Pennsylvania’s rich history of religious retreats finds its spotlight in the Perkasie Park Camp Meeting, writes Benjamin Harvey for Pennsylvania Heritage.  

Founded in 1882, this sacred gathering rapidly gained traction. Merely four years post-establishment, the Perkasie Central News highlighted an “immense auditorium” set up for the year’s camp meeting, which saw attendance figures soaring to 30,000. 

This number was particularly staggering given Perkasie Borough’s then population of just 1,000 residents. 

The rapid growth of Perkasie Park prompted a construction boom between 1888 and 1893, resulting in a total of 60 cottages by 1891 and the addition of a dining hall and a refreshment stand by 1893.  

The proximity to Menlo Park and the trolley service proved to be major attractions. By 1911, a trolley shelter was even built on the camp’s grounds. 

Language at the park evolved too; where once German-dominated, English eventually took precedence. By World War I, all services transitioned to English.  

However, post-1922 saw a decline in large-scale gatherings, and by the mid-1960s, financial support waned. 

Despite challenges, Perkasie Park’s spirit persevered.

Today, 60 cottages dot the grounds, all maintained by the Perkasie Park Association. Summer religious services continue at the historic auditorium. 

Read more about the historical Perkasie Park Camp Meeting transition into modern-day in Pennsylvania Heritage.  

Perkasie Park in 1939