About 80 workers, consisting of preachers and laymen, gathered on the opening cleanup day of our newly purchased campground. Photo courtesy of CHURCH OF GOD ECHOES, July, 1947
THE BEGINNING
E. W. Williams, Overseer, cuts the first tree to clear the land
In 1947, under the leadership of E. W. Williams, a permanent facility was sought. In May 1947, 60 acres of land were purchased from Ed Gallagher for $17,500 with 1,600 feet of frontage on Wilkinson Boulevard. The land was cleared by the men of the state, donating three days’ labor or sending $15 to the State Fund for that purpose.
The church purchased 30 acres of land in 1963 from the E. L. Black Estate for $36,250, bringing the total to 90 acres.
The week of August 5-13, 1947, saw the fruit of their labor in the first state convention and camp meeting. This first camp meeting convened under a large gospel tent (60' X 150') on the new campground and youth camp site. E. W. Williams told the Charlotte Observer that "there will be many cottages erected by members of the Church of God and a youth camp is to be established on this site."
The first camp meeting was also accompanied by a Daily Vacation Bible School for the children in a (40' X 60') tent. J. R. Campbell and Pauline Weaver Harding were in charge each day.
R. W. Tedder and Smith, contractor, prepare to work
The first meeting was opened at 7:00 p.m. and after the welcome and greeting by E. W. Williams, Wade H. Horton came with these words, "This Camp Meeting is ordered of the Lord. I feel the strength and good help of the service already." His Scripture text was Jeremiah 18 on the subject, "The Potter and the Clay." H. D. Williams; Henry Liles; W. H. Speed; Paul W. Curtis; George D. Lemons; E. C. Clark; V. D. Combs; E. L. (Leonard) Newton; S. A. (Archie) Luke; G. F. Carter; H. E. Stone; J. R. Easom; D. H. Delk; G. H. Grooms; R. R. Walker; John C. Jernigan; C. R. Spain; P. H. McCarn; W. C. Lambert; L. O. Henry; C. M. Jenkerson; James L. Slay; E. D. Johnson; Howell; Mrs. Dixie Chambers; R. E. Conner; J. T. Roberts were the speakers that first camp meeting. The children's program was given by J. R. Campbell and Pauline Weaver Harding, and the ladies’ play was given by Mrs. A. V. Childers and P. W. Chesser on Dorcas. Dr. C. Raymond Spain expressed in his message during the camp meeting, "One thing I am impressed with about this camp meeting is that it is built around God and not personality. Anything built around God will stand." Time proved this as one watched the growth over the years.
First Camp Meeting at Charlotte, August 5-13, 1947
Many remember this Camp Meeting well, especially the Sunday afternoon when the big storm came. Lightning struck trees, and the winds pulled at the tent ropes. State Overseer E. W. Williams kept the crowd calm as the men held the tent ropes. At the close of the meeting, one of the pastors, D. H. Delk, stood up and said, "I will give the first $10 on a tabernacle fund."
Construction on the first tabernacel, April, 8, 1948
On July 13, 1948, North Carolina held its first service in the new tabernacle (120' X 160'). Through the years, there have been many changes in the tabernacle, but each year seemed to bring greater blessings from God.
During a minister's meeting in 1974, which was under the leadership of Dr. C. Raymond Spain, the idea for the enlargement of the overall needs of the Charlotte campground was sown by the education study committee: George D. Voorhis, Sammy Oxendine, Junus Fulbright, Ronald Martin, Kenneth Hensley, and Paul D. Collins. This enlargement was to include an all-purpose building, disposition of the present tabernacle, a state office, and landscaping. In a special-called Ministers Meeting, January 30, 1975, the men of North Carolina voted "... to proceed with the building program as presented on slides and also the architect's sketch." These plans were made by a planning committee: George D. Voorhis, Walter Barwick, S. A. Lankford, James Griffin, Earl F. Sibbett, W. C. Loftis, and Joseph Chambers.