Camp grounds and tabernacles of this sort were once so common in Georgia that the phrase “at a Georgia camp meeting” was known the world over as an indication of religious fervor. Today, about thirty remain throughout the state. Tattnall County pioneer William Eason Tippins donated the land for the Camp Ground in 1867. The first trustees were: A. D. Eason; L. A. H. Tippins; Martin G. Tootle; D. H. Smith; J. J. Grooms; William Harden; and W. J. Jordan.
The present tabernacle is not the original, though it is built in a similar style. It’s one of the neatest such camp grounds I’ve seen in my travels and it’s obvious how much pride the members take in the place.
The interior of the tabernacle features lights and ceiling fans, a nice improvement over the old days.
Tents of the Tattnall Camp Ground
The term “tents” is used to describe the small vernacular cabins that surround the tabernacle, a reference to the early days when actual tents were used.
Most of these structures are quite modest, though they generally feature modern conveniences today.
They are owned by member families and usually passed from generation to generation.
The white clapboard version seen above appears to be one of the oldest remaining.
The interiors look primitive but do have some of the modern conveniences.
A monument beside one of the tents is dedicated to Reverend William Eason, the founder of Methodism in Tattnall County. It lists the children (and spouses) of Reverend Eason and his wife, Sarah Mattox Eason: Nancy – Died Young; Mary E. – William Tippins; Elijah – Died Young; Elizabeth – Dr. Daniel Sikes; Michael M. – Nancy James; Jane – Died Young; George – Died Young; Sarah Miriam – Elijah H. Mattox; William – Harriet Hurst; Abraham D. – Susan Tillman.
Hi Brian, Are you familiar with the Wesleyan Methodist Camp Meeting Tabernacle in Hortense, GA? Camp Meeting is held there every year in August.
I am not, but will check it out. Thanks.
Good Morning, I am Mildred Smith Gruner, my father was Simon Golden Smith, was raised in Tatnall Co. Every summer we came for camp meeting in August, in the 1950’s. I am writing a book on my Smith Family may I use a few of your phoyo’s in my Book. I plan to sell less than 25 to local family members to cover my costs. Gary Smith, from Claxton is my first cousin. We would sleep in Uncle Allison and Aunt Nan’s Smith’s cabin. Wonderful memories of camp meeting.
Great report on our beautiful campground! We are observing 150 years this campmeeting. We will have a sing on Saturday July 15th featuring The Chuckwagon Gang and The Perrys beginning at 7pm. Services begin on the 16th at 7:30 and continue through the week at 11 am and 7:30 pm. Come join us!
I’m a granddaughter of Michael W. Eason, and grew up attending Camp Meeting at this campground, in our tent. Truly, all the wonderful things said about tabernacles and camp meetings here are well-said. Camp Meeting is still held at the Tatnall Campground, annually. The memories of camp meeting are the basis of the best part of my childhood.
My great grandmother ( Catherine Eason) use to take all us cousins to camp meeting here, wonderful memories. I have an 11 year old daughter I’d love to take so she can experience..
I have actually never heard of one of these(I’m only 22!) but it is so neat! I would love to go to a good camp meeting at one of these. I wonder if they still use this for anything?
I attended services at the Dooly County campgrounds on several occasions. I was a kid then spending the summer with my aunt in Lily. The campground is located between Vienna & Lily. The pictures you posted look very much like the campground in Dooly County, including the out buildings. I remember the first time I was there , there was a pot luck after with lots of good food. Thanks for all the childhood memories. I have been back as an adult and it still is in good shape.
Thanks! This brought back memories of the old “Gaskin Springs Campground” in Coffee County, where my grand mother and grand father May and Tom Griffin had a “tent”. Keep it up! John Clark
Date: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 23:35:36 +0000 To: johnclark90@hotmail.com
Hi Brian, Great photos. What a fantastic place, never had heard of this camp ground. Sure hope this place is kept up (long time-so far). It is a pleasure just to know it exists. Thank YOU !!
These pictures are awesome. Love the history with them.
Precious memories Brian. As a kid I ate lots of fried chicken and listened to some pretty good preachers at Mossy Creek campground near Cleveland. A good possibility for your new North GA edition.