ourhistory

A Brief Historical
Overview of RLCA

1911	Franklin Hare held the first Sunday School picnic on the banks of Rock Lake behind the present Tabernacle.
1917	Ira Kimberling gathered members of area churches to Stauffer's Grove to discuss a teaching and training program for church leaders.
1918	First rally of the Churches of Christ held in Stauffer's Grove.
1919	First two-week assembly called School of Methods. This meeting was held in conjunction with Standard Publishing Company of Cincinnati, Ohio.
1922	Property bought from Abner and Minnie Stauffer for the Assembly grounds.
1925	Kimberling Hall constructed.
1928	New Tabernacle constructed.
1934	First Organized Camp.
1937	Alexander Hall constructed.
1941	First High School Camp Session held at The Assembly.
1945	First Junior High Camp Session held at The Assembly.
1948	Raum Hall constructed.
1949	Great Lakes Bible College (now Great Lakes Christian College of Lansing, Michigan) started in the Woodard Cottage. Woodard property had formerly been a part of camp property.
1970	First year-round director added.
1990	Additional property bought from Gene Stauffer to enhance camping program and provide more isolated area for youth camp sessions.
1999	Rush Heritage Center dedicated. Camp Office relocated to former Wiles Cottage. White Pine Lodge construction began.
2000	White Pine Lodge finished and dedicated. Used to house girls during youth sessions and for year-round retreats.
2001	Blue Spruce Lodge construction began.
2002	Blue Spruce Lodge finished and dedicated. Used to house boys during youth sessions and for year-round retreats. Hare Cottage purchased. Had been a part of the original property bought for The Assembly in 1922.
2004	First Handi-Camp session. These sessions are specifically for people with handicaps that would keep them from attending regular camp sessions.
2007	Deck and ramp built to the waterfront giving access for wheelchairs and those with limited mobility.
2007	First On-Site Wilderness camp held.
2007	Race Cottage purchased.
2008	Race Cottage torn down and landscaping of lake shore started.
2008	Lucile Rush Heritage Center available for visitors.

To the best of our knowledge, Rock Lake Christian Assembly is the oldest camp still operating among the Churches of Christ/Christian Churches in the United States at its original location.

Bethany Park Assembly Camp near Indianapolis, Indiana was established before Rock Lake.

Building On The Same Foundation For 89 Years

Last Modified: September 15, 2008
Updated by: Musa Knickerbocker

URL: www.rlca.org