Red River Meeting House celebrates 225th anniversary of The Great Revival of 1800
A three-day celebration that marked the 225th anniversary of the Great Revival of 1800 was held on the historic grounds of the Red River Meeting House on October 10-12. There were months and months of planning and organizing, led by Association President Richard and his wife, Darlynn Moore. In years past, the Primitive Camp Meeting and Rendezvous organized by Tom and Dreama Ruley, of Franklin, Kentucky, had taken place.
Tom Ruley back in 1995 had a vision of white canvas tents and open fire cooking after attending a Bible College in Nashville and his professor asked him to write a paper on the subject of the Red River Meeting House. Tom researched and wrote a paper that told of the spiritual movement that was birthed at the Red River Meeting House and spread across the country creating a whole different atmosphere for an area once known as Rogue’s Harbor or Satan’s Stronghold in the late 1700’s to a most moral place. The reality of Tom’s vision came to fruition back in 1996 with the very first living history event where 7 reenactors came together for three days at Red River Meeting House camping and living life as it would have been in the late 18th century. Over a few short years, more reenactors came and more activities were added on the historic grounds every 2nd weekend in October.
This year was like no other as the reenactors came a few days early to set up their white canvas tents and prepare their campsites to take visitors a step back in time to the late 1700’s. The weather for the special 3 day event was absolutely beautiful allowing the outdoor fires to burn and demonstrate how cooking was done over a dug out fire pit. The laughter of children running and playing added to the enjoyment of the event.
The much anticipated celebration of The Great Revival of 1800 featured many facets which included worship services on Friday and Saturday evening, living history demonstrations of 18th century activities, history talks on Saturday, tours of the historic cemetery, and a Scottish sacrament service on Sunday which concluded the event. Special commemorative items were made and given out for those attending.
Saturday was especially a good day to just wander throughout the grounds of the meetinghouse and cemetery capturing the ambience and atmosphere of one of the most historic and important places located in southeastern Logan County.
A special canvas tent was set up called The Trading Post where tee shirts, notecards, ornaments, books, other memorabilia along with vintage items were sold with all sales benefitting the Red River Meeting House.
The theme “In Remembrance of Me” was highlighted with the Scottish sacrament service on Sunday. The remembrance of what our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ has done for those who believe and His instructions to partake of the Lord’s Supper was highlighted. His very words of “do this in remembrance of me” ring true today as they did over 225 years ago.
Steve Vann of Chapmansboro, Tennessee led the service and the Sunday morning sermon was one of Rev. James McGready’s sermons and was based on Genesis 28:17: “How dreadful is this place! This is none other than the house of God; this is the gate of heaven.” Special tokens commemorating the 225th anniversary had been made and given to those in attendance. The history behind tokens and fencing of the tables was given by Mr. Vann during one of the history talks on Saturday.
There were approximately 300 people who participated and visited the grounds over the three-day weekend. There were folks visiting from 13 states along with Canada and three Chinese teachers from the Simpson County Kentucky school system.
Red River Meeting House, Gasper River Meeting House and Muddy River Meeting House were three congregations that Rev. James McGready pastored during the late 1700’s and led these congregants to experience one of the most powerful movements of God which changed this area of the country. We continue to see the ripple effects of such a powerful move of God even though the Gasper River and Muddy River meetinghouses are no longer there. Red River Meeting House is the only site that has an actual building which is the 2nd replica of the original log structure built in the late 1700’s. The adjoining historic cemetery has approximately 400 graves. Self-guided cemetery tour pamphlets are available on site to allow one to learn more about the site and those who lived in the area.
2023 Schochoh Christmas Parade and Christmas Service
After riding in the Schochoh Christmas parade and eating the BBQ at the Schochoh we entered the festive meetinghouse glowing from candle lit lanterns hanging from the rafters and lanterns beside the pews. A new pew had been delivered by James Taylor, it had been a repair project of his and Steven Vann at the fall encampment. James finished the repairs in his workshop at home and delivered it just in time for the Christmas service. Much appreciation to him for the fine looking pew.
The Operia family led us in carols and Robert got our attention with “Why are you here?” as his sermon topic. What is your purpose? The early settlers worked and prepared for the coming winter and had to totally depend upon God for their every need. As we passed our flame to the person next to us we lit the meetinghouse with a beautiful glow. Are we passing our flame to those we encounter each day or are we leaving them in darkness? Let us share the joy of Christ everyday with the light of His love burning inside us.
2023 Annual Primitive Camp Meeting and Rendezvous
A bit of a chill and cloudy skies due to a partial solar eclipse did not deter campers from enjoying their weekend at RRMH. Even some new campers joined in. Testimonies of God's healing power and faithfulness through the year was the sermon for Friday night's service.
Saturday was a mixture of projects being worked on, new campers learning new skills and the auction underneath the pavilion raising money for the upkeep of the grounds. Robert Operia preached at the evening service about our life being a sermon to the world.
Sunday morning he preached about the armor of God and Steven Vann shared a sermon that James McGready might have preached to his congregants at RRMH.
75th Annual Red River Meeting House Association Meeting
First time having the annual dinner on our new tables! The pavilion was decorated with chrysanthemums and tablecloths. Items for sale was displayed on a small table beside a table with photos of past annual dinners. The tables were crowded with many dishes of delicious foods. Everyone had a seat at the table and no one had to worry about walking on uneven ground. The pavilion is a wonderful addition to the grounds.
Adairville Baptist Church quartet led the congregational singing and sang special songs by request. Kevin Armistead of Gallatin, TN delivered a sermon that stirred our hearts and awakened a new desire to uncover more history of the Great Revival. Mr and Mrs John from Lebanon, TN led communion by opening prayer in Hebrew and serving the elements as would have been done in Jesus' time.
Korean Prayer Warriors
Ten delegates from South Korea came to RRMH to pray for the American churches. They want the American church to rise up and be the leader she used to be. They have noticed as they visited around that many pastors are discouraged and many are just closing the door and giving up. Its really sad! We do need prayer.
Dr Choy's church sent 20 teams last time and this time they sent 40 teams, 7-10 in a group equaling 410 people. They are positioned from the east coast to the west, north to south. There were 3 groups in Ky visiting churches and praying here and at Lexington and Corbin. Each person paid their own way and had 2 months to prepare.
They sang and prayed in Korean, prayed with us as a group and prayed specifically over President Richard Moore and Darlynn's ministry at RRMH.
Ms Evelyn Richardson met us at Roys BBQ and led them to the other sites of the Great Revival. Everyone had a wonderful time regardless of the language difference, because God's love is the same, all the time and everywhere!
2023 Spring Primitive Camp Meeting
A cold and rainy weekend, but a wonderful time of fellowship. Friday evening consisted of each one giving a recap of what the Lord has been doing in their lives. Saturday's potluck was followed by a memorial service for Norm Poppy, a member of our group who was called home in January.
An amazing thing happened! A flat bed trailer and truck came onto the grounds carrying picnic tables for the pavilion. Everyone was surprised, especially President Richard Moore who did not know the tables were ready. They were built by the Logan County High School ag class and are beautiful, and well made. The FFA teacher did not know anyone would be at the meetinghouse to open the gate for him and he had lost Richard's phone number. He came on a whim and God rewarded him by having men ready to unload the tables. This was not a coincidence, but a God encounter.
The Sunday sermon preached by Robert Operia was "What are you preaching?" He expounded on how each of us is a preacher to those around us and they are our church.
Day of Prayer
Not being able to attend the revival at Asbury University, Darlynn Moore, Dreama Ruley and Shamirah Nakassi opened RRMH for a day of prayer by posting on Facebook. Darlynn greeted each one in the parking lot as they arrived and encouraged them as they left. Dreama and Shamirah prayed with and encouraged those who came in to the meetinghouse. It was not a church service or planned meeting, but a time of following the Holy Spirit as He led.
People came all throughout the day and evening, praying, worshiping and encouraging others. The morning group was mainly retirees, those who have plowed the field in prayer for many years. The afternoon and evening were the younger people, those who have now picked up the baton of prayer. It was a glorious time in the sweet presence of Jesus.
Darlynn said, "Approximately 100 people made their way through the parking lot gate or the drive through gate... There were babies, toddlers, children, young and old alike, and there were people from all walks of life. The beauty of the day was that prayers were prayed, singing and preaching were heard, hope was reinstated, and the hearts of God's people were stirred, changed and awakened. God was praised and glorified in it all. "
2022 Schochoh Christmas Parade and Christmas Service
It was a cold day, but a good day for a parade. Laughter filled the air as we rode on the wagon to downtown Schochoh throwing candy to happy spectators and yelling invites to our 4:00 service.
The annual BBQ dinner at the community center resumed this year after being absent for 2 years due to Covid restrictions. It was good to be together again with fellow parade participants.
The meetinghouse was full and spirits were excited to usher in the Christmas holiday with the candlelight service. Old quilts were draped across pews, lanterns swung from the rafters and sat beside the pews giving a soft glow to the meetinghouse as people came in and found their seats. Hot cider, hot cocoa and cookies of various kinds were given freely to all who came in from the cold.
The Operia family led the singing of Christmas carols in the glow of lantern light. Robert preached about the simplicity of Christ and we should remain focused on Him throughout the season, not allowing the stress of the holiday into our hearts.
The evening was brought to a close as we sang “Silent Night” and shared our little candlelight with those beside us until the little church was bursting with light. What a wonderful way to usher in the holiday of Christmas!
2022 Annual Primitive Camp Meeting and Rendezvous
The evening services were quite different this year. Tom and I hung white blankets on the front wall of the meetinghouse as a screen and shared the documentary in segments with our campers. We even had popcorn for everyone to eat as we watched the documentary.
We never know who might come to visit the grounds. We are always ready to pray and encourage anyone we meet, as well as include them in our event.
Last spring the history lesson was unique with Darlynn having Vanns play songs before Tom talked about the living conditions and I the revival. We did that again and I think it really adds a nice touch to the guest's experience.
74th Annual Red River Meeting House Association Meeting
The day's activities were spent at the Schochoh Community Center due to much rain the night before and ending just before we began our dinner. The turnout was light, but we still had a good time and plenty of food. This was the first one since 2020 so people are already out of the habit and some have died or are too old to make the trip.
We had an 8-piece band play gospel music for about an hour. It was beautiful. Diane Krulik arranged for the music.
Our speaker was Joe Hendricks, Circuit Court Judge, Logan County, KY. He spoke on how the freedom of religion became part of the constitution of the United States. It was very enjoyable and educational. He is a member of the SAR.