Grace Community Purchases Smith Walbridge Camp
SYRACUSE — For five years, the good people of Grace Community Church in Goshen prayed and sought the Lord’s guidance.
Their efforts came to fruition this month when Pastor Jim Brown was handed the deed for the 40-acre lakeside parcel in Syracuse formerly known as Smith Walbridge Camp, located just off County Line Road.
The camp is paid in full through the generosity of the congregants and likeminded donors and “by the Lord’s good and unbelievable grace,” said Brown.
The property, presently known as Camp Azusa Retreat, will be renamed Grace Lodge. Ken and Shaila Swartz will serve as the grounds’ caretakers.
The church has big plans for the property, which contains lodging for 200 people.
Brown hopes “these grounds become the saving grounds for this community and the world.”
The church will host an open house at the camp the evening of Sunday, July 17. “Bring your own S’mores,” invited Brown. Further details will be posted on the church’s website.
The church will make Grace Lodge available for weddings, receptions and other gatherings. Also available will be camping, paddle boating, cross-country running and other recreational activities.
In general, the family-oriented retreat will be a place “to refresh, refuel and come alive,” according to Brown.
For more information, call (574) 533-7546 or visit www.gracecommunity-church.com.
To view the video, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIemrvh2NFQ&sns=em