Tennessee District of The Wesleyan Church
Dr. Marlin R. Hotle, District Superintendent
Diamond Jubilee
Family Camp 2009 marked the 75th anniversary for the Cumberland Grove Wesleyan Camp and the Tennessee District of The Wesleyan Church. Events were planned that focused on both our Wesleyan Methodist and Pilgrim Holiness roots, as well as the 41 years we have worshiped and served together as The Wesleyan Church. Here are just a few of those events.Sunday, June 28
On Sunday afternoon, June 28, General Superintendent Dr. Jerry Pence dedicated the new Marlin Hotle Retreat Center. The center has 24 family sleeping units with private baths, a lodge that will seat 150, an industrial kitchen, and central heating and air. This building will allow us to hold classes, retreats, and other district functions on the campground year round.Tuesday, June 30
On Tuesday we dedicated the new Hall of Faith and unveiled a display containing pictures of all of the Conference Presidents from the Wesleyan Methodist Church; another display of the pictures of all the District Superintendents of the Pilgrim Holiness Church; and another of the District Superintendents who have served since merger. Rev. Glen Black, distirct superintendent of the Kentucky District was our special guest. The Tennessee churches were a part of the Kentucky District until 1934.
The Swartz family from our Bartlett Church is famous for their barbecue. On the fourth we enjoyed a grand outdoor barbecue under the youth pavilion and a wonderful time of fellowship. At 6:00 pm we met in front of the tabernacle for an old fashioned ring meeting. After the service that evening we caped off the week with a beautiful fireworks display. What a grand time of celebration. We made a DVD which contains pictures from the last 75 years and another with 490 pictures from this years celebration. They can be purchased for $10 a piece by writing to the district office.
On Tuesday we dedicated the new Hall of Faith and unveiled a display containing pictures of all of the Conference Presidents from the Wesleyan Methodist Church; another display of the pictures of all the District Superintendents of the Pilgrim Holiness Church; and another of the District Superintendents who have served since merger. Rev. Glen Black, distirct superintendent of the Kentucky District was our special guest. The Tennessee churches were a part of the Kentucky District until 1934.Thursday, July 2
The Rockwood Church has never been a large church. But it stands as an example of the long shadow a church can cast if it believes in its' youth. At the church's peak in the late 50's and early 60's Rockwood only averaged in the mid 80's. Yet from that one youth group came eight ministers and several more ministers wives. This group includes men like Dr. James Blackburn and Dr. Bob Nash. In fact, four of the youth from that youth group went on to earn doctorates and served the general church in various roles. It was our joy to have several of these great leaders share in this special service.
The Rockwood Church has never been a large church. But it stands as an example of the long shadow a church can cast if it believes in its' youth. At the church's peak in the late 50's and early 60's Rockwood only averaged in the mid 80's. Yet from that one youth group came eight ministers and several more ministers wives. This group includes men like Dr. James Blackburn and Dr. Bob Nash. In fact, four of the youth from that youth group went on to earn doctorates and served the general church in various roles. It was our joy to have several of these great leaders share in this special service.Friday, July 3
On Friday morning during 
the 10:30 service, Don and Cheri Floyd shared about their work in Paupa New Guinea. Since Cheri was raised on our district and grew up as a part of our camping program, it was especially fitting that they could be our missionaries during this years reunion camp.
On Friday afternoon there was a special service in the Marlin Hotle Retreat Center which focused on the ministers and ministers wives w
ho have grown up attending the camp. Several of them shared memories of past camps and youth camps. It was especially good to have Renee and Ed Allred, who pastor in the Church of the Nazerene, and Charla Holbrook, District Superintendent's wife in the Churches of Christ in Christian Union, back home to participate. Amber Wisler, who along with her husband Jay were our song evangelists this year was also a district girl.
Friday evening we all enjoyed a special concert by Mencer, White and Cheney. They have been called the Phillips, Craig and Dean of Southern Gospel Music. The powerful new music of this young anointed trio is helping create a new standard in the Southern Gospel music industry. The group consists of two of Southern Gospels most gifted songwriters, Sheldon Wade Mencer on lead vocals and Steven Cheney singing baritone. Last is the unique tenor voice of Jonathan White. MWC has several Singing News Top 80 songs including "I'm A Whosoever", "Mercies Are New" and "Quiet Time." They also have written and perform other gospel classics like "I'm Redeemed", and "Mercy River."
the 10:30 service, Don and Cheri Floyd shared about their work in Paupa New Guinea. Since Cheri was raised on our district and grew up as a part of our camping program, it was especially fitting that they could be our missionaries during this years reunion camp.On Friday afternoon there was a special service in the Marlin Hotle Retreat Center which focused on the ministers and ministers wives w
ho have grown up attending the camp. Several of them shared memories of past camps and youth camps. It was especially good to have Renee and Ed Allred, who pastor in the Church of the Nazerene, and Charla Holbrook, District Superintendent's wife in the Churches of Christ in Christian Union, back home to participate. Amber Wisler, who along with her husband Jay were our song evangelists this year was also a district girl.Friday evening we all enjoyed a special concert by Mencer, White and Cheney. They have been called the Phillips, Craig and Dean of Southern Gospel Music. The powerful new music of this young anointed trio is helping create a new standard in the Southern Gospel music industry. The group consists of two of Southern Gospels most gifted songwriters, Sheldon Wade Mencer on lead vocals and Steven Cheney singing baritone. Last is the unique tenor voice of Jonathan White. MWC has several Singing News Top 80 songs including "I'm A Whosoever", "Mercies Are New" and "Quiet Time." They also have written and perform other gospel classics like "I'm Redeemed", and "Mercy River."Saturday, July 4
The Swartz family from our Bartlett Church is famous for their barbecue. On the fourth we enjoyed a grand outdoor barbecue under the youth pavilion and a wonderful time of fellowship. At 6:00 pm we met in front of the tabernacle for an old fashioned ring meeting. After the service that evening we caped off the week with a beautiful fireworks display. What a grand time of celebration. We made a DVD which contains pictures from the last 75 years and another with 490 pictures from this years celebration. They can be purchased for $10 a piece by writing to the district office.
