Northern Neck Now

Named for the local Baptist preacher, Dr. William Heath Kirk, who was active in the Northumberland County area from 1845 to 1884, Kirkland Grove is one of the state’s few remaining 19th-century religious campgrounds. It is distinguished from other religious meeting sites by its massive tabernacle, along with its preacher’s “tent,” or dwelling, and a campers’ “tent.” William Dandridge Cockrell designed and built the all-wood tabernacle in 1892. A local craftsman, Cockrell is reported to have designed the tabernacle to specifications from the Old Testament. Annual camp meetings held each August attracted large crowds of people who filled the tabernacle’s 101 benches and stayed in the 42 cottages that once stood on the campground. Kirkland Grove is the only campground in the region that continues to hold regular yearly revivals.

Kirkland Grove Campground