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"Cassadaga " somewhere different
A Brief History As a young man from New York, George Colby was told during a séance that he would someday be instrumental in founding a Spiritualist community in the South. This prophecy was fulfilled in 1875, when Colby was led through the wilderness of Central Florida by his spirit guide "Seneca" to an area surrounded by uncommon hills.
Colby homesteaded land and in 1895 deeded over 35 acres to the newly incorporated Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association.
Colby was ill with TB when he arrived in the area. Rumor has it that a small spring located on his homestead provided the elixir that healed him.
Cassadaga was established as a Spiritualist community in 1894, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association consists of approximately 57 acres with 55 residences. Those who reside here have chosen to share in a community of like-minded people where they can live, worship and work in harmony with their beliefs. About 25 of the Camp’s residents are mediums who offer counseling from their homes.
Although residents may own their homes within the Camp grounds, the church retains ownership of the land. And, though the word "Camp" appears in it's name, there are actually no camping facilities available. "Camp meeting" is an antiquated term for annual gatherings of religious groups.
Designated a Historic District on the National Register Of Historic Places in 1991, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association is the oldest active religious community in the Southeastern United States.
In recent years, Spiritualism has seen a resurgence of interest. The "New Age Movement" has attracted many who are searching for a better way of life, those who wish to empower themselves and take responsibility for their lives.
Spiritualism holds something for everyone, no matter what their religion or where they are on their spiritual path. The Camp welcomes not only believers, but the curious and skeptical, as well.
a Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 1991, the Southern Cassadaga Spiritualist Camp Meeting Association is the oldest active religious community in the Southeastern United States. This small, secluded, century-old town has changed little since it's origin, and boasts "..the sort of home(s) you might find if you paid a visit to Tom Sawyer or the folks in Grover's Corners .
The Camp's streets are narrow, some barely the width of two cars. The quaint homes, dating back to turn of the century, offer a mixture of small, wood-frame structures, bungalow dwellings, original tin roofs and a mix of houses influenced by the colonial revival style. Although residents own their homes on camp grounds, the Camp retains ownership of the land.
This historical experience will leave you entertained, relaxed and maybe even touched by the spirits.
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