Camp Meeting by Alexander Rider

Rider, Alexander · ca 1832

This black and white drawing depicts a large revival meeting, with tents in the background and a large wooden pulpit in the foreground. 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. A large crowd is depicted as gathered in the foreground. Some people are sitting on benches, while others kneel on the ground or stand listening to a preacher.