Eastern Michigan Camp History
1957-Present
The McGuire Years
Dr. W.M. McGuire began his service as District Superintendent of the Michigan District in 1944. With growth of the Church of the Nazarene a division of the State of Michigan was made and Dr. McGuire became the first District Superintendent of the newly formed Eastern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene in 1949. During those early years the district rented various properties for it's camps and Camp Meeting. Pioneers of the district were enthusiastic about youth camps and District Camp Meeting. It became clear that renting other facilities was inadequate to accomodate and secure a long-term camping ministry for the growing Eastern Michigan District. Dr. McGuire carried forth the vision that the district have it's own place to meet it's growing camping needs. In his 1956 report to the District Assembly, Dr. W.M. McGuire stated about the development of a new camp, "We desire that friends who visit us will find our plans and buildings geared to meet the needs of this modern age and that of unborn generations, but greater far should be the burning desire of our hearts to have it said, 'Best of all, God was there.'"
In 1956, 83 acres of property across the road from the Andrew Jackson Farm on Burkhart Road in Howell, Michigan was purchased by the Eastern Michigan District from Mr. and Mrs. Turner for a price of $27,500. $10,000 had to be borrowed by the District Advisory Board for the down payment. The first camp meeting was held on July 17, 1956. Dr. Glen Jones was the Evangelist and Gary Moore was the Song Evangelist. On July 12, 1958, the District formerly dedicated the campgrounds. In those days camp meeting was held under a large tent. The tent was placed in an area that was formerly a hay field.
The first building at the camp was the dining hall, which was opened for use in 1958. In 1961, Dr. W.M. McGuire thanked Mr. McLaughlin for sharing his equipment with the camp and painting the dining hall. This dining hall is used in the Summer only and still serves Summer food service needs today.
During these early years the property was surveyed and lots developed for Nazarene residences. Members of the churches were permitted to begin building dwellings on lots at the new camp. The first residence was built by Paul Kiefer of Monroe. In his 1958 report to the District Assembly regarding the camp, Dr. W.M. McGuire stated, "It is where our people may lease property on which to build homes or cottages, with confidence that no one of opposing faith or doctrine or standards will be allowed to molest their religious freedom by being allowed to build on adjoining lots." In 2003 the residential community was comprised of about 40 year-round homes and another 25 Summer cottages.
Byron Yaeger became the first Camp Manager, followed by Rev. Robert Milner. Rev. Milner's grandson is Eric Chenoweth, our present Camp Board Chairman.
Dr. W.M. McGuire referred to the camp as "Nazarene Haven" and summed up the purpose of the camp in his 1958 report to the District Assembly as follows: "It will be a place where youth, encouraged, inspired, and challenged by those of their own age, may seek and find the Lord as their Savior and Sanctifier." Dr. McGuire seemed to have a gift for the field of landscape, and he personally led the develoment of the property. Two lakes were created--McGuire Lake and Lake Loughheed. In his final report to the District Assembly in 1961, Dr. McGuire joyfully reported that the assets of the camp had reached $200,000 with only 25% of that liabilities. An additional 5 acres was purchased in 1961 to increase the size of the camp to almost 90 acres. Dr. McGuire's Godly dream, fundraising, and wise leadership in the establishment of the Eastern Michigan Nazarene Camp laid a tremendous foundation.
The Martin Years
Dr. E.W. Martin became the second District Superintendent of the Eastern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene in 1961. During Dr. Martin's leadership the community of part-time and year-round residents continued to expand through ongoing development of leased lots. Dr. Martin and his wife Ardath Martin joined this community of residents and owned a home at the camp at 76 Harwood Avenue on Loughhead Lake, which they resided in throughout their retirement years.
Additional property was acquired by the camp to allow more people to enjoy Camp Meeting. The District continued to rent the largest tents available in the State of Michigan. At it's peak the tent had room for 2,000 seats with room for 1,000 people to sit on bleachers just outside the tent. In 1964, the tent at Camp Meeting caught on fire. Volunteers successfully rushed to control the loss of property to the fire. The fire turned out to be the motivation needed to advance the dream of a permanent structure for Camp Meeting services. On the last Sunday afternoon service after the fire, Dr. Martin raised in cash and pledges $51,000 for a new tabernacle. The next year in 1965, the tabernacle was built. The tabernacle has been named the E.W. Martin Tabernacle. Some remember in these early days that cots were put on the floor in the tabernacle to sleep groups of campers that couldn't fit in the six cabins. This tabernacle continues to serve us well for Summer camp and Camp Meeting worship services.
The Bearinger Youth Center was constructed in 1973. This provided additional facilities that were necessary for the district's growing Summer camps. The building sleeps 86 campers and staff and includes a kitchen and gymnasium. This building also provided a winterized facility that could be used year-round.
Dr. E.W. Martin laid the groundwork for the future by seeing the construction of buildings that would remain the focal point of the camp for years.
The Gibson Years
Dr. Donald Gibson became the third District Superintendent of the Eastern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene in 1979. He was a strong supporter of the camp and had a dream that the services and ministry of the camp would reach more people throughout the year. The camp celebrated it's 25th Anniversary in 1981. Dr. Gibson envisioned a hotel style retreat and conference center that would be utilized year-round by groups. However, health problems cut short Dr. Gibson's time in leadership.
The Knight Years
Dr. Marselle Knight became the fourth District Superintendent of the Eastern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene in 1984. Under Dr. Knight's leadership, the Gibson Conference Center was completed in 1986. The building is named after the former district superintendent, Dr. and Mrs. Donald Gibson. Furnishings in the Gibson Center were given in memory of Rev. W. Fred Thomas (1921-1986).
The Gibson Conference Center has a general meeting room with a fireplace and is fully air-conditioned. It includes a kitchen, a conference room, and 19 hotel-style rooms. The conference center has a total of 36 double beds and one king size bed, for a sleeping capacity of 74 people. The completion of the facility allowed the camp to have a suitable place for year-round adult group retreats. This center continues to be a popular place and is rented for retreats almost every weekend of the year.
During this time the ballfields were renovated in memory of Archie Woodward (1911-1986). Rev. Greg Chambers served as Camp Manager during part of these years.
The Anthony Years
Dr. Stephen T. Anthony became the fifth District Superintendent of the Eastern Michigan District Church of the Nazarene in 1992. During this time the camp has continued to face modern challenges with a deep dependence upon God.
A new community water system was installed for the entire camp community in 1998. The completion of this major project provided long term stability to the water system used by both camp guests and permanent residents. It's effects will be felt for years to come.
Two special homes were remodeled and improved for guests. The Dickey Cottage (formerly the Missionary Cottage) has a fireplace, 4 bedrooms,a full kitchen, two bathrooms, and accomodates up to 12 people for a family or small group retreat. The building is named in honor of Dr. and Mrs. John Q. Dickey. Marilyn Anthony took a personal interest in remodeling the Dickey Cottage in 2000. Dr. Stephen and Marilyn Anthony donated a cottage at 4108 N. Center to the camp and it was remodeled and opened in 2003 under the name of the Freedom Cottage. It has one bedroom, a living room, a full kitchen, one bathroom, and can accomodate about 2 people for a personal or family retreat. Becoming a versatile camp for changing times, these two buildings allowed the camp to serve smaller retreat populations for which renting the Gibson Conference Center is impractical. These smaller buildings have found their own special place of importance in the overall camp facilities.
Rev. Greg Chambers, Rev. Gerald Schalau (1995-2002) and Rev. Alan Stokes (2003-2004) have served as Camp Managers during these years. In 2003 approximately 5,500 guests came to the camp through either Campmeeting, Youth Camps, the RV Park, or the Conference Center.
Little children held a special place on the heart of Dr. Stephen Anthony. In 2000 a new children's playground was built. This playground unit quickly became a favorite place for kids to have fun at camp. These years have also seen the construction of a new nursery and toddler's room in the tabernacle. Air-condition was added and remodeling done to the youth center dorms and cabins, that are used for the district children and youth Summer camps. Thanks to a gift from Mrs. Julie Weber, the waterfront was refurbished in 2002 with brand new docks and an expanded beach.
An additional 30 acres was purchased on the northwest side of the camp's property under Dr. Anthony's leadership. This land is undeveloped and filled with native trees and wildlife.
From 1956 to 2003, the history of the Eastern Michigan Nazarene Camp is a story of visionary leaders and sacrficial givers who understood that what happens here changes lives for eternity. A Heritage 2006 capital campaign was introduced at Camp Meeting 2003. The campaign has a 1.5 million dollar goal and will include major improvements, beginning with a new bathhouse. Dr. Stephen Anthony is assisted with the oversight of the camping ministry by Mr. Eric Chenoweth (Camp Board Chairman). These are exciting days at the Eastern Michigan Nazarene Camp. We are following a great heritage with a vision for the future!
Written by: Rev. Alan Stokes. Camp Director (2003-2004) Updated: January 27, 2004.
Note: Rev. Robert M. Milner's camp history, written in 1981 for the Camp's 25th Anniversary, was invaluable in the first half of this history. This historical statement is a work in progress.