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| History | Staff |
The Hill
Back in 1831, the Osage Indians inhabited the land that Baptist Hill now sets on. It wasn’t until 1917 that Rev. Jim Curtis, missionary to Lawrence County Baptist Association, saw the need for a Baptist denominational campground and sold 80 acres to the association for $1000. He then turned around and donated the money back to the association to help develop the camp.
This got the ball rolling and fund raising began immediately. Lots were sold to churches “for improvement and upkeep”. A ”Memorial Temple” was constructed and plaques were attached to each of the memorial columns in honor of different individuals, which was another fund raiser.
The first “Assembly Week” was held in 1922 with 1,270 people from eight different states. One by one different camps began coming and the “seed of vision" planted by Rev. Jim Curtis began to bloom!
Girls camp began in 1926 with boys camp following the next year. By 1928 the property had grown to 88 acres and the deed was put in the name of Baptist Hill Assembly. A girls dorm was constructed in 1930. At this time the annual Assembly was considered the only state-wide assembly in operation. The facility was described as the “best equipped assembly grounds in the Southern Baptist Convention”, and was nicknamed “Ridgecrest of the Midwest”.
The famous Dr. R.G. Lee of Tennessee, graced the pulpit of Baptist Hill in 1941. He would return several more times, delivering on one of those visits, his well known sermon “Payday Someday”.
In 1966, the new cafeteria was constructed seating 300. In 1998 it was dedicated and named, “The James Curtis Dining Hall”, in honor of Rev. Curtis.
1972 brought about the construction of the new temple seating 500 which recently has been dedicated as the “Eldon Higganbotham Worship Center”. The new dorm went up in 1975 with the sleeping capacity of 192. Plans for air-conditioning this facility are already underway.
Two mobile hotel unity containing 5 rooms each were purchased in 1992 along with the addition of the 40’ x 100’ new swimming pool. The new administration building went up in 1993 as well as a 12 hook-up R.V. site. Many new additions and improvements to the kitchen took place in 1994.
Campers on Mission came in 1995 and took on many projects, the biggest being a 100’ sewer line and two large decks; one on the dining hall and the other on the camp manager’s home. In 1999 a sidewalk was poured from the dining hall to the worship center, a project started by the “Senior Adult Retreat” participants.
2000 brought about the unspeakable blessing of air-conditioning in the dining hall with new chairs, tables and a new floor being added in 2001. 2002 is here and the “Hill” is buzzing with the sounds of improvements. A huge sewer project is underway, the temple is being given a “face-lift” along with A/C and heating system, and the “Big Dorm” is being prepared for A/C and heat as well. The gift shop is changing locations and additional administrational office space is being readied.
I tell you it is an exciting and busy time at Baptist Hill! God’s Spirit and the love, dedication, and history of so many people saturate this hill. Baptist Hill is an example of what one man’s vision and obedience to the Lord can produce. For all who pass through these gates, our prayer is that you will leave with the Lord in your heart and a desire to serve Him all of the days of your life.
PO Box 491, Mt. Vernon, MO - (417) 466-3034