Through the Years 
at Cherry Run Camp

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” 

With this familiar verse, the book of Genesis opens the story of creation—a divine work completed in six days and declared “very good” (Genesis 1:31, NKJV). While Cherry Run Camp’s founding may lack the grandeur of that creation story, its history reveals the unmistakable hand of God. As the hymn reminds us, “Surely the presence of the Lord is in this place.”

Cherry Run Camp began during the Great Awakening revival in the Civil War era. In 1862, a ten-day camp meeting was held on the Eli McCall farm, a mile west of the current grounds. After three years, on June 17, 1865, the newly chartered Cherry Run Union Camp Ground trustees purchased 14 acres and 20 perches from Daniel and Juliann Crick, establishing a permanent home. Early attendees traveled by train, horse and buggy, or on foot. They camped in tents, cooking meals over open fires. Train schedules were even printed to accommodate the influx of visitors.

Sunday worship services drew thousands. The History of the Erie Conference describes a powerful revival led by Rev. Graham. As he recited every biblical verse about hell, mourners surged forward, weeping and crying out. In a wave of spiritual awakening, people filled the altar, including a little girl who brought her grandfather, leading to his conversion. The scene was overwhelming—many lay prostrate on the ground, overcome with conviction. That night alone, 150 people were reportedly converted.

During those years, the camp was overseen by Methodist trustees from Rimersburg, Curlsville, and Callensburg. Around 1873, a board fence was added, and admission tickets sold to fund camp operations. By 1915, tickets for one person and horse cost ten cents, with season passes at one dollar. Children under ten were admitted free. A stable, 300 feet long, housed horses near the stream. The state constabulary managed security, and oats could be purchased for twenty-five cents per feeding.

The board fence was eventually replaced by woven wire, then by the pine trees that now border the camp. Admission tickets were discontinued in 1934, replaced by free-will offerings and faith-based giving—still the primary means of support today.

Though evangelical in focus, the camp was also a social and educational hub. Attendees participated in Bible study, teacher training, and nature programs about birds and flowers. Sessions on wills and mortgages were offered. The grounds hosted other gatherings too, like the 1899 Civil War veterans reunion.

An attempt was made to build a swimming pool, but due to high sulfur content and odor, it was abandoned and closed permanently by the 1930s. In the early 1900s, Cherry Run Camp faced a spiritual and financial drought. Attendance declined, buildings fell into disrepair, and debt grew. The situation seemed hopeless until Rev. “Daddy Ross” and the Men’s Bible Class from Rimersburg Methodist Church took action. Ross enlisted Jonathan “Daddy” Shaffer, who became instrumental in reviving the camp.

Under Daddy Shaffer’s leadership, volunteers repaired buildings, cleaned grounds, and expanded ministries. Bashline Cottage was built for girls, and bunks were installed in the Children’s Temple for boys. A children’s ministry was started by Mrs. Shaffer and remains a central part of camp. The tabernacle was remodeled, a kitchen added to the hotel, a well drilled, and a sanitation system installed.

The tabernacle, first built in 1867, was renamed Daniel E. Platt Hall in 1948 after a $7,500 renovation led by Ernest Shumaker. Volunteer labor played a key role. Seats were added, a new roof installed, and the building painted.

In 1949, the Brookville District created a camp meeting association to ensure the camp’s continuation. The board, balanced between clergy and laity, still manages the camp. The district superintendent used to stay on-site in a two-room cottage—the only one with indoor plumbing. It was torn down in 1968.

Evangelists were hosted in what’s now Shumaker Cottage. In the early 1950s, a new Speaker’s Cottage (now Dad Ross Hall) was built with donated tile. That same era saw the construction of MacIntosh Chapel and the brick motel, both built by Forest Means and his crew. The superintendent’s former room now serves the camp missionary.

Mission Emphasis Day began in 1968, with an evening service dedicated to missions. As youth attendance grew, housing became an issue. A boys’ dorm was constructed in 1963, and girls were moved into the former Children’s Chapel.

In 1967, a spontaneous spiritual awakening broke out. Young men under conviction went to the altar, then burned inappropriate materials. People came from across the grounds, drawn by God, and worship continued through the night and next day. Services were paused, and counselors stayed at the altar to support those seeking God.

By the late 1960s, buildings again needed updates. To meet state health and labor requirements, a capital campaign funded the construction of the Shaffer Building, a sewage plant, and other improvements—totaling $140,000. The Shaffer Building opened in 1970 and was dedicated in 1973.

A full-time caretaker was hired in 1973, living in a trailer at the camp entrance. Over the years, five caretakers have served, though they no longer reside on-site. New buildings included the Ernest Shumaker Memorial Family Pavilion (1978), the Douglas Reitz Maintenance Building (1982), and the Hrisak Recreation Center (1989), which added volleyball courts and indoor activities.

Camp attendance has fluctuated over the decades. Thousands once gathered nightly, but shifting spiritual climates caused decline. A revival in the 1940s led to growth again, with 260 youth attending in 1967. By 1986, only 70 youth stayed on-site, but the Lord continued to work through the ministry.

The grounds have long welcomed other Christian groups for meetings, retreats, and youth events. Rental income supports camp maintenance. A trailer court with full hookups opened more opportunities, followed by the construction of the Eddie Steffy Memorial Building and electrical upgrades for camper comfort.

In 1987, the ten-day camp meeting was shortened to nine. A dedication service opened the week, continuing in subsequent years to boost engagement. The youth retreat moved from October to March around 1990 to avoid Autumn Leaf Festival conflicts.

The Kinzer, Cranberry, and Shumaker Cottages were donated and adapted to support families with children. Additional improvements included siding, new roofs, and in 1998, the completion of Billy’s Cottage. The original Platt Memorial Hall was removed in 1999 to make room for a new tabernacle.

The James Marshall Tabernacle was dedicated on August 2, 2001. Built for $225,000—all funded through donations—it includes a modern sound and projection system. Plaques honor donors at the rear of the sanctuary. That same year, the old hotel was renovated, and the Ray Reitz/Lee Karns Dorm was established.

In 2002, new kitchen appliances were purchased, and in 2003, the plumbing and sewage systems were updated. In 2005, the Cherry Run Church building was donated, used for children’s ministry for a time, and later sold. Other improvements followed: utility line upgrades, a new bookstore floor, and a steel roof for the hotel.

In 2007, Mt. Joy Methodist Church restored the Kinzer Cottage, allowing its continued use. Throughout the years, Cherry Run has blessed lives across the country. Countless people—famous and unknown—have found their calling, healing, and hope on these grounds.

In 2019, camp opened on July 27 with Rev. Jim Eaton’s consecration. Evangelists included Rev. Ryan Bash, Dr. Chris Bounds, and Rev. Ellen Bullock. Music was led by Jonathan Dow, with Dan and KatyBeth Searls as missionary speakers.

In 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person camp was canceled. With help from Rev. John Zimmerman, a virtual camp was held with livestreamed services, Bible studies, and children’s programming. Despite the hardship, the Cherry Run family proclaimed victory in Jesus.

In 2021, camp resumed in person. Rev. Jim Eaton once again opened the meeting. Evangelists included Revs. Lane Loman and Stan Key, with music by Revs. Mark Murphy and Jim Swogger, assisted by Dave and Debbie Green. Dr. Duane Brown served as the missionary speaker. A youth counselor answered a call to ministry, and three students from Kentucky Mountain Bible College shared their appreciation for the camp. Though the final day of camp was suspended due to COVID exposure, God’s peace and presence remained.

Today, Cherry Run Camp continues to thrive through the work of many volunteers, ongoing renovations, and the enduring power of God’s truth. As we look ahead, we do so with hope for another great awakening—believing that lives will still be transformed at this sacred place.