Why did we
celebrate a summer camp in December? Because, on December 1,
1955 a special meeting of the Congregational-Christian Conference of
Maine was held at the Waterville church to vote on the purchase of a
new site for its thriving Outdoor Ministry program. It was
great to have a little PL spirit in the midst of winter.
Allie
Rimkunas created amazing centerpieces. The tables
were set with placemats made from copies of the brochure created to
raise the initial funds for purchasing PL. One place at each
table was set with Balbrook Lodge silver wear (the lucky diner got to
take home the centerpiece - WAIT our efficient OMC cleared the
tables! so whoever gets ice cream with a spoon stamped "Balbrook" wins!)
Peter Godfrey made the songbook boxes. He and his daughter Sara made the
guest book.
As campers
arrived they were handed a hot-off-the-press 2006 camp brochure. Around the room
were posters from PL's 50 years; every camp brochure through
1964 and many all the way back to the thirties as well as photos,
newspaper articles and items from camp.
We started with
songs led by Ben Bigney and Allie. Dinner was a phenomenal
meal of Ham and Mac & Cheese served on PL plates by chef Bill Walsh
with help from Cindy and Jim Wright, Peter Godfrey and the
Waterville youth.
Dinner was
followed by a presentation by Rev. Bryan Breault titled "We're All
Middlers" referring to our respect and honor of those who
worked on PL and the program before us and the responsibility we
have to those who will come after. The presentation included a
narrative of the early years of the PL program and the first years
at Pilgrim Lodge focusing on the transition period from 1945-1965
along with slides from the era set to music.
Next came the
unveiling of the brand new flavor from Barnes Ice Cream: Pilgrim
Lodge Cobbosseecontee Crunch! (Chocolate Ice Cream,
with Marshmallows, Marshmallow Cream, Chocolate covered graham
crackers and chocolate chunks - oh man!)
The day
concluded with worship, PL style. A fine start to Pilgrim
Lodge's jubilee year.
