Thank you, Pastor’s & Delegates!
The May 9th meeting did vote to transfer the Canonicus property to Canonicus Ministries Inc. Our efforts and this website now go forward focused on bringing Canonicus back into service. We ask for your patience as we adapt the website to serve an exciting new goal.
Beloved Camp Canonicus will remain operational after uncertainty
With a new owner, Camp Canonicus turns to past to resume operations
Lets Ring the Bell!
“Praise the Name of the Lord God Jesus for victory. His vision for Camp Canonicus will continue for lives to be transformed. Thank you very much, everyone for your faithful prayers for the anticipated outcome for His glory!”
Paul Lawrence
“Congratulations to all of those involved with the hard work and dedication to restoring this amazing place that has meant so much to us over so many generations.”
Jill Roberts
"Wonderful work to save the camp. God is still in the miracle business!" Ruth
This report makes three convincing propositions why the Rebuild of Camp Canonicus for ministry is an attainable goal.
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 = $756,362 in 2024.
- 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!
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!
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
Fill the Canonicus Outdoor Chapel
- Conferences
- Prayer Vigils, Baptisms and Weddings
- Camp Songs and Hymn Sings!
- A place to listen to God in the wilderness
We will treasure the land that was given for $1.00 to become a church camp! We can provide innovative programming!
The Sweet Family gave their farm to start Camp Canonicus in 1948
We choose to honor the gifts made by the Sweet and Woods families with a return to quality Christian camping to change lives for Christ. There is a youth crises today. We have programs and facilities to help.
Camping is not limited to kids! Conferences are not limited to adults!
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
On May 9, 2026, the American Baptist delegates and pastors voted to rebuild the Canonicus ministry.
Canonicus Ministries leadership is now negotiating the final details of the property sale with ABCORI.
Planning for a “Celebration Bash” is underway and you’re all invited!
Our new digital infrastructure will soon display updates to our website including: donation management, volunteer signups, booking calendar for Conference Center reservations, electronic payment options, volunteer management and more.
Buildings and facilities are undergoing a review for a capital improvement plan.
Help us in making the 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.
Testimonials
Watch the video on your left from Elaine Dahn from Calvary Baptist on life impact.
Watch the video on your right on how Canonicus serves congregations -produced by Rev. Evan Howard.
Canonicus Ministries, Inc. Organizers
Rev. Dr. Charles Hartman
I am an American Baptist pastor whose life and 50+ years of ordained ministry were shaped by American Baptist camping. I have served 5 ABC congregations, large and small, rural and urban, in 4 regions. I have been involved with Canonicus for over 40 years serving in many capacities, from Master Site Committee to trip camp leader..
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
Associate Pastor for Calvary Baptist Church. Church Moderator for 2020-2025. Worked for Recreation Department (NORD) summer camp for 7 years. Studied Business Administration and owned my business for 20 years. Worked for the Middlesex County Substance Abuse Action Council as Prevention Coordinator & Counselor. Youth Pastor for 8 years in CT.
David Maine
Lifelong member of Warwick Central Baptist Church serving in a number of leadership roles. Spent my career in college and university library service at Rhode Island College. Also serve on the Board of Directors for John Clarke Senior Living in Middletown. A former camper at Canonicus as a youth.
Ms. Lee Trainer
International business analysist who for 25 years who brought individuals together from multiple countries for conferences. A member of a family with 3 generations of overnight campers and yearly VBS participation at Canonicus. Currently a Worship Team leader at First Baptist Church of NK.
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.
Robert Benjamin
Member of Harbor Baptist Church on Block Island. Retiree from banking and education who gratefully serves by acting as the Treasurer for Canonicus Ministries, Inc. and several nonprofits.
Canonicus Lives!
“On behalf of the members of Canonicus Ministries Inc., I am happy and grateful to inform you that the vote taken today, May 9, 2026 by the ABCORI church Delegates was in the AFFIRMATIVE – Canonicus – after a period of hard work and prayer – will reopen and welcome children and adults to the place that has survived for 75+ years. Thanks to all who assisted us in this. Get ready – Great things coming!” Harold J. Hemberger
Progress to Restart Ministry
- Canonicus Ministries and the ABCORI Board are negotiating the final details of the sale.
- A closing will take place in July or early August
- They’ll be a “Big Bash” to celebrate and you’re all invited! Details will be published soon.
- This website will undergo significant change to support our mission, programs, volunteers and donors.
- We’re actively approaching several funding organizations.
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. Now that we have
completed our proposal and received a commitment of insurance from Brotherhood Mutual, a national Christian camp insurer, we await God’s will.
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.
Canonicus Lives!
THE DETAILS - Blocking the Sale
July 14, 2025
Twenty-nine of the 63 ABCORI churches were represented, making it possible for a quorum at Lakewood Baptist Church in Warwick. After much discussion, a movement to put the sale of the Director’s Residence was voted down. (42 opposed to selling the property, 26 in favor of selling.) There was then a motion to access the unrestricted endowment funds as needed for the 2025/26 ABCORI deficit budget.
The History
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 308-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 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.
The Result/Current Status: In a subsequent development, delegates from the churches eventually voted to stop the sale of the property at a Special Meeting on March 19, 2025 on a vote of 64 to 41. A new non-profit, Canonicus Ministries, has proposed a plan for its operation. The future of the camp remains uncertain as stakeholders work through the final 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: Thanks for Showing Up
Good News to Rebuild Canonicus for Ministry:
Pastors and Delegates of the churches voted on May 9th to transfer the property and the camp and conference ministry responsibility to the Canonicus Ministries organization.
News Release- 5.10.26: Canonicus Ministries
On behalf of the board of Canonicus Ministries Inc., we are happy and grateful to inform you that the delegates and pastors from the American Baptist Churches of Rhode Island (ABCORI) have voted to transfer the property and mission responsibility to the Canonicus Ministries organization.
The vote was taken at a meeting on May 9th, 2026 held at Lakewood Baptist Church in Warwick RI.
The Canonicus Ministries board and the many supporters wanting to see camp and conference ministry begin again are aware the vote was not unanimous. We are mindful that there are people within our larger church family (ABCORI) that were on the other side of the vote and are likely disappointed. We need to make sure there are seats at the table to welcome them to come along with us. This is the way to create the most successful future: when we can all celebrate changing lives & communities with the good news of Christ at Canonicus. There is much work to do and “bridges to build” to continue to bring people together.
Canonicus is NOT ready to open tomorrow! Be patient – there is a 60 day period (maybe less) before legal closing. Buildings and other infrastructure upgrades will need to be completed. However, after a period of hard work and prayer – we will reopen and welcome children and adults to the place that has survived for 75+ years.
A big thanks to all who assisted us in this effort thus far. We look forward to your continuing support in the days ahead. Get ready – Great things are coming! We will keep you posted.
If you are not already on our contacts list, please go to canonicusministries.org Contact page and add your information.
- The following documents were written to explain the process of revitalizing the camp and conference ministry at Canonicus through the Canonicus Ministries organization.
The Canonicus Ministries Proposal
FAQ about CM Proposal
Is the Canonicus Issue a Moral Question
Fact Sheet: The Strategic Plan
The Fact Sheet on Market Analysis
Theological & Historical Reflections on Alignment with ABCORI