SR 443: Camp Glisson; commend

Senate Resolution 443

By: Senators Gooch of the 51st, Parent of the 44th, Payne of the 54th, Hufstetler of the 52nd, Anderson of the 24th and others

A RESOLUTION

Commending Camp Glisson upon its 100th anniversary; and for other purposes.

WHEREAS, in 1925, in an effort to find a new location for a summer camp, Rev. E.D. Hale and Rev. H.L. Byrd arranged to use four dirt-floor cabins and an open picnic shelter on two acres owned by the Dahlonega Chamber of Commerce located north of town near Cane Creek Falls; and

WHEREAS, the first summer camp's attendance of 26 campers has grown to over 3,200 summer campers and nearly 12,000 annual guests; the four original cabins have expanded to over 420 year-round beds; and the two acres of leased property have grown to 380 acres owned by Glisson; and

WHEREAS, the 50-foot-high Cane Creek Falls, which attracted Indigenous peoples for centuries, powered the City of Dahlonega through Georgia Power with what was understood to be the tallest overcast cast-iron water wheel east of the Mississippi; provided recreation and refreshment to generations of Lumpkin County residents and students at the University of North Georgia, the largest military college in the state; served as an inspiration of Creation to thousands of campers and retreat guests; and continues to be open to inspire and refresh campers when camps are in session and visitors to Glisson when campers and registered guests are not on site; and

WHEREAS, the North Georgia Conference of the United Methodist Church has been committed to the impact of decades of Glisson's campers who have practiced loving God and loving their neighbor, becoming better and more capable citizens; campers from all walks of life who have formed lifelong friendships, partnerships in marriage, and bonds as brothers and sisters in the ecumenical family of faith; and campers encouraged to "Depart to Serve" as leaders in churches, schools and special education, the social sector and business, the armed services, public service, and as elected officials.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body commend Camp Glisson upon its 100th anniversary for its contributions to both church and society through the strengthening of the Christian character and the servant leadership capacity of countless children, youth, and young adults.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Camp Glisson.