Camp Wesley

In the early history of the country, western expansion into wilderness areas brought settlers seeking new opportunity and living by strong religious faith founded in Christian doctrine. Because clergy were in short supply in these remote areas, traveling preachers called circuit riders ministered to the people. Circuits were established in the early 1800s, with preachers traveling by horseback carrying all their supplies, preaching morning and evening, and resting only a few days a month. People traveled by foot, horseback, and wagon to religious gatherings when the circuit rider was in the area, and these gatherings lasted for days and became known as camp meetings. Camp meetings continued through the 1800s despite easier travel from railroad and highway improvements and the increased number of clergy. Camp Wesley was the first name given to the new camp ground, which began in 1873 as a traditional camp meeting with the Preacher Stand, chairs, tents, and little else.

Castile, New York · United States