ABOUT CHINA LAKE CAMP
The History of China Lake Camp Conference Center
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Even before the property along the Northwest shore of China Lake was purchased by the United Baptist Convention of Maine (now the American Baptist Churches of Maine,) the need was expressed for a Baptist Camp located in the heart of Central Maine. The Central Area Baptist Camp was born in the late 1950s and the camp rented at the YMCA camp in Winthrop, ME. In those days there was also a strong belief that there was a need for a facility that would act as a Conference Center where Christian education and Spiritual refreshment could take place for all ages. A few properties were viewed, but none had the features of the Pulaski property on China Lake, which was for sale in 1961.
The agrarian-styled facilities that existed there would be adapted and updated; chicken houses became dormitories and meeting houses. A commercial kitchen was built in the large farmhouse and space was redesigned to make room for a dining hall which would feed campers and conferees for over twenty years. The Central Area Baptist Camp moved to the China Lake property in for 1962 and has been there since. Over the years the landscape was modified to meet the growing demands for camp and conference center ministries. The old farmhouse was named after Dr. Elmer Bentley, executive minister of the American Baptist Convention of Maine and one of the visionaries and proponents of the camp and conference center at China Lake.
In 1970, a multi-purpose building was built and named after ABCOM general secretary Dr. John Pendleton. In 1984, a more modern lodging facility was built with a lower level commercial kitchen and dining hall to handle the larger numbers that were using the property. That building was named “The Dillon Center for Christian Promise.” In 2003, a gymnasium/auditorium facility was built with the intention of attracting larger groups and speakers of greater notoriety. Much of the financial support and encouragement was spurred on by the generosity of China’s Sukeforth family, ABCOM churches, and individuals.
In 2008, much had changed at China Lake and the dreams for a “destination” conference center had not materialized, though not for lack of effort. After a great deal of prayer, revitalization of the China Lake Camp board, and meetings with ABCOM leaders, an agreement was reached which allowed the China Lake Camp board to assume the responsibilities of managing the former conference center property while the ABCOM retained ownership. The camping ministry is growing again, and off-season rentals are beginning to increase again also. The community is also enjoying the blessing that is in their midst!
The present incarnation of the China Lake Camp board of directors has refined their vision for the ministries here and is actively pursuing excellence in the areas of Christian camping, hospitality, education, and spiritual restoration. God willing, the China Lake Camp ministries will continue to expand upon the Christian legacy that began here more than 50 years ago, and upon the rich Christian heritage that China has had since before it was incorporated. There is much work to be done, but God is leading and providing!
The agrarian-styled facilities that existed there would be adapted and updated; chicken houses became dormitories and meeting houses. A commercial kitchen was built in the large farmhouse and space was redesigned to make room for a dining hall which would feed campers and conferees for over twenty years. The Central Area Baptist Camp moved to the China Lake property in for 1962 and has been there since. Over the years the landscape was modified to meet the growing demands for camp and conference center ministries. The old farmhouse was named after Dr. Elmer Bentley, executive minister of the American Baptist Convention of Maine and one of the visionaries and proponents of the camp and conference center at China Lake.
In 1970, a multi-purpose building was built and named after ABCOM general secretary Dr. John Pendleton. In 1984, a more modern lodging facility was built with a lower level commercial kitchen and dining hall to handle the larger numbers that were using the property. That building was named “The Dillon Center for Christian Promise.” In 2003, a gymnasium/auditorium facility was built with the intention of attracting larger groups and speakers of greater notoriety. Much of the financial support and encouragement was spurred on by the generosity of China’s Sukeforth family, ABCOM churches, and individuals.
In 2008, much had changed at China Lake and the dreams for a “destination” conference center had not materialized, though not for lack of effort. After a great deal of prayer, revitalization of the China Lake Camp board, and meetings with ABCOM leaders, an agreement was reached which allowed the China Lake Camp board to assume the responsibilities of managing the former conference center property while the ABCOM retained ownership. The camping ministry is growing again, and off-season rentals are beginning to increase again also. The community is also enjoying the blessing that is in their midst!
The present incarnation of the China Lake Camp board of directors has refined their vision for the ministries here and is actively pursuing excellence in the areas of Christian camping, hospitality, education, and spiritual restoration. God willing, the China Lake Camp ministries will continue to expand upon the Christian legacy that began here more than 50 years ago, and upon the rich Christian heritage that China has had since before it was incorporated. There is much work to be done, but God is leading and providing!