the purpose Of holding winter
meetings somewhere in the south.
DR.. w. :. Rowley, Of Cleveland, o.,
who is already 80 widely known
through his magnetic telegraphy and
wonderful diagnosis of disease by
spirit power, became the able pioneer
of this important movement. Con-
sidering Florida the only state IN the
Union capable of yielding all the re-
quirements for successful mid-win-
ter camp, he came down late IN the
fall Of 92 and spent several weeks in
vest eating different locations through
out the state, finally deciding upon
DeLeon Springs, Nolusia county, rs
The place where the first meeting
should he held This decision was
largely due to the famous mineral
spring al that place, named in honor
Of it's noted Spanish discoverer, Ponce
de Leon, in the early part of the six
tenth century, and from which the
place derives its present pame A
hurried excursion was gotten up, some
5000 people taking hasty flight to the
South, with DeLeon Springs as tie
center of attraction to those interested
in the liberal movement. A society
was organized called the National
Spiritual and Liberal Association of
Florida, with DV, Rowley as its presi-
dent. y camp meeting of five weeks
ensued. AT its close arrangements
were made to locate there permanent
ly, but later, difficulties arose, due to
the depressed state of finance every
where prevalent. Ibis, together with
the fact that accommodations could
not then be arranged for at DeLeon
adequate 10 the demands of the large
Number Of excuFsioDists preparing to
attend camp the coming season, the
board Of trustees decided to hold a
trial meeting at Winter Park. with
the intention of making a final de-
clsion during this session concerning
the permanent location of the camp.
Some of the best talent among leading
speakers and mediums have been en-
gagged, with excellent music for the
whole season Of eight weeks by a pop
ular Cleveland orchestra. Every
thing will be done to make the meet
ing enjoyable and success. Ar
engagements had been made to start
the excursion January 9Th and 10th,
and open the meeting January 18th,
but difficulties arising at the last mo-
ment among railway officials, relative
to rates, have caused delay. Late as
surance, however, from some of the
leading officials, give promise of an
early adjustment of the trouble, SO the
meeting may still be expected, though
at a later date. Full particulars with
program viii be sent you Immediately
upon receipt of same. A letter Just
received from Pierre /. o. 4. Keller,
the worId-renowned slate-writing me-
dunn, states his intention of coming
very soon, even if the excursion does
not. If he comes Florida people will
have rare opportunity for exploring
the mysteries of the unseen world"
just beyond US.
Mrs. J. f. HYDE.