Historic Camp Meeting & Candlelight Walk

Over 150 years ago, Lakeside began as a Camp Meeting, an idea of gathering in a retreat-like setting and growing in faith together. To honor this heritage and as part of Lakeside’s Sesquicentennial Celebration, we will host a worship service resembling the 19th century Camp Meeting on Sunday, July 23 at 7:30 p.m. under a tent on the Hotel Lakeside lawn.

The Preacher of the Week, Rev. Dr. Michael Slaughter, will lead the Camp Meeting, and there will be guest appearances by several historical figures. Gospel songs will be performed by the Chautauqua Choir, John and Bonnie Wilkie and the Lakeside Institute youth camp.

Slaughter will preach “I Believe; Help My Unbelief!” centered around Mark 9:20-24 and reminding us that there are no “ifs” among believers.

A candlelight walk to the Dock will follow the Camp Meeting worship experience, weather permitting.

This summer, Lakeside is reflecting on building community and the practices that nurture a thriving community. This experience is an important opportunity to bring the community together, grow in our faith and renew our commitment together.

In the case of inclement weather, the rain location will be Hoover Auditorium. Please note that the Sunset Praise Service will not take place on Sunday, July 23 due to the Camp Meeting.

Camp Meeting History
Following the Civil War and leading into the Industrial Age, families relocated from farms to cities due to a change in the economy. They were looking for jobs, a better life and new communities, often communities grounded in faith.

Thus, the Camp Meeting Movement was embraced by the Methodists who developed an idea to combine a physical retreat with evangelism. The Methodist community in Port Clinton and Marblehead was inspired by this opportunity. The main purpose was to help people grow in their faith.

In 1872, Lakeside’s founding fathers gathered to form what would eventually become the Lakeside Company and set aside 30 acres of land for a Camp Meeting site.

In the beginning, Lakeside was a place where tents were erected for Camp Meetings to take place. Learn more about Lakeside Chautauqua’s history by viewing the WGTE documentary, “Lakeside Chautauqua: An American Treasure.”

Special thanks to the Lakeside Heritage Society for providing the picture.