Trisha Shetty (Editor)

Carey's Camp Meeting Ground

Updated on
Edit
Like
Comment
Share on FacebookTweet on TwitterShare on LinkedInShare on Reddit
NRHP Reference #
  
73000557

Year built
  
1888

Area
  
4 ha

Added to NRHP
  
14 March 1973

Carey's Camp Meeting Ground

Location
  
West of Millsboro off Delaware Route 24, near Millsboro, Delaware

Carey's Camp was established in 1888 as a Methodist camp meeting near Millsboro, Sussex County, Delaware. Traditionally occupied for two weeks in August for prayer and religious instruction, the camp is composed of 47 wood cabins (called "tents") in an oval around a tabernacle. As with many such meeting grounds, the camp is located in a grove of oaks trees. The front-gabled cabins almost touch each other. Each cabin has a window in the gable and a porch on the front. The rear of the porch is entirely open to the interior of the house, so that the cabin's occupants could see and be seen from the center. An enclosed kitchen is in the back of the cabin. Sleeping rooms are located upstairs.

Tents are usually owned by families, although a few tents, such as the preacher's, are owned by the camp committee. A boarding tent with six sleeping rooms offers food, and a confectionery is located outside the circle. At the center of the circle is the tabernacle. Originally a long shed, two arms were added to make it cruciform in shape, with three arms used for seating while a fourth serves as a chancel. Hinged panels open to allow a view into the tabernacle from outside. Benches outside accommodate overflow.

Carey's Camp was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

References

Carey's Camp Meeting Ground Wikipedia