St. Paul Camp Ground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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St. Paul Camp Ground
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 Location in South Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | 940 St. Paul Rd., near Harleyville, South Carolina |
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| Area | 9 acres (3.6 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 98000424 |
| Added to NRHP | April 30, 1998 |
The St. Paul Camp Ground is a special historic place near Harleyville, South Carolina. It is also known as the St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Camp Ground. This site is famous for its long history of hosting "camp meetings." These are like big outdoor gatherings for religious purposes. People come together to worship, learn, and spend time with their community.
This camp ground is recognized as a national historic district. This means it is an important area with many old buildings that tell a story about the past. The district covers about 9 acres and includes 43 buildings that are part of its history.
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What is a Camp Meeting?
A camp meeting is a type of religious event. People travel from different places to gather in one spot. They often stay for several days or even a week. During this time, they live in tents or small cabins. They attend church services, listen to sermons, and sing together. It's a way for communities to connect deeply through faith.
The St. Paul Camp Ground Tradition
The St. Paul Camp Ground started around 1880. Since then, it has been used for one week every year. This tradition has continued for over a century. It allows families and friends to come back to this special place. They can share their faith and keep their community strong.
Buildings at the Camp Ground
The camp ground has several important structures. The main building is the tabernacle. This is a large, one-story building where many of the services take place. It is made with rough-sawn weatherboard, which is a type of wooden siding.
Homes Away From Home
Besides the tabernacle, there are 54 "tents" on the property. These are not always simple camping tents. Many are small, permanent structures that look like tiny houses. Families own these tents and use them each year for their stay. There are also two stores and a storage house. These buildings help support the community during the annual gathering.
A National Historic Place
The St. Paul Camp Ground is very important to history. Because of its unique past and continued use, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. This list includes sites across the United States that are worth preserving. Being on this list helps protect the camp ground for future generations. It also recognizes its role in the history of African American communities in South Carolina.
