The population of the Northern Neck swelled each August
as city pilgrims journeyed by steamboat, and distant locals by
any means possible, to church camp revivals. Thousands gathered
to greet old and new friends and to experience spiritual revival.
The population of the Northern Neck swelled each August
as city pilgrims journeyed by steamboat, and distant locals by
any means possible, to church camp revivals. Thousands gathered
to greet old and new friends and to experience spiritual revival.
Wharton Grove, located in Weems Virginia on the Rappahannock River, was just one of the many church camps that were so popular during the Steamboat Era.
Photograph courtesy of Irvington - An Album Off Its First Generation by C. Jackson Simmons.
Photograph courtesy of Irvington - An Album Off Its First Generation by C. Jackson Simmons.
Photograph courtesy of Irvington - An Album Off Its First Generation by C. Jackson Simmons.
Families and friends stayed in
small cottages referred to as "tents". To learn more
about the cottages and what it was like during the revival at
Wharton Grove click here
Music
was a favorite tradition. Shown here is Miss Clara Virginia Wilder
(Meekins), the organist ,along with members of the choir. Click
here to see and listen to the same organ being played accompanied
by a small choir singing one of the popular summer revival hymns.