Reverend Cameron Sharpe, attended seminary at Simpson Bible Institute in Seattle, Washington and in 1950s, he was serving as minister of the Community Church in Dever-Conner, Oregon. Cameron loved the outdoors, working with animals, and wanted to spend his life in service of the Lord. Laura Mae Mooney Cameron's sister-in-law was recently widowed from her husband Capt. Ray Mooney who had at times, expressed an interest in working with a Christian camp or conference center. After Captain Mooney's death, Laura Mae and her children, Ray John, and Barbara, settled in Albany Oregon, close to her sister Medora, and brother-in-law, Rev. The three shared a similar vision to serve the Lord operating a Christian camp.
In 1953, such an opportunity presented itself when Garland Mineral Springs became available. The Mooney's and Sharpe's pooled resources and purchased the Garland site on March 2, 1953 for $50,000 from Ralph and Ruth E. Taylor. The purpose and vision was to provide a resort and conference area where family-friendly Christian culture shaped activities. One month later in April 1953, Cameron and Medora moved their young family to Garland.
Cameron was both a minister and a skilled tradesman. Much of his working life was spent as a welder, a craft that reflected his practical nature and steady work ethic. As a young married man, he worked in the shipyards in Bremerton, Washington, and later worked on the Alaska Pipeline. He was the kind of man who could fix almost anything and often served the Lord simply by using his mechanical skills to help others.
The following hand-written note was found in my grandfather Cameron Sharpe's files:
The week following Easter Sunday 1953 we were moved by Aden Chambers of Dever-Conner from the Church’s rented parsonage to Garland Mineral Springs, 13 miles up the North Fork Skykomish River above Index, Washington.
Cameron & Medora with their 2 children, Janis (7), Jonathan (3) made the trip in their ’48 Pontiac Chief Sedan. Cameron Jr. (15) was left with his Aunt LauraMae Mooney in Albany to finish the school year at Salem Academy. Curtis (13) was left with the MervinCase family at Dever to finish the 8th grade at Jefferson grade school.
Upon arriving at Garland Springs, furniture was unloaded into the Lodge, with some in Cabin 1.
As the Lodge needed cleaning and all wiring checked, the family made Cabin 1 headquarters for the first month.
After becoming acquainted with the care of the water-power electric generator, the water supply, heating system for the Lodge, the family was ready to move into the Lodge and get ready for a Memorial Day opening.
Garland Mineral Springs
RIGHT IN THE HEART OF THE CASCADES
A Delightful Health Building
VACATION SPOT
IN THE CENTER OF NATURES WONDERLAND
with
ALL THE FACILITIES FOR A REAL MOUNTAIN VACATION
Things To Do
- SWIMMING POOL—105x40 ft., sand beach, warm, mineral water.
- FISHING—Steelhead in the beautiful Skykomish River.
- BADMINTON COURT.
- HORSESHOE COURTS.
- CHILDREN’S PLAY AREA—Sand box, swings.
- TRAILS—For hiking or paths for strolling.
- BIBLE STUDY—Children’s story time.
- SUNDAY AFTERNOON—Evangelistic services.
- CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP—Singtime, firesides.
Accommodations
- LODGE—22 room hotel, steam heat, good beds.
- DINING ROOM—Good dinners, reasonable prices.
- STORE—Fountain service, sandwiches, coffee, groceries, film, etc.
- CABINS—20 cabins. Bedding, cooking utensils, dishes furnished on request.
Additional Notes / Rules
- HEALTHFUL MINERAL WATER—For drinking.
- SUNDAY afternoon services at 3:00 o’clock.
- Store opened on Sundays only at meal times.
- NO LIQUOR PERMITTED ON THE GROUNDS.
Description and History
Tucked away among the rugged peaks of the Cascade Mountains, where the tumbling rumbling North Fork of the Skykomish River hurries by, is a quiet, comfortable and friendly resort known as Garland Mineral Springs. For many years these warm springs have caused folks to gather to drink their mineral waters and enjoy relaxing baths. Before the white man claimed this territory for himself, the Indians used to gather here for the healthful waters.
Tall, dark trees, clear mountain streams, beautiful long falls of water, wild yellow violets, roses, trillium form a verdant setting for the graceful deer, the shaggy mountain goat and the brown bear. The friendly little chipmunks, the shy rabbits, the noisy robins and dainty humming birds are local residents.
The fourteen miles to the springs is a scenic drive of everchanging beauty. From the springs, inviting paths and challenging trails lure the hiker onward and upward. For the brave-hearted and sure-footed, pea green Lake Blanca and Columbia Glacier offer their particular rewards. All this God has provided for those who take time to come apart and rest awhile.
Because God has created all the earth and because He has providentially placed this Forty Acres in our hands, we have dedicated it to His use and purposes. My sister-in-law, Laura Mae Mooney, my wife Medora and I earnestly desire that those who visit with us here will find rest, health and a personal knowledge of our Lord.
—Cameron Sharpe
