Silver Heights Camp was originally envisioned and established by James H. Conner. His vision of a holiness camp near New Albany, IN, came to fruition in the year 1888. He dreamed of a place where people of faith could gather to worship together and experience the peacefulness and serenity of the surrounding countryside.
Silver Heights is located on 22 wooded acres in the beautiful hills of Southern Indiana. It is the longest running camp in the state and has hosted thousands of men, women and children.
The first camp was held under the shade and welcome of a large canvas tent. The horse and buggies tied to available trees and posts surrounded this and other tents that provided shelter and offered food. The camp’s popularity increased by word of mouth and by 1892, a large wooden Tabernacle had been built to seat 2,500 attendees.
Silver Heights thrived, as people traveled from both near and far to join in the annual camps. In 1909, an estimated 10,000 people attended the camp. Cabins were built to accommodate campers as was a two-story summer hotel that featured 21 rooms. Eventually 31 family cabins, a grocery and a dining hall were added. Later, a five-room army barrack was sent from Camp Taylor, Kentucky. In 1954, the preacher’s cabin was completed. In 1961 and 1963, new boys’ and girls’ dormitories were added. Then in 2002, fire destroyed most of the cabins, grocery and dining hall, and the old barracks. The Tabernacle, constructed in 1892, survived the fire along with the preacher’s cottage and one of the dormitories.
A new, dedicated team of leadership volunteers is committed to preserving the camp for future generations. Their first step was the demolition of the old dilapidated buildings and the construction of the new Parnell Center.
New cabins have been constructed and the old Post Office renovated into a Prayer Chapel. Renovation of an existing building was completed in 2023 and will provide additional meeting space for the camp. The space will accommodate up to 50+ and has been named Connor Hall in recognition of our founder, James H. Connor.
128 years the Tabernacle was the focal point of Silver Heights Camp. Over those many years thousands gathered to worship. Since the structure was in need of repair, the difficult decision was made to replace the Tabernacle. The new construction resembles the old Tabernacle and was dedicated in the summer of 2021. The new Tabernacle will be a place for people of faith to gather for years to come.
