Lake Springfield Christian Assembly celebrated 70 years of camp ministry in the summer 2009. Here is our history of the last 70 plus years...
EST. 1939
Brief History of the Beginnings of LSCA*
The Christian Service Camp Movement came into being in the 1920s to meet a need for training young people and inspiring the to Christian service. One of the first camps was Erieside in northern Ohio. From that beginning the movement spread.
In 1937, when Orval M. Morgan came to Springfield as the minister of West Side Christian Church, young people from that church and others, had to go to Lake James, Angola, Indiana. Some churches affiliated with the state organization attended Conferences. The contrast between the Camp and Conference programs caused concern.
Brother Morgan had been associated with the Camp Movement during his last year in the Cincinnati Bible Seminary. He was looking for an opportunity to carry it forward. There was one operating in the state, but surrounding states were not involved. Springfield seemed to be a logical place to start.
About this time, the City of Springfield was building a power plant south of the city. Water for their purpose came from the fiver which they damned and which made Lake Springfield. Seeing the opportunity afforded by this project, although at that time the only water near the present camp site was the river on the south side of the site. Marshall W. Long was engineer in charge of construction for the power plant and was an excellent contact man. The idea of the camp was discussed with Mr. Long, who was a member of West Side Church and very much interested in the project. The elders of the church discussed the matter, and after due consideration endorsed the idea. Mr. Long then discussed the matter with Mr. Slivika, the head of the City Light and Power. A proposed site was suggested and visited by Slivika, Long and Morgan. It was known as the east hazel Dell area. It was not deemed suitable for a camp. Finally, the present site, known as the old Schuster Farm, a dairy farm, was selected. In 1938, an option was taken for on year at a cost of $200. Payment for the option was met by 20 members of West Side.
January 30, 1938, Marshall W. long, Charles C. McBrian and J.D. Sand, acting as incorporators, were granted a State Charter for the Lake Springfield Christian Assembly, non-profit organization. A lease agreement was drawn up with the City of Springfield for 24 acres on the “west side of the lake” for a period of 99 years and an annual rental fee.
Meetings concerning regulations, development and governing the camp were held. Two such meetings, March 10, 1938 and May 13, 1938, are a matter of record. To make the area aware of the Camp, its plan and purpose, it was decided to have a two week evangelistic type meeting on the grounds. Invitations were sent out. Arrangements were made for the meeting. Churches were visited and personally invited. A tent was rented from Armbusters, pitched noth of the little house and on Saturday night, July 17, 1938, a two weeks meeting started. D.J. Finley, Stuart Street Christian Church preacher, led the music and Orval M. Morgan did the preaching. Jess Haynes lived on the property and watched over things. When the meeting closed on July 30, 1938, central Illinois knew about the camp. The attendance for the 2 weeks averaged 242 per night. Delegations from churches shared in the meeting and indicated their support for the project.
An ad-hoc committee met formally on September 22, 1938, and future plans were projected. An information letter was sent to the churches explaining the progress and outlining future activity.
The original plan was that the West Side Christian Church would be the sponsor of LSCA under the direction of the elders. The actual business would be entrusted to a Board of Directors which would be responsible to the elders of the congregation. A board member had to be a member of West Side in good standing, and elected by vote of the congregation at the annual meeting of the congregation. This procedure was deemed Scriptural and would guarantee the operation of the camp.
The first Board of Directors was elected on January 10, 1939 at the annual meeting of the congregation. The record shows the following were elected and their term of office designated: Edward M. Ballard—2 years, George W. Carter—1 year, Robert Curry—1 year, Charles Gard—2 years, Marshall W. long—2 years, Charles C. McBrian—3 years, J.D. Sand—1 year, Charles Tubbs—3 years, Mrs. Estella Withey—3 years.
Officers for the Board of Directors elected were: President—McBrian, Vice President—Mrs. Withey, Secretary—Ballard, Treasurer—Tubbs.
Much work had to be done to ready the grounds and the facilities for the opening day, June 12, 1939. Work days were held. Everyone pitched in and while it was not all done, camp opened on time. Boys slept in a tent and the girls were housed in the little house. Beds had be bought and set up. Recreation area cleared, water arrangements made, kitchen set up, tables provided, help secured, showers provided, sanitary facilities installed, campers enrolled, curriculum outlined and faculty assembled. Many days of hard labor and the cooperation of members of West Side and other area churches made the dream of a camp come true.
A word must be said in appreciation of the work done by Mrs. Orval M. Morgan, who had been made camp manager, and to Orval M. Morgan, who was the Dean of the camp.
On June 11, 1939, a dedication service as held. Camp opened June 12, 1939. those in charge beside the Morgans were: Ted Buelter, custodian; Mrs. Florence Buelter, cook; E.M. Gallagher, recreational director; Mrs. Emma Gallagher, kitchen helper; Shirley Haynes and Mrs. E. Porter Estes, dining hall managers.
The first camp was for intermediates with a faculty of five: 2 preachers—Harry K. Franks and Loren Hold, and 3 public school teachers from Iowa—Veda Bates, Lodema Burlingame and Flossie Ewoldson. There were 23 campers that week.
Many fine Christian young people have come out the camp. Martini Ball from Lincoln was the first life recruit and following her, here have been many others who have , as opportunity presented itself, gone into full time Christian service. Campers came from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, Ohio and Missouri. They have gone out into all the world to serve our Lord.
To God be the glory for these beginnings and all that has followed. May the coming years produce workers for Him and the original purpose of the camp be honored and followed.
*Taken from “Brief History of the Beginnings of LSCA” written by Orval M. Morgan for the 50th Anniversary commemoration of Lake Springfield Christian Assembly.