About Camp Etna

History of Camp Etna

Located on 27 woodland acres in Etna, Maine the Camp Etna campmeetings are recorded to have begun in 1876 and Spiritualists came every summer to camp out in their tents to hear the top mediums and inspiratonal speakers of the day. The campers eventually built platforms on which to place their tents and then built cottages on top of their platforms and the community was born.

On September 1, 1899, The First Maine Spiritualist State Campmeeting Association was incorporated in the State of Maine, Penobscot County. On September 5, 1919, we changed our name to the Etna Spiritualist Association and it remains our name today.

At its peak in the early 1900’s there were 350 cottages that formed the vibrant summer community. People came from Boston, Hartford, Providence, and New York by train and got off at a stop at the camp next to Etna Pond. Mainers came far and wide by horse, carriage and on foot. Visitors numbered over 3000 for the campmeetings, an antiquated term used for religious gatherings.

The camp played a pivotal role in the study and promotion of physical phenomenon and spirit communication in the early years of Spiritualism. In addition, the camp was involved with women’s rights, and camp members were active in the political issues of the day. Over its long history, the camp has continued its strong support of students engaged in developing their mediumship and healing abilities.

Camp Etna has hosted many local and national notables from Harrison D. Barrett (first Pres. of the National Spiritualist Association) to Mary S. Vanderbilt and C. Harrison Engel.

A fire in 1922 destroyed most of the camp buildings, the temple and a hotel located across the street were destroyed. A new temple erected in its place collapsed several decades later due to heavy snow load on the roof. The third temple named the Gladys LaLiberté Memorial Temple stands today. Today about 50 cottages make up the campground.

Our Present and Future

Camp Etna has seen many changes over the years but it still retains its historical significance. There are about 50 cottages on the 27 acre property. The common buildings include a temple, community meetinghouse, an inn, and the auxiliary building. The Auxiliary houses our corporate office and library as well as several apartments. We are in the process of fundraising to bring our buildings up to current day standards.

We hope that one day Camp Etna will provide state-of-the-art accommodations that retain its historical charm. We intend to host large spiritually-based events that enlighten and provide opportunity for people to relax in a natural setting and enjoy these healing grounds.

We, at Camp Etna see a bright future. We are in the process of rebirth but we have never missed an August campmeeting program. We invite you to come and walk these spiritually-rich and peace-filled grounds, get a reading from one of our many talented mediums, visit the healing rock and other areas for quiet repose. We wish you welcome and we hope to see you soon!

The Etna Spiritualist Association dba Camp Etna is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.