Thousand Island Park Camp Meetings

 

By Susan G Mathis

The Thousand Island Park Camp Meeting Association was founded by the Rev. John Ferdinand Dayan, in 1875, as a Methodist summer camp with regular meetings, sermons, and public services. They leased spots for tents or cottages and provided most of the conveniences of city living but without its vices. TI Park was called, “The Chautauqua of the North.”

In 1883, the Park moved away from the family-oriented camp and opened it to a more general public. But they still kept several of their rules like observing the Sabbath.

The Park continued to grow, so by 1894, nearly six hundred cottages plus hotels created a summer village that included a library, yacht club, golf course, roque courts, annual tennis tournaments, daily concerts, an art school, its own printer, a needlecraft shop, fishing guides and boats, a book shop, a photographer…and Sunday services.

By the turn of the century, in 1900, the Park had become a full summer community with a library and all the amenities a full-service resort would provide including insurance companies, printer, needlecraft shop, shoe store, hand-blown glass souvenirs, a china maker, hand laundress, hair and manicurist, Japanese bazaar, Persian and Turkish rugs, general store, meat market, milk, ice, plumber, contractors, barber, boat livery, fishing guides, tailor, Indian basket shop, candy store and more. Yet it still retained a tight-knit, small town warmth and vitality.

Besides hundreds of lovely Victorian cottages, the Columbian Hotel and the Wellesley Hotel (which still exists today), and smaller hotels made up of various cottages were open to the public. The smaller hotels such as the Geneva, the Pratt House, and the Rochester as well as boarding houses each had a separate function.

Today, Thousand Island Park is still a lovely summer community full of gingerbread Victorians and friendly people. The community retains its homey, small town feel and offers lots of fun things to do. It’s a great place to visit in the summertime, and it’s a wonderful place to tell the story of the 1912 fires in Mary’s Moment.

Have you been to a Christian camp? Leave your answer or comments on the post below and join me on February 19th for my next post.

ABOUT MARY’S MOMENT:

It’s 1912, and Thousand Island Park’s switchboard operator Mary Flynn is the community heroine saving dozens of homes from a terrible fire. Less than a month later, when another disastrous fire rages through the Park, Mary loses her memory as she risks her life in a neighbor's burning cottage. Widowed fireman George Flannigan is enamored by the brave raven-haired lass and takes every opportunity to connect with Mary. But he has hidden griefs of his own that cause him great heartache. When George can’t stop the destructive Columbian Hotel fire from eradicating more than a hundred businesses and homes, he is distraught. Yet George’s greater concern is Mary. Will she remember their budding relationship or be forever lost to him?

ABOUT SUSAN:

Susan G Mathis is an international award-winning, multi-published author of stories set in the beautiful Thousand Islands in upstate NY. Susan has been published more than thirty times in full-length novels, novellas, and non-fiction books. She has fourteen in her fiction line. Susan is also a published author of two premarital books, stories in a dozen compilations, and hundreds of published articles. Susan lives in Colorado Springs and enjoys traveling the world. Visit www.SusanGMathis.com/fiction for more.

Camp Grant Massacre by Nancy J. Farrier

 

Camp Grant, Photo by John Karl Hillers
United States Army, Public Domain

In the Southwest, particularly in Arizona, in the 1860’s and early 1870’s, there were two types of Apaches. The Chiricahua Apaches chose to fight to try to regain their lands and their freedom, while the Aravaipa and Pinal Apaches chose to seek peace, settling down to farm. This disparity led to what happened on an April morning in 1871.

 

In February of 1871, six Apache women approached Camp Grant, Arizona, located where the San Pedro River and Aravaipa Creek meet. These women spoke with Lt. Royal Whitman about  a son who had been captured and taken prisoner. Lt. Whitman was kind to the women, giving them food and listening to them. Within a short time a camp was set up for the Aravaipa and Pinal Apaches a few miles upstream from Camp Grant. The Apaches settled there, planting food and hunting for game.

 

Meanwhile, the Chiricahua Apaches continued their raids, often killing settlers in their quest to win back their hunting grounds. In March of 1871, A baggage train was attacked and two men killed, a rancher was killed, and a woman kidnapped. Citizens in Tucson were appalled and sent a request for help to General George Stoneman who was in charge of Indian affairs in Arizona territory. Stoneman didn’t take them seriously, brushing off their concerns. (This later cost him his post and position as General.)

 

Tucson in the 1880's

After more attacks in April, some of the citizens of Tucson banded together to settle
the score. The vigilantes included William S. Oury, the mayor of Tucson. They snuck out at night and rode for two days to reach the Camp Grant area. There were 6 Americans, 48 Mexicans, and over 90 Tohono O’odham Indians in the group. When they reached the area, they set a watch at Camp Grant and took a hidden trail to the Apache camp.

 

Before dawn on the morning of April 18^th, 1871, the men entered the camp. They slaughtered 8 men and over 100 women who were all sleeping when attacked. Some of the women were raped. They took captive 30 children, taking them to Tucson and Mexico to be slaves.

 

Eskimizin - Chief of the Apaches
near Camp Grant. Public Domain

Most of the men of the Apache camp were out on a hunting expedition, which is why there were so few men in the camp. By the time the soldiers at Camp Grant were aware of the attack, it was over. They arrived to find the people murdered and mutilated. Lt. Whitman searched for survivors but only found one woman. He and his men buried the bodies.

 

An outcry was made when word got out about what had happened. The Apaches were under the protection of the soldiers at Camp Grant, and thinking themselves safe, were attacked and slaughtered while they slept. The Eastern press called it a massacre. President Grant informed the governor that if the perpetrators weren’t brought to justice, he would declare martial law for Arizona.

 

In October 1871, a Tucson grand jury indicted 100 of the vigilantes on 108 counts of murder. The following trial was a farce and it took the jury nineteen minutes to declare the defendants not guilty. The children who had been sold as slaves were never recovered.

This tragedy took place a few miles from where I live in Arizona. The thought of all those innocents being slaughtered breaks my heart as does the slavery of the children. I still can't understand the murderous intent that would have so many riding such a distance to commit this crime.

 

Have you ever heard of the Camp Grant Massacre? What are your thoughts? I’d love to hear.

Nancy J Farrier is an award-winning, best-selling author who lives in Southern Arizona in the Sonoran Desert. She loves the Southwest with its interesting historical past. When Nancy isn’t writing, she loves to read, do needlecraft, play with her cats and dog, and spend time with her family. You can read more about Nancy and her books on her website: nancyjfarrier.com.

The inspiration behind the iconic hymn Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee

Once again, I’m featuring a beloved hymn and the history behind it. If you missed my last story you can find it here. Naomi Musch has been sharing some wonderful hymn stories too. Her last one is here. 

Today I’m focusing on “Joyful, Joyful, We Adore Thee.” This song is easy to identify if you love classical music because the music is the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Hymn writers often borrow familiar tunes to accompany their lyrics.

Henry van Dyke jr.

Henry van Dyke Jr was born in Germantown, Pennsylvania in 1852. During his life, he was a prominent Presbyterian minister and leading liturgy figures in the country.  He also served as a professor of literature at Princeton from 1900-1923.  He interrupted his professorship when he served as a Navy Chaplain during the First World War. Then President Woodrow Wilson appointed him ambassador to Belgium and Luxenberg in 1913. After which he resumed his post at Princeton, finding it more to his liking than diplomacy. He was a prolific writer of devotionals along with hymn lyrics and short stories. One of his more memorable short stories was The Other Wise Man (1896) This was a Christmas story of another wiseman who used his gift to help the needy as he journeyed to Bethlehem.

Henry’s best-known hymn is “Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee.” He is quoted as saying his purpose for writing this iconic hymn and others:

“These verses are simple expressions of common Christian feelings and desires in this present time, hymns of today that may be sung together by people who know the thoughts of the age, and are not afraid that any truth of science will destroy their religion or that any revolution on the earth will overthrow the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, these are hymns of trust and hope.”  Quote taken from 101 Hymn Stories by Kenneth W. Osbeck

“Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee” illustrates a joyful interplay between God’s creation and the same creative spirit in the believer’s life. Each verse paints a vivid picture of how God created the world and the believer’s response to His glory and majesty.

Inspiration for the hymn

Henry wrote this hymn when he was a guest preacher at William College, Williamstown Massachusetts. He handed the finished lyrics to the college president saying “Here is a hymn for you. Your Berkshire mountains were my inspiration. It must be sung to music of Beethoven’s “Hymn of Joy.” It was first published in van Dyke’s Book of Poems, third edition in 1911.

Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony

 Beethoven’s “Hymn of Joy” which is the final movement of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony was composed somewhere between 1817-1823 and published in 1823. Beethoven never wrote a tune specifically for a hymn text. However, some of his works have been the musical accompaniment to hymns.

The Ninth or the “Choral” symphony was the last and perhaps greatest piece he ever wrote. It took six years to complete the entire symphony. His desire was to create one great symphony that would combine both voice and instruments in one majestic expression of sound. His poet friend Frederick Schiller inspired the work with his poem Ode to Joy.

The musical world was and still is amazed at how wonderful this piece was since Beethoven hearing declined toward deafness by the time he was thirty. There is a debate as to whether Beethoven was totally deaf or only had severe hearing loss at the time he wrote this final symphony. When the Ninth Symphony was first performed in Vienna, Austria, in 1824, the soloist had to come down from the stage and turn Beethoven around from his position facing the stage so he could see all the enthusiastic applause. The joy in the music truly complements the lyrics Henry van Dyke was inspired to write.

 

Joyful Joyful, We Adore Thee

1. Joyful, joyful, we adore You,
God of glory, Lord of love;
Hearts unfold like flow'rs before You,
Op'ning to the sun above.
Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
Drive the dark of doubt away;
Giver of immortal gladness,
Fill us with the light of day!

2. All Your works with joy surround You,
Earth and heav'n reflect Your rays,
Stars and angels sing around You,
Center of unbroken praise;
Field and forest, vale and mountain,
Flow'ry meadow, flashing sea,
Chanting bird and flowing fountain
Praising You eternally!

3. Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Loving Father, Christ our Brother,
Let Your light upon us shine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.

4.Mortals, join the mighty chorus,
Which the morning stars began;
God's own love is reigning o’er us,
Joining people hand in hand.
Ever singing, march we onward,
Victors in the midst of strife;
Joyful music leads us sunward
In the triumph song of life.

Listen for yourself

Here is a link to a YouTube video.

 

https://video.search.yahoo.com/yhs/search?fr=yhs-iba-3&ei=UTF-8&hsimp=yhs-3&hspart=iba&p=performance+of+joyful+joyful+we+adore+thee+youtube&type=smff_10230_FFW_ZZ#id=3&vid=083ff3b4a1ac5c1bdf3fbbfa7d1ec030&action=view

Have you ever heard this hymn before? How does it inspire you?

Cindy Ervin Huff, is a multi-published award-winning author. A 2018 Selah Finalist. She has a passion to encourage other writers on their journey. When she isn’t writing, she feeds her addiction to reading and enjoys her retirement with her husband of 50 plus years, Charles. Visit her at www.cindyervinhuff.com.

Cherishing Her Heart

After being falsely imprisoned in an asylum, Susan escapes and assumes the identity to a simple valet’s daughter. Once she starts a new life in Kansas, she vows to never be under a man’s thumb again. But Monty’s presence makes her heart race, and his care and kindness under different circumstances might win her heart.

When her ex-husband puts a bounty on her head for her return, Monty steps up to help. Can she trust this handsome rancher to protect her and not control her? Buy link.

 

 

 

 

That Rugged Great Commission

 By Catherine Ulrich Brakefield

One of America's best-loved hymns sings loudly of rejection, torture, and death. One would think it inappropriate for singing during Sunday services, let alone converting people to Christianity, and especially singing this favorite celebrating Easter. 

“The Old Rugged Cross” provides Christians an example of perseverance, commitment, and justification (just as if you never sinned). That all-consuming grace and the reason Christ died for you that Good Friday. He shed His blood on that old rugged cross for you and provided the ammunition to love one another as He loved you.  

When troubles arise—when fathers lose their jobs, when children become deathly ill, when the old become crippled—the trials of life are bearable just thinking about that old rugged cross. 

After all, God became handicapped in a man’s body when He decided to come down to earth! Christians understand their Savior’s agape love for them, accepting the trials and tribulations that life brings. The song's author knew this lesson firsthand.

George Bennard (1873-1958) lost his father as a young teen. He was thrust into the unwelcomed role as the head of the household with all the responsibilities of an adult. George supplied financial support to his struggling mother and siblings and worked in the coal mines, like his father before him.

When he grew up, he married. He and his wife were saved during a Salvation Army camp meeting and often served in the Army. Because he had no formal education, he was thought of as illiterate. But that didn’t hinder him from following God’s promptings. He stepped up to the pulpit and became one of the best-loved Methodist preachers of his time.

His favorite Scripture verse was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (NKJV and subsequent verses).  Whenever George quoted that verse a vision of the cross came to mind. Not a pleasant wooden cross, but a crude Roman instrument of torturous death, stained with the Christ’s blood.

One day, as George thought of Christ's crucifixion, a melody played across his thoughts. Not a complete melody, and though there were very few words that came to his mind, one passage continued to reverberate, “I’ll cherish the old rugged cross.”  The song slowly took shape. 

During a revival in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, his revival partner, Chicagoan Ed E. Mieras, premiered “The Old Rugged Cross” as a duet during the final evening of the meeting, January 12, 1913. The famous gospel song composer Charles H. Gabriel joined Bennard with the harmony.

“On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame;

And I love that old cross where the dearest and best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I'll cherish the old rugged cross,

Till my trophies at last I lay down;

I will cling to the old rugged cross,

And exchange it someday for a crown.”

“And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a Skull, which is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified him.”  (John 19:17–18 NKJV).

The song was first published in Heart and Life Songs for the Church, Sunday School, Home, and Campmeetings (1915). “The Old Rugged Cross” became one of Billy Sunday's favorites to sing at his evangelistic crusades. Homer Rodeheaver, Sunday’s chief musician, eventually bought the rights to the song. 

“The Old Rugged Cross” has caught the imagination of singing artists across the spears of time. Ernest Tubb, Andy Griffith, Johnny Cash, June Carter, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Willie Nelson, and countless more have sung this well-known hymn throughout the pages of history. 

After a life dedicated to spreading God’s Word, Bennard retired in Reed City, Michigan, where a museum is dedicated to his life and ministry. In Youngstown, Ohio, Bennard’s birthplace, a memorial has been created at Lake Park Cemetery. A plaque commemorating the first performance of the song stands in front of the Friend’s Church in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

A State of Michigan Historical Site plaque now marks the location on Michigan Avenue in Albion, Michigan, where Bennard wrote “The Old Rugged Cross.”

George Bennard started off with the nametag “illiterate coal miner,” but that did not stop him from spreading God’s Word. He wrote a total of 300 songs, some of which include “Have Thy Way, Lord,” “Pentecostal Fire is Falling,” “Love Never Faileth,” “Songs of Victory,” and “Sweet Songs of Salvation.” 

Believing in Jesus’ teachings, George never dwelled on his lack of money, position, or education. He kept his eyes on the prize. That of eternal life and performing his earthly duties, accepting the cross and the Great Commission Jesus bestowed to Christians that first Easter Sunday. 

Jesus did not remain in that grave. He rose on the third day to say, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19–20 NKJV).  

When death haunts your heels, the words of “The Old Rugged Cross” take on new meaning. The doughboys of World War I, the caissons of World War II, and the grunts of Vietnam believed in that new life that Easter celebrates and the words of “The Old Rugged Cross” exemplify. The soldier, the sick, the infirmed, the forgotten—their morale is instantly uplifted knowing Jesus Christ bore these difficulties, and so must we. “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me”" (Matthew 16:24 NKJV). 

Throughout American history, our ancestors have done that very thing. The Second Great Awakening sparked flames of a revival in Cane Ridge, Kentucky, in 1802, that began the circuit rider who rode to the utmost parts of this new nation to spread the Word of Jesus Christ. 

All of a sudden, France decided to sell the great expanse of land from the Mississippi River to the Rocky Mountains in 1803. President Thomas Jefferson couldn’t pass up that deal, and called this new annexation the Louisiana Purchase. 

So began the American Missionary Alliance that brought Jesus’ saving grace to the Native Americans and French trappers as told in Wilted Dandelions.  

There is a new beginning, a new life awaiting believers—no matter their education, their handicaps, or the hardships they face. The path is marked with tears and tribulations, and it is ragged and rough, like that cross our Savior shed his blood upon; however, that rugged great commission is worth the liberation of a life. 

Wilted Dandelions: Rachael is eager to leave her life of luxury in Boston to share the gospel with Native Americans in the West. The only problem is the Missionary Alliance won't let her go unless she's married. When Jonathan, another missionary hopeful, learns about the restrictions, he’s desperate to find a wife. They agree to a marriage of convenience and learn God doesn’t create coincidences—He designs possibilities.  

“One gripping, compelling read. Wilted Dandelions by Ms. Brakefield had me eagerly turning pages and sighing over the love story premise as well as taking comfort in the spiritual message.” ES, Amazon Reader

An award-winning author, Catherine's inspirational historical romances include Wilted Dandelions, her Destiny series Swept into Destiny, Destiny's Whirlwind, Destiny of Heart, and Waltz with Destiny. Her newest book is Love's Final Sunrise. She has two pictorial history books: The Lapeer Area, and Eastern Lapeer Area.

https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-the-old-rugged-cross 

https://christianheritagefellowship.com/george-bennard-and-the-old-rugged-cross/  

https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2017/10/21/story-behind-song-old-rugged-cross/16290488007/

https://christianheritage.info/places/category/monument-outdoor/united-states/wisconsin/door-county/ 

https://the-oldruggedcross.org/museum 

Mid-Month Madness!

We really appreciate you coming by!

We will be giving away books so be sure to pay attention about how to enter. To enter for a chance to win, you MUST leave a comment WITH your EMAIL and you MUST ask one or more of the authors a question you’d like to know about them, their writing, or their books.

We are looking forward to getting to know you better and hope you’ll get to know us better, too!

Be sure to drop by the Facebook Party for a chance to mingle with the authors and nab even more great giveaways!

The party is today from 5:00 to 6:30 PM Eastern Time.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1770933813056488

Kimberly Keagan discovered her love for romance novels at thirteen, often choosing a book over chores. She believes there's nothing like being transported to another time and place to find a happily ever after. Kimberly is blessed to have her own handsome hero husband and two wonderful children. After earning a degree in accounting, she enjoyed a career in investor relations, writing financial reports and press releases—terrific jobs, though not very romantic. Now, she's pursuing her dream of writing historical romance. When not reading or writing, Kimberly enjoys baking, gardening, watching sports, and researching her family tree.

Two-time winner of the Christian Indie Award for historical fiction, Amber (Schamel) Lemus inspires hearts through enthralling tales She has a passion for travel, history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest." She lives near the Ozarks in her "casita" with her prince charming. Between enjoying life as a boy mom, and spinning stories out of soap bubbles, Amber loves to connect with readers and hang out on Goodreads with other bookish peoples.

Cindy Ervin Huff is an Award-winning author of Historical and Contemporary Romance. She loves infusing hope into her stories of broken people. She addicted to reading and chocolate. Her idea of a vacation is visiting historical sites and an ideal date with her hubby of almost fifty years would be the theater.

Linda Shenton Matchett writes happily-ever-after historical Christian fiction about second chances and women who overcome life’s challenges to be better versions of themselves. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, she was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry (of Star-Spangled Banner fame) and has lived in historical places all her life. She now lives in central New Hampshire where she is a volunteer docent and archivist at the Wright Museum of WWII.

Matthew James Elliott (M.J. Elliott) is a passionate writer who loves to encourage and inspire others. He has served in various ministry roles for over 15 years, giving him a unique perspective on people and Biblical History. Matthew holds a degree in Biblical Studies from OkWU, focusing on Pastoral Care, Christian Education, and Worship. Matthew is happily married to Traci. Their three joyfully inspired children are Leyla, Caleb, and Hannah. His goal as a writer is to share love, equip others, and edify them for the greater good. Connecting scripture to his stories is one of his biggest passions.

Perfect

When the perfect life unravels, can love turn the page to a new beginning?

In 1895 New York, department store heir William Walraven must prove himself by opening Denwall’s newest store before Christmas—until a chance encounter with a lovely bookseller throws him off course. Ivy King is barely keeping her family’s shop afloat and has no time for distractions, especially not a charming man whose emporium threatens her livelihood. But when an attack on Will’s brother draws them together, Will and Ivy must decide what matters most—expectations, ambition…or an unexpected love that just might be perfect.

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Dawn of Liberty

Liberty comes with a price. Can a fledgling nation bear the cost?

British forces advance upon a struggling colonial army. The time of decision has come. Declare independence or give up the fight. The weight of a nation rests on Samuel Adams' shoulders as he joins the delegates of the Second Continental Congress. Can he raise the cause of Liberty above the fear of the King's wrath in the hearts of his countrymen? Three riveting short stories follow Samuel Adams as he struggles through the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence and evokes the Dawn of Liberty.

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Cherishing her Heart

After being falsely imprisoned in an asylum, Susan escapes and assumes the identity to a simple valet’s daughter. Once she starts a new life in Kansas she vows to never be under a man’s thumb again. But Monty’s presence makes her heart race and his care and kindness under different circumstances might win her heart. When her ex-husband puts a bounty on her head for her return, Monty steps up to help. Can she trust this handsome rancher to protect her and not control her?

BUY NOW!

Ivy’s Inheritance

Ivy Cregg’s father is a gambler, but this time he’s gone too far. He loses his mining fortune and her along with it in a high-stakes poker game. Unwilling to go along with the deal, she hides out with a friend who tells her about Ms. Crenshaw, owner of the Westward Home & Hearts Mail-Order Bride Agency who is in town. The prospective groom is a wealthy man which seems like an answer to prayer until Ivy discovers he made his fortune in mining. Is he as untrustworthy as her father?

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The Cyprus Journal

One Young Man. His Significant Story. A Witness of the Early Church.

Many knew him as the young cousin to Barnabas the Encourager, the son of Mary who offered her home to honor the Savior and those who followed Him, or even the man who abandoned Paul on his First Missionary Journey, but there is more to his story. His story is one of new beginnings, a promise fulfilled, and a man who overcame fear of the unknown.

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