Encamped Toward Heaven

A History of The Nolanville Encampment

By: Paul J. Chapman

Narrated by: Elliott Bales

The Nolanville church of Christ Encampment was born during a time of spiritual revival in America, and eventually grew to be one of the most well-known and enduring annual camp meetings in Central Texas. Encamped Toward Heaven tells the story of the pioneer families who established the Lord's church on the banks of Nolan Creek, and follows their descendants through more than a century of faith, floods, famine, and fire.

Ten days were set aside every August when hundreds of people would camp on the 14 acre site, enjoying the fellowship of friends and family. The gospel preachers and song leaders were among the best of their time, often drawing crowds of over a thousand people for evening services. In the early days the people would camp in covered wagons and cook over an open fire. In time many built rustic cabins and cooked on electric stoves. The Nolanville Encampment had a major impact on the physical and spiritual growth of churches in Central Texas, and is one of the many untold stories of Texas history. Not any longer.

©2013 Paul Chapman (P)2014 Hopkins Publishing, inc.