According to essays by Mrs. Nannie Shadwick, former board member and secretary, the time of year was chosen because most of the crops had been harvested by area farmers and so they were free to come to the meetings. Her family, like many of the neighbors, used to load up horse-drawn wagons with food and supplies to spend the week (or week and a half) on the grounds so they could participate in the worship services, which were then held throughout the day. There was also a hotel on the grounds at one time.
The whole hillside was abuzz with noise as several preachers were needed to evangelize to the large crowds of hundreds or thousands. There were also other activities like horse-trading, discussing crops, and catching up on the news to compete with the pastors and the natural noises of crickets and owls. It has been told that the first automobile on the grounds caused quite a stir, terrifying the horses. Once electricity was introduced to the campgrounds, yellow bulbs were used to light the services yet help deter insects. The old-fashioned style hand-held paper fans are still used, but are complimented today by ceiling fans.
Some annual worshippers know that they are at least the fourth or fifth generation of their family to be part of this special tradition.
The open-sided tabernacle was built on the site shortly after the land was deeded to the Campground Association by Mr. Fletch Smeathers in the 1880s. The original tabernacle, and many of the original benches, still are used today. Many famous evangelists have spoken on the grounds, including: Billy Sunday, Uncle Bud Robinson, J.E.L. Moore, and Frank Harvey. Many recent evangelists have been from Kentucky, but some have come from as far as Florida and Georgia.
The Campmeeting today:
