Apostolic Faith Church - 2008 Century, Florida Camp Meeting

In October of 1958, leaders of the Southern and East Coast Apostolic Faith churches originated a camp meeting in Century, Florida. Reports indicate that approximately 165 people from various locations responded to the challenge of the first camp meeting organizers, “Come with us and we will do thee good.” For fifty years, Southern and East Coast parishioners have returned to Century for a “little taste of Heaven on earth.” This year’s highly anticipated fiftieth anniversary celebration was no exception. Words cannot adequately express what those in attendance felt as the Holy Spirit directed the Bible teachings, preaching, testimonies, and songs of praise and worship unto the Lord.

On the first Sunday morning, Reverend Robert Moore welcomed everyone to this fiftieth annual camp meeting convention. History repeated itself when Reverend Pearl Lockett Jr. conducted the congregational singing, just as he did fifty years ago at the first Century camp meeting. For the opening sermon, Reverend Moore used Isaiah 53:1 for his text, and this appropriate message set the ground work for the Spirit-filled messages that followed throughout the week. In the Sunday afternoon youth service, Norris Bush reminded both the young and old that God is an ever-present help in the time of need. Sunday evening, Reverend Edward Dixon preached on “God’s Faithfulness.”

On Monday evening, Reverend Josephine McElveen reminded the congregation to “Be Committed to God,” and she gave a beautiful comparison of God’s commitment to those who surrender their lives to Him. On Tuesday afternoon, Dayle Lee gave a Bible teaching about finding true freedom in salvation and following God. Some people think that because they are doing what they want to do, they are free, but in actuality they are in bondage to Satan. Reverend Walter Cobb preached on “The Different Seasons in Our Lives” in the Tuesday evening service. Sometimes, people experience a season of “winter” in their lives when trials come, but their “spring” will come in time as they keep their trust in God.

On Wednesday, the women attendees celebrated “Women’s Day.” The theme for this celebration was “Fifty Years of Faith: Still Pressing On.” Ladies of all ages from the various branch churches came together, adorned in beautiful white apparel, to praise and worship God! Reverend Daisy Scott gave an inspiring message on how God can use women mightily in His vineyard, but women must not neglect their first job which is in the home. During the afternoon portion of “Women’s Day,” many of the women of God who have been pillars in Apostolic Faith churches throughout the years were honored for their dedicated service to the Lord. Wednesday evening, Reverend William DuPont preached on “Pursuing the Enemy.” He told the congregation that they should never sit idly by and allow Satan to steal their homes and children, but they need to take back what the devil has stolen from them with force!

Reverend Clyde Penn rendered a beautiful Bible teaching on Psalm 23 Thursday morning. In the evening service, Jeff Cooper preached on “Someone Needs to Come Home.” He shared his personal testimony of how miserable he was when he strayed away from God and the church, but when he came back home to God, he found fulfillment in following God’s will.

Friday night’s service started without electricity; however, the inconvenience from the darkness and heat was soon forgotten when shouts of praise filled the tabernacle as Reverend Walter Cobb sang “The Anchor Holds.” Reverend Douglas Pernell used Matthew 16:26 for his text, and he posed the question, “Where do you want to spend eternity?”

In addition to the rousing services, the Lord blessed as many tarried around the altars. The testimonies of victory and healing were also a great inspiration. The testimony of Reverend Eugene Segres Jr., in particular, thrilled the congregation. Many knew that earlier this year he had suffered and been delivered from a painful

battle with shingles, only to be diagnosed with cancer a short time later. Due to his cancer surgery, it was not expected that he would be up to attending this year’s camp meeting. The congregation was elated to hear Reverend Segres share his testimony of how God brought him through another ailment, and it was a blessing to have both Reverend Segres and his wife, Gertie, at Century camp this year!

Saturday, August 26, was designated as the official day for the fiftieth anniversary celebration. Reverend Duane Ross directed a play, written by Brenda Ratliff, detailing the beginning of the Apostolic Faith work in the south. A reception-style lunch was served, and several displays were presented around the grounds. A large tent housed exhibits from the branch churches in the Southern/East Coast district. As the lunch line receded, downpours of rain sent everyone running for shelter. Unfortunately, many of the displays became a casualty of the rain and high winds, but it could still be said that “God is good all the time, and all the time God is good!”

The annual concert was held on Saturday evening. The adult portion was directed by Thomas Monsac, while Vern Segars conducted the young adult selections. Tony Daniel served as the emcee for the evening. The choir, adorned in black and gold to commemorate the golden anniversary, was an absolutely lovely sight. While all the numbers were wonderful, the audience especially enjoyed an arrangement of “All Hail the Power of Jesus’ Name,” led by Priscilla Segres, as well as “Behold, Bless Ye the Lord,” which included a powerful bass section. The young adult choir also did a splendid job with their rendition of “He is Risen.”

Sunday was the crowning point of this year’s fiftieth anniversary celebration. Reverend Everett Brooks, who attended the first Century camp meeting, shared his testimony. Also during the service, prayer was offered for Demetrius McElveen, who has taken up the torch of campground treasurer, and Ron Gaddis, who will assume the pastorate in Richmond, Virginia. Bernice Pinney, from Houston, Texas, was ordained. It was a privilege to have Reverend Darrel Lee and his wife, Debbie, as well as Reverend John Friesen and his wife, Phyllis, at this celebration. Reverend Lee used Jude 3 as his text for the message, and he encouraged the congregation to continue in the same path as the Gospel pioneers.

Fifty years have transpired since the “old Gospel tent” was erected on the campground in Century, Florida. The old warriors, Cato Bush, Pearl Lockett Sr., and R. L. Barney, have finished their course and gone on to the great Camp Meeting in the Promised Land. They left a rich legacy for future generations to relish and to build upon. It is our prayer that Century camp meeting will continue to impact and change hearts, minds, and souls for generations to come, as the Lord tarries.