An African Methodist Episcopal Church society was established in this area by the 1830s, and the first church was purchased in 1857. On February 28, 1890, land at this site was bought to build a new church, and annual camp meetings were soon established. Known as Big Camp or Frankford Camp, the gatherings drew people from miles around. Covered wagons were used for shelter before wooden tents were built, cooking was done in large iron containers called hogkilling pots, and light came from firestands before electricity was used. Visitors ate at the Boarding House and Confectionery, and 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.