The poor accessibility
of these locations for residents of Boston and the northern suburbs
prompted four clergymen to seek a location to establish a camp meeting
ground to serve this constituence.
In 1857,
having looked at many tracts of land, they purchased a seventy-five
acre parcel of land, which consisted of pine groves and open fields,
in the town of Hamilton, Massachusetts. Work was begun at once to
lay out tent sites, roads, outdoor plumbing, lighting, etc.
The summer
of 1859 saw these efforts come to fruition. Attendance far exceeded
the expectations of the four clergymen. The first camp meeting was
attended by 1,000 people on Sunday; and by Friday of that week some
15,000 had arrived to attend services at Asbury Grove. Asbury Grove
is the only camp meeting ground in the United States which has continuously
offered a camp meeting program every summer since 1859.
Changes
came over the years, and the tents set up on bare ground were replaced
by wooden platforms on which tents were erected. These platforms were
replaced by small wooden cottages, decorated with gingerbread trim,
each unique in its individual construction and painting.
Although
Methodist in origin, present day residents now embrace most of the
protestant demonimations. Today the Grove covers 83 acres and has
approximately 150 dwellings of which approximately 60 are occupied
year-round. Living, growing and sharing as a religious community remains
the central theme. Present programs and activities include Sunday
Vespers, Sunday School, mid-week church services, hymn sings, Bible
studies, a Men’s Class and Ladies’ Aid Group. There is also
a running race program, an Olympic sized pool, tennis and basketball
courts, picnic grounds and ball field, and children’s playground.
Check our schedule
and come join in the fun!
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Ed. Note: Rev. Miller was sent to Asbury
Grove by the District to 'close the Grove'. When he arrived, he sensed
the spirit of the place and continued with further development of
the program. He remained the Grove Chaplain for 40 years attracting
notable speakers such as Rev. E. Stanley Jones and Sam Kamelason of
World Vision.
The Grove is blessed to have had his ministry
for that time.
