Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground

Did the Des Plaines River ever whisper secrets to the Methodists who gathered here? We’re standing before the Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground, a place where faith and nature intertwined for over a century. In 1860, along the banks of the Des Plaines River, Methodist tent revivals began, laying the foundation for this unique community. The Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground officially emerged in 1865, spreading across 25 acres of Squire Socrates Rand’s land. It became a sanctuary, a place where faith echoed through the trees and across the water. The Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground wasn’t just a campground. It blossomed into a vibrant village with over 100 cottages, a 30-room hotel, a cafe, and even a swimming pool. Imagine the laughter and hymns that filled the air, the community thriving with summer meetings and annual Chautauquas drawing crowds of over 10,000 people. This place welcomed renowned figures like Billy Sunday and Mahalia Jackson, their voices adding to the rich tapestry of stories woven here at the Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground. The heart of the Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground was the Waldorf Tabernacle, a circular masterpiece built in 1903. Its design, inspired by the Eiffel Tower, ensured that every attendee had an unobstructed view. The tabernacle became a focal point for gatherings, a place where voices united in prayer and song. The Des Plaines River, a constant presence in the camp’s story, has also been a source of both beauty and hardship. In recent years, increased flooding has caused significant damage, leaving many of the cottages in disrepair. Even so, a dedicated group remains, holding onto the spirit of the Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground. Though the future of this place remains uncertain, standing here, we can almost hear the echoes of the past, whispers of faith, community, and the enduring power of nature. The Des Plaines Methodist Camp Ground stands as a testament to a time when people sought solace and connection in the embrace of both God and the natural world.