About Our Words: Brush Arbor Meetings
Danny L Almond of Albermarle, North Carolian, associated with an article by Pamy Blaine about old-time brush arbor meetings.
Danny writes:
Dear Pamy
I would like to thank you for the article on old-time brush arbor meetings. I too would like to go back in time and experience one of those meetings. I remember hearing my Grandpa Ed talking about going to the old brush arbor meetings when he was a young man. He also would tell about the hundreds of people that would come from miles around in horse and wagon, or buggies.
Grandpa Ed, would say that folks back then appreciated the camp meetings because the circuit rider, preachers would not come around but two or three times a year. So folks had time to get hungry to hear the word of God preached. He said today people go to church two or three times a week, and don't have time to get hungry for the word of God anymore. I have to say that I somewhat agree with him. For the apostle Paul said what ever you do, do it in moderation. I still think that that applies to us today.
By now, I know you're probably wondering what brought me to your website. I am also interested in some of the old churches in my area. One in particular is Rehobeth Methodist Church notice that I did not say United Methodist Church. This church is one of the last independent Methodist churches around. It was established in 1849 and the deed for the property dates 1852. The property was purchased for six dollars and the church house was built in 1854, and was later destroyed in April of 1920 by a tornado, but was rebuilt sometime later, which is the church building that we have now.
From the information that I've been able to gather camp meetings were held on the very spot where Rehobeth Church is today. Some of the old folks that are still around said that their grandparents said that the camp Meetings started in the late 1830s or the early 1840s. The old-time brush harbors meetings is responsible for the beginnings of this old church that we call Rehobeth. Yes we still have services there every second Sunday of the month at two o'clock in the afternoon. Folks from all around come to hear a preacher preach the word of God. May I say that I am the fortunate one to preach their every second Sunday. What a blessing it is to stand in that old sacred church house and preache the word of God.
Sincerely,
Danny L Almond
http://www.openwriting.com/archives/2006/11/old_brush_arbor_1.php
