A BRIEF HISTORY OF ODOSAGIH BIBLE CONFERENCE

"Call unto me, and I will show thee great and mighty things which thou knowest not." Jer.33:3, "With this promise from God, Rev. John Whitney, Rev. Laurence Cornwall, Rev. John Williams, and Dr, M. T. Shelford claimed the land upon which Odosagih now stands, to be used as a Bible Conference for the tents, but the Lord blessed, attendance grew, and the tabernacle, which at that time was a dance hall, was leased for a Sunday evening meeting. 

In 1927 God answered the Prayers made at the "Glory Stump" and the grounds were purchased from the Webster Ice Company. The directors refused to renew the lease on the dance hall and the owners were compelled to sell. 

In 1928 we purchased It , plus the piano , and it now became a Tabernacle where God 's word has been faithfully proclaimed since that day. 

The old time Seneca Indians called Lime Lake ODOSAGIH which has the 
connotation of fresh, pure, living waters--hence the name Odosagih was given to the Bible Conference. 

Throughout the years additional land was purchased and new buildings constructed. Severa1 were purchased from the Machias County Home. 

As always seems to be the case with every religious work, the enemy stepped up his activity and Odosagih landed in a Sea of Doldrums. Attendance dropped off sharply and many wondered if Odosagih had "had her day. ' 

But in the words so beautifully penned by Rev. Arthur Luther, who was vice-president of the conference, "Jesus Never Fails."' The Lord led Rev. Wes Aarum to become Program Director, to inject new life, and Qdosagih found her fortunes turn upward. Rev. Whitney gave the conference the leadership needed through 1963, and then stepped down. Mr. Kenneth Storms who had long been business manager, now shouldered the responsibility unti1 1966 when Rev. Aarum was elected to the Presidency. 

Since then Odosagih  has grown considerably. A trailer court with wash room and shower facilities had been added as well as a new 16 unit motel which offers the most modern of accommodations. Recently a heated 30x60 ft. swimming pool was constructed which has become a great attraction. During this past year, the old "Richburg Cottage" was renovated and will be available for usage this year as a recreation building for the teens, and a reading room--library for others . '' 

In 1976 the lord led Rev. Ray Curry to be the Conference Director and this year he is ably assisted by Rev. Gene Barrett as the program director. The 1977 season promises to be an exciting one-filled with great gospel music and your soul will be richly fed by the servants of God presenting his messages. 
 

The above information was obtained from the Machias, New York, Chickasaw Sesquicentennial 1827-1977 book.