"In the late 1800's, as a result of a Holiness Revival in the area, two Smith brothers, bought the site of the present Camp, and ran an independent Camp meeting. They built a small hotel, and sold dozens of "Lots" as people began to build Cottages...
The services were held outdoors with a wooden platform, and the people sat in chairs on the hillside, facing the river. This Holiness Camp was deeded to the former 'Reformed Baptists' in l902, with the condition that it be conducted as a Holiness Camp.....
The first Tabernacle was built in the early l900's with eight sides, oval roof, and cubicle on to. When money was being raised for it, some prominent people from Saint John, N.B., took a great interest in all aspects of the Camp, and said they'd match dollar for dollar whatever was given, and the Tabernacle was paid for!
Riverside Camp has about ten acres. When the B & A Railroad came by the Camp, a railroad station was built at the bottom of the hillside. Special excursions were run during Camp meeting time due to the large crowds attending. At one time, it was the custom to charge 'ten cents' at the entrance of the road, and as many as 5,000 people would arrive on a Sunday ! The services began with "Early Morning Prayer", "Morning Love Feasts", "Morning Service", "Children's Meetings at l:00", "Young People's at 4:00", "Afternoon Service", and "Evening Service", and on Sundays the "Open Air Meetings"
(The written confirmation re. the "large attendance" was from the official Reformed Baptist paper, "The King's Highway", l9l9) but, I also got the information from witnesses who were there in person...(Maryella Banks)
"Sunday is a great day at Camp with 4,000 or more people gathering...It is a day of aggressive and fervent Christian work, sermons, songs of praise, exhortation and prayer ... The people of all Christian denominations for miles around look forward to the "Riverside Camp Meetings" as the great religious event of the year, and we believe it stimulates the spiritual activities of all the Churches of the whole region of the country...A considerable number of people bring their tents. (Date of Camp, August 8-l7, l9l9). For further particulars, write S.A. Baker, Moncton, N.B." ("The King's Highway")
(-These excerpts are taken from the book, God's Little Acre, by Maryella (Kimball) Banks)
In 1968, The Reformed Baptist Church merged with the Wesleyan Church and as a result, Riverside Camp became affiliated with the Wesleyans. This still holds true today.
Current History
Riverside Wesleyan Campground offers "Christian Camping for the Whole Family." There are camps and services for all age groups. There is a small trailer/tent park for those who might wish to spend some time on the grounds during Camp. Also, the Ricker Dorm has 8 bedrooms (with bathrooms and kitchen facilities) that can accommodate overnight stays.
The current Tabernacle, where evening services are held, can seat upwards of 500 people. There is a dining hall where meals can be purchased at reasonable prices, as well as a picnic area for those that might like to bring their own meals.