a relationship with Jesus

Our Roots

Gilmont’s roots run back to the 1940′s when a few Presbyterian individuals purchased and set aside the 400 acre treasure that we still take pleasure in over 60 years later. We thank God for their faith, investment, and commitment.  A ministry of the Presbyterian Church, Gilmont was originally acquired by them as a place for summer camp for members of what was then Paris Presbytery.

Formerly the location of a sawmill, the pond that greets guests as they enter the camp was used to cool equipment and maneuver the heavy logs harvested in the early 1900’s.  Campers still run across a “rare rusty relic” as evidence from this time period.

With the merge of 3 Presbyteries (Central, North-Central and East Texas), into one, the combined, Grace Presbytery had 3 camps, which over time became too much to administer and manage.  Gilmont was ceded by Grace Presbytery in 1994, 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 Presbyterian ministry.

As of 2009, Gilmont is the remaining Presbyterian camp within the bounds of Grace Presbytery, and was designed as the primary host site for camp and conference ministry of the presbytery.  A partnership was formed between Gilmont and the Camp and Conference Committee of Grace Presbytery, and the Grace @ Gilmont partnership was formed.

The corporate church membership has changed over the years, since 1994, and is still open today to new membership as Presbyterian churches come on board to share in the ministry – 3 were added in 2010.

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.