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 historical place near Iron Station, North Carolina in Lincoln County, North Carolina. It's a gathering spot for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where people come together for a "camp meeting." This event starts on the third Saturday of August and lasts until the fourth Sunday, which is called 'Big Sunday'. Hundreds of people stay on the grounds during this week to attend church services and spend time with their families and friends.
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A Special Gathering Place
African American families in the Lincoln County area have met at this camp meeting for spiritual renewal and friendship since slavery ended. Mary Tucker, whose husband owned land nearby, gave the land for Tucker's Grove. Five United Methodist churches (Tucker's Grove, Brevard, Ebenezer, Rock Hill, and St. James) and Gold Hill Baptist Church help support the campground. This camp meeting has been happening every year since 1874. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972, recognizing its importance.
The Arbor: Center of the Camp
The main building at Tucker's Grove is called the arbor. It's in the middle of the grounds and is a large structure made of heavy wood, covered by a big tin roof. The people who built the arbor used a special method with grooves and pegs, meaning they didn't use any nails or spikes at first! Later, metal supports were added to make it stronger. The floor was originally dirt, then sawdust or sand. Inside, there's a raised platform with a pulpit (where the speaker stands) and a long wooden bench in front, known as the "mourners' bench" or "seeker's bench."
The arbor was updated in 2017 with money from the Duke Endowment. The entrances were made taller, some old wooden beams were replaced with similar aged wood, and the tin roof was fixed or replaced.
The Tents: Homes Away From Home
Around the arbor are 98 wooden "tents." These aren't like camping tents you might think of; they are small wooden houses that 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 or arrive by horse and buggy, bringing everything they needed to stay. They even brought live chickens! An "Ice Man" would bring large blocks of ice for people to buy, helping them keep their food fresh.
In recent years, some tent owners have added a second floor to their tents for more bedrooms. When the wood gets old, people repair their tents with new or used wood. Most repairs happen before the camp meeting begins. Many people who have moved away from the area plan their vacations so they can come back home for the camp meeting.
Concessions: Food and Fun
When you enter the campground from the side facing the church, you'll find concession stands. Vendors there sell all sorts of things, like food, clothes, jewelry, and other items. A photography stand has been a regular part of the grounds since 1958, capturing memories for families.
The Monument: A Symbol of History
In 2002, a large piece of granite was given and placed outside the arbor. It has the words 'Tucker's Grove Campground, 1874' carved into it, and a cross on the other side. This monument helps everyone remember the rich and long history of the camp meeting at Tucker's Grove. A colorful flower garden, cared for by the Gregory Family, surrounds the monument.
The Blessing of the Grounds
An important yearly tradition at Tucker's Grove is the blessing of the grounds. Since 2012, the main pastor has led a parade of Board of Trustee members and camp meeting participants around the grounds. As they walk, 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 Tradition Alive
A group called the Board of Trustees makes sure that the historical buildings stay in good condition. They look after the grounds all year long. The Trustees work hard to keep the grounds well-maintained and recognized as the special treasure that it is. The first trustees were Wesley Abernathy, Henry Brevard, Milton Monday, and Alexander McLean.
The Host Pastor: A Guiding Hand
Reverend Albert Perkins was the Pastor of Tucker's Grove United Methodist Church and the main pastor for the campground for over 33 years before he retired in 2018. Dr. Marvin Caldwell has taken over as the Host Pastor and Pastor of the church.
