The Mary B. Mullen Bible Camp

Location :

1900 Freemantown Rd, Lake Lure, North Carolina 28746
Added by Jopie, at 01 January 2020

We, the Board and volunteers of The Mary B. Mullen Bible Camp, Inc, have been refurbishing the camp since 2006 which is located at 1900 Freemantown Road, Lake Lure, NC. The camp, previously a plantation, was founded in 1906 by Missionaries Ida Ingraham, Mary Mullen, local African American farmers and others, for the purpose of providing an education for African Americans who, at that time, were not able to obtain such training in the public school system. The land, over 52 acres, was donated by the Christian Missionary Alliance of New York, by African American farmers of the area, and by Missionaries Izetta Gamble and Theodosia Phoenix. The camp became inactive in recent years and, until a new Board was elected in June 2006; the Trustees of St. John Missionary Baptist Church of Lake Lure served as overseers of the camp. Thus, the camp holds its’ own deed and is now operated by volunteers of the community with policies established by an elected Board representing the members of local churches and members at large.
The camp, formerly named “The Mullen Bible Training School,” was a unique setting for the education of African Americans; first as a grade school—then as a high school. The school suffered two fires —first in 1916 then again in 1922—but remained active until 1943 when it was temporarily closed due to financial difficulties. The school reopened in 1948 and was approved as a training facility for adult religious education by the Department of Public Instruction of the State of North Carolina allowing veterans to enroll under the G.I. Bill of Rights. It closed again in 1953 due to lack of funding. Subsequently, the camp was utilized periodically for Bible Study, for Vacation Bible School and for Christian Training Workshops, etc. conducted by various missionaries, ministers, and evangelists down through the years. It is currently being used by both the community and the public in general.
The school, renamed The Mary B. Mullen Bible Camp, Inc., was incorporated December 15, 1988. During the 1990’s, the camp again experienced many “ups and downs,” was utilized for only two summers. It was basically neglected and proceeded to grow up in weeds, underbrush, and trees. Currently, it has been restored by volunteers who participate in a monthly clean-up day, and has been approved by the IRS as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Our mission is to develop the entire property into a useful community setting which will serve the citizens of Rutherford County and neighboring counties as well by providing the following: A retreat and/or conference center; camping facilities; walking/hiking/nature trails; picnic pavilions; provisions for general public use where families can conduct reunions, workshops and/or special community programs. Summer camps are now being considered.
This camp not only provides recreational, park-like facilities for the general public, but is being designed to accommodate all people of all ages ranging from pre-schoolers to senior citizens including at-risk kids, and individuals with moderate handicapping conditions. It is being designed to incorporate such flexibility so as to operate from time to time as one or more of the following: a retreat center, a day camp, a resident camp, and/or a trip/travel camp. The camp offerings will eventually include activities such as workshops, arts/crafts, computer/technology, self-improvement seminars, drama, leadership development, sports, team building, self-empowerment, outdoor education, etc. We currently have a softball field, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, corn toss games, a pickle ball court, a playground, a huge pavilion, shower house, 12 room (42 bed) dormitory, shower house, Chapel, an office. a dining room and kitchen. Future facilities being considered for development include a game room, driving range, gymnasium, ropes/challenge course, soccer field, swimming pool, tennis court, walking trails and volleyball court. Some of our goals/ideas may change based on the needs of the community as the camp is still in the planning/development stage. The non-denominational camp is available to Christian and non-Christian groups..
Since 2006, camp volunteers an mission groups have cleared much of the property and have made other repairs and improvements including: installation of new windows, new doors, roof repairs, closets; handicapped ramps, and buildings have been painted with outdoor flood lights added. We have conducted Veteran’s Day programs, Family Reunions, Community Fun Days, Special Anniversary programs, Community Easter Egg Hunts, Back To School camp outs with hayrides, luncheons, etc.
The camp is initially funded by grants, donations and fundraisers. We perpetually conduct a “million penny drive,” an annual car wash, also yard sales, fish fry’s and bake sale fundraisers. Our projects for the year 2015 includes constructing a block storage shed, an outdoor kitchen, bulldozing land for a soccer field and developing a bridge/road connecting the camp to a logging road which will be developed into a walking trail.. Additionally, the “wish list” below was recently updated to reflect our current needs. Thank you in advance for your support!

WISH LIST 2015
1. Financial Donations
2. Gutters & Downspouts
3. Storage Shed
4. Basketball Court Resurfacing & Fencing
5. Commercial Picnic Tables
6. Paving (cement or Asphalt)
7. In-ground swimming pool
8. Railing for steps
9. Commercial playground ground cover
10. Small Pavilion
11. Office equipment & furniture (shelving)
12. Computer(s)
13. Swing Set
14. Deck and ramp for office
15. Riding Mowers
16. Gravel
17. Kitchen Mats
18. Outdoor Fire Pit
19. Cement Walkways
20. Sheetrock
21. Fire Pit
22. White Paint
23. Repair materials for storage shed
24. Cement flooring in old shed
25. Grass “rolls” for seeding banks
26. Grass seed, fertilizer, lime
27. Basketballs
28. Tennis Court & playing equipment
29. Soccer Balls & Goals
30. Softball equipment
31. Disk Golf Game

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