Roanoke Christian Service Camp is located off River Road on approximately ten acres of land much of which is located right on the Pamlico River.
The history of the camp can be traced several years earlier when Mr. Frank Leggett (father of Marshall Leggett, former President of Milligan College) became interested in Christian camping. Having attended a camp meeting in Indiana, Mr. Leggett returned to Eastern North Carolina in the mid 1940’s excited about the possibility of a Christian Service camp in these parts.
Sharing his idea with several “Christian Church” people, they too became excited about the idea. They looked around and found that the authorities at the Bath School in Bath, North Carolina were willing to allow the Christian Churches to use their properties for a summer program of “Christian Service”, however, after two seasons of using the schools Leggett began searching for a place for a real Christian Service Camp. The original “camping” at the Bath schools took place during 1945 - 1947.
 Frank Leggett, Marybelle Latham, and Lydia Respess, all associated with the First Christian Church, Washington, North Carolina at the time, moved to secure a piece of property owned by G. W. Baker and his wife, Elizabeth, who, in turn, were willing to sell the riverfront property to the churches. So on November 5, 1948 according to the present deed the acreage on the Pamlico River was deeded over to the Christian Churches/Churches of Christ to be known as Roanoke Christian Service Camp, Incorporated.
The original building known as the “Old Chapel” was the only building on the Baker property. Later classrooms were added making the Old Chapel into an “L” shaped building. In the early 1950’s a dining hall and kitchen were built. Following that construction, dorms for the boys and girls were added. All these buildings are still in use today.
 In 1982 the need for a multi-purpose building costing $110,000 was added and was almost paid for when completed. What a testimony of the supporting churches faith in the camping program. Another “big step” was taken in 1988 when the churches authorized the camp board to hire a full time manager. Richard Smartnick of the Maple Grove Christian Church in Jamesville had managed the camp off and on since 1979 and was hired to be the camp’s first full time manager. A mobile home was purchased from a former resident and made available to the manager. As the result of damages from Hurricane Fran who came ashore in September 1996, the churches approved the construction of a much needed home for the manager. He and his wife Myrtle took residence again at the camp the week of June 1, 1997. Richard continued to serve as Camp Manager until November 2003. Without Richard’s and Myrtle’s commitment to RCSC it would not be the camp it is today.
 Constructed over the last few years have been picnic shelters which also serve as outdoor classrooms. A swimming pool was added in 1990 at the cost of $60,000 and again paid for in three and a half years and paid for by the churches.
Upon the retirement of Richard Smartnick, a new manager, Mike Wise originally from Cincinnati, Ohio took the position November 1, 2003. Mike and his wife Christie (former member of Christian Hope Church of Christ) have brought new programs and updates to Roanoke Christian Service Camp. New air conditioned classrooms were added in the multi purpose building along with 35 outdoor benches to provide more areas for small groups to meet. Air conditioning in both dorms brought a much more pleasant atmosphere for both campers and staff. New programs such as Archery and Low Ropes have provided campers with new and challenging recreational activities. Office updates such as compiling a camper registration database, setting up the camp’s website, and organizing general office restructure have brought much more efficiency.
Thanks is due to our churches and volunteers who love and support the camp. Above all, praise goes to God who made it possible. It can be truthfully said that the past years have been productive for the camp and have touched many lives for Christ. We look forward to a blessed future and feel that the best is yet to come. |
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