We would love to see our former attendees, members, and new additions!!! Smyrna Presbyterian Church was founded in 1827 and soon after the congregation began gathering each year for a Campmeeting. Beginning under an arbor, prior to 1873 it was covered with boards. Later it was covered with shingles. This arbor served until 1891 when the present tabernacle was built. Campmeeting was suspended in 18
64 because of the War Between the States. The original tabernacle was made of wood with pinned mortise joints held together by notched braces. The structure was lit with tallow candles on stakes in three corners. Tents and the semi-permanent cabins were built around the tabernacle. In 1872 services were held at 9:00, 11:00, 3:00 and at night. People came to the encampment in covered wagons when the harvest had ended. The time frame of July through October was chosen for this reason. Since there was nothing at the present site but the brush arbor tabernacle, it was necessary to bring everything one had on hand to set up camp. The worshippers brought the cook stove, their bedding, clothes, animals, tents and equipment. The spring provided the campground with water as it still does today. In 1921 the campground and church fell into disrepair. The Presbytery of Greater Atlanta was asked for assistance. Repairs and improvements were made. The tents were improved with each church in the Presbytery having its own cabin named for the churches that built them. Out of this interest by the Presbytery, a Bible conference was held in 1922. There was a 10 day conference held in 1923 and 150 young people throughout the Presbytery attended. Peter Marshall was one of the conference leaders along with Rev. Lyons of First Atlanta. In 1960 Smyrna paid $5,000 for the campground because the Presbytery wanted to build a larger camp at Camp Calvin. Churches throughout the Presbytery have felt the influence of Smyrna Campground on their own members. People now come from all over the United States and other countries to attend the campmeeting services held in June each year. Attendance has numbered 500 at some of these services. People still fellowship under the huge oak trees. Whether it is the row of cabins, the ancient, weather-beaten tabernacle with the metal roof, the worn soil trampled by hundreds of feet over the centuries, the visits of the Holy Spirit, the shouts of laughter, or the whispers of prayers that cause one to remember, it still remains a place where everyone is welcomed to worship the Lord Jesus Christ on this Holy Ground.
