In 1898 the Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren in Christ Church first applied for the use of the Rhodes Grove land to host a summer camp meeting. The owners of the land, Mr. & Mrs. W. Lee Rhodes, lived a short distance away to the south, along the Pennsylvania Railroad. This family also owned the farm which later housed the Milton Wright Memorial Home just across the field from the Rhodes Grove.

The first services held by the United Brethren in Christ Church at Rhodes Grove were facilitated by a simple roofed structure over the speaker's platform. The audience was seated on planks supported at either end by a short post in the ground. A few of the more enterprising folks brought tents for overnight shelter but the majority found a place to stay as best they could. Due to limited traveling options, only the few living a short distance away were able to travel home between services.

Historic Tabernacle 1917-2005

As the First World War was coming to a close, the conference decided to build permanent structures on the grounds. In 1917 they purchased the land from the Rhodes family heirs for $4,000. That same year a 100 X 150 foot tabernacle was built along with a dining hall, both for the sum of $6,000.

As folks caught a vision for what the camp could be they built additional structures. Starting in 1934 summer cottages were built on the grounds. Some were privately built and owned while the camp constructed a row of cottages to the West of the Tabernacle. The Christian Education building was built in 1937. Ten years later, four, double tile, cabins were built on the hill for campers. That same year the dining hall was enlarged to accommodate up to 250 people.

In 1975 the camp board decided to make Rhodes Grove a year-round facility. That year the Retreat Center was built. It is a winterized facility with two large dorms, a gymnasium, and a full-size fireplace. Rhodes Grove also hired its first, year-round director to manage the grounds and programs.

On December 30, 1988, the Rhodes Grove Camp Meeting Association was dissolved and camp ownership was turned over to the Pennsylvania Conference of the United Brethren in Christ Church. In 1997 the name of the conference was changed to the Mid-Atlantic Conference of the United Brethren in Christ Church.

In 1989-1990, Phase 1 of the Meadows Conference Center was built. This facility contains a large, 450 seat conference room, with a new dining room and modern kitchen. The facility also has smaller meeting rooms and offices.

Just over ten years later, in the fall of 2000, Phase 2 of the Meadows Conference Center was started as the Miller Lodging Wing took shape. The new wing consists of 30 hotel-style rooms, 4 meeting rooms, offices, kitchenette and a large lobby with a fireplace. This addition completed the facility package to allow groups the opportunity to hold retreats and conferences throughout the year.

In 2003-2004 an emphasis was placed upon positioning Rhodes Grove for the years ahead. Decision making authority was transferred from the traditional board to a six-member Executive Management Team. The historic tabernacle was removed affording a wonderful view of the Meadows Conference Center. The Christian Education Building was transformed into a meeting space for 200, now called Kauffman Lodge. The basement was renovated to provide space for a variety of summer activities. Also renovated were the four double tile cabins on the hill, now called the Highland Cabins. They were enlarged, carpeted and insulated allowing a more comfortable lodging location in the summer months. These improvements and others have resulted in increased capacity, quality, revenue and ministry.

2005 brought more foundational change to Rhodes Grove as it incorporated independently for purposes of property ownership and liability. A board of 9 (with 2/3 United Brethren majority) was placed in authority to make decisions. A covenant relationship was signed with the Church of the United Brethren in Christ, USA to preserve the heritage that birthed Rhodes Grove as well as affirm the mutually beneficial bond that both organizations share.

With our 100 year anniversary in sight we eagerly await what the future holds!