Camp Meeting by Kelloggs & Comstock

Needham, D. · 1848-1849

This colored print depicts a man preaching to a large group of men and women, who are seated separately by gender on benches. In the background and on the side are tents with women seated at their openings. Eight men are seated on the platform behind the preacher. A few other people are strolling around. The tents are labeled with initials, with the exception of one that says "4 St". Two Biblical verses (Ezekiel 34:25 and Isaiah 35:1) are printed below the image on each side of the title, which celebrate the purity and sanctity of nature. Camp meetings were a popular form of Protestant worship throughout the 19th century. Lasting several days, these open-air events often involved ecstatic communal prayer. Hundreds and even thousands came from miles around for preaching and worship, and to enjoy the festival-like atmosphere.