WESLEYAN CONFERENCE GROUNDS
(PENNOCK MEMORIAL GROVE)

 1884  The Michigan Conference of the Wesleyan Methodist Church began annual camp meetings at Pennock Grove southeast of Hastings .  (For several years thereafter the United Brethren: Conservative” shared in these meetings.)

 1903  Ebenezer Pennock and his wife, Elvira, at the annual conference offered their wood grove for a permanent camp,  stipulating that a boarding house be erected within two years and an auditorium within five years.  The grounds were subdivided into lots and streets with a public square.

 1904  A boarding house (what many know as the “Old dining hall”, now Crocker Center ) was erected and ready for the annual camp—just 20 years after the first encampment held on the grounds.

1906  The auditorium was erected and ready for the 1906 camp—Cost: $1,500.

The above information was taken from “History of the Michigan Conference— Wesleyan Methodist Church ” by Rev. Charles S. Rennells, published and ready for the 1940 Conference Centennial.

Details regarding the further development of the Campgrounds were gleaned from a perusal of the Annual Conference Journals from 1925 to 1989.  Any discrepancies in dates are unintentional and are because some details were at best “sketchy.”

1925  “The larger delegations to our conference and the increased attendance of young people at camp meeting called for a more spacious auditorium.”  - Bethel was built.  (It is assumed that Bethany was already in existence since no mention is found of its erection.)

1928  A public appeal was made for funds to cover installation of lights.

1935  The trustees were directed to formulate plans to enlarge the tabernacle to accommodate a choir and orchestra of reasonable size.

1936  A new plat of the campgrounds was prepared

1937  A kitchen area was added to the boarding hall, with dormitory space above.

1938  A sanitary system 24 x 40 feet was installed.

1939  A Centennial committee was appointed to suitably commemorate the 100 years of service of the Michigan Conference.  Etta Gray gave funds to build a cottage to be used for rental purposes in memory of her husband, Rev. E. T. Gray.  The conference then voted to erect a “Centenary” cottage, also for rental.

A planning Commission was created included all heads of departments to explore expansion of camp facilities.
 

Camp in the 1940's

 1941  A 36’ x 54’ building known as Day Memorial auditorium was completed for use by the Women’s Missionary society and young people.  The WMS also provided funds for remodeling of Bethel Chapel.  The storage building was remodeled to provide dorm space for boys.  The conference voted to put a cement floor in the tabernacle.  Camp leases had an addendum which provided if a lot were not used for five years, the lease would be “null and void.”

1944  The conference voted to secure cash and pledges to enlarge the tabernacle.

1946  Authorized investigating providing a shelter house in the northwest area of the campground, near the road.

1947  A 40’ x 60’ shelter house was completed and ready for use.

1949  A loan of $3,000 was approved to complete expansion of the tabernacle, doubling its size.  The new facility was dedicated on August 14, 1949.

1952  A two story dormitory for boys with an attractive lounge area with fireplace was completed and named Cheney Hall, recognizing more than 700 hours of volunteer labor provided by Mr. Elmer Cheney.  

1955  The conference directed that new lots be developed and the possibility of having a trailer park be explored.

1958  Voted to erect a matron’s cottage to more adequately serve those using the dormitory and rooming facilities of the camp.
 

1960  Began setting aside funds for a caretaker’s residence.  Did considerable upgrading of various facilities to comply with requirements of the Fire Marshall and Health Department.  A new sanitary building 24’ x 36’  with rest rooms showers and laundry facilities was ready for camp meeting, with some finishing details to be complete.

1961  Voted that the next project be a caretaker’s cottage to be built in the northwest corner of the grounds between the shelter house and the road.

1963  Action was taken to investigate the possibility of purchasing property on the north side of the campgrounds for expansion. 

1967  Mapleside was removed and the dining hall completed.

1968  Voted to explore possibility of providing housing for boys during camp. 

HOPKINS CAMP

1912  Following a great revival in northern Allegan County , there was a desire for a ‘holiness” camp meeting.  The Western Michigan Holiness Camp Meeting Association was organized.  Twelve acres of land was purchased at $80 per acre near Hopkins for a permanent campground.  Fred Krug donated two acres on the south side of said parcel for a lake front.

1913  Campground was properly surveyed and plotted for immediate necessity.  First building (Providence Hotel) was erected.  First encampment was held.

1914  Evangelist cottage was built.

1915  Tabernacle was erected.  Rev. George Bennard was the evangelist.

1956  Campground was given to the Owosso District of the Pilgrim Holiness Church for $10,000 (their missionary commitment) to be paid at $1,000 a year.

1968  MERGER OF THE WESLEYAN METHODIST AND THE PILGRIM HOLINESS CHURCHES TO FORM THE WESLEYAN CHURCH

1970  Redistricting of Michigan District of The Wesleyan Church —Conference at Hastings .

1971  District Conference and Camp Meeting of West Michigan held at Hopkins Camp

1972  Four options regarding camp facilities were presented by the DBA.  The proposal accepted recommended both Hastings and Hopkins Camps be sold and proceeds used for the purchase and development of a new campground facility.

1973  Because the DBA  found the cost of purchase and development of a new campground appeared to be prohibitive a resolution to reopen discussion was adopted.  The matter was referred back to the DBA for realistic cost estimates to develop either Hastings, or Hopkins, of new ground or availability and cost of renting other facilities.

1974  The conference voted to accept the recommendation of the DBA to sell  Hopkins Camp and use the money received to improve Hastings Camp.  Further action directed the DBA to purchase additional land as soon as possible and that a pool be developed for next year’s camp.

1975  Hopkins camp was sold to the Grandville area Churches of Christ.

1976  Build a new toilet/shower building with attached mechanical and electrical equipment building.  Developed a new playground with landscaping and equipment and did some expansion of the trailer area.

1977  Extensive planning and engineering for two trailer park areas.  Twenty sites completed with roads and water (electrical next year).

1978  Completed study for new underground electrical system;  developed third RV area with water and electric; built sanitary dumping station for RV’s;  did design work on Cheney Hall.