About

EMBC Overall Objectives
The ministry at EMBC is programmed to offer staff and all participants:
1. A safe place spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
2. An opportunity for Biblical, spiritual growth.
3. A place set apart to experience God.

EMBC Program Objective
The purpose of EMBC is to present Christ as the only savior from sin, to promote a systematic study of the word of God, and to lead the children of God into a life of victory.

EMBC Motto
"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." - II Timothy 2:15

History

Though there are differing accounts of the beginnings of EMBC, most agree the camp had its roots in the work of Rev. Burtch, a Baptist preacher who came to Eastern Montana in 1928. Preaching at the Gregg School, he built a small congregation from the local families, who in about 1931 helped him build an open air chapel on the southeast corner of his farmland, known as “Burtch Grove”. Many were drawn to the services and as many as 26 converts were baptized at one time in Burns Creek, or at local stock dams. Eventually, the “dirty thirties” took their toll and the Burtch family ended up selling out and moving to Idaho in 1936. Enthusiasm for community worship persisted at the South Valley Schoolhouse and soon the South Valley Church was erected as a permanent place for these gatherings.

As an outgrowth of this early ministry, in the early forties the Klempel family started holding summer camps on part of the original Klempel homestead. Area pastors held Bible studies and evangelistic meetings at the homestead camp, drawing in young people from the surrounding area. A small screened structure built of rough lumber provided some shelter from the weather and insects.

As interest in camp ministry grew, some felt there was a need for a permanent home for the area-wide Bible camp they envisioned. Ed Holzworth deeded forty acres of land adjacent to the Klempel homestead and a well-traveled dirt road that traversed the area. Some barracks from a CCC camp located between Sidney and Fairview were moved to this site about 1950, and were divided up to be used as a boys’ dorm, girls’ dorm, a kitchen building , and a speakers’ dorm. In July of 1950, an interdenominational group of camp pioneers met and voted to form an association. Later that spring, a Quonset was erected to serve as a chapel. The following year a cement floor was poured in the Chapel, the barracks buildings stuccoed, and the buildings were wired for electricity. In 1953, a thousand gallon tank was placed on the hill and provided a place where boys and girls could shower on alternate nights. Pipe frames were also installed about this time for bunks. In 1954, an old school house (the craft house) was moved in.

The camp experiences in those early days were for all ages; tales abound of rats and mice, rickety outdoor privies and washing dishes outside. Even more notable are the stories of fellowship, life long friendships, salvation in Christ, changed lives through the power of the Holy Spirit, and the call of God to His service.