Near Lueders in Shackelford County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Big Country Baptist Assembly
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 7, 2016
1. Big Country Baptist Assembly Marker
Inscription.
Big Country Baptist Assembly. . Modern Christian camping records go back to the late 1700s, but the focus on camping for youth started in west Texas in 1898 on the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. The Baptist Young People’s Union of Haskell, Albany, Anson and Abilene met here for a season of physical and spiritual refreshment in the summer of 1898 and voted to create a permanent organization under the name the West Texas Union. In 1933, the name changed to Lueders Baptist Encampment and, in 1973, the group was renamed the Big Country Baptist Assembly. , In 1923, 31.6 acres were purchased from S. Webb and L.H. Hill who were land developers of the town of Lueders. On July 14-23, 1925, some 10,000 campers pitched tents there for a time of Christian fellowship. Many believe that the Big Country Baptist Assembly is an original type of Christian camp now known as “Christian youth camp.” Five associations made up of 168 churches of the Southern Baptist Convention presently own the Big Country Baptist Assembly. , The site celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 1998. The campgrounds have changed drastically since the late 1800s as rope swings, swimming in the river and sack races have been replaced by a pool, zip line and many other activities. Tents and cots have been replaced by three bunkhouses, motel-type facilities and a dining hall. Many past campers, pastors and managers reminisce about their time at the camp and the lasting impact that it had on their lives. The longevity of Big Country Baptist Assembly represents Texas religious heritage and still promotes evangelism, missions, Christian education, wholesome recreation and Christian fellowship while continuing their strong heritage.
Modern Christian camping records go back to the late 1700s, but the focus on camping for youth started in west Texas in 1898 on the Clear Fork of the Brazos River. The Baptist Young People’s Union of Haskell, Albany, Anson and Abilene met here for a season of physical and spiritual refreshment in the summer of 1898 and voted to create a permanent organization under the name the West Texas Union. In 1933, the name changed to Lueders Baptist Encampment and, in 1973, the group was renamed the Big Country Baptist Assembly.
In 1923, 31.6 acres were purchased from S. Webb and L.H. Hill who were land developers of the town of Lueders. On July 14-23, 1925, some 10,000 campers pitched tents there for a time of Christian fellowship. Many believe that the Big Country Baptist Assembly is an original type of Christian camp now known as “Christian youth camp.” Five associations made up of 168 churches of the Southern Baptist Convention presently own the Big Country Baptist Assembly.
The site celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 1998. The campgrounds have changed drastically since the late 1800s as rope swings, swimming in the river and sack races have been replaced by a pool, zip line and many other activities. Tents and cots have been replaced by three bunkhouses, motel-type facilities and a dining hall. Many past
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campers, pastors and managers reminisce about their time at the camp and the lasting impact that it had on their lives. The longevity of Big Country Baptist Assembly represents Texas religious heritage and still promotes evangelism, missions, Christian education, wholesome recreation and Christian fellowship while continuing their strong heritage.
Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17914.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Churches & Religion. A significant historical year for this entry is 1898.
Location. 32° 47.883′ N, 99° 36.307′ W. Marker is near Lueders, Texas, in Shackelford County. Marker is on Farm to Market Road 142, 0.1 miles north of State Highway 6, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lueders TX 79533, United States of America. Touch for directions.
2. Marker at South Entrance to Big Country Baptist Assembly
View from Farm-to-Market Road 142
Photographed By Duane Hall, June 7, 2016
3. North Entrance to Big Country Baptist Assembly
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 553 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 10, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.