Muskoka Baptist Camp / Muskoka Baptist Conference / Muskoka Bible Centre

Timeline ~ A Walk Through The Years

 

1928 ~ Christie St & Fairbank Baptist Young People together asked for a place they could hold a Christian atmosphere summer camp.

1930 ~ FBYPA created a 10 day camp at Fisher's Glen on the shores of Lake Erie, 8 miles from Port Dover. There were 134 campers and the rental cost was $800. Camp Directors included: Rev. J.F. Holliday, Mr. S.L. White, Rev. S. Lawrence, Miss Olive Clark and Miss Twiss. Mrs. S.L. White was the hostess and purchasing agent and Ms. L. Wyse was the editor of the camp paper: "Fisher's Net".

1931 ~ Many Fisher's Glen campers held the first camp reunion at Fairbank Baptist Church on February 3rd, 1931. At that time an anouncement was made that led to the $4000 purchase of land. This led to the creation of... Muskoka Baptist Camp.

1934 ~ Under the direction of Mr. Ralph Knight, Harmony Row (a five room lodge) was built.

1935 ~ An appeal went out to churches for a $250 donation to build a chapel, replacing the present tent chapel.

1936 ~ Rev. James Millar along with local labour completed the first chapel. Mr. Bert Olan (original owner of the property) built a rustic cedar pulpit from left over scrap lumber.

1938 ~ Mr. Ralph Knight and local workers built Millar Hall (the first dining hall) which was built on the hill in place of the original barn. It was named in honour of James Millar. Ontario Hydro ran power to MBC ending the use of coal-oil lamps.

1945 ~ Mr. Ralph Knight along with volunteers and local workers built the Holliday Lodge (and eight room lodge) built on the hill beside Harmony Row and named in honour of the founder.

1946 ~ Mr. Ralph Knight along with volunteers and local workers built the first Fellowship Centre. The building had a stone fireplace with leather furniture table tennis and more.

1946 ~ Mr. Fred Dyson built the two Dyson Cottages along with the Boathouse just left of the present beach area.

1947 ~ Water System and Sanitation System installed at the cost of $6000.

1950 ~ MBC acquired the lakefront and river property.

1953 ~ Muskoka Baptist Camp becomes Muskoka Baptist Conference.

1955 ~ Workers were contracted in to build the Motel (8 unit) building overlooking Mary Lake at a cost of $12,000.

1961 ~ Workers were contracted to build the Memorial Chapel to replace the first chapel at a cost of $16,000. The dedication took place August 6th, 1961.

1967 ~ Widjitiwin purchased a teens camp across the river.

1970 ~ Reverend R.D. Holliday was hired as the Managing Director of Muskoka Baptist Conference.

1988 ~ The Treetops Dorm was built.

1991 ~ Dr. R.W. Lawson was hired after completing his FEB Central role.

1997 ~ Summit College opened in September. It started off with 18 students and was headed by Kaj Ballentyne.

1999 ~ 40 students enrolled at Summit, making it the largest class in Summit history. During this year Summit also started their internship program.

2004 ~ Founder's Hall was completed.

2008 ~ Kaj resigned as the Director of Summit College.

2008-2009 ~ Jay Cornish was hired as the new director of Summit.

2008/09 ~ Come spring time, Summit College was suspended.

 

 

This timeline from 1928 to 1970 was taken from the book "Muskoka Miracles" written by J.F. Holliday and edited and revised by Dick Holliday. For more information regarding the book, contact the Bookstore at MBC.