Dining Hall

The Dining Hall at Mission Springs has always been a gathering place for conference attendees and other visitors to the grounds. The original Dining Hall was constructed in 1937, providing the camp with a kitchen, dining area, snack bar, and camp gift shop. In 1946, the Dining Hall was remodeled to include a new kitchen with a large mechanical dishwasher and walk-in refrigerator as well as a soda fountain counter, stools, and booths. Windows replaced the solid wall, opening the room for light and a view of Fireside Hall. 

A low ceiling and group meals made the space feel more like a large family gathering than a restaurant or cafeteria. For those who were missing supplies, a friendly kitchen staff member was always on hand to lend some milk or sugar. What would Fika or social hour after the evening service be without a place to gather for treats and coffee? 

When the Memorial Hall burned down in 1955, the dining hall was spared. In 1966, rooms above the Dining Hall were modernized with new ceilings, electrical fixtures replacing pull chains, paint, and furnishings. The rooms used to house girls’ summer staff were known as Cedar Lodge. In the 2000s, the Solid Rock Café opened at the end of the Dining Hall, by the deck. 

Prayer

A Prayer for God’s Provision

Generous God, thank You for the meals shared and the stories told around these tables. Provide not only food for our bodies but nourishment for our souls. May Your abundance overflow here, equipping us for every good work. Lord, hear our prayer. 

Scripture

Philippians 4:19

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.