Epworth Heights

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Epworth Heights is a summer resort located in Ludington, Michigan. Founded in 1894, it began as a Chautauqua-style family camping experience on the shores of Lake Michigan. There was to be a two-week program of entertainment and spiritual teaching to benefit the Ludington area residents. The agreement between the Citizen's Development Company of Ludington and the Epworth League Assembly of Big Rapids was signed on May 6 of that year. By mid-July, a mere ten weeks later, the Hotel, Auditorium and classrooms that had been hastily built were ready for the first two-week session. Families camped in tents on the sandy beaches and enjoyed the programming as well as the beautiful lakeside vistas.

It was decided that leasing plots of land to allow for the building of cottages would be a good way to raise money and assure a future for the venture. For five dollars a year, a member of the assembly could purchase the right to build a cottage on his leasehold. Several cottages were built in 1895 — by 1909, there were close to 100. These were not year-round cottages, but simple wooden structures built along walks that lined the Lake Michigan shore.

The Chautauqua programs continued until 1924, but were replaced with other speakers of a spiritual or cultural nature. Over the years, the number of cottages has grown to over two hundred, a 9 hole golf course was added to the grounds, and a series of daily activities for children was organized. Today, there are Peewees, Pixies and Peanuts that meet daily during the eight week season, which runs from mid-June to mid-August. The Boys' and Girls' Club, Subteens and Teens groups also have regularly scheduled events and activities.

Cottagers do much to add beauty to the already spectacular landscape. Gardens and planting areas abound in the private as well as public areas. The old Hotel no longer has rooms, but serves as a meeting place for the residents to pick up mail, get their hair done or take advantage of the small lending library. Upstairs, the Historical Museum houses pictures and household items from the early days. There is also a small apartment on the second floor that is arranged for the comfort of the visiting ministers who come weekly during the summer season. Each minister is invited to spend a week in the apartment after his or her Sunday service and evening vespers.