Kirkmont Timeline

Dayton Presbytery (pre-Miami Presbytery) appointed a special committee to develop standards and basic principles for establishing a more adequate youth camping program. Another committee was appointed to investigate possible sites. After the formation of the Miami Presbytery, a new committee consisting of Rev. Alexander Meakin, James Patterson and Robert Bates was appointed to work on a camping facility. 

Miami Presbytery acquired connected parcels of land on Bristle Ridge Road (now County Road 10) in Logan County. Logan County sits on the traditional territory of the Miami, and was likely shared as a hunting ground with the Shawnee, Delaware, Ottawa, Mingo, Seneca, Cherokee, and many other nations. 

One parcel of land was a gift of the Goodrich family to Covenant Church, Springfield, to honor their former pastor, Rev. Dr. Charles Ryan Adams. The Dennis and Hazel Moore Family and the Harold T. Stewart family donated acreage from their farms. Another parcel was sold by Southwestern Portland Cement for $1 plus legal fees after mining the shale pits in the early 1900s. 

A small footprint of farm land was cleared, a dam was built, and the pond areas were cleaned. The house at the property entrance was either contructed or adapted from an old school house for the purpose of housing the property manager. A day-use shelter was built, and reforestation plans were drawn. 

Goodrich lodge was constructed, and sleeps 60 in bunk beds with a meeting room for 100. The swimming pool and bathhouse are completed, and the first campground manager was hired. 

The Miami Presbytery rents a Boy Scout camp so that families can get acquainted with camping. Dave Bartley attends!

June 2nd, 1963 is dedication day. The program stated:

"A Presbytery Center and campsite have long been the dream of the churches of the Miami Presbytery. Kirkmont (Scottish for "the church on the mountain") has emerged from that dream into reality through the dedication and sacrifice of these churches. The major uses of Kirkmont will be for Christian Education. However, all phases of church life may be strengthened through the use of this site by individual churches, the Presbytery and Synod."

Dunaway Lodge built by John Dunaway of East Liberty as a memorial to his brother, Rev. Robert H. Dunaway. Sleeps 16 in bunks in 2 bedrooms with a gathering room, full kitchen and deck. Was renovated to add the living room later. 

Land across CR 10 sold to purchase Long farm, the property to the east. 

Cabents "Cabents with tent sides" added. Two groups of 8 cabents each, with one group on each side of the entry rode. Cabents 1-8 on the Miami side, cabents 9-16 on the Dunaway side. Each cabent was sponsored by individual congregations.

Croft House ("croft" is Scottish for barn) was constructed. Sleepts 24 in 4 hotel-style bedrooms, with a full bath in each room. Sleeps 16 in lower bunks only. Meeting places for up to 80 in the finished basement, and 24 in the gathering room with a fireplace, and 8 in the loft. Both floors have decks, and are accessible by the road. 

Memorial bell tower constructed to honor Rev. Guy McIver for his many years directing camps at Kirkmont. 

As a gift from the Presbyterian Women of the Miami Valley Presbytery, the labyrinth was built. Kirkmont's labyrinth is a seven-circuit Cretan labyrinth constructed with stones and gravel. 

An ice storm hits Kirkmont, knocking down many large trees. While the trees don't hit the buildings, they do block trails including the waterfall hike. Many community members work together to clear the trees, and some can still be seen blocking the path of the waterfall hike. 

Habitat House is constructed by volunteers as a private retreat house for pastors, church educators or other leaders, individuals and families. Habitat house is a simple 2 bedroom home with a kitchen, living space, and bathroom.

Presbytery of the Miami Valley votes to significanly downsize its staff and reduce camp support.

A section of Long property is sold to meet the camp budget. 

Presbytery of the Miami Valley votes to turn over operation of Kirkmont Center to a separate non-profit, Kirkmont, Inc. effective January 2010. Kirkmont, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. 

Presbytery of the Miami Valley votes to give the property of Kirkmont Center to Kirkmont Center, Inc. Property is 278 acres. Kirkmont Center, Inc. has a separate agreement with the Presbytery of the Miami Valley to provide a church camp. 

Fifty continuous years of Kirkmont Center is celebrated! 

Kirkmont Center Mortgate Group, LLC is formed for stakeholder congregations, church groups, and individuals to fund repairs and capacity improvements. Holds a first mortgage.

Kirkmont Center, Inc. board of trustees approves master plan to guide development. New Mission statement: "Kirkmont Center is dedicated to outdoor experiences of discovery, learning, and wonder, to the end that individuals and groups grow in their relationship to God, one another, and the Earth. 

Kirkmont Cetner Mortgage Group, LLC completes its term and is closed.

Camp season is successfully completed in spite of COVID pandemic. Day camp and cabent rentals are added to the summer services offered by Kirkmont Center, as well as the continuation of traditional overnight camps. Journey Nature School is hosted at Kirkmont during the school year. 

Journey Nature School continues, as well as day camps, rentals, and overnight programming. 

Kirkmont has its 60th continuous year! The Kirkmont Memories Project is launched to showcase Kirkmont's history, mission, and hopes for the future.