For 16 years, from 1755-1771, Shubal Stearns stood forth as the undisputed leader of the greatest revival in American history. Perhaps the fruit from the revival made it the greatest revival in any history. Morgan Edwards wrote in 1772, "I believe a supernatural and invisible hand works in the assemblies of the Separate Baptists bearing down the human mind, as was the case in primitive churches." A preliminary meeting at Shady Creek North Carolina, in January 1758, led to a larger meeting in June. Word of the meeting spread like a brush fire throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina, and when the meeting was convened an astounding number of pioneers came from hundreds of miles. The participants turned the meeting into an encampment. Thus, in 1758, the era of the "camp-meeting" in America began at Sandy Creek in North Carolina. Info from the book, "America in Crimson Red" by James R Beller, pg 177
They came from many miles around to seek God, to see a move of God, and be encouraged through the preaching of the men of God! Revival came through many of these campmeetings in American history! Do it again Lord!