Antioch Camp Meeting

A ‘society’ of African Methodist Episcopal Church was established in this area by the 1830’s. The First church was purchased in 1857. On February 28, 1890, land was purchased at this stie for the purpose of constructing a new church. Annual camp meetings were soon established. Known as “Big Camp” or “Frankford Camp”, people traveled from miles around to attend. Covered wagons were used for shelter prior to the construction of wooden “tents”. Cooking was done in large iron containers called “hogkilling pots.” Light was provided by “firestands” prior to the use of electricity. Visitors ate at the “Boarding House” and “Confectionary.” Worship services were held in the “Bower” a covered meeting place in the center of the grounds. Many of the original buildings were destroyed by fire in 1943.