Crappie Fishing Indiana

Why do people come to the Epworth Forest? Is it just for Indiana Lake Cabins?  Many full time residents and visitors who return to Epworth Forest year after year describe it as an experience rather than a vacation -- a place for rest and relaxation, fun and recreation, Bass Fishing Indiana, Crappie Fishing Indiana, Muskie Fishing Indiana, meaningful connection with family and friends, renewal and spiritual growth. How did Epworth Forest come into existence?

In 1921 the following appeared in the a publication of the Western Advocate: "District Superintendents of the North Indiana Conference, have closed a deal for the purchase of 240 acres, including the entire north shore of Lake Webster, for the purpose of establishing a Methodist Assembly, similar to the one at Lakeside, Ohio. It is the intention to construct a tabernacle with a seating capacity of 5,000 (!) and build a hotel. The grounds will be platted and offered for sale in lots."

These 240 acres soon became known as Epworth Forest.  Many Individuals and groups have built Lakefront Cabin Rentals and Vacation Rentals Indiana but there is only one Indiana Log Cabin in Epworth Forest.

In 1922 a charter set forth for "The Epworth Forest League Institute of the North Indiana Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church." The Conference set aside church property, which included:
 

• Central assembly area
• Ball park recreation area away from the main campus
• Kline Island
• Roads throughout the community
• Platted fire/access lanes down to the lake waters edge.
• Platted lakefront easement along the lakeshore so the whole Epworth community could enjoy the waterfront for walking, fishing, swimming, Northern Indiana Fishing and boating.
• The remaining land was divided into lots that were sold to private individuals and United Methodist churches beginning in 1923.

The community began to take shape as the Conference built a hotel and auditorium. More church camp buildings soon followed. Trees were planted. Many private cottages were constructed. And the first Institute was held on Aug 10, 1924.

Over the years Epworth Forest has grown from undeveloped acreage to a place of beauty on Lake Webster.

The residential community in the early days was made up primarily of church groups attending camp and Methodist families who wanted to cool off and get away in the hot summer months. Today many cottages continue to be owned by the descendants of the original families that built them in earliest days of Epworth Forest. But by the end of the 1940's and early 1950's, many cottages had been sold and resold and the community became what it is today - a place enjoyed by a wide variety of families and individuals who come for overnight, Vacation Rentals Indiana or live here year around.

Over the years, thousands of individuals have been influenced by the Epworth Forest setting. Epworth Forest continues to be a place where a wide variety of people enjoy vacationing, recreating, learning, growing, and worshiping.

Come and visit us soon on the shores of Epworth Forest. We look forward to your visit and we'll see you at The Lake!