Palmberg’s message that the gospel remains unchanged even during times of great societal change was befitting the event, says Dave Cairns, the camp’s executive director. “How Pilgrim Pines conducts ministry has changed over the past 50 years, but the message of Christ’s love has not,” Cairns says.
A highlight of the service was a rededication of Pilgrim Pines using the litany of dedication from the original 1958 dedication service. Palmberg spoke several times during the past week as did Covenant Trust Company President Charles Walles, a longtime supporter of Christian camping.
Weekly anniversary celebrations will be held on Tuesday evenings through the summer. The concluding celebration will be over Labor Day Weekend. Humorist Bob Stromberg, retired East Coast Conference Superintendent Robert Dvorak and current Superintendent Howard Burgoyne will be involved in the activities.
Starting in 1919, the conference operated a summer camp in Cromwell, Connecticut, but it was unable to grow as nearby neighborhoods expanded. The search for a new location led to the purchase of two properties in Swanzey in 1957.
The first camps were held in the summer of 1958. In the mid-1970s, Pilgrim Pines began to offer spring, fall, and winter options as new buildings were constructed or current facilities were winterized.
One of the properties eventually was named Pilgrim Pines. The other became Camp Squanto, which is considered part of Pilgrim Pines and is used for children and youth camps.
For more information contact the camp by calling 603-352-0443, email the camp office, or visit the Pilgrim Pines website.
