Bloys Campmeeting Association Page: 2
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WORSHIP AND FELLOWSH I P
During this week of fellowship and worship among friends and Families,
there are four preaching services daily in the Tabernacle at nine and eleven
in the morning, and at three and eight in the evening. The morning nine
o'clock service is dedicated toBible study. At five in the evening, there
are Prayer Meetings for men and women. The men gather under their Prayer
Tree while the ladies meet in the Tabernacle, The leaders and the participants
in these meetings are laymen who have kept alive a tradition of inspired
lively discussion.
Completing the close fellowship of family worship are services for
children and young people of all ages held daily in their respective tabernacles
and gathering places. The Bloys Youth Association was organized in
1936 to plan and coordinate the young peoples' services. The officers,
with the assistance and advice of dedicated adult sponsors, help to plan
their own services The Junior High group meets at eight o'clock each
evening at the Chapel-in-the-Rocks. At the same hour, High School and
College students assemble at the "Nabertacle" or "Youth Tabernacle" for
services conducted by a minister chosen for and by them. Discussion groups
and other activities are sponsored by the Bloys Youth Association. A
vigorous, stimulating program for all age groups under the leadership of
competent representatives from all denominations is one of the outstanding
features of this CampmeetingSunday
School, in existence almost as long as the Campmeeting itself,
is held for all age groups. During the Sunday School assembly, the only
collection of the week is accepted.- This offering is equally divided to
benefit the orphanages of the Four denominations represented.
MUSIC
Music, one of the most enjoyable aspects of Bloys, centers around
congregational singing of familiar gospel songs. Talented choir directors,
a strong choir, skilled accomisanlits at piano and organ, and the
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lights the services with musicians from all over Texas and from other
states lending their abilities. Singing after the night services,- often
around the campfires with guitar accompaniment, lends to the cowboy fellowship.TRADITI ONS
The very word "Campmeeting" evokes memories and anticipation in the
minds of those generations of families who attend this tradition-enhanced
week of worship. Its natural setting is as beautiful as any cathedral.
Just as the founders considered this grove to be consecrated land, those
who enjoy the fellowship today should conduct themselves as though in a
sanctuary. The attitude of reverence and"Christian regard for others led
to the early establishment of certain traditions. Some of these traditions
have interesting origins; for example, one is the rule of prohibiting pets
on the camp grounds. Tn the early days ranch families naturally brought
along their packs of hounds and milk cows, for there would be no one to
care for them back at the ranch. During one of Dr. Bloys' services, a
pair of bugle and bell-voiced hounds rushed through the brush arbor, completely disrupting the service. Brother Bloys slammed his fist on the
pulpit and declared "There will be no dogs on this campground!" The
reasons for other regulations are obvious to thoughtful campers and visitors.
Firearms and alcoholic beverages are definitely forbidden. Nothing
is bought or sold on the campgrounds during the week dedicated to concentration
on spiritual matters. Cameras may be used any day except Sunday,
when no "kodaking" is permitted. Other traditions are based on sentiment.
The first service of the week is traditionally opened with the singing of
"How Firm a Foundation", the favorite hymn of Mrs. John Z. Means. The
Farewell Service, early on the last day, has been observed through the
years and is concluded with the singing of "Til We Meet Again." There is
no camping on the grounds other than during the designated week. The
grounds, consecrated to the Great Creator, and the week are set aside for
the purpose of worshipping the Lord.
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Bloys Campmeeting Association. Bloys Campmeeting Association, text, 1970; (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth39977/m1/2/: accessed May 3, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Marfa Public Library.