July 18-24, 2027
Family camp meets continuing education at this conference for all ages. Whether you are ordained or a lay leader, staff, volunteer, choir member, or congregant, we invite you to take part in plenty of opportunities to learn, practice, and worship together.
Registration opens December 2026.
Questions? Contact Colleen Earp, Program Director, at colleen@massanettasprings.org.
What is Massanetta’s refund policy? Registrations cancelled more than six weeks before the start of the program will receive a full refund less the credit card processing fee. After that date, registrations will receive a 50% refund up until 10 days prior to the start of your session start date. Generally, there are no refunds for cancellations within 10 days of the conference start date.
Do I have to choose one “track”? No! While we encourage you to follow one class or choir for the whole conference, you can mix and match ensembles, studies, and other program activities to suit your interests.
Can I attend a youth or children’s choir as an adult? We do allow adult observers to attend children and youth ensemble rehearsals— we know there are church music professionals who are looking to sharpen their skills in these areas. You may not take photos or videos, and we ask that you quietly observe, not participate. We are happy to share knowledge and experience, but we want to ensure these programs are primarily focused on the campers.
A tentative schedule for 2027 will be released in October 2026. Here is last year’s schedule to get an idea of what we do!
Registration will open in December 2026.
Coming soon!
HISTORY OF THE SPEAKMAN CHAIR OF PREACHING
Frederick B. Speakman began coming to Massanetta Springs in 1953. Over a forty year period, he inspired young ministers and ministered to many while on the platform at the Bible Conference. Fred graduated from the University of Oklahoma, Harvard University (M.A.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (B.D.), and in 1950 he received the honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Washington and Jefferson College in Washington, PA. He served three churches: Central-Brick in East Orange, NJ, Third Church in Pittsburgh, PA, and Westminster Church in Dayton, OH. Fred was also an author and wrote three books of sermons: The Salty Tang, Love is Something You Do, and He Dwelt Among Us.
In 1957 Fred purchased a home in the Cottage Community, on the Massanetta Springs grounds, and in 1983, he and his wife, Zoe, retired and moved to the Cottage Community. With Fred in mind, a family in the Cottage Community began an endowment to which others have added, to ensure that the quality and name recognition of preachers for the Bible Conference will continue to be of the highest quality as has been in the past! This endowment supports the Fred Speakman Chair of Preaching. Each year one or more outstanding preachers are brought to Massanetta during the Bible Conference by the proceeds from the endowment.
PREVIOUS SPEAKMAN CHAIR OF PREACHING RECIPIENTS:
2026: Rev. Dr. Aqueelah Ligonde
2025: Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow
2024: Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner
2023: Rev. Dr. Roger Nishioka
2022: Rev. John Bell
2021: Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
2020: Speakman Online Series: Rev. Dr. Karoline Lewis
2019: Bishop William H. Willimon
2018: Rev. Drs. Kimberly Bracken Long and Thomas G Long.
2017: Rev. Dr. Luke Powery
2016: Rev. Dr. Steve Eason
2015: Rev. Michael Lindvall
2014: Rev. Dr. Debra J. Mumford
2013: Rev. Dr. James C. Howell
2012: Rev. Dr. Brian K. Blount
2011: Rev. Dr. M. Craig Barnes
2010: Rev. Dr. Joanna M. Adams
2009: Rev. Dr. William J. Carl III
2008: Rev. Dr. Anna Carter Florence
2007: Rev. Thomas G. Long
2006: Rev. Dr. Frances Taylor Gench
2005: Bishop William H. Willimon
2004: Dr. Stephen D. McConnell
2003: Rev. Dr. William Powell Tuck
2002: Dr. Ben Lacy Rose
2001: Dr. Jerold D. Shetler
2000: Dr. Paul T. Eckel
1999: Dr. Myron Augsburger
1998: Rev. Dr. Thomas K. Tewell
1997: Rev. Dr. Ernest Campbell
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Coming soon!
Our planning team includes:
Alex Pickell, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Arlington, VA
Rev. Lynne Clements, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA
Zach Bowyer, South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, NC
Click below for a folder including recordings and slides from Bible Study with Rev. Dr. Sam Adams, bulletins, liturgy, and sermon recordings from worship throughout the week, and more.