Church History

The land surrounding where Camp Ground Church now stands was originally used by Indians camping in the valley near the creek, for old time camp meetings, and by Civil War soldiers.  Consequently, the site became known as the "camping ground."   This is how the church acquired its name. In the early 1800's a group of neighbors held church services in a tent near the present church site.  It has been said that in order to have services, men would stand guard with rifles to ward off Indian attacks. 

The first church was a small log building with only two windows. It burned and was replaced in 1865 by a larger log building, about 16' by 30'.

In 1895, the Finley Family gave the land, containing five acres, on which the present church was built. It was designed and built by Andy Wooden, assisted by Noah Riggs. John Stamp was Chairman of the Building Committee. He sawed and hauled the lumber to the present church site, using a yoke of oxen. His grandson, Will Craddock, helped him with some of the work. Mr. Stamp was a wood carver. He designed and carved by hand the lectern and the railing around the altar. Other families who helped with the building were: Finley, Johnsey, Lively, Waldeck, McHatton, Wilson, Johnston, Wright, Copelin, Hodges, Riggs, Dodson, Moody, Kessinger, and Ford. Many of their descendants are members today.  The Church was dedicated in the summer of 1896 by Bishop A.G. Haygood, assisted by the Pastor, Rev. Mitchell.

Over the years, a number of changes have been made to the church. In 1954, it was decided to redo the interior of the church.  The walls and ceilings were paneled, a new floor was added, and new ceiling lights were installed.  Gas heaters were bought to replace the wood stoves, and the heaters were later replaced with a furnace.  In 1956, the Official Board voted to dig a church basement.  A committee of ladies were appointed to collect the money for this effort, and they worked untiringly until the necessary amount was obtained.  Stain glass windows were installed in the church in 1968. Ten stain glass windows were needed to complete the project. All of the windows were paid for by individual donations.

On September 29, 1977, there was a ground-breaking ceremony for a new brick Educational Building. The building was completed in 1979 and consists of an assembly room, kitchen, restrooms, and several Sunday School rooms. A consecration ceremony was held on September 29, 1979, led by the District Superintendent Rev. Oaks.  The ribbon cutting was by the oldest member, Mrs. Laura Sanders, and the youngest member, Karen Sneed.  This building is still used today for Sunday School, prayer groups, church activities, and meetings.  Also in 1979, through the efforts of the Hart County Historical Society, Camp Ground Church was designated a landmark by the Kentucky Heritage Commission.  It was decided to brick the church in 1980, which was paid for by donations. 

On May 15, 1994 the Harper-Lively pavilion was dedicated.  The church pavilion was built by the Camp Ground United Methodist Men, and named in honor of church members Kenneth Harper and Houston Lively.  Also in 1994, Camp Ground won the Small Membership Church Award for outstanding ministry.  Churches in the Louisville Conference with 200 members or less were eligible for the award.  In September of 1995 the Methodist Men poured sidewalks around the church.  In 1996 the interior of the church was remodeled, and enough money had been raised, through fundraising events and donations, to buy the first church van.

Many of the aspects of the church building remain the same. The original stain glass windows still decorate the building. The lectern and the railing around the altar made by Mr. Stamp still stand at the front of the church.  The bell tower is still used today, and the bell continues to ring every Sunday morning. 

Through love, cooperation, and God's help, many of our much-needed plans have been accomplished, and we are looking forward to doing more of His work in the future.

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