Faith in the Forest: Religious Life in Pennsylvania’s Lumber Heritage Region

Spiritual Diversity in the Lumber Camps

The lumber industry in Pennsylvania brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds and faiths, creating a unique tapestry of spiritual practices in the remote forests of the Lumber Heritage Region. From revival meetings in open clearings to itinerant preachers traveling between camps, religion played a vital role in the lives of those who worked and lived in these isolated communities.

Revival Meetings and Circuit Riders

Religious services in the lumber camps were often led by itinerant preachers, also known as circuit riders. These ministers, such as Reverend John Blackburn, traveled extensively to bring spiritual guidance to the camps. Revival meetings were held in hotels during the winter or outdoors in groves and clearings during the warmer months. These gatherings provided an opportunity for conversion, repentance, and community bonding.

The meetings also addressed the challenges and vices that plagued some lumber towns. Reverend Blackburn, for example, preached temperance sermons in Cameron County with titles like “Woe to the Liquor Drinkers” and “Woe to the People Who Tolerate Liquor Selling.” These sermons were as much about moral reform as they were about spiritual growth, reflecting the social challenges of the time.

Camp meetings, like those held near Sterling Run by Adventist preacher Reverend Gates, known as “Mackamoose,” often combined themes of prayer and temperance. These events could draw upwards of 200 attendees, offering a rare social outlet for lumber workers and their families.

A Glimpse of Inclusivity: Whig Hill Camp Meeting

One of the most striking images of religious life in the Lumber Heritage Region comes from a photograph of a camp meeting at Whig Hill, Forest County. In the late 1880s, the Whig Hill Methodist Church hosted revival meetings in a grove. Among the attendees were a Black man and woman seated in the fourth row, integrated naturally among the crowd. This rare moment of inclusivity speaks to the sense of community fostered at these gatherings, even in a region where diversity was not widely documented.

Denominational Diversity in the Camps

Religious diversity in the lumber camps mirrored the variety of backgrounds among the workers. Protestant denominations were common, with Methodist preachers like Brother Burnham and Reverend Wash Shafer leading sermons and hymns at camp meetings. Catholic priests, such as Father Brennan, ministered to the predominantly Catholic lumbermen and their families, offering spiritual counsel and conducting services.

Jewish peddlers and tailors also played a role in the region’s economy and culture. Though rarely documented in detail, references to Jewish-owned stores and individuals speaking Yiddish suggest a small but significant Jewish presence. Other groups, such as conservative Unitarians from Maine and Pennsylvania Dutch practitioners of powwowing—a blend of traditional remedies and spiritual beliefs—added to the region’s rich spiritual tapestry.

Faith in Everyday Life

For many lumber workers, faith was a source of comfort and guidance. Reverend Frank Reed, known as the “Sky Pilot,” visited isolated camps in the 1930s and 1940s, offering spiritual support to those in need. Despite their rugged surroundings, many workers maintained a deep respect for their religious traditions, even if attendance at formal services was sporadic.

Edward F. Kocjancic, a resident of McKean County, recalled being amazed at how lumberjacks could recite the Latin Mass flawlessly, despite rarely attending church. This anecdote reflects the complex relationship between faith and daily life in the camps, where practical concerns often took precedence over formal religious observance.

The Role of Women in Religious Life

Women also played an important role in fostering religious practices in the camps. They organized gatherings, taught children hymns, and maintained the moral fabric of their communities. Through their efforts, faith became a cornerstone of family life, even in the most remote locations.

Preserving a Spiritual Legacy

The spiritual life of Pennsylvania’s lumber camps provides a fascinating lens through which to view the region’s history. It reveals a community shaped not only by the challenges of hard labor and isolation but also by a shared commitment to faith and moral values.

Today, the stories of these religious gatherings and the individuals who led them serve as a reminder of the importance of community and spirituality in even the most rugged and demanding environments. By preserving this history, we honor the resilience and dedication of those who found solace and strength in their beliefs.

A Tapestry of Faith

The religious diversity of the Lumber Heritage Region is a testament to the varied experiences of those who lived and worked there. From camp meetings and itinerant preachers to the quiet prayers of individuals, faith was a unifying force that helped sustain the region through its most challenging times. These stories remind us that even in the depths of the forest, spirituality and community thrived.