Where Heaven Comes Down

Since its inception, Camp Reveal has been a place of beauty and rest. Ernest I. Reveal (or Pappy as he was affectionately known,) founder of the Evansville Rescue Mission literally prayed it into existence. In 1925 Pappy Reveal saw a need for a camp where hundreds of children could go relax, be fed and most of all be taught the principles of Christian living and receive the message of the gospel of Jesus Christ. A place where Mothers and children could get a breath of fresh air, a glimpse of God's green grass, and a place where they could get a respite from the rigors of inner-city life. Having this vision and desire Pappy Reveal began to pray.

In 1927 the dream became a reality when the Mission purchased land north of Evansville to establish Camp Reveal. The land was purchased for $1.00, and included a large old house and two barns on 105 acres of land. The barn would later become the Tabernacle and boy's dorm. During Pappy's life the camp remained for the most part a place used exclusively by Mothers and their children for Mission programs.

After Pappy's death in 1959 and with the advent of many social service programs, mothers no longer felt the need of the services that Camp Reveal provided. After a brief period when the camp was not used Mission directors decided to make two major changes in programming that still exist until this day. First the target group for services changed to serve children from low income families only. Children, ages 8-14, from throughout the city were given the opportunity to spend a free week at beautiful Camp Reveal, playing and swimming but most of all hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ. Secondly, the camp was renovated and marketed to attract church groups to hold summer camps, retreats and other activities on the campgrounds, thereby providing income to support the free camps for children from low income families.