Chesterfield in Madison County, Indiana — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Old Auditorium

— Camp Chesterfield —

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

1. The Old Auditorium Marker

Inscription. Over the years, Camp Chesterfield has witnessed the construction of three primary structures in this same location. The original structure (circa 1891), the “Old Auditorium,” was initially a large tent with a raised, wooden platform for message work. In 1903, it was replaced with a new building, which was called the “Second Auditorium.” This building stood until 1953 when it was razed to make way for the present structure, the “Cathedral of the Woods.” The Cathedral was dedicated on June 26, 1954.

Every summer during high season (June September), “All Message Services,” regular church services, special events, and ordination and consecration ceremonies were conducted in the auditorium. Hundreds of people attended such functions. Afterwards, visitors would go to the dining hall for refreshments, sit for readings, [missing text] seances, or merely walk the beautiful grounds.

Captions:
Top: The “Second Auditorium” (circa 1910)
Bottom: The “Second Auditorium” (mid 1940s)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is June 26, 1954.

Location. 40° 7.06′ N, 85° 35.77′ W. Marker is in Chesterfield, Indiana, in Madison County. It is at the intersection of Parkview Drive

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and Eastern Drive on Parkview Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Anderson IN 46017, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Indiana

and specifically in Greater Indianapolis.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ladies Bazaar/Luther Memorial Cottage and Labyrinth (within shouting distance of this marker); The Toad Stools (within shouting distance of this marker); American Indian Memorial/The Totem Pole/The Lighthouse (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Trail of Religion (about 400 feet away); The Garden of Prayer and Sentinel Angel (about 500 feet away); The Chapel in the Woods (about 600 feet away); The Old Wooden Dining Hall (about 700 feet away); Founders Rock (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chesterfield.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, August 5, 2023

2. The Old Auditorium Marker

It is in front of the Cathedral of the Woods, believed to have been designed by architect Arthur Henning of nearby Anderson, Ind.

The Second Auditorium image. Click for full size.

from Hett Art Gallery & Museum at Camp Chesterfield via Indiana Memory (PD-US)

3. The Second Auditorium

Credits. This page was last revised on August 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 24, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 24, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.