This Week in Texas Methodist History August 5

Epworth-by-the Sea Meeting Begins, August 6, 1908

Although a Methodist encampment near Corpus Christi called Epworth-by-the-Sea lasted only a few years, it was one of the most important expressions of cooperation between the annual conferences in Texas Methodist history. Each summer a tent city was created with thousands of young people.  A hospital, restaurant, barbershop, post office, regular rail service and other amenities were created to serve the population. 

The 1908 encampment represents the Epworth movement at full tide.  Two bishops (Key and Hendrix) provided inspirational sermons.  Three future bishops (Hay, Ainsworth and DuBose) were also on the program.  A. J. Weeks and George Rankin, both of whom were to occupy the editorship of the Texas Christian Advocate and Frank Onderdonk were among the MECS luminaries who also took the pulpit. 

In addition to the superstars of MECS pulpits, there were numerous workshops and much recreational time devoted to bathing in the surf and fishing.  The event began on Thursday, August 6 and continued until Sunday, August 16. 

I invite you to read how the Corpus Christi Caller covered the event.  http://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth168724/m1/1/zoom/?q=methodist%20date:1902-1910