Bethany Hills is first and foremost a ministry, camp and retreat facility owned and operated by the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Tennessee. We are located in the wooded hills of Cheatham and Dickson County, less than 25 miles west of Nashville just off of Highway 70. In addition to events scheduled by the Disciples Church, Bethany Hills is available throughout the year (except January) for use by other groups. Bethany Hills maintains current health department permits for the camp, food service, and swimming pool. We offer a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for children, families, and groups.
A Brief History of the Camp
The camping program of the Christian Church in Tennessee began prior to 1944 with camps being held at facilities around the state. In 1944, the campground property in Kingston Springs was purchased.
The State Board (now the Regional Board) considered 62 suggestions for a name of the campground. Miss Diane Douglas of Eastwood Christian Church and Mrs. Walter M. White of Woodmont Christian Church had submitted the name Bethany Hills. Reasons given for the selection were that Mary, Martha, and Lazarus lived at Bethany; Jesus found Bethany to be a retreat for himself and a retreat center named Bethany could likewise serve Christians today; and Bethany was a favorite name of one of the Campbell founders.
The first camps and retreats were held at Bethany Hills in 1945. For the first ten years, estimates of 1400 to 2000 people attended camps and retreats. The State Conventions, now our Regional Assemblies, were held there in 1946 and 1947.
Many of the same camps are still held today and we continue to host fellowship retreats throughout the year.
Providing a Christ-centered camping program gives campers a chance to encounter God through nature and a Christian community and builds leaders for today and tomorrow.