Canonicus Ministries
2025 And Into God’s Future – Our goal is to save Camp Canonicus!
Thank you, Pastor’s & Delegates! You voted to keep the camp!
On July 8, 2024 the Board of Ministries voted unanimously to begin the process of selling ABCORI’s Canonicus Camp and Conference Center in it’s entirety.
Fri, July 26, 2024 Providence Journal
EXETER – For decades, the Canonicus Camp and Conference Center on 300 acres has hosted religious retreats, innumerable summer camp programs and fall festivals.
But its future is less certain now that its owners, the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island, made the “difficult decision” to sell the property.
The Board of Ministries is exploring options to sell the property for development, land conservation or portions for both.
“Decades of deficit budgeting and drawing too heavily on unrestricted endowment funds have resulted in ABCORI’s being at a critical financial crossroads,” the board reported.
April 3, 2025 Providence Journal
Camp Canonicus sale is called off for now!
Evan Howard, pastor of the First Baptist Church of North Kingstown, leads a prayer to save Camp Canonicus from sale.
We do not have to sell the most valuable resource that we have!
This report makes three convincing propositions why the sale of Canonicus would have been an irreversible loss of opportunity for ministry. As we move forward to serve the churches we need to work alongside the ABCORI Board so both ministries flourish.
First, let’s consider some camps similar to ours who are flourishing again.
Innovative Camp & Conference Ministries are Happening Today in Other Places! Camping is Not Dead!
The Big Picture
- ACA – 20,000 camps exist – year around or summer only
- 26 Million campers per summer attend a camp
The American Baptist Camps Picture In 2000 there were 55 ABC Camp properties *
- 25 years later: loss of 13% (7) and 87% continued ministry
- Most camps in ABC operate separately from the region.
- The 7 camps lost were those integrated into regional structures.
- Let’s look at two success stories in your neighborhood
Grotonwood Baptist Camp & Conference Center
Retreats Ministry
- Growing Retreats income = $720,000 in 2023.
- 1,000’s of people have come to learn more about Jesus.
- A huge asset to Christian groups for spiritual growth.
Camping Ministry
- Camp provides direct, wholistic programming
- Most campers & Most income ever in 2023
- YES – Camper impact is GROWING – not shrinking!
Camp Sentinel – ABC NH & VT!
A Case Study of Successful Turn-Around
These key factors created this growth, change, and success!
- Sustained effective leadership from skilled fulltime staff
- Effective board leadership
- Diversity of income factors to fix bottom line
Strong support by churches, alumni & friends - God’s blessing on a challenging change process
- Strong support for Camp Sentinel!
Saving Camp Hargis - A Journey of Faith
Camp Hargis has a similar story to Camp Canonicus.
In 1964, Estes and Florence Hargis donated 200 acres to become a Christian Camp. The local community built up the property, ran the camp and maintained a Christian ministry.
During the 1990’s the property was sold to the YMCA who ran the camp for 20 years, finally selling it to a developer in 2019. Before it could be turned into a housing development a couple, Aaron and Kellie Knight, successfully raised funds to purchase and restore it to Christian ministry.
For almost 60 years, Hargis Christian Camp in Chelsea, Ala. has made an impact for the Kingdom of God by sharing the Gospel with thousands of campers.
Listen to this amazing story by clicking the link.
There is a Path Forward
Are these examples comparable to Canonicus? YES
Challenging but Achievable
- New Vision
- New Programming*
- Detailed Strategic Plan
- Experienced Board Leadership
- Financial Plan
- No Risk to the “ABCORI Resources”
The Rights of ALL ABCORI Churches & Members
- To have access to all the information
- To have an open process
- To have a ‘vote’ on the future
- To provide a future for Canonicus with minimal risk to the property value
What did you mean ‘no risk’ !
- We propose a new beginning for the Canonicus property: moving to a new nonprofit corporation which has already been formed.
- This approach has been very successful with Camp Sentinel in New Hampshire and several others.
- The new group would maintain American Baptist ties and operate the camps in a financially solvent manner.
- No liabilities would flow back to ABCORI. And if the new future vision brought failure; the property asset would revert back to ABCORI Inc.
- ‘No Risk’ on surrendering the asset.
We do not have to sell the most valuable resource that we have! We can provide innovative programming!
The Sweet Family gave their farm to start Camp Canonicus in 1948
We can reimagine the vision that began long ago to meet the current challenges
Return quality Christian camping to change lives for Christ.
There is a youth crisis today!
Innovation:
- New people groups;
- New programs;
- New service opportunities
- Veterans, Home school, 12-step, Baptist history, Disabilities
- Health & Lifestyle, Environmental
- Interfaith Dialogues
- Etc./ Etc./ Etc.
God is moving forward with great blessings
- The people in the churches have begun to raise their voices asking; Is there not still hope? Is there a better way?
- On January 8th, Canonicus Ministries was approved for a $100,000 Grant, renewable for three additional years, at $100,000 per year (for a total of $400,000) subject to operational control by the Canonicus Ministries board.
- Leaders have stepped forward to manage the new opportunities in the new non-profit Canonicus Ministries Inc.
- At a special meeting of the churches on March 19, 2025 the churches voted to STOP the sale with 60% of the delegates voting to stop the sale. We can now move forward working collaboratively with the ABCORI board with next steps for Canonicus operations and for ABCORI’s ability to continue even stronger without the sale of the camp.
- At the Annual Meeting of the churches on April 28, 2025, we deferred a loss of the Director’s residence, and thank you for your support.
- A Special Meeting of the churches took place July 14, 2025. The churches voted against selling the Director Home, again. ABCORI agreed to meet with Canonicus Ministries and review our Business Plan. This meeting has taken place. We’re patiently waiting for next steps.
What do you have to lose by letting the renewed Canonicus Vision unfold?
The Grounds, Buildings and Land
Camping began on this site in the summer of 1948. The property was a gift from Mr and Mrs Steven A Sweet, who had operated the area as a potato farm. The Sweets were specific in saying the gift was to support a Christian Youth Camp. The Sweet Farmhouse was renamed to the McCrillis Farmhouse. It’s the oldest building on the property, dating back to 1810. Colonial Village, included the Carriage house which was converted to Tefft Chapel, Breezymere, Cedarholm, and the Barn. Over the years several churches, individuals, and families have donated to the creation and/or improvement of some of the most famous and precious areas on camp.
McCillis – Sweet Farmhouse: The original house was built in 1810. It was the home of Stephen and Adella Sweet when they lived and farmed the land, often housing boarders. When they signed the land over for the creation of Baptist Plantations in 1948, they moved out of the house and into a small cottage on the back of the property. It was restored and renamed by Baptist Camps in 1962.
Teftt Chapel: A small barn/carriage house from the original Stephen Sweet Farm was built in the early 1900s and converted into a Teftt Chapel with a seating capacity of 140. The chapel is a memorial to the late Dr Lyman Teftt, a gift from his daughter, Mary. On the day of it’s dedication, 200 people crowded into the chapel and hundreds of others heard the service through loud speakers. More than 1000 people attended the service!
The Lawrence Building In May of 1999 Delegates approved the move of ABCORI offices to Exeter from Providence. The building that now houses the combined offices of The American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island and Canonicus Camp & Conference Center is the Lawrence Building which was named for Norman Lawrence who was from Jamestown.
Meadowwood Conference Center: This is the perfect setting for a retreat, conference or special event. There is a meeting space for 75-125 people, a dining room and up to 3 break out spaces available. The Meadowwood Conference Center is fully heated for year round usage.
Pierce Lodge: Pierce Lodge is located at the Meadowwood Conference Center. There are 12 comfortable bedrooms, complete with bathroom. It can accommodate up to 44 persons. Pierce Lodge is fully heated for year round usage.
Shaub Lodge: A log and fieldstone dining hall. The lodge includes a large fieldstone fireplace on the south end and picture windows facing west over the 20 acre Lake Adams.
Snell: The building on the hill that overlooks the lake was refurbished in 2008. It was formally the Administration Lodge.
West Warwick Pavilion: A covered picnic facility provided by the West Warwick Baptist Church. It was a gift from Don and Linda Hansen
Motter Resource Center (the old office) Purchased for $1 and moved to camp and installed on a foundation build for them by camp staff and volunteers.
Hansen Trading Post In June of 1969 Canonicus purchased an A-frame building which previously operated as a real-estate sales office. The Trading Post was moved to the road heading up to Lakeside.
Lake Adams
Robinson Field
Sports Field
Central Camp
Council Ring
Beach Field
Pierce Lodge
Benediction Point
Benediction Point – Chapel
Benediction Point – Bell and Towert:
About Camp Canonicus
Canonicus is place to bring people together in Christian community and allow our place of wilderness to feed the souls of all who came, to sense their belonging with all God has made.
Canonicus is a place where our deep Baptist heritage gives public witness to the connection with the land and the indigenous people, the Narragansets.
Canonicus is a place where youth and adults encounter Jesus Christ.
Canonicus Ministries Mission Statement
To operate a camp and conference center to:
- Enhance the spiritual well-being of members of the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island and other churches and individuals through Christ-centered camp and conference programs for youth, adult, and family.
- Offer facilities for other churches and religious organizations of the Christian faith to conduct similar programs.
- Support the general public’s spiritual, physical, intellectual, social or economic well-being by providing facilities or other programs for charitable, religious, educational, governmental, or community organizations.
Canonicus Ministries, Inc. Organizers
Rev. Dr. Charles K. Hartman
An American Baptist pastor with 50+ years of ordained ministry, serving I in 5 ABC congregations in 4 regions and involved with Canonicus over 40 years.
Rev. Dr. Evan Howard
Evan Howard is pastor of the First Baptist Church of North Kingstown, located fifteen minutes from the camp, where congregation members have participated for generations, and where the Roger Williams Baptist heritage offers exciting possibilities for spiritual pilgrimages to Rhode Island and artistic initiatives of hope and peace.
Rev. Dr. Tony Pappas
As Executive Minister in a nearby region, oversaw the transition of the camp from hemorrhaging red ink to stability to profitability. Last year that camp recorded a SURPLUS of$124,000!
Mr. Harold Hemberger
His Canonicus journey began at the age of eight and has continued uninterrupted for 63 years, serving seven years on the summer staff and OVER thirty years on various Canonicus boards and committees. He also served the community for 41 years as the CEO of a YMCA.
Rev. Dr. Alan Wright
Professor at CSUN with specializations in leadership, organizational development, and outdoor recreation. He has supervised outdoor programs serving over 9400 participants and delivered training events and consultations with over 50 camps across the country. Previous camp director at Canonicus 1983-1990.
Minister Erica Traub
Moderator for Calvary Baptist Church. I worked for the Recreation Department (NORD) summer camp for 7 years. I studied Business Administration and owned my business for 20 years. Youth Pastor for 8 years in CT. Convalescent Home Pastor for 11 years at Fox Hill Center in Vernon. I am now a student at The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts.
Ms. Lee Trainer
International business traveler who for 25 years who brought individuals together from multiple countries for educational conferences. A member of a family with 3 generations of overnight campers and yearly VBS participation at Canonicus. Currently a Worship Team leader at FBC.
Capt. David Pickering
International Speaker in more than 30 countries for a non-profit in the wellness industry and founder and co-founder of Fitness and Wellness Companies in the northeast. Currently a board member for seven non-profit organizations including serving as a parliamentarian. An executive committee member of the Narragansett Council, BSA (now Scouting America, serving all youths) for several years, which operates 5 very active and successful co-ed camps throughout Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts.
Mr. Peter Marshall
Peter Marshall started out as a camper at Canonicus later, becoming a counselor and then the onsite caretaker for five-year period. Peter met his wife in Rocky Ledge and was married in the outdoor chapel. He then went on to be on the property committee and created a large RI based hazardous waste contracting firm.
Progress to Restart the Ministry at Canonicus
- Canonicus Ministries Inc. has recently:
- Shared our Detailed Proposal with ABCORI Board of Ministries – June of 2025
- Obtained Insurance Commitment for Property and Programs from Brotherhood Mutual. They insure over 65,000 churches, Christian Camps, Christian Schools and other non-profit ministries and want to insure Canonicus Ministries!
- Expanded the Canonicus Ministries Inc. Legal Infrastructure by applying for IRS nonprofit status
- Actively approaching several funding organizations
- We look forward to working with our new Interim Executive Minister, Rev. Joan Friesen!
The Canonicus situation has every chance for a successful ministry outcome.
- Real World examples are provided of American Baptist Camps with spiritual impact and balanced budgets.
- Over the last 25 years the vast majority of American Baptist Church camps (87%) are still doing ministry. Camp and conference ministry is viable today.
Financial information provided by Canonicus Ministries is a key component of the Business Plan along with an insurance proposal from a reputable organization focused on Christian Camps
- The budget requirements for the financial turn-around will be more clear when ABCORI chooses to share detailed information from past accounting and book keeping.
- We now have an insurance proposal for the property. Brotherhood Insurance Package Policies include building coverage as well as Comprehensive General Liability covering all camp activities on and off the premises.
The Decision to keep the Canonicus Property was always in the hands of the Pastors and Delegates of the 63 American Baptist Churches.
- Both ABCORI by-laws and RI statutory law indicate that the churches through their delegates at a special meeting of the churches make the decision to sell or transfer the Canonicus property.
- The Canonicus Ministries team retained legal counsel to ensure the voice of the churches could be heard by ABCORI leadership.
We congratulate the ABCORI Board in selecting an interim Executive Minister, and look forward to
working with Rev. Joan Friesen, beginning in November. Now that we have
completed our proposal and received a commitment of insurance from
Brotherhood Mutual, a national Christian camp insurer, we are prepared
for our next conversations which will lead us forward in God’s will.
Obviously, these are important steps in a positive future for our 63
churches.
Many of us believe a future vision for Canonicus is possible. Moving back to an independent organizational structure like the historic Baptist Camp of RI and lots of volunteers committed to serve the mission of sharing Christ with others and growing in faith at Canonicus. Moving forward with spiritual empowerment, vision, and leadership to make the changes necessary for a successful ministry future.
THE DETAILS - Blocking the Sale
July 14, 2025
Twenty-nine of the 63 ABCORI churches were represented, making it possible for a quorum to be held at the July 14th meeting at Lakewood Baptist Church in Warwick. There was then, after much discussion, a movement to put the sale of the property to a vote. 42 opposed to selling the property, 26 in favor of selling. Those opposed to the sale were the majority.
There was then a motion to access the unrestricted endowment funds as needed for the 2025/26 budget. After much discussion, the vote took place, with 59 in favor of the motion and 12 opposed. Those in favor formed the majority.
NORTH KINGSTOWN – They trickled in to the small Baptist church on a midweek evening, each worshiper carrying their own precious memories of Camp Canonicus and a collective sense of dread. The emergency meeting led by Pastor Evan Howard was for a group of concerned Rhode Island Baptists to organize efforts to save Camp Canonicus from being sold by the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island (ABCORI).
The American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island, which owns the 300-acre camp property, had decided to sell it due to ongoing financial deficits, rising maintenance costs, and the inability to secure adequate insurance coverage. The meeting was held to coordinate a response and find a way to stop the sale and revitalize the camp’s ministry.
Key details regarding the situation:
Reason for Sale: ABCORI faced annual deficits, largely attributed to the camp’s operating costs, and could not obtain property insurance or adequate liability coverage for all camp activities.
The Meeting’s Purpose: Nearly 50 members from various congregations gathered at the First Baptist Church of North Kingstown to discuss a plan to formally challenge the sale, which included getting enough congregations to support a special meeting with the ABCORI board.
Potential Buyers: The state Department of Environmental Management (DEM) was in discussions to purchase the land for conservation, which many saw as a better outcome than private development, but opponents still wanted to preserve it for Baptist ministry.
Current Status: In a subsequent development, delegates from the churches eventually voted to stop the sale of the property, at least temporarily, in an effort to allow a new non-profit, Canonicus Ministries, to propose a plan for its operation. The future of the camp remains uncertain as stakeholders work through the next steps.
Reach Out To Us!
If you have any questions about the Save Canonicus issue or Canonicus Ministries Inc., please contact us with the form and we will respond to your question.
ACT NOW: SHOW UP
Good News to Save Canonicus for Ministry:
In case you have not heard. Delegates of the churches voted on March 19 at a special meeting to stop the sale of the Canonicus property in order to revitalize the ministry of camps and conferences, but that was only the first step.
- Continue to pray that God would move us forward so that lives can be changed by Christ through camp and conference ministry at Canonicus.
- Sign up on our Contacts page so we can communicate with you directly.
- Read the proposal presented by Canonicus Ministries to the Board of Ministry on June 23, 2025, that assumes all Canonicus expenses going forward and thereby reduces ABCORI’s annual deficit by 2/3rds and renews ministry at Canonicus (see this file – Canonicus Ministries Proposal). The Board of Ministry has taken our proposal under consideration, but has not made a decision about our proposal as of this time.
- We would like the churches, through lay delegates and pastors, to consider our proposal as well. The proposal requests a transfer of property to Canonicus Ministries Inc,. which relieves ABCORI of all future financial liability AND renews the ministry and provides full reversion of the property back to ABCORI if Canonicus Ministries were to cease to exist in the future. If you would prefer to ‘listen’ and ‘watch’ the presentation rather than read the file, then follow this link ( https://youtu.be/iC32lDwQvjs )
Read the proposal for a Zero Deficit Budget that resolves the 2025-26 remaining deficit and charts a pathway for a sustainable financial future (Zero Deficit Budget (Click Here). If you would rather ‘listen’ and ‘watch’ the proposal, follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jAZ2s2Lm_6g