Our Ministry
Gilmont's mission is to be a safe, sacred space where all are invited to grow closer to God, creation, others, and themselves.
Gilmont has experienced growth and change over time, almost 80 years in fact, and though Gilmont is still a place of ministry, summer camps and retreats, our scope goes beyond our Presbyterian heritage in order to engage a larger Christian community. Gilmont is:
Gilmont has experienced growth and change over time, almost 80 years in fact, and though Gilmont is still a place of ministry, summer camps and retreats, our scope goes beyond our Presbyterian heritage in order to engage a larger Christian community. Gilmont is:
- developing new spiritual formation program offerings,
- serving special-needs campers and their families through the ministry of Circle of Friends,
- hosting retreats and conferences for various Christian organizations, family groups, as well as corporate and nonprofit entities
- providing Outdoor School which engages public and private schools in meeting their educational goals (TEKS) for students through residential and day programs,
- helping change lives through the camp experience.
Our Roots
At the turn of the century, Gilmont was home to a sawmill. The pond that greets guests as they enter the camp was used to cool equipment and maneuver the heavy logs. Campers may still discover a “rare rusty relic” as evidence from this time period.
As a place of ministry, Gilmont’s roots run deep to the 1940’s when a few members of the Presbyterian church purchased and set aside the 400 acre treasure that we still take pleasure in today. We thank God for their faith, investment, and commitment. A ministry of the Presbyterian Church, Gilmont was originally acquired by those visionaries as a place for Paris Presbytery members to enjoy summer camp.
On January 1, 1958, Paris Presbytery became part of the Presbytery of Northeast Texas, then later Covenant Presbytery, and eventually Grace Presbytery when 3 Presbyteries combined into one. The combined Grace Presbytery had 3 camp. After a decade the Presbytery determined that the three camps were too much to administer and manage. In 1994, Gilmont was ceded by Grace Presbytery to a group of Presbyterian churches in East Texas, many with members who had grown fond of the camp as children. Again, we credit the faith, investment, and commitment of a few Presbyterian individuals who stepped up and formed Presbyterian Camps at Gilmont, Inc. a 501(c)(3) Corporation. Their actions affirmed that Gilmont would continue to be a place of ministry.
The corporate church membership has changed over the years, since 1994, and is still open today to new membership. And, as of 2013 membership in the corporation has extended to be open to other Protestant denominations in the region.
In the midst of a growing, sprawling, and often chaotic world, Gilmont’s 400+ acres of lush forest, hills and lakes are a treasured destination for the spiritual growth and development of the young and young at heart. Our ministry remains rooted in reformed faith, where the love and grace of a nurturing God is made evident in the beauty of creation and in relationship with his son Jesus Christ. As a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, gifts to Gilmont are tax deductible!
As a place of ministry, Gilmont’s roots run deep to the 1940’s when a few members of the Presbyterian church purchased and set aside the 400 acre treasure that we still take pleasure in today. We thank God for their faith, investment, and commitment. A ministry of the Presbyterian Church, Gilmont was originally acquired by those visionaries as a place for Paris Presbytery members to enjoy summer camp.
On January 1, 1958, Paris Presbytery became part of the Presbytery of Northeast Texas, then later Covenant Presbytery, and eventually Grace Presbytery when 3 Presbyteries combined into one. The combined Grace Presbytery had 3 camp. After a decade the Presbytery determined that the three camps were too much to administer and manage. In 1994, Gilmont was ceded by Grace Presbytery to a group of Presbyterian churches in East Texas, many with members who had grown fond of the camp as children. Again, we credit the faith, investment, and commitment of a few Presbyterian individuals who stepped up and formed Presbyterian Camps at Gilmont, Inc. a 501(c)(3) Corporation. Their actions affirmed that Gilmont would continue to be a place of ministry.
The corporate church membership has changed over the years, since 1994, and is still open today to new membership. And, as of 2013 membership in the corporation has extended to be open to other Protestant denominations in the region.
In the midst of a growing, sprawling, and often chaotic world, Gilmont’s 400+ acres of lush forest, hills and lakes are a treasured destination for the spiritual growth and development of the young and young at heart. Our ministry remains rooted in reformed faith, where the love and grace of a nurturing God is made evident in the beauty of creation and in relationship with his son Jesus Christ. As a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organization, gifts to Gilmont are tax deductible!
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God's Tapestry Woven at Gilmont
Rejoicing that no matter our age or stage of life, our skin color, our background or where we are on our spiritual journey, we are all welcome to come and grow in mind, body and spirit, experiencing God’s love.
- Thankful that Gilmont is a welcoming place where we all stand on level ground at the foot of the cross.
Crying with our brothers and sisters who are experiencing injustice and living with fear.
Listening to their story and seeing through their eyes.
Witnessing the trees reach for the sky and feeling the spirit move through their branches, we know that creation - in all of its diversity - is indeed where God reaches us.
Sharing in a community of acceptance where we love, learn from, and truly see one another as God sees us.
Providing this sacred and level ground amid the hills, the forest, and the lakes, for ALL of our brothers and sisters in Christ is Gilmont’s call.
Hoping that Gilmont will always be a place of healing and restoration.
- Thankful that God is ever present - weaving a tapestry from threads of every color and of all walks of life – to make something beautiful.
- Thankful that Gilmont is a welcoming place where we all stand on level ground at the foot of the cross.
Crying with our brothers and sisters who are experiencing injustice and living with fear.
Listening to their story and seeing through their eyes.
Witnessing the trees reach for the sky and feeling the spirit move through their branches, we know that creation - in all of its diversity - is indeed where God reaches us.
Sharing in a community of acceptance where we love, learn from, and truly see one another as God sees us.
Providing this sacred and level ground amid the hills, the forest, and the lakes, for ALL of our brothers and sisters in Christ is Gilmont’s call.
Hoping that Gilmont will always be a place of healing and restoration.
- Thankful that God is ever present - weaving a tapestry from threads of every color and of all walks of life – to make something beautiful.
