80 years of camping ministry celebrated at Baptist Park
by Jennifer Buzza
On Saturday, July 13, Baptist Park held a reunion to celebrate 80 years of camping ministry here in Aroostook County. Over 70 alumni, supporters and current staff members gathered at Baptist Park for a day of reminiscing,
fellowshipping and worshiping together. Tours of the park were provided for those guests who had not seen the changes in recent years. Our cooks prepared a wonderful barbecue with all the fixings at noon, which was followed by an afternoon program of music, entertainment and reflection hosted by President Ray Gough.
Contributed photo
BAPTIST PARK held a reunion July 13 to celebrate 80 years of camping ministry in Aroostook County. More than 70 alumni, supporters and current staff members gathered at the park for a day of reminiscing, fellowshipping and worshiping together. Tours were provided for those guests who had not seen the changes in recent years. Park cooks prepared a wonderful barbecue with all the fixings, followed by an afternoon program of music, entertainment and reflection hosted by President Ray Gough.
Contributed photo
BERNIE HUSSEY was honored July 13 for his many years of volunteer maintenance service to Baptist Park. Hussey has been present at the park since 1953 with a couple short vacations. At the age of 90 in 2010, he was still climbing on buildings installing metal roofs. Pictured are, from left: Bruce Ayotte, Annette Bartlett, Hussey, Ray Gough, Mike Ireland, Don Scott and Gilbert Hitchcock.
During the celebration, Baptist Park dedicated the refurbished basketball court in honor of Carroll Conley Sr. He was the camp director from 1980-1991, and he went home to be with the Lord May 1. “Coach” Conley gained respect and notoriety as a high school basketball and baseball coach in a career that spanned seven decades. He retired from public education in 1980 to be the director of Baptist Park, returning to his Aroostook County roots. Despite taking a substantial decrease in salary and retirement, he never regretted this decision in light of the many blessings of serving in full-time ministry. He was a man of many passions; nothing, however, was more precious to him than his faith in Jesus Christ. His son, Carroll Conley Jr., provided some memories of his Dad, and what Baptist Park means to the Conley family.
Also honored was Bernie Hussey for his many years of volunteer maintenance service to Baptist Park. Bernie has been present at the park since 1953 with a couple short vacations. At the age of 90 in 2010, he was still climbing on buildings installing metal roofs. Bernie is a very practical man, and he has that good ole’ county ingenuity. Bernie has a heart for young people, and he always wanted to help provide a safe place for the child to hear the word of God!
Rick and Ethan Carver of Houlton provided music for the afternoon program, while Director Adrian Hagerstrom shared a couple of his juggling routines that he uses as a tool to share the gospel.
Baptist Park is wrapping up its last week of this camping season, Jump Start Adventures, with 8 to 10-year-old campers. Baptist Park has served over 100 campers this summer.
– Submitted by Park Secretary Annette Bartlett
Birthdays
Birthday wishes this week go out to Geoff Skidgell, Gene Hoffses, Wayne MacFarline, Winnie Ireland, Ryan Kenney, Jocelyn Rossi, Lynn Hansen, Rachel Potter, Sophia Morton, Shaye McHatten, Allison Morton, Willie Soucy, Olivia Boyles and Kathie Beaulieu.
Anniversaries
Happy anniversary this week to Mark and Liza Hutton, Les and Nola Farley, Ross and Susan Doyen and Glendon and Anne Braley on the 24th, Dale and Trudy DeBlois on the 26th, Scott and Rena Carlin and Josh and Melanie Duncan on the 27th, Chad and Emily Carter, Terry and Heidi Chasse and Jeramy and Melissa Buck on the 28th, Peter and Carla Burlock and Norman and Joyce Johndro on the 29th, and Erwin and Paula Elliott on the 30th.
Haystack Historical Society news
The Haystack Historical Society museum is open to the public for tours on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. They are also having a garage sale each Saturday as a way to raise funds for the museums’ expenses. The pie and homemade ice cream sale during the annual Mapleton Daze weekend was a huge success. Over 100 people visited the Museum and enjoyed the family pictures, quilts and other schoolhouse artifacts. People came from several states to enjoy the pie and ice cream. Thank you to all who continue to support the museum. Please note that the museum will be closed Saturday, Aug. 3.
Jennifer Buzza is the correspondent for Mapleton, Castle Hill and Chapman. She can be reached at 760-9115 or by e-mail at jbuzza@ainop.com.
