"It didn't matter where you were from…you were included." , - Reverend C. Glenn Taylor (b. 1937), 2004

, Anticipation built as the last three Sundays in August approached. Folks prepared to meet thousands just like them, with common beliefs, struggles, and joys. From up and down the East Coast, they arrived dressed in their finest. They came here for fellowship, and to be spiritually restored, educated, and inspired., Stirring gospel music and powerful preaching filled the campground, spreading hope and optimism. Worshippers spoke freely. They discussed politics and exchanged strategies for responding to legal decisions affecting the community. Businesspeople talked about the arts of their trades. Parents shared their challenges and how to best handle them. Journalists came to record history and the community's ideas for the future., Most important was how they felt, the smiles, the embraces, the deep sense of belonging. Through the universal ritual of sharing food, music, and stories, they wove a new pattern of life, in agreement with one another. Brief or deep, these encounters became the foundation of a lasting love handed down to future generations., A Century of Worship , From 1877 to 1967, the African American community of Emory Grove hosted annual camp meetings here. A camp meeting is a religious gathering in nature. Ministers gave sermons from an open-air tabernacle that stood where the playground is today. Choirs sang, food was enjoyed, and lasting bonds were formed., [Captions:] , Homemade food sales were a camp meeting staple. Here Arnetta James, age four, poses near The Outer Limits Social Club's stand (at left). Her mother, Mrs. Bernice James, a licensed beautician, founded the D.C.-based group. Sales proceeds, including from popular ice cream and root beer, funded outings and travel as far away as Canada. August 1963, Camp meeting attendees begin the more than one mile walk to Emory Grove from the Washington Grove train station. , ca. late 1800s-early 1900s,