I rode by the mossy Creek campground not long ago, and it reminded me I had seen something about a Mossy Creek Campmeeting recently when I was doing some research in an old newspaper. So, I started the search and finally found it in the Gainesville Eagle of July 30, 1914.
There was an announcement that the Mossy Creek Campmeeting "will convene on the 12th of August and run until the 17th." Dr. S. R. Belk was to be the primary speaker, and it was noted that he would preach twice a day. Rev. W. M. Barnett and Rev. M. B. Whitaker were to help with the meeting. August was the time for campmeetings during that era, and for a reason. Crops were "laid by" and harvest was not yet started. It was warm and fresh food was plentiful. Many families came early to tidy up the campgrounds, and get their tents ready. A lot of courtin' took place among the young people.
Dr. Belk was busy in the fall of 1914. He also preached at the Lebanon Campmeeting, and there was an announcement about the Murrayville High School opening for September 18. Boarding students needed to get their reservations in, according to an announcement by ... guess who? ... S. R. Belk, Presiding Elder, Gainesville District.
A lot of people went by train to the Mossy Creek meeting, and the old Gainesville Northwestern Railroad would stop right near the campground to let people off or pick them up. 1914 was a good year. A later news story said more than 5,000 people went to the Mossy Creek meeting that year.
This is Gordon Sawyer, from a window on historic Green Street.
Wednesday
July 16th, 2025
7:53AM
