Established in 1865, Simpson Park Camp is a nonprofit, interdenominational Christian organization. The camp's grounds are located in Romeo, Mich., approximately 30 miles north of Detroit.
History:
In the early nineteenth century Methodists began holding camp meetings, an outgrowth of their early revivals. Revival services were held during the winter months, and late summer was generally reserved for the district camp meeting. Simpson Park Campground was begun as the Romeo District Summer Camp for the Methodist Episcopal Church in 1865. It is one of the oldest camp meetings in continuous service in Michigan.
The Rev. John Russell, District Presiding Elder, was its founder. (In 1869 he also helped found the Prohibition Party.) During the late 1860's families came from over fifty miles away to gather under the foliage for three weeks of almost uninterrupted religious exercises.
Since the late 1890's Simpson Park Campground has been operated by private association made up predominantly of United Methodists. In 1907, it was reorganized and the Rev. William G. Nixon was elected its first president. A tabernacle was built and named in his honor in 1910. Many of of the children and young people who have attended camp meetings have been become preachers and missionaries, as well as camp leaders. Today only ten-day camps are held. The meetings are less rigid than in the 1860's, and social and recreational activities are included. The annual Simpson Park Camp Meeting is held during the first two weeks of August. The original camp of thirteen acres has grown to forty-four acres.
Statement of Faith:
We believe in one God, eternally existent in three persons, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. We believe in the Holy Scriptures as originally given by God, divinely inspired, infallible, entirely trustworthy; and the supreme authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
We believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, God manifest in the flesh, His virgin birth, His sinless human life, His divine miracles, His atoning death, His bodily resurrection, His ascension, His work as high Priest and mediator, and His personal return in power and glory.
We believe in the Holy Spirit, by whose infilling subsequent to regeneration and in response to full surrender, the believer is enabled to live a holy and blameless life.
We believe in the Salvation of lost and sinful man through the shed blood of the Lord Jesus Christ by repentance and faith.
We believe in that continuing in the Christian life requires faithful service and obedience to Christ.
We believe in the Resurrection of both the saved and the lost; the lost unto the resurrection of damnation and separation from God, and the saved unto the resurrection of immortal life with all that are redeemed.
Our Vision:
To see a year-round Bible-based ministry, delivering the message of Salvation and God's transforming power; equipping each believer for Christian service.
Our Mission:
To implement creative ministries that fulfill our vision for building God's Kingdom.
Our Core Values:
Family, Retreat, Integrity, Outreach and Worship
