Hartselle’s old tabernacle sheds light in the sky for its 118th annual camp meeting. With Evangelist Junior Hill preaching, Sunday opening service attracted a standing-room-only crowd. | Clif Knight

The opening service of the 115th Hartselle Camp Meeting attracted a record crowd of worshipers to the city’s historic old wooden tabernacle Sunday evening, some of who set up folding chairs outside when the pews filled.

“This is a great crowd,” said camp director Rob Cain. “I can’t remember one this large.”

Cain explained the different activities scheduled for the week.

“I welcome all of you and encourage you to support the encampment throughout the week,” Cain said. “We have day camp activities planned for children of grades one through five and youth camp with lodging in our dormitory for youth of ages sixth grade through college.”

A 13-piece instrumental group provided music from Hartselle First United Methodist Church and West Hartselle Baptist Church choir.

Hymns sung by the congregation included “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms” and  “Victory in Jesus.”

Hartselle evangelist Junior Hill was featured as guest speaker for the eighth year in a row. His sermon topic was  “A Look at Trouble” with reference to Job 14:1, which says, “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.”

“All of us can identify with Job,” Hill said. “In my 60 years of ministry, there’s never been a time when there was not someone sitting on a pew with a broken heart. Trouble comes to everyone. It is unavoidable, unselective and unexplainable.

“What are you going to do when trouble knocks on your door?” Hill asked. “Remember, trouble is always tempered by time; it’s a process that ends with a season of joy. Paul said, ‘And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation.’

“He is saying God sometimes hurts me in order that I can be a blessing to you,” Hill said. “Remember, trouble always arrives with an opportunity to follow.”

Camp meeting services will continue through Friday with services at 10:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Camp evangelists are George Mathison, senior pastor at Auburn United Methodist Church and Mark Nysewander, associate pastor at RiverStone Church in Kennesaw, Ga.

From left, Kelly Wooley, Sarah Butler and Tristan Ponder arrived early to get front row seats at the opening service of Hartselle Camp Meeting Sunday evening. | Clif Knight

Hartselle evangelist Junior Hill speaks to the Hartselle Camp Meeting worshipers on opening night for the eighth consecutive year. His sermon topic was “A Look at Trouble.” | Clif Knight

The order of the program for the first service of Hartselle Camp Meeting was interrupted briefly Sunday night by a passing CSX freight. During that time, attendees shook hands and exchanged greetings. | Clif Knight

Ron Bean, minister of music at Hartselle FUMC, leads the congregational singing at Hartselle Camp Meeting Sunday night. | Clif Knight

Ron Bean, minister of music at Hartselle FUMC, leads the congregational singing at Hartselle Camp Meeting Sunday night. | Clif Knight

First United Methodist Church’s 13-piece orchestra performs at the opening service of Hartselle Camp meeting. | Clif Knight

From left, Caleb Puckett, Will Miller and Evan Rice use handheld fans to help beat the heat at the opening service of Hartselle Camp Meeting. | Clif Knight