Bethany has been functioning as a camp five miles East of Sinclairville, NY for 20 years, but history takes it back another 25 years to its beginning on Chautauqua Lake. The ten acres of land that were purchased near Mayville in 1951, were cleared of brush and drainage ditches and a ball field was bulldozed.

In 1976, the last year that Bethany operated at the old site, the music camp, attended by about 80 campers, did a floating concert, both choral and instrumental, on the Chautauqua Belle, getting off to entertain people at various locations.

In 1974, the Health Department declared that the camp on Chautauqua Lake must change the septic system or close. This, along with a number of other reasons, resulted in the purchase of 170 acres of the present site.

During 1975 to 1977, the Director’s house, Applewood Lodge, and cabins were built. These were dedicated and ready for use July 23 or 1977. At that point, the camp was in debt about $300,000.

During the ensuing 20 years, more cabins, 40 acres of land, outpost, tree house, pond and play areas have been added, and the debt has been reduced to under $13,000. At the present time, the property and facilities are valued at over a million dollars and will accommodate about 170. There are three on staff full-time and up to forty paid staff during the summer.

During the past seven summers, camp attendance has increased from about 500 to almost 650. In addition to the summer season, from 650 to over 2000 use the facilities. Up to 176 recorded decisions for salvation, dedication and other important spiritual issues are made during the summer weeks.

• In September 1951, Rev.Cecil Adam and Mr. Laverne Galloway offered 10 acres of land for $2750.
• The pews were taken out of the chapel and replaced with chairs so they could be removed, providing an area for rainy day activities.
• Sheets were hung to divide the cabins for Family Camp.
• Dan Call made a paddle boat; Don Murdock and ? Cobb made a bucking bike.
• The bell was acquired from the old Pennsylvania Railroad I 1 steam engine, the last one in Erie.
• Boat races were held. The prize for the winners - a beach party.
• The boys scared the girls with leaches.
• Familiar names: Dr. Hall Dautel, Rev. Carl Elgena, Rev. Earl Muller.

• Rev. Warren Lewis. Director from 1972
• Stan Mohr. Acted as Director the summer of 1986.
• Mike Nelson. Director from 1987 to 1990.
• David E. Lewis. Director from 1991 to 1999.
• Dr. Fred Howard. Largely responsible for the present camp.
• Lois Moravek. Great cook from 1970 to 1986.
• Gerald Erwin. Went out of his way to help with his heavy equipment.
• Rev. Elmer Evans. Work at old site.
• Rev. Claude Eggleston. Work at old site.
• Ward Benedict. "Model of integrity".
• Harry and Marian Kepple.

Obviously these are only a small few of the key people. Please give us the names of others.

Interesting facts - Building of new site

• The farm and equipment were purchased for $40,000. The timber was sold to Ellington Hardwood for $20,000.
• Architect - Bob Land, Jamestown.
• Earl Carr was the general contractor who took over after Carl Himes.
• There was a very bad storm which caused considerable damage during the first winter of construction.
• Ron Smith of Harbor Creek, member of Bethel Baptist Church in Erie, PA, framed and roofed Applewood Lodge and built the Director’s house.
• "I" beams were purchased from Jack Abbey for $125 each.
• "Pa and Ma" Kettle roofed - she placed the shingles and he nailed them.
• The bell was given by a mortuary in Corry.
• Fossils were found on the house side of the road. Indian relics were found on the camp, including a tree where the Indians sat to heat flint.
• The big electric stove in the kitchen was a good deal - new but muddy for it was in a flood.