“The people
who walked in darkness have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness—
on them light has shined.”
Isaiah 9:2
It is the centennial year since the first Presbyterian camp
was begun in 1908 at Camp Kosciusko, Indiana. During the past
century, countless lives have been touched by the influence
of an experience at a Presbyterian camp, retreat, or conference
center. Crosses in the 145 Presbyterian centers dot the landscape
of America in forty-one states. When a cross was being erected
on top of the lighthouse at Camp Westminster, Michigan, workers
faced a great challenge, as the lighthouse sat amid a stand
of inaccessible trees. Because of the perseverance and skills
of those gifted workers, the lighthouse with its cross now stands
as the light of Christ for campers and others on both land and
water. It is an inspiring place in camp where joy, physical
and human warmth, and a spirit of love prevail. May all who
attend Presbyterian gatherings in this and other sacred meeting
spaces continue to find the light of Christ and reflect God’s
grace to the world.
—James W. Bates, chair of History Committee, Presbyterian
Church Camp and Conference Association |
