Tucker's Grove Camp Meeting Ground facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Tucker's Grove Camp Meeting Ground
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 Location in North Carolina
Location in the United States
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| Location | N of Iron Station off SR 1360, near Iron Station, North Carolina |
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| Area | 5 acres (2.0 ha) |
| Built | 1800 |
| Architectural style | regional vernacular |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000972 |
| Added to NRHP | October 18, 1972 |
Tucker's Grove Camp Meeting Ground is a special historic place near Iron Station, in Lincoln County, North Carolina. It's a traditional gathering spot for the African Methodist Episcopal Church. People come here for a "camp meeting," which is a time for worship and spending time with family and friends.
The camp meeting starts on the third Saturday of August. It continues until the fourth Sunday, which is called 'Big Sunday'. Hundreds of people move to the grounds during this week. They attend church services and enjoy being together.
African American families in the Lincoln County area have gathered here for a long time. They come for spiritual renewal and friendship. This tradition began after slavery ended. Mary Tucker, whose husband owned land nearby, gave the land for Tucker's Grove. Five United Methodist churches and Gold Hill Baptist Church help support the campground. The camp meeting has been happening every year since 1874.
This important site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Contents
The Arbor: A Special Meeting Place
The arbor is a large building right in the middle of the grounds. It's made of heavy wooden timbers and has a big tin roof. The people who built it used a special method called "grove and peg." This means they didn't use any nails or spikes! Later, metal supports were added to make the arbor stronger.
The floor of the arbor was originally dirt. Then, sawdust or sand was used. Inside, there's a raised platform with a pulpit, which is where the preacher stands. In front of the platform is a long wooden bench. This bench is known as the "mourners' bench," "seeker's bench," or "anxious seat."
The arbor was updated in 2017. This was possible thanks to money from the Duke Endowment. Workers made the entryways taller. Some old wooden beams were replaced with new ones that looked similar. The tin roof was also fixed or replaced.
The Tents: Homes Away From Home
Around the arbor, there are rows of 98 wooden 'tents'. These tents form a nearly continuous square shape. Each tent has a dining room, a kitchen, and one or more bedrooms.
In the early days, people would walk to the campground. Others arrived by horse and buggy. They brought everything they needed to camp out. Campers would even bring live chickens! An 'Ice Man' would bring large blocks of ice. People bought the ice to keep their food from spoiling.
In recent years, some tent owners have added a second floor. This gives them extra bedrooms. When the wood of a tent gets old, campers repair it. They use new or used wood. Most repairs happen before the camp meeting begins. Many members who have moved away plan their vacations to come home for camp meeting.
Concessions: Food and Fun
When you enter the campground from the side facing the church, you'll find concession stands. Vendors sell all sorts of things here. You can buy food, clothes, jewelry, and other items. A photography stand has been a regular part of the grounds since 1958.
The Monument: A Reminder of History
In 2002, a large piece of granite was given to the camp. It was placed outside the arbor. The monument has the words 'Tucker's Grove Campground, 1874' carved into it. On the other side, there is an engraving of a cross. This monument helps everyone remember the long and rich history of camp meeting at Tucker's Grove. The Gregory Family takes care of a colorful flower garden around the monument.
Blessing the Grounds: A Yearly Tradition
A special tradition at Tucker's is the blessing of the grounds. This has happened every year since 2012. The host pastor leads a procession around the grounds. Members of the Board of Trustees and other camp participants join in. The pastor sprinkles Holy Water, and old gospel hymns are sung. This blessing happens on the Friday evening before the camp meeting officially starts.
Board of Trustees: Keeping the Camp Safe
A group called the Board of Trustees helps take care of the grounds. They make sure the old buildings stay in good condition. They also manage how the grounds are used all year long. The Trustees work hard to keep the grounds well-maintained. They want everyone to know what a special place it is. The first trustees were Wesley Abernathy, Henry Brevard, Milton Monday, and Alexander McLean.
The Host Pastor: A Leader of the Camp
Reverend Albert Perkins was the Pastor of Tucker's Grove United Methodist Church. He was also the host pastor of the campground for over 33 years. He retired in 2018. Dr. Marvin Caldwell has now taken his place as Host Pastor and Pastor of the church.
