Overview

For All General Needs/Contacts

Email: bowmanparkcamp@gmail.com

For Camp Information

• Basecamp - Josh and Jessi Hamm
  thebasecampministry@gmail.com, 570.982.4062

• Youth Camp - Matthew Henshue
  bowmanparkyouth@gmail.com, 570.704.6585

• Junior Camp - Michelle Newton or  Danielle DeTurk
  pastormichellegc@gmail.com, 610.762.3257 or dhenshue@gmail.com, 570.236.2504

• Children’s Camp - Tomorrow Risch
  tomorrowbpcm@yahoo.com, 570.485.7118

• Facility Usage - Becky Wanamaker
  bowmanparkcamp@gmail.com, 484-809-4862

1. We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testament, to be the inspired Word of God (Exodus 24:4; Psalms 19:7-10; Luke 24:44; Matthew 5:17-18), without error in the original writings (Deuteronomy 4:1-2), the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of human beings, and the divine and final authority for all Christian faith, life and conduct (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20-21).

2. We believe in one God (John 10:30), Creator of all things (Genesis 1:1), infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19).

3. We believe Jesus Christ, without any change in His eternal deity (John 10:31-38; Hebrews 1:3), became man through conception of the Holy Spirit and virgin birth (Luke 1:31-35), that He died on a cross (Mark 15:23-26; John 19:16-18), a perfect and complete sacrifice, in our stead and for our sin according to the Scriptures (Hebrews 9:13-15; Ephesians 1:6-7) . He rose bodily from the dead and ascended into heaven where, at the right hand of God Almighty, He is our High Priest and Advocate (Hebrews 2:16-17).

4. We believe the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ (John 16:13-14) and, during this age, to convict of sin and regenerate the sinner upon belief in Christ (John 16;7-12; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:11); at the time of conversion baptizing the believer into the one body of which Christ is the head (Galatians 3:26-28) and to indwell, guide, instruct, fill, and empower the believer for holy living and service (Romans 8:26-27 and 15:13; Proverbs 3:5-6).

5. We believe man was directly created by God in His own image (Genesis 1:27) but fell into sin (Genesis 3). The entire human race is, therefore, lost and only through repentance (2 Corinthians 7:10), faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:4-9), and new birth by the Holy Spirit, can salvation and spiritual life be obtained (Romans 8:13-14).

6. We believe the atoning death of Jesus Christ and His resurrection provide the only ground of justification and salvation for all who believe (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), and only such as receive Jesus Christ by personal faith are born of the Holy Spirit and by Him have the assurance of being sealed unto redemption (Ephesians 4:30).

7. We believe in the return of the Lord Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 4:1) and that hope has a vital bearing on the personal life and service of the believer (2 Timothy 1:8-10).

8. We believe in the bodily resurrection of all the dead (Romans 8:11), the believer’s everlasting blessedness and joy with the Lord (Romans 4:7-8) and the unbeliever’s judgment and everlasting punishment (Matthew 25:46; Hebrews 10:29).

9. We believe the Church is composed of all such persons who, through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been born again by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ, of which He is the head (Romans 12:4-5; 1 Corinthians 12:12-13).

10. We believe the universe is the purposeful creation of a personal, loving, and Almighty God. (Genesis 1:1-31)

11. We believe all human beings from the point of conception are made in the image of the Creator and are of infinite worth. (Psalm 139:13-16) We uphold the gender of individuals to be that of their divinely ordained birth gender, their biological sex at birth (God-ordained gender, not gender as chosen by man) and hold that one’s birth gender should not be altered or changed. (Genesis 1:27) We believe that the Bible clearly teaches homosexuality is a sin. (1 Corinthians 6:9-10)

12. We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are sacraments to be observed by the Church during this present age; however, they are not to be regarded as a means of salvation. (Matthew 28:19; Acts 18:8; 1 Corinthians 11:23-29) We believe in the sanctity of marriage between one man and one woman.

13. We believe that all persons who have given their lives to Christ as Lord and Savior are to conscientiously live lives that are above reproach – so as to be compelling witnesses for the saving grace of Jesus Christ. (Ephesians 5:25-27; 1 Peter 2:11)

14. We believe that the Christian faith is to be lived in the community of the church (Acts 2:42-47) where worship and witness are embodied through the spiritual gifts of its members. (1 Corinthians 12:4-12)

15. We believe it is our privilege and responsibility to bring the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all people. (Matthew 28:19-20)

According to our Statement of Beliefs, Bowman Park Camp cannot condone, promote, or accommodate actions and lifestyles that stand in opposition to God’s nature and His will as contained in His unchanging Word.

Board of Directors

• President:  Matthew Henshue

• First Vice-President: Pastor Michelle Newton

• Second Vice-President:  Becky Wanamaker

• Secretary: Danielle DeTurk

• Financial Secretary-Treasurer: Mary Ann Repsher

• Jamie Berkel 

• Baron Cebrosky

• Elizabeth Eckhart

• Jessica Hamm

• Celeste Leininger

• JeNell Mertz

• Tommy Morris

• Tomorrow Risch 

• Pastor Richard Wilcock

• Beverly Zipp

Camp/Ministry Directors

• Basecamp:  Josh and Jessi Hamm

• Youth Camp:  Matthew Henshue

• Junior Camp: Pastor Michelle Newton

• Children’s Camp: Tomorrow Risch

Overview

Founded in 1891, God has used Bowman Park mightily in the past 125+ years, but the work of God at Bowman Park goes on. We urge our readers to pray much for the spiritual outreach of our beloved Campmeeting. And let us all be promoters and bring others into the fold, learning from the example of the dedicated men and women who have set the example of what it means to give your all to what you believe is right and just in the eyes of the Lord. May their image continue to inspire our spiritual enrichment and growth that God may bless us with the continued presence of His Spirit here at Bowman Park Campmeeting.

BPC in 1891

Bowman Park Campmeeting is the second oldest Campmeeting, occupying the same site since 1891. First held outdoors, there being no auditorium as such, and only a "preacher's stand" as it was called, and rows of logs with planks laid over them for seats, a hand bell was used to call the worshipers to service. In the evening kerosene lights were attached to poles and trees for lighting. Thus was the general setting of the Campmeeting over 100 years ago. It is not known exactly, but it is believed that the first groups met on the slope of ground in the area now occupied by the former Bowman and Seybert buildings (currently occupied by Bowman Lodge). 

General Timeline

1888: The first meeting for Bowman Park of a religious nature for the spiritual uplift of the souls of men

1891: The Campmeeting was again held and a Committee of five was appointed by the leader to ascertain the availability of the estate of Josiah Bowman between Mill and Ore Streets, Lime and Hamilton Streets, consisting of 12 lots.

September 8, 1891: The deed for the property was drawn up in the name of the President of the Park Association and executed with $600.00 paid with the balance on note.

1892:  A plan was presented for the first Boarding House which was completed before June 1892, when the District Campmeeting was held.

September 7-14, 1892: This campmeeting went down in record as "the 'Great Holiness Conference Campmeeting.' All who were present will never forget the scenes there witnessed. At times it seemed as though Heaven had touched our part of the earth. So we can truly say that 'Bowman's Campmeeting Park' has to many souls become 'sacred ground'."  --Maurice Bowman (elected secretary in 1894)

1894: The Incorporation was completed under the name of "The Bowman Park Campmeeting Association of the Evangelical Association of North America," with power vested in the Superintendent and Executive Committee. The Executive Committee also laid out the Park into lots and avenues.

Thanksgiving Day 1894: A meeting of the Camp Commission was called to consider the building of an auditorium in "common rustic style."

1895: The auditorium was not built by campmeeting services because of finances and interest in a different placement for the building.

1896: Canvas top was used over the auditorium.

1897: A sketch was proposed for an auditorium that would cost around $400.00.

1900:The Presiding Elder was instructed to "call a meeting of the sisters and form a Ladies Aid Society of the Bowman Park Association." This organization was formed during the subsequent years.

1901: W. W. Bowman presented a sample of a seat that could be used in the auditorium, measuring 16 feet long at the cost of $1.75 per bench. He was than authorized to procure 34 as per sample. During this year a portable platform, a pulpit and portable altar were also provided for the Campmeeting. This is the same altar which is in use today.

1902: There was no Campmeeting this year due to financial difficulties. In accordance, they endeavored to raise as much money as possible to relieve their distress.  A plan was developed "to charge an entrance fee of five cents for each person above the age of 12 years; except such as were in tents or lot owners who shall be permitted free by a pass.

1904: A plan had been adopted to add to the dwindling treasury by taking offerings in the evening meetings.

1905:  An organ was donated.

1911:  The Association was experiencing financial woes once again and decided to sell 7 3/4 acres of land (and timber).

1916: The Ladies Aid Society saw the need for a new Boarding House and made possible with cooperation of the Executive Committee the erection of such a house in the form of a two story building with an annex suitable for kitchen purposes. The cost was $675.00 and is known as the Bowman Building.

1918: The first piano was used in services.

1921: Children's workers were appointed to serve.

1921: All of the indebtedness of the Association was paid with the last $500.00 mortgage lifted.

1922: Seybert Building erected.

1928: Albright Building erected.

1947: Campmeeting records show that: "The meetings in the grove were well attended this year, a good number of souls saved, the messages by the many pastors were all soul stirring and we have every reason to believe that God is working with us, and through us, so let us band together and make our 1948 campmeeting bigger and better by the help of God."

1948: An amplifying system was presented to the Association.

1949: A bell was donated by the Barnesville Church.

1949: The report for the 1949 campmeeting stated that twenty young people and adults and eight children committed their lives to God and the attendance of 21 ministers on the last Sunday was exceptional. According to the record "this was the best Campmeeting in years."

1953: A Youth Rally in the camp grove, was the spearhead for the Bowman Park Youth Camp. The new dormitory called the Fellowship Hall was planned.  Committees were appointed, namely Building, Program, Publicity and Finance.

1954: The Scholarship Fund was created.

1957: A Refreshement Stand was proposed.

1958: The "go ahead" for the Refreshment Stand was given.

1964: Junior Camp was established.

1969: The Buck cottage was purchased by the Board of Associates and turned over to the camp as a Crafts Cottage.

1969: The Ladies Auxiliary was given full responsibility for the kitchen and dining room.

1972: The Bowman Park Alumni Association was begun.

1974: The gift shop operated by the Bowman Park Ladies Auxiliary was instituted in the Albright Building.

1989: The Board of Administration voted to purchase a cottage for the purpose of housing the Evangelist during campmeeting each year.

1990: The Seybert Building was demolished to make way for a new facility designed to be used year-round.

1991: Began building the Bowman Lodge.

1996: Kitchen cabinets and counter tops installed in Bowman Lodge

2002: First Youth in Ministry Camp held; upgrades to "God's Goodies" refreshment stand; upper recreation area installed with lighting; upstairs of dining hall redone; 35 posts & overhead beams replaced in tabernacle.

2003: Removed diseased hemlock tree in east tabernacle wing

2004: Tabernacle improvements include built in steps at east front, concreting east wing, creation of a level handicapped area, railings, ceiling fans

2020: A global pandemic (Covid-19) forced our nation into a temporary shelter-in-place situation.  Traditional camp was not held.  But the internet allowed for virtual interaction/activity/devotions with students.

2021: Covid-19 continued to create problems for meeting, but our open-air tabernacle allowed for modified camps and services.  No overnight camps, but we did move forward despite the continuing global pandemic.

2022:  Overnight camps resumed for the first time following the Covid-19 pandemic.  Small amounts of campers were in attendance, but much there is much excitement for potential growth in coming years.  Many concerts were also enjoyed in the tabernacle during this summer.