For many years a tabernacle building stood at Montoursville’s Indian Park, going back to the days when it was the Starr Island Amusement Park. This tabernacle was eventually torn down and reconstructed at the Lamar Lighthouse Camp along Route 64 in Clinton County, two miles southwest of Exit 173 of Interstate 80. Now, some 70 years later, the Tabernacle wood is splitting, deteriorating, shifting, etc. Several professionals have rendered their advice that the building is not repairable and needs to be replaced. They have had to stop using the building because of safety concerns.

A fundraising effort is being conducted to fund these repairs. The amount needed to make these repairs is about $200,000. The fundraising event will be held on Saturday, July 21 from 1 to 7 p.m. at the camp along Route 64.

The fundraiser will consist of a chicken bar-b-q, prepared and served by some nearby Amish that have a heart for the camp and want to see it continue. A baked goods sale, two gospel concerts by “Renewal” at 1:30 p.m. and at 5:30 by “Gospel Bond.” An auction at 3 p.m., pony rides, a petting “zoo,” kids’ games and a yard sale with local vendors.

The camp is an independent camp and is supported solely by private individuals who have a passion for keeping the camp open and functioning.

Lynette Trick who is one of the organizers of this fundraiser has been involved with the Lamar camp for more than 60 years, first as an attendee of the camp and later as a member of the board. Her husband is the treasurer of the camp.

She said the camp is governed by a Board of Directors and continues to be used for ministry to the local and surrounding communities. Gospel concerts are held every Sunday evening from June to September. There is a week of family camp held in July. Often used for family reunions and other special events. Churches and other organizations can rent the facilities.

“My maternal grandfather and my father were part of the “crew” that dis-assembled, moved and re-assembled the building,” Trick told Webb Weekly. “It’s sad that “the family camp experience” seems to be of less importance in today’s society. Most of my fondest, childhood, summer memories are from being at camp.”

Trick provided some historical information about the tabernacle.

In the late 1930’s/early 1940’s, “Tabernacle” was one of the first buildings (gift shop) at Starr Island, Montoursville. Starr Island was an amusement park where Indian Park is now. After the amusement park closed, Bill Young used the building for revival meetings.

In 1947, the Tabernacle was dis-assembled piece-by-piece by men from the camp from Indian Park and trucked to its existing location by these men’s personal trucks. Re-assembled piece-by-piece at its current location and looks identical to how it looked at Indian Park.

Donations are welcomed and appreciated. Make checks payable to and send to:

Lamar Lighthouse Camp
c/o Bruce Trick, Treasurer
121 West Hills Drive
Williamsport, PA 17701