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About Us - Our History [Return To About Us Home]
History of Pilgrim Cove Camp [back to top] The movement among protestant denominations toward summer camps and youth conferences was still in its infancy when Pilgrim Cove came into being. The foresight of those who founded Pilgrim Cove, and the pioneering spirit of those who led in the early stages of its development is a precious heritage which now greatly enriches the lives of the people of the Congregational churches of the Idaho conference. It is our rare good fortune that three persons, each representing a different phase of the unfolding story, have recorded for us and for succeeding generations what they themselves have seen and what each of them has helped to bring into the realm of actual achievement. Presented herewith, then, are three documents, by three different authors, by name, Rev. Claton S. Rice, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley A. Curtis, and Mr. Donald Calkin. Each document is a necessary supplement to the other two. The first document, by Rev. Claton S. Rice, is the story of the beginning, as seen and shaped up by the one who was at that time the leader of the Idaho Conference of Congregational Churches. From 1922 to 1926, the Idaho Conference was joined with the Oregon Conference, and Dr. C. H. Harrison was the superintendent of both conferences, but Rev. Claton Rice was associate superintendent, living in Boise with major responsibilities for the Idaho work. In 1927, the Idaho and the Utah conferences were united into one administrative district, and Mr. Rice was their superintendent. To the foresight and the courageous pioneering spirit of Claton S. Rice More than to that of any other man, we are today indebted for all that Pilgrim Cove has come to mean to us. The second document is by Mrs. Stanley Curtis, and covers the whole story from the beginning up to the present time, told from the point of view of a faithful and enthusiastic camper at Pilgrim Cove. Irma Curtis has the honor of being the only person who has attended one or more camp-group meetings every summer since Pilgrim Cove began. At a meeting held in Ye Rice Meeting House on the occasion of the twenty-fifth anniversary, Mrs. Curtis presented a paper which covered the story of Pilgrim Cove for the first 25 years. That story, revised and extended to include the years since that anniversary celebration is her History of Pilgrim Cove, herewith presented as the second of the three documents. The last document, by Mr. Don Calkin, is a chronological listing of the major steps taken in recent year toward the improvement of the physical property. Me. Calkin has spent each summer of these recent years as resident manager of the business affairs of Pilgrim Cove, and has been intimately involved in carrying out this program of development and improvement. Pilgrim Cove has become a hallowed name for a beautiful place, made sacred by the memories of some of life’s highest experiences. The devotion of the Congregational ministers and of the lay people of our Idaho churches to the cooperative work for our Congregational young people, has had its finest expression at Pilgrim Cove, and from Pilgrim Cove the young people of our Congregational churches have gone forth as dedicated young men and women, deeply committed to a life of Christian service. It was the congregational laymen of Idaho who asked that a history of Pilgrim Cove should be written at this time so that those who had been eye witnesses to that history could be the ones to share with succeeding generations a truly first hand account of that story. How Congregational Church Camps Began in Idaho [back to top] Our conference had united with the Presbyterians in their youth camp on the Wood River in 1922 and 1923. The fellowship was delightful but one difficulty for which there seemed to be no answer was apparent at once. To emphasize the denominational missionary work of either church, or the polity of either group, seemed to be discourteous in a united conference. Yet one of the major reasons for summer conferences was to create denominational missionary interest and to educate in the field of denominational history and polity. So, with complete understanding, Dr. Jesse Baird, the Presbyterian camp leader, and I representing the Congregational group, agreed to recommend to our denominations that we hold separate conferences. My report that month to our Home Missionary Society closed with these words: “Here endeth one more experiment in interdenominational cooperation. We are glad that we made the attempt.” This decision made it necessary for us to develop our own ground for our camp in 1924. My Conference Board had grave doubts as to our ability to develop our own, feeling that we were too weak, numerically and financially. They agreed, however, that I might attempt it if I would take the responsibility. I was glad to do this, for it seemed to me that wide contact or loyalty might be found in a Conference Project which was important in our own right. Up the winding Payette River, through the twisty Horseshoe Bend and beyond the treacherous road above the Banks, lay a quiet little trading center, known as Smith’s Ferry. Here the cool Payette broadened out into a lovely slow-flowing stream, the shores lined with pines. It was here that we chose to build our first camp, one which we used for three summers, 1924, 1925, and 1926. The churches of the Conference, we discovered, were not sanguine about the undertaking that first year. Church youth and family camps were not so well known then as they are now. In order to get the barest physical provisions for camp ready in time for the coming of our delegates, Esther, the children and I found it necessary to close our home, move up to Smith’s Ferry and to spend a full month on the grounds, preparing for out delegates. Superintendent Harrison gave us his blessing and away we went. Out trusty Ford, with bedding, food, and clothing for six tied on wherever we could find a place for it, bumped and swayed over the road up the Payette River canyon. The good old engine never missed a beat. Our youngest, then less that two years old, slept in the lid of the steamer trunk that month. The rest of us made our beds out of fir branches and slept under canvas. We cooked over an open fire and drew our water from the river. After a few days I completed a shallow well on the river bank which furnished us with ample water for the camp. We brought the cool water to the surface by means of an efficient little pitcher pump. With the help of the two older children, Carol and Glen, Esther and I build a frame work out of lodge-pole pine and covered it with a large canvas. This was our dining room and assembly hall. We made crude dining tables and benches out of waste lumber and setting up a cook tent, we were ready for the cook stove. By the time it arrived, more than seventy young people with their pastors and a few parents descended upon us. The accommodations we had prepared were crude of course, but they loved it. It was “our camp.” Mrs. Jacob Kramp, a woman from one of our churches, cooked for us, while all of us took turns at K.P. Everyone in the camp had a part in the necessary daily tasks, No one was exempt. We managed to find straw for bed-ticks for those who wanted this luxury, but many of the delegates slept under blankets on the ground. Delegates paid their camp costs in food if they lacked cash. At the end of the week, our camp was “made.” Dr. Harry Stock, General Secretary of our Education Society, Dr. Frankline Estabrook of Denver, and other members of the faculty, brave souls who were not afraid to pioneer, were received with enthusiasm. The spirit of the camp was excellent all the way through. We all rejoiced in the fact that we were a group of young people and adults living and studying together as a large Christian family. The second year we had another great family camp. Dr. Emory Alvord of Africa, and Dr. Benjamin Robinson of Chicago Theological Seminary were with us. Alvord made an undying impression upon our young people. What a man! We followed his subsequent career in Rhodesia with deep interest. We were happy, too, that Dr. Robinson’s studies in the Gospel of John won the admiration of the conservative as well as the more liberal members of camp. Classrooms out under the trees on the river bank, glorious campfires, huckle-berrying, a climb up Lookout Mountain, with generous meals, what more could healthy wholesome out-of-door young people and adults desire in a camp? The third summer was a happy one but we were becoming impatient to own our own grounds. Spurred on by the Rev. Arthur Ford, our pastor at McCall, we discovered a site on Payette Lake, owned by some thirty people. My board lacked confidence enough to back the purchase of the key lots which Mr. Lloyd of our Weiser church was ready to sell. I borrowed the money myself and bought two lots. When the first camp at Payette Lake was over, in 1927, our enthusiasms were so great that there was no question about the future. Later, we were able to buy, one by one, the remaining lots. We failed to obtain an acreage adjacent to us, owned by the state. The possession of such property, even in its primitive stage, did something for the conference. It created a permanent common center of loyalty for youth as was as for adults. A rapid growth in the Conference consciousness and in loyalty to their closing days that, “I had a part in building Pilgrim Cove,” as the camp was named, at the suggestion of one of the young people. The Rev. Thomas McCamant of Wright Church, Boise, with Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Curtis, were key people that first year; and for years to come. The Arnolds and Phelps families of First Church, Boise, and Allens of Fairview Church, the Kramps of New Plymouth, the Lloyd Knights and later the Rev. Paul Van Horn of First Church, Boise, Dr. George S. Sloan or Pocatello, a number of people from Council including the Lewis Family, The Rev. Robert Kennan and his father, and later many others were exceedingly helpful in building the camp. Dr. Charles Harrison, of Portland, was the superintendent of the Conference, and I was his associate for the first three years of my work. He was a great soul who turned the work over to me with a minimum of supervisory acts, and then gave us his blessings as, united to Utah, we started our new conference. My report for July, 1927, reads: “It is an interesting task, that of preparing our grounds for summer camp. We are located in the firs, and spruce and tamaracks on the banks of the beautiful Payette Lakes. We cleared space for camp out of the virgin forest this year. There was much down timber to cut away, a great deal of underbrush to be disposed of, and a swamp at the lake front to be drained. We developed some springs for drinking water and built an 18X20 store house and had things all ready for the groups which came in the evening of July 27. “ “Our out-of-door class rooms, down where the washing of the waves and the soughing of the wind through the trees made considerable noise, bothered some of our faculty, but they did nobly just the same. Mosquitoes added a certain piquancy to our assemblies. But hikes and boating and swimming and botanizing expeditions kept us busy and happy out of class hours, and real meals fattened us. By the way, I wonder if any other young people’s camp this year has been fed 29 meals, all of them good, for $5.50 per individual. We did it, and had a bit to space. Great cook we had. Our camp is named “Pilgrim Cove.” Come and visit us.” The following year 1929, we spent six weeks at the camp grounds clearing grounds and arranging for the building of our assembly hall as well as directing the camp that summer. We constructed a 60X30 log assembly hall out of the glorious tamaracks which grew on our grounds. Gust Gustafson, a Finnish log builder, was our foreman, and a number of us worked under him. What an axe man he was! He could cut a straight edge along a 60 foot log without using a line. No chinking was necessary, when under Gust’s direction, a log was put into place without benefit of even block and tackle. It was pull and push and lift, and the log went up! When finally we insisted upon use of block and tackle to save time and then used it to put a log in place, all Gust could do was sit down with a grunt exclaiming: “Val! I tot I vos die boss!” We wondered if he feared that the old Finnish Gods might be offended by an appliance as modern as block and tackle. By the close of the 1928 season we had a modestly well-developed camp and title to our grounds. We cared for 170 registrants that year. We closed our report that year with the remark: “Pilgrim Cove is destined to become one of our great Congregational camps.” Happily, this prophesy was realized very early. History of Congregational Summer Assembly of Idaho [back to top] The Congregationalists first met with the Presbyterians at Bellevue, Idaho in 1922 and 1923. At the end of the 1923 sessions the Congregational Group talked about the advisability of a separate conference. In 1924 Superintendent and Mrs. Clayton E. Rice, with the help of a few helper and Mrs. Kramp of New Plymouth as cook, prepared the camp and held the first Congregational Summer Assembly at Smith’s Ferry, Idaho. A pattern was et for camp with classes in the morning; recreation occupied the afternoon, period and campfire meetings in the evenings. 68 registered at this meeting. It was indeed with much faith and a brave heart that one drove the road from Horseshoe Bend to Smith’s Ferry. The 1925 and 1926 periods also met at Smiths Ferry with 80 to 100 in attendance. At the close of the 1926 camp it was found that a permanent lease to the grounds could not be obtained. A committee was appointed consisting of Sup. Clayton S. Rice, Rev. M. R. Ford of McCall, and Rev. Thomas McCammot of Wright Community Church and they purchased a permanent camp sight. During that year the present sight known as the Glen Cove Tract was purchased. In 1927 the Congregational Churches of Idaho and Utah gathered at Payette Lakes for their summer camp. A work camp spent several weeks in July to clear roads and camp sight. Camps were scattered all along the lake shore and up from Rocky beach camping where they pleased. Mrs. Kramp was again cook, she and her helpers cooked on two old stoves near the lake and we ate under a big tent near where the present dining room stands. The camp paper “The Ripples” was a new feature edited by Fred Judy. Miss Alice Givin of Japan was guest speaker. The name was changed from Glen Cove to Pilgrim cove. The name was suggested by Katherine Judy, daughter of Rev. Clayton Judy of New Plymouth; later she became the wife of Rev. Thomas McCammot. An alter was set up made by each camper carrying a rock from Rocky beach, and building an alter just west of the road at the foot of the hill. Later this was moved to the present sight around which many thousand people have made their vows and worshipped God in the last 30 years. 1928 was a very important year in the building of Pilgrim Cove. Most of the ministers and several other families took their vacations there in the month of July where under the supervision of Gus Gustason the present dinning room was built. Every morning at day break Rev. Lloyd Knight, Supt. Rice, Paul Van Horn, Carl Calhoun, and others started hammering and worked in the evening until dark. All day long Mr. Lewos Phelps whittled pegs, no nails were used in the building except for the floor and roof. By camping time the floor was in and about four logs on ech side. Each day more logs were put in place. The last log was put into place the last day of the camp. A few stayed after camp to finish the roof. 1929 found Mr. Paul Van Horn as the new Governor. It was found this year that our land wasn’t where we thought it was and the greater part of our land lay east of the building instead of the west. We were very happy or rather unhappy because the camp was then plotted and different sections were divided with deans ruling over each section. Lots were leased to many church members for $25.00 for 25 years to give a little money to operate on. Many people built tent frames and camped. At a special service the meeting house was dedicated and named “Ye Rice Meeting House.” Mr. and Mrs. William Woodard from Korea were our guest faculty. There were very charming people. 1930 Dr. Frank Moore was camp pastor and Mrs. Spenker was cook for the first time. Many improvements were made on the grounds and a water system installed. In 1931 a great wind storm blew down many of our fine trees around camp. Rev. Van Horn resigned as governor as he was leaving the state. Faculty row was named Van Horn crest in his honor. Rev. Harry W. Johnson was elected Governor of the camp. Uncle Jenny of India was guest speaker. He told us many interesting and fine things about his people. 1932 marked the beginning of camp under the Governorship of Mr. Harry Johnson, a leadership that augered will for future camps. Dr. H. D. Davies of Chicago, was our guest faculty member, an outstanding favorite with young and ole. Dr. Moore visited our Sunday meeting and brought greetings from the Montana Camp and some of our former Pilgrim Civites. Supt. J. Walker was camp pastor. 1933 was one of the finest assemblies ever held. This marked the beginning of young people’s night. Dr. Cross and Dr. Shepherd were guest members. 1934 was the year that the marsh land was cleared by the CCC’s of McCall. Dr. Moore was again our camp pastor and ministered out of his wealth of experience. In his honor we dedicated the marshland, which had been planned as a future beauty spot of Pilgrim as “Ye Moore Gardens.” Dr. White of the A.M.A. was our guest speaker, and we were given a deeper understanding for the race he represents and of which he is a member. In 1935 fewer were in attendance, yet classes and assemblies were very profitable under the inspirational teachings and addresses of Dr. Potter, President of Hartford Seminary, and Dr. Holiday, General Secretary of the Congregational Extension Board. A tree was planted in Moore garden in honor of Rev. Mason. Improvements were made under builder D.C. Arnold, who as long as he lived spent his vacation at Pilgrim Cove. He spent his vacation keeping up the property and we have him to thank for much of our early improvement. In 1936 a complete renovation of our water system was made. Total attendance reached 200 during camp. Rev W. Frazier, Ex. Sec. of Home Boards visited our camp. Rev. Ervine R. Ingles of Greeley, Colorado, lead the vesper services on Brundage Mountain. Mrs. Spenkin was camp cook. 1937 assembly is said to be one of the best ever held. Dr. Paul Reynolds always a favorite lead classes in “Christian Leadership” and “Awakening China.” The improvement for this year was the girls’ dormitory on the hill names “Ye Walker Dormitory” in loving memory of James T. Walker. 1938 – First, credit goes to Gov. Harry Johnson for this assembly. He has the faculty of saying just the right word at the right time. Dr. Ewin shaver and Supt. Frank Carlson of Oregon, Rev. Fred Haskins, Pastor of a Congregational Church at Bridgeport, Connecticut, added much to the camp. Two outstanding you leaders deserve special mention: Ellsworth Carlson, summer student pastor at Wright, and Martha Avery, student summer pastor in Utah. Tom Gorden of Utah contributed greatly with his art work. 1939 – From July 26th to August 4th the campers from all over Southern Idaho gathered and were ready at 6 o’clock for one of Mrs. Bertha Abercrombie’s swiss steak dinners. Mission councilor Leonard Otterbridge, Ex. Sec. and his capable wife impresses the need of the evangelistic approach through any organized effort at home and abroad. Mary Grubbs directed the morning worship and Mary Doolittle the evening camp fires. Bob Curtis was bugler and reminded the assembly when to get up, called us to classes, and sent us to bed. 1940 – A hymn written by Mary Doolittle and Jim Flint was dedicated to Gov. Johnson, who had been governor for nine years. A trio of Jean Abby, Jane Hopper and Mary Grubs sang the hymn. Mr. Blackburn Expressed a hope that Pilgrims meeting from year to year sing this hymn and each time we sing it we remember Harry Johnson, his great spirit and the contribution he has made to the life of Pilgrim Cove. 1941 – 150 campers attended camp this year. Rev F.J. Reny, the newly elected Governor, was unable to come. Harry Johnson again carried on. Henry Rust, National P.F. President, gave wonderful leadership. Emma Jean Weeks, a summer student worker, and Neil Danburg added greatly to the young people’s work. 1942 - Again we had the privilege of having Paul Reynolds and Henry Rust (Rusty) with us. George Dreher, new pastor of McCall, assisted as dean of boys. Rev. A. J. Blackman, elected Lieutenant Governor, Ably shouldered Governor Johnson’s responsibility. Dr. Clarence Defur, camp pastor, conducted the rite of Holy Baptism on the shore of the lake. A scholarship given by Pacific University was given to Dorothy Underkofer of Wright Church. 1943 - Harry Johnson, who had occupied he executive mansion as Governor for the last 11 years, turned over his ensignia of authority to his successor, the Rev. A. J. Blackman. Yoshiye Otani was registrar and took care of our precious ration books. Rev. Edwin Elder was Lieutenant Governor and introduced the faculty on which Mrs. R. N. McClure from Foo Chow, China, and Charles Waren, once a missionary teacher in Doshesia College, served. 1944 - In a world gone mad with struggle, Pilgrim Cove stands a guiding light for a new and better tomorrow. Were the cooks, Bertha Abercrombe, Lilly Speece, and Edith Johnson surprised when 175 campers arrived for dinner on July 26th! Soon Gov. Johnson (yes, he is back in the Governor’s chair again due to the illness of the newly appointed Gov. Elder) had things under way. Rev. S. P. Hill, missionary from India, was our guest. Ed Cunningham, song leader, had new songs for campfire as did our cowboy guest Loren Gale from Wyoming. Richard Gilman was our guest from Chicago. 1945 – Early in 1945 three lake front lots were purchased from the state giving us a sine site for a future ledge building. Our new Governor, J. Edwon Elder, came early to greet the earliest campers and make them feel at home. By 6 o’clock 180 campers were settled and ready for supper. Vincent Crane, Pastor at Rock Springs, had charge of athletics. Vincent was a Pilgrim Cove boy. “We welcome you back.” An offering was taken for war victims in England amounting to $85.00. Our Friend Rusty has gone to England to assist in this work. We pause to pay respect to two of our pioneers, Mrs. Duncan and Builder Arnold, who have passed on to their reward this year. 1946 – Camp reached the peak in attendance. 200 registered with 265 for Sunday dinner. It rained most of camp. Rev. T. K. Tompson, Sec. Stewardship of Missions Council, was guest speaker. 1947 – A work camp of young people under Rev. W. Reitmier was held before camp. They installed a new septic tank, cleared the back court, and put some new logs at the camp fire and cleared the grounds. Rev. Edwin Elder was Governor and Mrs. Elder was camp nurse. Cooks Irma Curtis, Rose Durham, and Wilma Herrn fed us well. Yoshege Otani was registrar and Harry Johnson Commissary man. Rabbi Joseph Geters of Berkeley, California, and Miss Louise Meebold, a missionary of Fenchow, China, and Dr. and Mrs. Walter Giersback, President of Pacific University of Forest Grove were guest faculty, as was Rev. Thomas Gorden who taught art. 1948 – This the camp was divided this year with Senior High Camp, Adult and Junior High, and Juniors in July with College age the last of August. Phillip Ward of Beirut, Lebanon, was guest speaker. Rabbi Goldstein was at camp. First year electric lights on grounds made it possible to use a slide projector and a phonograph. 1949 – Senior High and College age groups met July 20th. Governor Ed Elder and Rev. R. Warford, new pastor at Pocatello, Chaplin and Dean of Faculty, were officers. Eugene Hayes was song leader. Faculty members include S. R. Pandit of India, Rev. Jesse Peirce of Elgin, Illinois, and Mary Lon Pettit of National P. I. (I am unsure about this, the typing is illegible) 1950 – Dr. and Mrs. Fred Kao of China were our popular guests that year. Dr. Hao was taking post-graduate work in Chicago. Rabbi Iser Freund of San Jose, California, gave broader understanding of our Jewish brothers. Miss Flora Slosson of Ann Arber, Michigan, and Peter Ola of Utah were young people summer student workers. 1951 – At the camps this year Miss Pepronia Mayani from Beruit, Lebanon, was guest speaker. This was the first year of woman’s retreat at Pilgrim Cove. A family work camp followed the woman’s retreat. Ester Underkoffer was cook. 1952 – A permanent caretaker was added to the faculty, Don Calkin and family. Quinton Leicher was guest speaker. 1953 – The summer of ’53 camps were held from June 22 until August 2nd beginning with a work camp under the leadership of Larry Loving. The Governors for the camps were Sr. High, Rev. Eugene Haynes, Rev. John Jowery for Jr. High, Family camp was Rev. Saul Miller, Women’s Retreat was Mrs. Hiedegarde Bearg, Juniors , Rev. Frank Blish and Lyman’s retreat, Mr. Wm. Grieger. Guest Faculty members were Miss Mika Nisho at Mr. and Sr. Camps and Mr. David Sobrepena of the Philippines at the Layman’s retreat. A good deal of lumber was sold from the property giving money to improve the grounds. The kitchen was remodeled and the walk was started. 1954 – Guests at the 1954 camps were Mrs. Florence Ester Freeheit, Teacher under American Board of Foreign Missions, and on the staff at Kobe College, Kobe, Japan, for three years. Lillian and Marvin Young, Intermountain Summer Student workers, were also guests. New beds and mattresses were added to our equipment and added greatly to the comfort of the camp. 1955 – In 1955 Rev. Lewis Albright was Chairman of Pilgrim Cove Camp committee. Rev. Gene Haynes was Governor for Senior High camp, Rev. Dick Bellingham was governor of Jr. High Camp and Rev. Frank Blish was Governor of the Juniors. Miss Lillian Gregory was guest speaker for Women’s Retreat and Ismini Kryiakapoulko from Greece was also a guest speaker. Leida Haynes and Lavera Small were cooks for Sr. High camp and Irma Curtis cooked for the rest. 1956 – Camp started July 7th with Saul Miller as Governor of the Sr. High and Richard Bellingham as Governor of Jr. High Camp. Mrs William Dillian was in charge of Women’s Retreat. Frank Blish was Governor of the Juniors and N. J. Rice was in charge of the Layman’s camp. A new camp was added this year, Minister’s Family Camp, with Supt. Sidney Buckham as Governor. This was held Aug. 25-28. 1957 – The year 1957 was a large year. The Jr. Camp with Frank Blish as Governor had over 100 children enrolled. All cabins were filled and beds were put on the platform of the meeting house. It was decided to have two Junior camps the next year. The women of Boise First had charge of the Women’s Retreat with Mrs. Keith Elliot as guest speaker. Takoa Kitamura of Japan, and Jim Conever, summer student, were our guest speakers. Supt. Sidney Buckham was Governor of the Minister’s Retreat. The guest speakers were Rev. Charles Lee and Dr. Kenneth Latonrette. Irma Curtis and Bernice Young were cooks. 1958 – Rev Harold Becker was camp committee chairman. Dale Peak was Sr. High Governor, Harold Cekcer Jr. High Governor in place of Dick Bellingham who was laid up with a back injury. The first Jr. High camp was under Henry Warber and the second under Brentwood Barker. Mrs. Heldegard Bearg was chairman of the Woman’s Retreat. Mrs. Wm. Webb, missionary from Africa, and Mrs. Lloyd Lorbur, returned mission fro India, and Rabbi Wm. Sanderson, were our guest speakers. Mrs. Della maier and Mrs. Bernice Young were cooks. Jean Calkin was dining room hostess. Irma Curtis had charge of hand work at all camps and cooked for the Minister’s Retreat. The Minsiter’s Retreat was a great success. Rev. Spike was guest speaker. Two new cabins were built and buildings were moved. 1959 – Rev. Harold Becker was again on the job as camp committee chairman. Dale Peak was governor of Sr. High, Gov. John Brooks as Jr. High, and Henry Warer and Brentwood Barker as Governor of 1st and 2nd Jr. Camps. Mrs. Betty Roberson and the women of Mt. Home held a most interesting Woman’s Retreat with Lillian Pickins as guest speaker. Mrs. Betty Harwood presided at the business meeting in the absence of Mrs. Albright, whose husband was very ill following an auto accident. A new camp was added, a family camp with Jamie Tompson as Governor. Dr. Wm. S Bronson, professor of psychology at Boise Junior College and his charming wife conducted classes which were very interesting and helpful, all there had a good time and plan to come again next year. Abe Reyes of Mexico was guest of camp, as was Rabbi Wm. Sanderson of Spokan Rev. David Stowe and family were guests at the Minister’s Retreat. Superintendent Sidney Buckham was Governor. A high spot of camp was when the cabin at the top of the hill was named and dedicated to the Rev. Eunice Trumbo, one of our beloved former ministers. She was present and was so pleased. A few days later she took sick and passed on soon after. John Brooks had charge of the dedication. It was something we will long remember. The girls’ dormitory was remodeled for the caretaker’s cabin and the old commissary was made into a governor’s mansion and another new cabin was built. Della Maier and Bernice Young were cooks. Recent Improvement and Additions to
Pilgrim Cove Camp Facilities [back to top] 1952
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Boise First and Pilgrim Cove From the Golden Anniversary Commemorative covering 50 years From 1891 to 1941 [back to top] To trace the Growth and Development of this church without mentioning its connection with the founding of our state summer assembly would be an omission of a very rich experience. In 1922 and 1923, the Congregational Churches joined with the Presbyterians at Bellvue, Idaho, in their camp on Wood River. Congregational faculty and members included Dr. Claton S. Rice, who was then Superintendent of the Intermountain District of Congregational Churches and an active member of this church. During 1923, the pastor of the church at New Plymouth had also taken a group of his people up to Smith’s Ferry for a week’s camping. Feeling that it would be better to have a camp of Congregationalists, Dr. Rice writes: “In talking things over with the New Plymouth people, I came to the conclusion that we might be able to start our assembly be attempting the same sort of camp their church had attempted. I, therefore, put it up to the state group, but found little or no enthusiasm, as they felt we were unable to handle it. “I did secure the consent of the group, however, to attempt it. Mrs. Rice and I went to Smith’s Ferry three weeks early as there seemed to be no other way to handle things, and spent that period in whipping the grounds into shape. I dug a well. Together, we made out tent frames to support the tarpaulin which covered our dinning hall and we constructed tables. We were ready when the camp came. It was not large but we had a good camp. So far as I can judge, there would have been no Idaho Assembly for a long time to come if Mrs. Rice had not had the courage to stay with me during the first summer when no one thought the thing could be done; doing the work of a man there with me, as we got the grounds ready for the first effort. After that, things moved.” In 1925 and 1926, assemblies were again held at Smith’s Ferry with growing enthusiasm. It was found that a permanent lease of these grounds could not be obtained. A committee was appointed, consisting of Supt. Rice, Rev. McFord of McCall and Rev. Thomas McCamant of Wright Church, whose responsibility was to locate and purchase a permanent campsite. They learned of some state land known as Glen Cove tract, at Payette Lakes, and after seeing this site, Dr. Rice recommended it to the State Board, and was given the privilege of buying it, provided he could finance the purchase. He advanced the money himself to procure the first two lots in time foe summer camp assembly in 1927. A group of people from Congregational Churches of Idaho and Utah gathered that year at this new campsite at Payette Lakes, pitching their tents from Rocky Beach to the spring. A storehouse was constructed, with C.E. Camp of Weiser as head carpenter, and Mr. Phelps of Boise as helper. Rev. Sears and the Rices were indispensable. The cooking was done out of doors, in the open by Mrs. Kramp; a large tent was the only dinning hall. This group of people, sharing the vision, perhaps, of the Pilgrims at Plymouth Rock, named the campsite “Pilgrim Cove” and returned to their churches, spreading enthusiasm for the future of the new venture. Small profits from the summer assembly and gifts were combined into a lot fund and church groups and individuals leased lots. With the help of the Church Building Society, a fine assembly hall was erected during the second summer. Rev. Paul Van Horn, new pastor at Boise First Church, catching the spirit from Supt. Rice, was enthusiastic about Pilgrim Cove and spent his vacation, as did most of the other ministers of this district, helping to build the new meeting house. With the help of Mr. Lloyd Knight of New Plymouth and Rev. Carl Calhoun of Boise Wright, hammers and saws were kept busy as long as there was light to work, while Mr. Phelps hewed out wooden pegs that held rigid the massive framework. Under the supervision of Gus Gustafson, men, women and children hoisted the last log into place just at the close of the camp. A few stayed afterward to put on the roof. Thus, ended the summer assembly of 1928; one of the most important years at Pilgrim Cove. A camp had been established, a building had been erected, a pioneering spirit of enduring fellowship created. In 1929, Rev. Paul Van Horn led the camp as its first “Governor” and retained that leadership for three years, while the group as a whole was called the “colony” after the fashion of the Pilgrims. New land had been acquired, and the tent sites were moved to the crest of the hill, leaving the lakeshore lots around the new assembly hall for group activities. At the suggestion of Mrs. W. L. Phelps of Boise, the name “Ye Rice Meeting House” was given to the assembly hall and “inscribed upon a rustic slab and hung where all may read and ponder what it means to have character so strong as to leave an impression ineradicable upon the hearts and lives of those touched.” Thus, the building was dedicated to Rev. Claton S. Rice, the man so largely responsible for the founding of Pilgrim Cove. 1930 found Mrs. Spenker in the camp kitchen for the first time, while Builder Arnold was busy with improvements about the grounds, one of which was an elaborate water system, providing water to all sections. The faculty was named “Van Horn Crest” in 1931, in honor of the camp’s first Governor, who was soon to leave after the camp to accept a pastorate in Massachusetts. A tree was planted on the brow of the hill and dedicated to the memory of his leadership. 1932 marked the beginning of a nine year period under the Governship of Rev. Harry W Johnson, at that time Pastor-at-large for the Intermountain District of Congregational Churches, whose constant spirit of friendliness and fair play, and constant emphasis of principles of Christian ideals, contributed much to the solidarity and general good of the colony. A highlight in this period was the dedication of “Moore Garden” and the planting of a tree 39 inches high in honor of the beloved Dr. Frank Moore, a Man who ministered to the camp out of the wealth of his experience. A companion tree was planted in this garden four years later honoring Dr. James F. Walker who was then Superintendent of the Intermountain District, and a companion in spirit and service to Dr. Moore. At a similar dedication service, a six-foot white fir was planted in memory of Rev. Charles E. mason, at the time the oldest minister in this state, both in age and years of service. We have given you but a glimpse into the panorama of Pilgrim Cove and the part Boise First Church and its people have played in that picture. Pioneering and cooperating in improvements at the annual “Work Camp,” represented by active and alert-minded delegations, we have received as we have given. In the years that follow, Boise First Church will continue to harvest abundantly of that power planted and growing in the lives of all who have caught the spirit of Pilgrim Cove. Other information gathered from the
Plymouth Congregational
100th Year Anniversary The Pilgrim Cove camp was purchased by Rev Rice in 1926 after having held camps at Smith's ferry for the past 3 years (1923). The first camp was held on Payette Lake in 1927. The construction of cabins and Rice Meeting Hall was started. In 1928 Old Rice Meeting Hall was dedicated. Also in 1928 Glen Cove on Payette Lake was renamed to Pilgrim Cove. In 1930 a water system was installed at the camp. In 1934 the marsh was cleared and renamed "Ye Moore Gardens." In 1935 improvements were made by D.C. Arnold a builder. The water system was renovated in 1936. The girls’ dormitory on the hill was named "Ye Walker Dormitory" in 1937. This is now our Manager’s Cabin. A new septic tank was installed in 1947. In 1948 electric lights were first installed. The State deeded land to the Idaho Conference of Congregational Churches and Ministries on May 16, 1951. The first Women's Retreat was held in 1951. A permanent caretaker, a 50 foot dock, and the use of an "Ice Box" were added to the camp in 1952. In 1953 the kitchen was remodeled and a walk-in cooler was added. Construction on the shower house and laundry building began in 1954. The Pilgrim Cove Camp began using the State water system in 1955. In 1956 the shower and laundry building were finished. Brown and Freund were built in 1958. There was also a new electrical system installed in 1958. Paddock Cabin was built in 1959. Upper camp received two new toilets in 1959. Newton Rice died in 1961 and money was raised to build New Rice Memorial Hall (New Rice). In 1962 New Rice was roughed in and roofed, and an appeal for funds to finish New Rice was conducted in 1963. The fire place in New Rice is dedicated to Irma Curtis who died at about that time. In 1972 the Pilgrim Cove Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Idaho and the Pilgrim Cove Camp Property title was transferred from the Idaho Association to Foundation. In 1992 Rev. Ted Huffman began a "Catch the wind campaign" to buy a sailboat for the camp. The fund drive to build Leahy Lodge was also started in 1992. We began construction on Leahy Lodge in 1995. The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws were revised in 1995. Leahy Lodge was completed and dedicated in 1996. In 1997 an Idaho Association Survey on the needs at camp was completed. The recommendations were approved at the Idaho Association Meeting. In 1998 we signed a seven-year use agreement with the Boise YMCA. The Millennium Project to build a year round lodge and improve the camp access was also launched with a fund raising campaign among the Idaho UCC Churches called the Idaho Stewardship Capital Fund Drive. Leahy Lodge was used for the first time in 1998. In 1999 a program policy and support committee was formed to help develop camp programming. The Millennium Project Camp Facilities Development Master Plan and the Business Plan were also completed in 1999. Summer Camp attendance reached over 1,000 campers and the revenue was over $90,000 in 2000. The Millennium Project funds pledged reached $220,000 in 2000. In 2001 summer camp revenue reached over $100,000 for the first time ever. The Millennium Project pledged funds also grew to $280,000 and the Idaho Stewardship Capital Fund Drive was completed in 2001. In 2002 we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the first camp held in 1927. The Camp Development and Master Plan was revised and submitted for a conditional use permit to the Valley County and McCall Planning and Zoning in 2002. Permits were submitted for a fire suppression system and year round potable water well. The same year, Pilgrim Cove Foundation decided to name the new lodge after Alan Creech, a long-standing friend and supporter of the camp, who died in a tragic aircraft accident while searching for an off-site youth camp in Atlanta, Idaho. The “Alan D. Creech Lodge and Conference Center” was built in the winter of 2003 and dedicated in May of 2004. In the summer of 2004, the camp served over 1,300 campers, and for the first time ever, camps were held as late as November in modern, heated facilities available in the Leahy and Alan Creech lodges. Letter Received From
Helen and Jamie Thomson [back to top] Our memory of Pilgrim Cove goes back more than 50 years. First, the mosquitoes were so bad we slathered ourselves with insect repellent and wore long sleeves if possible. One summer everyone brought shovels and helped plant a row of trees to provide much needed shade in one area. Jamie was Camp Governor one summer and we all, cindlugin four children slept in a tiny cabin which fortunately had bunk beds. We attended vesper services seated on wooden benches facing the lake. Passing motor boats frequently drowned out the sound of the services. There was a huge boulder jutting out of the lake not far from shore. I painted it white and called it “Plymouth Rock”. Jean Miller, Rev. Saul Miller’s wife would make fudge in the evening which we all enjoyed sitting in front of the firare at the Lodge. I still have the recipe –
We all would pick wild huckleberries so the cooks could bake huckleberry pies for dessert. With many fond memories, A Continuation and Summary Of The History [back to top] The Pilgrim Cove camp was purchased by Rev Rice in 1926 after having held camps at Smith's ferry for the past 3 years (1923). The first camp was held on Payette Lake in 1927. The construction of cabins and Rice Meeting Hall was started. In 1928 Old Rice Meeting Hall was dedicated. Also in 1928 Glen Cove on Payette Lake was renamed to Pilgrim Cove. In 1930 a water system was installed at the camp. In 1934 the marsh was cleared and renamed "Ye Moore Gardens." In 1935 improvements were made by D.C. Arnold a builder. The water system was renovated in 1936. The girls’ dormitory on the hill was named "Ye Walker Dormitory" in 1937. This is now our Manager’s Cabin. A new septic tank was installed in 1947. In 1948 electric lights were first installed. The State deeded land to the Idaho Conference of Congregational Churches and Ministries on May 16, 1951. The first Women's Retreat was held in 1951. A permanent caretaker, a 50 foot dock, and the use of an "Ice Box" were added to the camp in 1952. In 1953 the kitchen was remodeled and a walk-in cooler was added. Construction on the shower house and laundry building began in 1954. The Pilgrim Cove Camp began using the State water system in 1955. In 1956 the shower and laundry building were finished. Brown and Freund were built in 1958. There was also a new electrical system installed in 1958. Paddock Cabin was built in 1959. Upper camp received two new toilets in 1959. Newton Rice died in 1961 and money was raised to build New Rice Memorial Hall (New Rice). In 1962 New Rice was roughed in and roofed, and an appeal for funds to finish New Rice was conducted in 1963. The fire place in New Rice is dedicated to Irma Curtis who died at about that time. In 1972 the Pilgrim Cove Foundation, Inc. was incorporated in the State of Idaho and the Pilgrim Cove Camp Property title was transferred from the Idaho Association to Foundation. In 1992 Rev. Ted Huffman began a "Catch the wind campaign" to buy a sailboat for the camp. The fund drive to build Leahy Lodge was also started in 1992. We began construction on Leahy Lodge in 1995. The Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws were revised in 1995. Leahy Lodge was completed and dedicated in 1996. In 1997 an Idaho Association Survey on the needs at camp was completed. The recommendations were approved at the Idaho Association Meeting. In 1998 we signed a seven-year use agreement with the Boise YMCA. The Millennium Project to build a year round lodge and improve the camp access was also launched with a fund raising campaign among the Idaho UCC Churches called the Idaho Stewardship Capital Fund Drive. Leahy Lodge was used for the first time in 1998. In 1999 a program policy and support committee was formed to help develop camp programming. The Millennium Project Camp Facilities Development Master Plan and the Business Plan were also completed in 1999. Summer Camp attendance reached over 1,000 campers and the revenue was over $90,000 in 2000. The Millennium Project funds pledged reached $220,000 in 2000. In 2001 summer camp revenue reached over $100,000 for the first time ever. The Millennium Project pledged funds also grew to $280,000 and the Idaho Stewardship Capital Fund Drive was completed in 2001. In 2002 we celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the first camp held in 1927. The Camp Development and Master Plan was revised and submitted for a conditional use permit to the Valley County and McCall Planning and Zoning in 2002. Permits were submitted for a fire suppression system and year round potable water well. The same year, Pilgrim Cove Foundation decided to name the new lodge after Alan Creech, a long-standing friend and supporter of the camp, who died in a tragic aircraft accident while searching for an off-site youth camp in Atlanta, Idaho. The “Alan D. Creech Lodge and Conference Center” was built in the winter of 2003 and dedicated in May of 2004. In the summer of 2004, the camp served over 1,300 campers, and for the first time ever, camps were held as late as November in modern, heated facilities available in the Leahy and Alan Creech lodges. |
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