The History of Texas Baptist Encampment

The history of Texas Baptist Encampment began with the Baptist Young Peoples Union. The first convention of the BYPU was held in Fort Worth on September 9, 1891. At the 11th convention held in Bonham in 1901, the following statement was unanimously adopted: “Be it resolved that the convention appoint a committee to arrange for an encampment next summer at some point where all can meet for some days and enjoy a feast of soul and rest of body”.

In 1902, the first encampment was held at LaPorte. A beautiful tract of land was purchased two miles from LaPorte and in 1905 the first assembly was held there. That year excessive rains caused flooding at the new site. This problem, along with dissatisfaction over failure to secure railroad or streetcar connections with the grounds, aroused questions of a new site. In 1906, W.H. Travis, pastor of First Baptist Church and President of the Baptist Academy at Palacios recommended the encampment be moved to Palacios where the Baptist College for South Texas was located.

There was a great deal of discussion in Dallas concerning the move to better grounds. Meanwhile, Port Lavaca, Corpus Christi, and other places made a bid for the encampment. Mr. Travis approached W.C. Moore, President of the Palacios Townsite Co. and asked if Palacios would be interested in making an offer to the BYPU. An offer was made to give to the encampment land known as Hamilton Point, free of charge, provided five consecutive encampments would be held on the 13-acre tract

.After a visit from the executive committee of the Texas Baptist Convention in Dallas, the offer was accepted and, in 1906, Hamilton Point in Palacios becamethe permanent site for the BYPU assembly. On July 3-12, 1906, the first camp meeting was held on the beautiful grounds in Palacios.

Speakers for the meetings were brought in from around the world. That first year, George W. Truett, pastor of FBC Dallas spoke, this being the first of a series of opening sermons for the next 18 years.

In the early days, lots were available for churches and individuals to build their own cottages. The lots were leased for a term of 25 years at a cost of $25 to $50. At the first meeting, the admission fee was $1.00 paid in silver dollars. Approximately 500 tents were pitched for those who preferred camping. Private cabins were available for $4 to $5. Also, a row of rough rooms called stalls were made available and cots for sleeping could be rented for fifty-cents a season or, if you preferred, a bail of hay was furnished, free of charge. Cooking was done for the most part on open fires and charcoal furnaces however, meals were provided at the restaurant or stand on the grounds at a cost of twenty-five cents.

Much has taken place since that first year - improved cabins, water supply, electrical lights, sewer system, etc. In 1922, camp fees were raised. Inflation had begun! In 1934, a Gulf storm did a great deal of damage to the camp. In 1935, the seawall was built and many new buildings were started. The cafeteria was put into service in 1941.

The auditorium was destroyed by a hurricane in 1942 and an open-air “Tabernacle” was built in 1944. The swimming pool was added in 1955. In 1957, John L. Hill was the speaker for the groundbreaking ceremony for the amphitheater that bears his name. The Oldham dorms were built in 1960. One of these dorms was converted into quality hotel rooms by 1999.

On September 10, 1961, Hurricane Carla roared through Palacios destroying 13 dorms and living quarters and severely damaging all other structures. Hundreds of volunteers helped to rebuild and improve the camp. Now, as well as then, their work and love for TBE has been a major factor in making these grounds a comfortable and beautiful place to “enjoy a feast of soul and rest of body”.

Building on land purchased in the 1980s, Texas Baptist Encampment has seen a great deal of changes and improvements during the last decade. These include the complete renovation of two dorms, the eighteen Bayview Motel rooms, two staff houses, and two staff apartments. The Thibodeaux Conference Center, the Roberts Conference Center, and the Seascape hotel rooms are new buildings that have been added to the facility. The Walker Prayer Garden has been completed as a prayer area for guests. The Dining Hall took on a major renovation in 2002 to expand the seating area and build an entirely new kitchen.

In 2003, yet another major storm, Hurricane Claudette, devastated TBE. This occurred right in the middle of summer camp. Gulf Coast dorm, a staff duplex, the fishing pier, and the 60-year old Tabernacle were totally destroyed along with nearly every other building sustaining damage nearing one million dollars. Again, with the help of hundreds of volunteers throughout that year and the next, the ministry was able to rebuild. 2004 & 2005 have been dynamic years for the camp as a new indoor worship center, two new dorms, new underground infrastructure, and many structural and cosmetic repairs were made to the camp. In the near future, a new fishing pier and many planned improvements will be made.

TBE leadership and guests look forward to celebrating the encampment’s centennial anniversary in 2006. The staff is already preparing for this event and it should be a joyous time for everyone who has been involved here. Be watching for updates on this event in the near future.

Only in heaven will we know the full scope of the spiritual impact to children and adults here over these past 98 years. There have been approximately 450,000 people attend the camp through the years and 38,000+ have come to know the Lord here. It is evident to all that Texas Baptist Encampment is truly a holy and blessed place and an eternally significant ministry for people coming to know the Lord in a new and better way. May God continue to bless it!

Most of these excerpts are taken from "Texas Baptist Encampment History 1902–1980",
a book compiled by Janet Thibodeaux, former manager Ulise Thibodeaux’s wife,
for the 75 year anniversary celebration in 1980.

(return to top)