ST. GEORGE - Much-needed rain and cooler fall temperatures welcomed the faithful tenters and guests this week for the 207th Annual Indian Field Campmeeting near St. George.

Indian Field officially began the historic session on Monday, Oct. 1. James A. Bell, chairman of the Indian Field Board of Trustees and the Rev. Dr. Wash Belangia, pastor of St. George United Methodist Church, led the opening evening service under the tabernacle.

All of the campground's 99 tents were filled with families and friends as the crisp temperatures called for campfires within the circle. Smoke from the stacks of the primitive cook stoves drifted above the campground as delicious meals were prepared.

Each night brought more visitors to the campground to enjoy good fellowship with family and friends and to attend one of the week-long revival services under the tabernacle.

Carla Gruber of Grover said she has attended campmeeting all her life and looks forward each year to seeing family members and old friends she doesn't get to see during the year. Her husband, Trenton, admits he can't wait for campmeeting each year because of all the delicious food that is served up.

The inside circle of the campground is filled throughout the week with lots of children playing with friends they met from other tents. Teenagers enjoy Indian Field Campmeeting each year for the social aspect, of course.

Many entertaining activities are scheduled for the children and youth, along with times of well-deserved relaxation for all. Services are held each morning, midday and evening, inviting all those attending to reflect on the true meaning behind the original campmeeting 207 years ago.

Tuesday morning prayers began at 7:30 with the Rev. Joey Branch of Reevesville Baptist Church. The Rev. Dr. Clay Shook of Memorial Baptist Church delivered the midday message, followed by the Rev. Thomas Kelly Jr. of First Baptist Church, Varnville, in the evening. The Rev. Philip Bostrom of Harleyville First United Methodist Church led the Wednesday morning prayers and midday service, and the Rev. Ken Owens of New Beginnings UMC of Boiling Springs brought the 8 p.m. message.

On Thursday, the Rev. Dr. Belangia gave the morning prayers. At 11 a.m., the Rev. Bob Clyburn, retired, Grover UMC, brought the message. Lexington UMC's the Rev. Dickie Knight spoke at the 8 p.m. service.

Preachers' Day was observed on Friday. The Rev. Robert Lee of Bethel-Duncan Chapel United Methodist Churches delivered Friday's prayers, followed by the Rev. Robert Lee at midday. The Rev. Thomas Wilkes of Red Bank UMC in Lexington spoke in the evening.

Early Saturday morning, the Rev. Phillip Watry of Indian Field UMC is scheduled to offer prayers and lead the 11 a.m. service, and Hardeeville UMC's the Rev. Richard Smith will speak Saturday evening.

Holy Communion will be observed at 9 a.m. on Sunday morning with the Rev. Dr. Belangia. At the 11 a.m. service, the Indian Field Board of Trustees report will be given, followed by a message from the Rev. Dr. Robert Howell of Bethany UMC in Summerville.

The song leader for the day services is Miriam Jordan. David Driggers from Memorial Baptist Church is the song leader in the evening, and Steve Stone from St. George UMC is serving as pianist.

Another rewarding and memorable Indian Field Campmeeting will come to a close on Monday, Oct. 8 with morning prayers led by the Rev. Dr. Belangia.

T&D Correspondent Sybil Butler can be reached by e-mail at butler_sybil@yahoo.com. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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