South Union
Campmeeting 2006
The 135th Campmeeting was held
here at South Union Campground on July 21 - 26, 2006.
Our leadership this year included two men who
grew up in Ackerman as best of friends and participated in South
Union Campmeeting as young people. Rev.
Buddy Smith from American Family Association and Mt.
Pleasant UMC of Tremont was our preacher
and Derry Brunt of FUMC Grenada was our song
leader. The pianists were Elizabeth Rester during the day and
Janees Garey at the evening services and Sunday morning. Tommy
Hamill of Macon shared his riveting testimony and story of
Escape
in Iraq on Saturday, the
Joyful Noise Quartet took us to the heights of worship on
Sunday night, The
Wells Family from Noxapater was a great blessing to all on
Tuesday as well as many other special musical artists during the
week. A glorious time was experienced by everyone. Please plan
now to join us for Campmeeting 2007!
Listen to the promotional
spot that aired on WFCA Christian radio station to promote
Campmeeting.
Campmeeting takes us back to a simpler time;
just good old-fashioned worship of God under the open arbor with
hymns like, “I’m Dwelling in Beulah Land,” “Revive Us Again” and
“Love Lifted Me.” Campmeeting affords us the opportunity to
worship and to teach our children to worship in the same place
our ancestors did, in the same way. We can go back to a single,
uncomplicated time and place and always know that God is with us
and He loves us.
South Union: 135 years of tradition and fun
enjoyed
Choctaw Plaindealer – 8/06
The 135th annual campmeeting at South Union
came to an end on Wednesday, July 26, 2006. Once again, folks
from far and wide gathered to celebrate...traditions, family,
friends, community, and most of all, their religion.
The schedule of services (four a day) included
sermons by Brother George Buell, pastor at South Union, as well
as talks by Buddy Smith and visiting preachers. Special music
had a place at every service. Friday was hot, but relief
followed on Saturday by way of heavy rains and cooler
temperatures. Cloudy skies continued to cool the area, along
with a light breeze.
In spite of the downpour Saturday night, a
crowd of about a hundred gathered to hear Thomas "Tommy" Hamill
talk of his capture and eventual escape from those who held him
against his will while working in Iraq. The thunderstorm seemed
to set the mood for the talk.
While listening to Hamill speak, the phrase
"everything happens for a reason" kept creeping into the
thoughts of those listening. It was more than coincidence that
Hamill had chance meetings with various people, that events seem
to prepare him for his situation, and that his faith gave him
the courage to endure.
Sunday morning, early in the service, a
comment was made about the Saturday night gathering. "Y'all
missed a baptism service last night." Questioning looks prompted
the follow-up comment, "Due to the storm, we were all soaked
from head to toe!" Giggles and laughter followed.
During Buddy Smith's talk, emotions ran high.
There was talk of the "old days" and contrast to current
lifestyles. Smith spoke fondly and emotionally about his
family's ties to South Union and to campmeetings.
As with other campmeetings, time between
services was spent relaxing, visiting, and, of course, eating.
Sitting in the breezeways, with fresh sawdust or wood shavings
on the ground, it was not difficult to imagine campmeetings a
century ago.
Ms. Thelma Moss was especially missed at
campmeeting this year. Many of the services were being taped so
she could enjoy the events, in spite of not being able to
attend. The three Moss sisters are perennial fixtures at
campmeeting.
Although everything is quiet again at South
Union, Choctaw County still has two more campmeetings just
around the corner. Bethsalem Presbyterian and Old Lebanon
Presbyterian Campmeetings are ready to start. Join the fun and
fellowship at one of our campmeetings. These unique experiences
should be enjoyed and the memories treasured.
Scenes From Campmeeting 2006
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