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Story
August 3, 1874
Alexandria Gazette
Alexandria, Alexandria County, District Of Columbia
What is this article about?
A camp meeting near Thornton's Station, Virginia, organized by the Methodist Episcopal Church, drew large crowds via special trains from Alexandria and Purcellville on August 2, 1874. Despite sermons by Rev. Phelps and Mr. King, confusion and lack of engagement led to perceptions of failure, though it continued.
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CAMP MEETING AT THORNTON.
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette.]
VIENNA, VA., Aug. 3, 1874.-The camp meeting in progress near Thornton's Station, under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was largely attended on yesterday, special trains being run from Purcellville and Alexandria for the accommodation of those wishing to avail themselves of an opportunity of spending a day in the woods. The train from Alexandria was crowded, though we missed most of the familiar faces we had been in the habit of seeing from your city. Most of the crowd seemed to be young people who were anticipating a good time. They were joined at Vienna and other places on the road by a numerous throng, laden with baskets of eatables, and with a suspicion of fluids also. On arriving at the grounds we found a large audience present, but were surprised to find only four tents erected. The woods were thronged with horses and vehicles, and many of those arriving on the ground, finding no seats, remained with their teams most of the day. Rev. Mr. Phelps occupied the pulpit in the morning, and Mr. King in the afternoon, both preaching instructive and interesting sermons, but there was so much confusion and talking in the audience that it was difficult to hear understandingly. There was no invitation given to penitents at the close of the services, and after those of the morning all repaired to such shady places as they found and discussed with enthusiasm the contents of the baskets mentioned above. Later in the day those who came by the railroad left for the station, some three-quarters of a mile off, and thence departed for home, with the feeling that the camp meeting was rather a failure. It is, however, to be continued for some days yet.
H.
[Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette.]
VIENNA, VA., Aug. 3, 1874.-The camp meeting in progress near Thornton's Station, under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was largely attended on yesterday, special trains being run from Purcellville and Alexandria for the accommodation of those wishing to avail themselves of an opportunity of spending a day in the woods. The train from Alexandria was crowded, though we missed most of the familiar faces we had been in the habit of seeing from your city. Most of the crowd seemed to be young people who were anticipating a good time. They were joined at Vienna and other places on the road by a numerous throng, laden with baskets of eatables, and with a suspicion of fluids also. On arriving at the grounds we found a large audience present, but were surprised to find only four tents erected. The woods were thronged with horses and vehicles, and many of those arriving on the ground, finding no seats, remained with their teams most of the day. Rev. Mr. Phelps occupied the pulpit in the morning, and Mr. King in the afternoon, both preaching instructive and interesting sermons, but there was so much confusion and talking in the audience that it was difficult to hear understandingly. There was no invitation given to penitents at the close of the services, and after those of the morning all repaired to such shady places as they found and discussed with enthusiasm the contents of the baskets mentioned above. Later in the day those who came by the railroad left for the station, some three-quarters of a mile off, and thence departed for home, with the feeling that the camp meeting was rather a failure. It is, however, to be continued for some days yet.
H.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Social Manners
Misfortune
What keywords are associated?
Camp Meeting
Methodist Episcopal
Thornton Station
Religious Sermon
Crowd Confusion
Picnic Outing
What entities or persons were involved?
Rev. Mr. Phelps
Mr. King
H.
Where did it happen?
Near Thornton's Station, Vienna, Va.
Story Details
Key Persons
Rev. Mr. Phelps
Mr. King
H.
Location
Near Thornton's Station, Vienna, Va.
Event Date
Aug. 2, 1874
Story Details
Large attendance at Methodist camp meeting with special trains, but only four tents, confusion during sermons by Phelps and King, no calls for penitents, picnicking, and overall disappointment despite continuation.