History
Fruitland Bible Camp was founded by Rev. Edwin Torgerson in 1943. While living in a small service station on a back county crossroad and pioneering a rural church, this man of vision laid the foundation for a camp and ministry that has endured and continues to impact lives far beyond his lifespan. Reverend Torgerson started the Fruitland Bible Camp Meeting, following what he felt was divine direction. Pastor Torgerson felt the need to call for fellowship with other churches and believers of like faith in a place and time of spiritual inspiration, and as a means to reach and meet the spiritual needs of the region. He was the leader of the early camps, yet quickly recruited others pastors and lay leaders of the region to work as a committee to lead and oversee the Camp Meeting. In early 1954 Rev. Torgerson accepted the pastorate in Malone, WA which is more than 400 miles away and so at that time turned over the camp to capable leaders in the local area. It was at that time that the property was transferred to Fruitland Bible Camp Meeting Association.
Through the ensuing years the membership has approved the many changes, including the purchase of 4 additional parcels of land, construction of 41 buildings and updating the name to Fruitland Bible Camp. Rev. Torgerson maintained a long term relationship with the camp through regular attendance over the years and often reminded all who would listen of the mission of the Camp Meeting, “to be a place where God is the main attraction”.
Over the years the Fruitland Bible Camp has grown and adapted from tents, teepees and scab lumber cabins to cottages, modern dorms, multi-family units and a 40+ unit RV facility with full hookups. The Camp celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2003 with a classic Summer Camp Meeting including strong preaching, gospel music and great home-style meals. Families both young and old still come from miles around to stay for a few days or a whole week of Camp Meeting.
As the camp moves aggressively through the 21st century, camp leadership continues to have an unwavering commitment to the focus and mission of Rev. Torgerson’s legacy and original vision.
“Nothing is impossible when your dream comes from God”
Through the ensuing years the membership has approved the many changes, including the purchase of 4 additional parcels of land, construction of 41 buildings and updating the name to Fruitland Bible Camp. Rev. Torgerson maintained a long term relationship with the camp through regular attendance over the years and often reminded all who would listen of the mission of the Camp Meeting, “to be a place where God is the main attraction”.
Over the years the Fruitland Bible Camp has grown and adapted from tents, teepees and scab lumber cabins to cottages, modern dorms, multi-family units and a 40+ unit RV facility with full hookups. The Camp celebrated its 60th Anniversary in 2003 with a classic Summer Camp Meeting including strong preaching, gospel music and great home-style meals. Families both young and old still come from miles around to stay for a few days or a whole week of Camp Meeting.
As the camp moves aggressively through the 21st century, camp leadership continues to have an unwavering commitment to the focus and mission of Rev. Torgerson’s legacy and original vision.
“Nothing is impossible when your dream comes from God”