The annual Memorial Day campground clean-up started at 8:00 a.m., with goals for the day that included cleaning over two hundred cabins, scrubbing thirteen kitchenettes, setting up the prayer room, laying fresh mulch in the flowerbeds, and much more! As part of the cabin cleanup, teams took inventory of each unit, noting leaking roofs, holes in walls, and broken screens. Some of those repairs were taken care of the same day, including several cabins getting brand new siding. 

Workers also tackled specific maintenance tasks, such as cleaning the gutters along the front of the tabernacle, mopping the tabernacle floors, and setting up carpet squares and arranging chairs in the Activity Center for children’s church. The tabernacle platform was set up for services and the music room instrument storage areas were vacuumed. Amid all the cleaning, workers also managed a 10:00 a.m. doughnut and coffee break, which had an excellent turnout, as always.

A highlight of the day was a preview of the new Museum of Faith, located in the breezeway between the tabernacle and the office. For the first time, people were able to walk through the exhibit, which included photos and artifacts from Apostolic Faith history. It opens with the “Pray, Preach, Publish” motto and a pulpit that displays Florence Crawford’s Bible. One area in the room relates happenings from the “Early Days in Portland,” including photos of the earliest mission building on Front Street and construction of the Sixth and Burnside church. Another section told about the “Jesus the Light of the World” sign, and other areas covered the publishing history, missionary outreach, and music ministry. Artifacts include a pump organ that was used in street meetings, a typewriter from the old office, and correspondence letters sent between the church office and seekers around the world. A vintage camp meeting tent is arranged in one corner, which includes an old quilt and a kerosene lamp and heater. Areas that are not yet finished will include how the work expanded outside of Portland, but those will be completed by camp meeting time. Visitors left with renewed appreciation for their spiritual heritage and inspired to continue in the Lord’s work!

To wrap up the day, the Memorial Day band played patriotic music as workers lined up for food. The lunch was delicious, with hamburgers, hot dogs, broccoli salad, and macaroni salad. For dessert there were chocolate- and cherry-dipped ice cream bars. It was a great day, and now everyone can anticipate a blessed camp meeting!