Steeped in the Methodist Camp Meeting tradition, the East Machias Camp Meeting Association (EMCA) holds its annual Camp Meeting week during the month of July.
The Jacksonville Campground was incorporated in 1865 by an act of the Maine Legislature. Although it has its roots in the United Methodist Church the Jacksonville Campground and the East Machias Camp Meeting Association is open to people of all denominations.
Located on Gardner Lake, Jacksonville Camp consists of a small beach area, bunk houses, and bath houses for use by groups desiring a camping/spiritual retreat. There is also a large Tabernacle for gatherings and cottage, tent, and RV site rentals available. The Association provides the opportunity for youth camps, community church services, Scout camps, day camps, mission groups (people working in the community) and numerous activities that enhance the Town, County and World in which we live.
The Association offers to lease land for members to build/purchase/own cottages to use while they are actively involved in campground activities and as a retreat place for members, their families, and friends.
The open land of the Association is available for recreation, walking areas, conservation activities, swimming, boating and any other activity that supports the environment and the mission of the Association.
The Association provides support to activities, churches, and groups that are involved in mission activities in the area communities.
Jacksonville Campground is a seasonal camp and is open from Mid-May through Mid October.
Camp Meeting
The East Machias Camp Meeting Association has been holding a Camp Meeting week at the Jacksonville campground continuously since 1865. Camp Meetings were a significant factor in the growth of the Methodist Episcopal Church in nineteenth-century New England. Camp Meetings helped fuel the second “Great Awakening”. Forming immediately after the end of the Civil War the East Machias Camp Meeting Association at Jacksonville campground fulfilled a need in the community for promoting healing and spirituality that was seen as contributing to the war. Its location is centrally located for one of the most remote parts of populated Maine. Easy access by rail and sea allowed many campers to enjoy the camp meeting worship activities. Camp meeting continues today, shortened from two weeks to one week, with many locals participating in nightly worship in the Tabernacle. The camp has hosted many youth camps over the years and is home to Down East Maine Missions, a United Methodist organization that hosts mission teams from all over New England to perform home repairs in Washington County with the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program.
United Methodist Historic Site
The Jacksonville Campground is registered as United Methodist Historic Site Number 571! Learn more at www.GCAH.org.