Effingham Camp Meeting has the longest record of continuous service in South Georgia, extending from 1790 according to oral tradition. The first camp ground stood off Sister’s Ferry Road on land of George Powledge, later sold to Gideon Mallette. In 1864 the site was burned during Sherman’s March to the Sea. In 1865 and 1866 the encampment was held at Turkey Branch Methodist Church. In 1867 the camp ground was rebuilt on the Edward Bird tract at Springfield. In 1907 the present site was occupied after an exchange with G.M. Brinson. The August encampment includes the third Sunday.