Indian Field United Methodist Church Campground St. George, South Carolina |
History of Indian Field Campground by J. Gavin Appleby |
Indian Field United Methodist Campground "HISTORY" |
The first meetings of Indian Field were held in a field on a farm of Enoch Pendarvis in the late 1700's. The exact location is not known but was probably behind the original location of Indian Field Church. The church was located on present Highway 178, two miles east of present Rosinville. Bishop Francis Asbury recorded in his journal having preached at Indian Field in 1801 and 1803. An increase in size necessitated a move to the present location in 1800. The present form of the grounds occured about 1830. The shape and terminology being derived from a description in the Book of Leviticus of the Harvest Festival of the twelve tribes of Israel. The dwellings are called Tents, though made of wood. They are arranged in lines about an octagon, representing some of the tribes of Israel. The meeting house is called a Tabernacle, and services are announced by a horn instead of a bell. The present Tabernacle was constructed in 1848 and restored in 1970. the land was deeded to the Trustees by John Gavin and William Murray in 1838. Annual services have been continuous except during The War Between the States when abbreviated services were held for several years. Multiple daily religious services have always been held. Many prominent ministers have preached here. Most Methodist Bishops of South Carolina, Homer Rhodeheaver, songleader for Billy Sunday's Troupe, and many other prominent ministers have appeared at Indian Field Campground, the most recent being Dr. Charles Allen of Houston, Texas and Dr. Reginald Mallett of England. The religious interest at Indian Field Campground continues strong, as does the Christian fellowship, fabulous meals and general socializing. |
See Campground page 1 |